Malawi University of Science and Technology

Biology Revision Questions- Date: 12th April, 2023

Course Facilitator: Memory Lucy Mtambo
1. These are just PRACTISE QUESTIONS. NOT EXAMS. Do NOT focus on these
questions. Focus on reading and understanding your slides. The questions are meant to
check your understanding and application of your slides.
2. If you understand your slides, you will be able to answer any question even the ones that
have been asked outside these questions
3. Work on these questions in your groups. If you have a problem with any of the questions,
book an appointment with me as a group

Topic 1: Introduction to Biology

1. Explain four branches of Biology that deal with the study of Botany [8 Marks]

Topic 2: Introduction to Cell Biology

2. Outline the process of endocytosis. [5 Marks]
3. Explain the significance of polar amino acids for membrane proteins [2 Marks]
4. Give two functions each of the following cell organelle [8 Marks]
i. Cytoplasm
ii. Lysosomes
iii. Ribosomes
iv. Nucleus

5. Explain how the structure and properties of phospholipids help to maintain the structure
of cell membranes [9 Marks]
6. Describe the stages of mitosis [10 Marks]
Topic 3: Taxonomy and Phylogeny of organism
7. Explain the importance of using scientific names [2 Marks]
8. Give three characteristics of each the following groups of invertebrates
[9 Marks]

i. Annelids
ii. Arthropods
iii. Cnidaria

Topic 4: Introduction to Microscopy and Microbiology

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 9. Outline five advantages of using light microscopes in comparison with electron
microscopes [5 Marks]
10. Mention four characteristics of viruses [4 Marks]
11. Give one function of each of the following parts of a microscope [6 Marks]
i. Diaphragm
ii. Condenser
iii. Nose piece
iv. Base
v. Eyepiece tube
vi. Arm

12. How does the eyepiece lens compare to the objective lens? [4 Marks]
13. What is a magnification power? [2 Marks]
14. Differentiate between the fine and the coarse adjustment knobs [2 Marks]
15. Explain five differences between light microscope and electron microscope
[10 Marks]
16. Describe five types of culture media [10 Marks]
17. Differentiate Bacteria from viruses. Give four points [8 Marks]
18. Give four characteristics of fungi [4 Marks]
19. Explain the following types of microscopy techniques [6 Marks]
i. Wet mount
ii. Gram stain
iii. Florescent

Topic 5: Introduction to Botany

20. Give three characteristics of the following groups of botany [9 Marks]
i. Ferns
ii. Mosses
iii. Flowering plants
21. Explain Why is it important to study botany as humans: Give five points
[10 Marks]
22. Describe five adaptations made by the terrestrial plants [10 Marks]
23. Give 5 functions of bryophytes [5 Marks]
24. Give five strategies for conserving plants to avoid extinction of species
[5 Marks]
25. Describe five potential drivers of plant species in Malawi [10 Marks]

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Topic 6: Evolution of vertebrates
26. Give three characteristics of the following vertebrates [12 Marks]

i. Chordates
ii. Mammals
iii. Amphibians
iv. Reptiles
Topic 7: Energy and respiration
27. Explain the similarities between the Krebs cycle and the Electron transport chain. Give
four points [8 Marks]
28. Describe the process of glycolysis in details [20 Marks]
29. Why is it necessary for glucose to be converted to ATP for cellular activities?
[4 Marks]
30. Give four differences between glycolysis and electron transport chain
[8 Marks]
31. Explain four importance of the Krebs’ cycle [8 Marks]
32. How is the mitochondria adapted for its function? [2 Marks]
33. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration [4 Marks]

Topic 8: Photosynthesis
34. Describe why it is important for us as humans to continuously study photosynthesis. Give
5 points [10 Marks]
35. Differentiate between C3 photosynthesis and C4 and CAM pathway. Give three points
[9 Marks]
36. Mention two raw materials and two products of photosynthesis as well as their chemical
formula [4 Marks]
37. Where in the chloroplast is chlorophyll found? [1 Marks]
38. Describe how photosynthesis and respiration are dependent on each other forming a cycle
[4 Marks]
39. Explain any three factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis and how
[6 Marks]
40. Give five uses of glucose made during photosynthesis [5 Marks]
END OF QUESTIONS