EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

BLANTYRE RURAL DISTRICT EXAMINATIONS

2024 MALAWI SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION MOCK EXAMINATIONS

BIOLOGY

Subject Number: MO32/I

Time Allowed: 2 hours

PAPER I
(100 marks)
Instructions:

1. This paper contains 10 pages, please check.

2. Write your Examination number at the top of each page of this question paper in the spaces
provided.
3. This paper contains two sections, A and B
4. Answer all questions in this question paper in the spaces provided.
5. The maximum number of marks for each question is indicated against each question.

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2024 BLANTYRE RURAL MSCE MOCK

EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

1. (a) State two roles of light in photosynthesis

i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
(b) Mention two raw materials needed in photosynthesis
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
(c) Explain one problem human beings would face if there is no process of photosynthesis

2marks
2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing nutrient cycle. Use it to answer questions that follow.

Co2 in the
D Atmosphere

Carbon compounds Carbon

Carbon turned into
in plants compounds in
fossils fuel
animals
A

a) Identify the nutrient cycle

1mark
b) Name the process represented by the letters;
A. 1mark
B. 1mark
D. 1mark
c) Explain the impact of the process marked C.

2marks
d) State two ways of mitigating the effects of climate change

2marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

3. a) Mention two organs in human body that can be transplanted.

i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
b) Explain one factor that should be considered before organ transplanting?

2 marks
c) One common problem experienced during organ transplant is rejection. Explain how the
problem could occur.

3marks
4. a) Define Oxygen debt

2marks
b) Below are chemical equations X and Y for different types of respiration. Use them to
answer questions that follow
X = C6H12O6 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + 210KJ

Y = C6H12O6 + CO2 6CO2 + 6H2O + 2890KJ

i. Identify two differences between type of respiration X and Y

X Y

2marks

ii. Give one similarity between type of respiration X and Y

1mark
c) Explain why physical exercises increase rate of breathing?

4marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

5. Figure 2 shows part of the excretory organ in humans. Use it to answer questions that follow.

a) Name the parts labelled P and Q

i. P 1mark
ii. Q 1mark
b) Explain the difference in structure between X and Y

3marks
c) Describe any one problem of excretory system

2marks
6. a) State two Mendelian principles of genetics
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
b) Haemophilia is one of the sex-linked characteristics in humans. Alleles for normal blood
clotting is dominant over allele for hemophilia. Use H for dominant allele and h for
recessive allele.
i. Write down the genotype for a normal male.
1marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

ii. Use the punnet square to show the genotype of offsprings when a normal man marries a
haemophilia woman.

4marks
iii. What defect has a person with haemophilia?
1marks
7. a). Mention any two-composition differences between blood plasma and tissue fluid?
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
b)Figure 3 is showing internal structure of a human heart. Use it to answer questions that
follow.

Left ventricle

i. During systolic pressure what happens to parts marked A, B, C

A. 1mark
B. 1mark
C. 1mark
ii. Explain adaptation of part labeled C to its function?

2marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

iii. Describe one problem of circulatory system.

2marks
8. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a section of a female reproductive system

a) Name the part labelled P.

P 1mark
b) Give two hormones produced by structure marked Q.
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
c) Two mechanisms that assist the ovum to move through structure S are?
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark
d) Give the function of the structure marked R during birth.
1mark
9. a) What is speculation?

2marks
b) In a forest where there were Zebras and Lions, explain how a population of fast running
Zebras might have risen among the Zebras.

4marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

c) Explain one way how biotechnology could be used to improve food production in Malawi?

2marks
d) State two uses of calcium in human body?
i. 1mark
ii. 1mark

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION B. ESSAY QUESTIONS

10. Discuss any five abiotic factors that affect biodiversity and distribution of organisms.

10marks

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

11. Bacteria was used to produce human blood clotting protein factor VIII for treating
haemophilia in human beings. Explain how the bacteria were made to produce this protein by
scientist.

10marks

Page 9 of 10

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EXAMINATION NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________________

12. Explain 5 factors that affect rate of transpiration.

10marks

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