2010

5.
(a) There are SEVEN life processes common to all living things. Name and describe any THREE of
these processes that are different in plants and animals. [6]

Growth: Animals tend to stop growing in adulthood, and plants grow continuously
throughout their lives.
Sensitivity: Animals quickly react to stimuli. Plants react more subtly, with slight
movement.
Nutrition: Plants are autotrophs and can make their own food. Animals are heterotrophs
and depend on plants and other animals for food.

(b) Describe TWO structural differences between bacteria and fungi. [4]
-Bacteria reproduce primarily through binary fission; fungi reproduce through both
sexual and asexual means.
- Bacteria are prokaryotic cells, meaning they lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles. Fungi are eukaryotic cells, which means they have a true nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.

(c) (i) Name the fungus used in the processes of bread making and alcohol production.
Explain TWO differences between these two processes. [5]
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
-In bread making, the primary goal is to produce carbon dioxide to leaven the dough, in
alcohol production, the primary goal is to produce ethanol.
- In bread making, we use a mix of flour and sugars to make the dough. In alcohol
production, we use liquids rich in sugars.

(ii) How is natural selection shown in the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of

bacteria? [5]
The antibiotics kill the ones that are not resistant, leaving behind the ones that can resist
them. The bacteria that survive can have babies, which makes more bacteria that can
resist the medicine. This happens over and over, and it makes more bacteria that are
resistant to antibiotics.
 6.
(a) Explain how the structure of a nephron enables the following processes to occur:

(i) Ultra-filtration of the blood [4]

(ii) Re-absorption of solutes [6]

(b) (i) What is dialysis? [2]

Dialysis is a medical treatment for people whose kidneys can't do their job properly.

(ii) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of dialysis as opposed to a kidney transplant.
[4]

Advantages of Dialysis Disadvantages of Advantages of Disadvantages of

Dialysis Kidney Transplant Kidney Transplant

Immediate Availability Temporary Solution Permanent Solution Waiting Time

No Need for Surgery Dependency on treatment No Dependency on Surgery Risks
schedules Machines

(c) In the kidney, the many small tubules provide a large surface area for ultrafiltration and
reabsorption. Identify TWO other parts of the body where a large surface area is provided and, for each
part, explain the function of this large surface area. [4]
Small Intestine: The large surface area of the small intestine ensures efficient absorption.
Lungs (alveoli): Help our bodies get enough oxygen, and get rid of carbon dioxide.

7.
(a) Define variation. [2]
The difference between individuals of a species.
(b) Give TWO examples of continuous variation and explain how this form of variation differs from
discontinuous variation. [6]
-Human skin color and height in humans.

(c) (i) Predict the genotype and phenotype of the first generation of children of a mother with
sickle cell trait and a father who has normal haemoglobin. [2]

(iii) State which members of the first generation would be resistant to malaria and explain
why this is an advantage. [5]

(d) What is natural selection? [2]

Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the
genes that aided their success. This process causes species to change and diverge over time.

(e) Explain how natural selection could result in a change in the characteristics of a species
over time. [3]

Total marks [60]

2011
5.
(a) (i) State THREE differences between organisms in the phyla, mollusks, and arthropods.
[3]

(ii) Name ONE example from each of these phyla that is an important fisheries resource in The
Bahamas [2]

(iii) For each organism named, describe a fishing regulation established by the Government and
explain how the regulations help to conserve the organisms. [5]

(b) Groupers are also an important fishery resource in The Bahamas

(I) Explain the measures taken by the Government, in recent years, to conserve the grouper.
[2]

(ii) Describe the importance of the mangrove swamps to the survival of groupers.
[2]
(iii) Discuss the importance of the Nassau grouper to The Bahamas. [6]

6.
(a) What are enzymes? [2]

Enzymes are special proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in living things.
 (b) State FOUR characteristics of enzymes. [4]
-Specificity
-Catalytic Property
-Reversibility
-Sensitivity to heat, temperature, and pH

(c) Describe what happens to a protein molecule in a piece of chicken from the time it is swallowed
up to the time it is absorbed in the blood. [10]
Your teeth break down the chicken into smaller pieces, making it easier for your body to handle. Saliva,
which has a helper called amylase, begins working on carbohydrates. Next, the partially digested chicken
moves to the small intestine, where it meets pancreatic enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin. In your
stomach, the chewed chicken meets stomach acid and enzymes like pepsin. The small intestine's special
cells, called enterocytes, absorb these amino acids and other fragments into the bloodstream. Once in the
bloodstream, they travel throughout your body to various tissues and organs.

