CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper Solution 2019

Question Paper Code 57/1/1

SECTION – A
(Q. Nos. 1 - 5 are of one mark each)

1. British geneticist R.C. Punnett developed a graphical representation of a genetic cross

called “Punnett Square”. Mention the possible result this representation predicts of the
genetic cross carried.

Ans. (Probability of ) all genotypes / genotypic ratio

[1 mark]

2. State the two principal outcomes of the experiments conducted by Louis Pasteur on origin
of life.

Ans. Life comes from pre-existing life / biogenesis , dismissed the concept of spontaneous generation
=½+½

[1 mark]
3. Name the layer of the atmosphere that is associated with ‘good ozone’.

Ans. Stratosphere

[1 mark]
OR

Mention the term used to describe a population interaction between an orchid growing on
a forest tree.

Ans. Commensalism

[1 mark]

4. What are ‘flocs’, formed during secondary treatment of sewage ?

Ans. Masses of bacteria associated with fungal filament (to form mesh like structure)

[1 mark]

OR

Write any two places where methanogens can be found.

Ans. Anaerobic sludge (digester) , rumen of cattle / ruminants / stomach of cattle / gut of cattle ,
marshy area , flooded rice fields , biogas plant (Any two) = ½ + ½
[1 mark]

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5. At what state does the meiosis occur in an organism exhibiting haploidic life cycle and
mention the fate of the products thus produced.

Ans. After zygote formation = ½

haploid organism / haploid spores / (haploid) gametophyte = ½

[1 mark]

SECTION - B

(Q. Nos. 6 - 12 are of two marks each)

6. You are conducting artificial hybridization on papaya and potato. Which one of them would
require the step of emasculation and why ? However for both you will use the process of
bagging. Justify giving one reason.

Ans. Potato = 1

Flowers of potato have both male and female reproductive parts in same flower / bisexual flowers
/ monoecious plant = ½

Bagging : To prevent unwanted pollens from coming on the stigma = ½

[2 marks]

7. How would the gene flow or genetic drift affect the population in which either of them
happen to take place ?

Ans. Results in changed frequency of genes (or alleles) in both populations , causing variation , leading to
evolution / speciation / founder effect = 1 + 1

(Any two)

[2 marks]

8. Differentiate between the roles of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in generating immune

responses.

Ans. B-lymphocytes : Produce antibodies = 1

T-lymphocytes : Help B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies / kills the pathogen directly

(Killer T-cells)= 1

[2 marks]

OR

Principle of vaccination is based on the property of “memory” of the immune system.

Taking one suitable example, justify the statement.

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Ans. When a vaccine / heat killed pathogen / attenuated pathogen / weakened pathogen / a preparation
of antigenic proteins of pathogen is introduced into the body to prevent chicken pox / measles / any
other example it produces antibodies against antigen / pathogen , = 1

It generates B and T memory cells that recognize the pathogen quickly on subsequent exposure , to
produce large amount of antibodies which inactivate the pathogen causing the disease
= ½ + ½ (Any other correct example of a disease can also be substituted)

[2 marks]

9. Explain the relevance of “Totipotency” and “Somaclones” in raising healthy banana plants
from virus infected banana plants.

Ans. Totipotency : Capacity of (apical / axillary) meristematic tissue of banana plant , which are virus
free , to generate whole plant through tissue culture (micropropagation) = ½ × 3

Somaclones : Plants produced are genetically identical to the original plant = ½

[2 marks]

10. How is a continuous culture system maintained in bioreactors and why ?

Ans. Used medium is drained out from one side of the bioreactor and fresh medium is added from the
other side = 1

This type of culturing method produces a larger biomass leading to higher yields (of desired
protein) = 1

[2 marks]

11. List any four ways by which GMO’s have been useful for enhanced crop output.

Ans. Make crops more tolerant to abiotic / cold / heat / drought / salt stresses /
Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops) / Reduce post harvest losses /
Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plant (prevents early exhaustion of soil fertility) / Enhanced
nutritional value of food (example vitamin A enriched rice / starch) / To create tailor-made plants
for non food purposes (to supply alternative resources of fuels / pharmaceuticals to industries)
= (Any four) = ½ × 4

[2 marks]

12. Mention four significant services that a healthy forest ecosystem provide.

Ans. Purify air / Production of O2 / Purify water / Mitigate droughts and floods / Nutrient cycling /
Generating fertile soils / Provide wildlife habitat / Maintain biodiversity / Pollinate crops / Provide
site for carbon storage / Provide aesthetic - cultural - spiritual values / economic benefits / from
nature food / industrial products / products of medicinal importance (Any four) = ½ × 4

[2 marks]

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 OR

Substantiate with the help of one example that in an ecosystem mutualists (i) tend to co-
evolve and (ii) are also one of the major causes of biodiversity loss.

Ans. Fig species is pollinated only by (its partner) wasp species where the female wasp uses the fruit of
fig species as a site for egg laying and nourishing its larvae (mutualists tend to co-evolve / evolution
of flower and its pollinated species are tightly linked) / Moth deposits its egg in the locule of the
ovary of Yucca plant and the flower in turn gets pollinated by the moth (mutualists tend to co-
evolve / evolution of flower and its pollinator species are tightly linked) (Any other relevant
example explained) = 1

When any one of these two species become extinct - the other species associated with it in obligatory
way also becomes extinct and leads to biodiversity loss = 1

[2 marks]

SECTION-C

(Q. Nos. 13 - 24 are of three marks each)

13. Pollen banks are playing a very important role in promoting plant breeding programme
the world over. How are pollens preserved in the pollen banks ? Explain. How are such
banks benefitting our farmer ? Write any two ways.

Ans. Cryopreservation / preserved in liquid nitrogen (-196OC) = 1

Availability of pollen of different genetic strains (for wider use) / Cryopreservation increases viability
of pollens (which can be used in crop breeding programmes ) / Can be preserved / stored for
longer duration / Conserve large number of species / To prevent complete extinction of any species
/ Maintain biodiversity (Any two) = 1 + 1

[3 marks]

14. Draw a labelled diagram to show interrelationship of four accessory ducts in a human
male reproductive system.

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 Correct diagram with : 1 labelling = ½ , 2 labellings = 1 , 3 labellings = 2 , 4 labellings = 3
[3 marks]
OR

Draw a sectional view of the human ovary showing the different stages of developing
follicles, corpus luteum and ovulation.

Secondary
follicle /
Ans. =½
=½
=½

Ovulation = ½

/secondary oocyte = ½

=½

=½×6
[3 marks]
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15. Compare in any three ways the chromosomal theory of inheritance as proposed by Sutton
and Bovery with that of experimental results on pea plant presented by Mendel.

Sutton and Boveri Mendel

1. Chromosomes occur in pairs 1. Factors occur in pairs
2. Chromosomes segregate at 2. Factors segregate at gamete formation
the time of gamete formation stage and only one of each pair is
such that only one of each transmitted to a gamete
pair is transmitted to a gamete
3. Independent pairs of 3. One pair of factors segregate
chromosomes segregate independently of another pairs
independently of each other

= 1×3

[3 marks]

OR

(a) Explain linkage and recombination as put forth by T.H. Morgan based on his
observations with Drosophila melanogaster crossing experiment.

(b) Write the basis on which Alfred Sturtevant explained gene mapping.

Ans. (a) Linkage : - Physical association of genes on a chromosome ,

- Two genes did not segregate independently of each other

- F2 (phenotypic) ratio deviates (significantly) from 9:3:3:1 (Any two) = ½ × 2

Recombination: -Tightly linked genes tend to show fewer recombinant frequency / 1.3% = ½

- Loosely linked genes show higher percentage of recombinant frequency /37.2%= ½

(b) He used the frequency of recombination between gene pairs on the same chromosome as a
measure of distance between genes and mapped their position on the chromosome = 1

[2 + 1 = 3 marks]

16. Explain the mechanism of DNA replication with the help of a replication fork. What role
does the enzyme DNA-ligase play in a DNA replication fork ?

OR

Construct and label a transcription unit from which the RNA segment given below has
been transcribed. Write the complete name of the enzyme that transcribed this RNA.

MS-19 - 57/1-1/2/3 9
Ans. Non evaluative , because the choice question is faulty , full marks to be awarded to all
examinees who attempt either of the choice questions.

17. (a) Write two differences between Homo erectus and Homo habilis.

(b) Rearrange the following from early to late geologic periods: Carboniferous, Silurian,
Jurassic.

Ans. (a) Homo erectus Homo habilis

(i) Brain capacity 900 cc Brain capacity 650 – 800 cc = 1

(ii) (Probably) ate meat (Probably) did not eat meat = 1

(b) Silurian → Carboniferous → Jurassic = 1

(No mark to be awarded if all the three are not in proper sequence )

[2 +1 = 3 marks]

18. Name the group of bacteria involved in setting milk into curd. Explain the process they
carry in doing so. Write another beneficial role of such bacteria.