(d) Describe how enzymes function in the germination of seeds. [4]

When a dry seed gets wet, it triggers the activation of enzymes and turns stored food into energy.
Amylases change starch into sugars, giving the plant energy. Proteases help break down proteins into
amino acids, which are needed by the plant for growth. They help the plant's cells expand and change
shape.

7.
(a) Compare the process of mitosis with that of meiosis. [6]
Mitosis produces two genetically identical “daughter” cells from a single “parent” cell, whereas meiosis
produces cells that are genetically unique from the parent and contain only half as much DNA. Most cells
in the body regularly go through mitosis, but some do so more often than others.
(b) Sickle cell anemia is a condition resulting from a gene mutation while Down’s Syndrome is
caused by a chromosome mutation.

(i) Define the terms mutation and mutagen. [2]

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. A mutagen is a substance or agent that
causes DNA impairment, which alters the DNA sequence.
(ii) Describe the mutation that gives rise to Down’s Syndrome. [2]
An extra copy of one of these chromosomes, (chromosome 21)
(c) (i) What is co-dominance?
In a co-dominant relationship, both alleles are expressed, and their effects are visible in the phenotype of
the individual.
(ii) How is the concept of co-dominance illustrated in the inheritance of the A, B, and O
blood groups? [8]

Total marks [60]

2012

5. (a) Explain the difference between the following terms:

(i) pollution and pollutants, [2]
Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the natural
environment. Pollutants are substances that cause pollution.
 (ii) biodegradable and non-biodegradable. [2]
Biodegradable substances are things that can naturally break down and disappear
over time. Non-biodegradable substances do not easily break down in the
environment and remain for long periods of time.

(b) Identify THREE pollutants of air and explain their effects on humans or the
environment. [6]
-Sulfur Dioxide: can irritate the respiratory system, leading to conditions like
asthma and bronchitis.
-Carbon monoxide: interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to
reduced oxygen supply to vital organs.
-Nitrogen Oxides: exposure can irritate the airways, worsen respiratory conditions,
and lead to lung damage.

(c) Explain the effect of the following pollutants on both aquatic and terrestrial
environments.
(i) crude oil, [4]
When crude oil gets into water, it makes a mess causing harm to sea life by
damaging their homes and making them sick. If crude oil gets onto the ground, it
can prevent plants and animals from living and growing.
(ii) solid waste. [6]
When solid waste enters the ocean, either animals eat it, get trapped and die or it
destroys their homes. On land solid waste can contaminate soil, and the air and can
harm animals and their homes.

6.
(a) Define the term co-ordination. [2]
-Coordination refers to the process of organizing and working together to complete common goals.

(b) (i) Name TWO systems in the body responsible for coordination. [2]
-The nervous system and the endocrine system.
 (ii) Compare how the TWO systems named in (b)(i) work to control the activities of our
bodies. [4]
The nervous system detects external and internal signals. The nervous system sends signals
in the form of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemical messengers. The endocrine
system releases hormones and other chemical messengers into the bloodstream. They work
together to maintain homeostasis and respond to changes.

(c) (I) Describe with the aid of a diagram the structure of a typical motor neuron.

[5]

Explain how the structure is related to its function. [7]

Motor neurons have a big central part called the soma. They also have long parts called
axons and dendrites. Axons send messages away from the soma, and dendrites bring in
information from other cells. This helps motor neurons to transmit and receive signals for
controlling movements and responses.

7.
(a) Explain how a human fetus obtains its food and gets rid of excretory products. [5]
A human fetus receives nutrients and oxygen through the placenta and umbilical cord. The
placenta also removes waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus.

(b) Breast milk is described as a complete food for babies.

(i) What should breast milk contain if this statement is to be true? [2]

It should contain protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

(ii) Name another substance present in breast milk that is of great value to the baby.
 Immunoglobulins

State the function of the substance named. [3]

Help boost the baby’s immune system, providing immunity from various infections.

(iii) Suggest TWO reasons why breastfeeding should be encouraged. [2]

- It creates a unique emotional bond between the mother and baby.

- Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for the baby’s growth and
development.

(c) Suggest why babies fed on powdered milk tend to gain weight more rapidly than breastfed
babies. [4]
Formula milk contains a higher protein content than breast milk. This higher protein intake has
been associated with increased weight gain in infants. Breast milk is naturally created to suit the
nutritional needs of a baby without promoting excessive weight gain.

(d) Nicotine and other drugs have been found in the milk of lactating mothers. How would you
advise mothers who plan to breastfeed against drug abuse? [4]

Total marks [60]