Ans. (group of) LAB / (group of) Lactic acid Bacteria / Lactobacillus species = 1

LAB produce acid that coagulate and partially digest the milk proteins = 1

Increases Vitamin B12 / Checks disease causing microbes in the stomach = 1

[3 marks]

19. Bee keeping practice is a good income generating industry. Write the different points to
be kept in mind for successful bee keeping. Write the scientific name of the most common
Indian species used for the purpose.

Knowledge of the nature and habits of bees / selection of suitable location for keeping the
beehive / catching and hiving of swarms (group of bees) / management of beehives during different
seasons / handling and collection of honey and bee wax (Any four) = ½ × 4

- Apis indica = 1

[3 marks]

20. (a) Match the microbes listed under Column-A with the products mentioned under Column-
B.

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 Column - A Column - B

(H) Penicillium notatum (i) Statin

(I) Trichoderma polysporum (ii) ethanol

(J) Monascus purpurea (iii) antibiotic

(K) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (iv) Cyclosporin-A

(b) Why does ‘Swiss Cheese’ develop large holes ?

(a) (H) Penicillium notatum (iii) antibiotic

(I) Trichoderma polysporum (iv) Cyclosporin-A

(J) Monascus purpureus (i) Statin

(K) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ii) ethanol

=½×4

(b) Due to production of large amount of CO2 (by Propionibacterium sharmanii) = 1

[3 marks]

21. Describe the formation of recombinant DNA by the action of EcoRI.

Ans. EcoRI identifies its palindromic sequence on both vector DNA and foreign DNA / 5’ GAATTC3’,
cuts strands of DNA little away from the centre of palindromic sites , but between same two bases
(G and A) , this leaves single stranded portion at the end (sticky ends) on each strand , for
recombination both vector DNA and foreign DNA , with similar sticky ends are joined by the
enzyme DNA ligase = ½ × 6

The following diagram can be considered in lieu of the above explanation

//

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 =½ =½

=½

=½

=½

=½

OR

Describe the process of amplification of “gene of interest” using PCR technique.

Ans. Denaturation of desired DNA into two strands, each acting as templates, for each strands separate
set of primer ( two sets of primer) used, with the help of deoxy(ribo)nucleotides and Taq polymerase
(DNA polymerase isolated from Thermus aquaticus ), extension of DNA template occurs, result-
ing in replication of desired DNA (amplification) = ½ × 6
The following diagram can be considered in lieu of the above explanation
//

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 =½

=½

[3 marks]

22. Two children, A and B aged 4 and 5 years respectively visited a hospital with a similar
genetic disorder. The girl A was provided enzyme-replacement therapy and was advised
to revisit periodically for further treatment. The girl, B was, however, given a therapy that
did not require revisit for further treatment.

(a) Name the ailments the two girls were suffering from ?

(b) Why did the treatment provided to girl A required repeated visits ?

(c) How was the girl B cured permanently ?

Ans. (a) Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency = 1

(b) (In Enzyme Replacement Therapy) functional ADA is introduced to the patient (by injection),
this therapy is not completely curative / enzyme can act only for a limited time
period = 1 + 1

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 (c) [As there is no permanent cure at the age of five hence 1 mark of this answer allocated
to part (b)]

[2 + 1 = 3 marks]

23. List six advantages of “ex-situ” approach to conservation of biodiversity.

An endangered / threatened species can be conserved / genetic strains of commercially important
plants can be preserved for a long time (seed banks) / biodiversity loss is reduced / gametes of
threatened species can be preserved in a viable and fertile condition for long periods (using
cryopreservation) / eggs can be fertilized in -vitro / plants can be propagated using tissue culture /
economically beneficial / conserve large number of species / aesthetic value = (Any six points)
[½ × 6 =3 marks]

24. While on a visit to a pond in the city-neighbourhood, the visitors were delighted to find
large expanse of water covered with colourful algal mass.

(a) As a student of biology, do you agree with their delight ? Give reasons in support of
your answer.

(b) Explain the cause of such algal growth.

Ans. (a) No = ½

These algal mass (algal bloom) causes deterioration of the water quality , increase fish
mortality , are (extremely) toxic to humans and animals, imparts distinct colour to water bodies
(Any three) = ½ + ½ + ½

(b) Presence of large amount of nutrients / nitrates and phosphates/ nitrogen and phosphorus in
water body = 1

[2 + 1 = 3 marks]
SECTION-D

(Q. Nos. 25 - 27 are of five marks each)

25. (a) Explain one application of each one of the following :

(A) Amniocentesis

(B) Lactational amenorrhea

(C) ZIFT

(b) Prepare a poster for the school programme depicting the objectives of :

“Reproductive and Child Health Care Programme”.

Ans. (a) A. To detect chromosomal disorders / sex determination (legally banned) / detect genetic
disorder / Karyotyping = 1
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 B. To prevent pregnancy / means of natural contraception = 1

C. To assist an infertile couple to have children by tranferring the zygote / early embryo /
embryo at eight blastomere stage into fallopian tube = 1

(b) A poster made on RCH - Any relevant slogan or sketch made should be awarded
marks e.g. Hum Do Hamare Do , Do Boond Zindagi Ke , Beti Bachao Beti Padhao , Stop

STD , Gender selection and detection is punishable,

(Any other relevant theme) = 2

[3 + 2 = 5 marks]

OR

(a) Explain any two ways by which apomictic seed can develop.

(b) List one advantage and one disadvantage of a apomictic crop.

(c) Why do farmers find production of hybrid seeds costly ?

(a) (i) A diploid egg is formed without reduction division which develops into embryo without
fertilization = 1

(ii) Some cells of the nucellus (which are diploid in nature) start dividing and develop into
embryo = 1

(b) Advantage : No segregation of characters in hybrid progeny / Apomictic hybrid can be used
to grow crop year after year / economical as ordinary hybrid seeds are costly = 1

Disadvantage : Can not control deleterious genetic mutation / it reduces genetic diversity from
parents to offspring plants due to lack of variations (in asexual reproduction) / lack ability to
adapt to changing environment = 1

(c) Hybrid seeds are costly as farmers have to purchase seeds year after year /production of
hybrid seeds is a technical and expensive method to be done under controlled conditions = 1

[2 + 2+ 1 = 5 marks]

26. Differentiate between incomplete dominance and co-dominance. Substantiate you answer
with one example of each.

Ans. Incomplete Dominance Co-dominance

F1 generation does not resemble Both dominant alleles express themselves F1

either of the parent but show an

intermediate trait =½+½

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Example : Snapdragon / Antirrhinum sp / Example AB blood group in human = 1
dog flower / Mirabilis jalapa /
Four O’clock plant = 1
Incomplete dominance - When homozygous dominant and homozygous recessive parents are crossed
all members of F1 progeny will show intermediate trait = 1
//

=1

Co dominance - When IA and IB are present together they both produce their own sugar /
antigen = 1
//

=1
(AB Blood Group)

// (Any other suitable cross showing occurance of IA & IB together in offsprings)

With IAi & IBi / IA IA & IBi / IAi & IB IB / IAIB & IAIB / IAIB & IBi /
IAIB & IAi
[5 marks]
OR
(a) Write the contributions of the following scientists in deciphering the genetic code.
Georce Gamow; Hargobind Khorana ; Marshall Nirenberg ; Severo Ochoa
(b) State the importance of a Genetic code in protein biosynthesis.
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Ans. (a) George Gamow : Proposed that the Genetic code is constituted of 3 nucleotides / provided
proof that the codon is a triplet = 1

Hargobind Khorana : Synthesized RNA molecule with a defined combination of bases

(homopolymers and copolymers) = 1

Marshall Nirenberg : Cell free system for protein synthesis / helped the genetic code to be
deciphered= 1

Severo Ochoa : Described enzyme (Polynucleotide phosphorylase )which polymerises RNA

with defined sequence in a template independent manner (enzymatic synthesis of RNA) = 1

(b) Genetic code - Codes for a specific amino acid which is required for protein synthesis /
provides information about the specific amino acid that form a particular protein /
polypeptide = 1

[4 + 1 = 5 marks]

27. (a) What is “population” according to you as a biology student ?

(b) “The size of a population for any species is not a static parameter.” Justify the
statement with specific reference to fluctuations in the population density of a region
in a given period of time.

Ans. (a) Total number of organisms of a species in a particular area at a particular time = 1

(b) The size of a population for any species is not a static parameter because of the factors like :-

Birth rate/ Natality = ½ , number of births during a given period = ½

Death rate/ Mortality= ½ , number of deaths during a given period= ½

Immigration = ½ , number of individuals of the same species that have come into the habitat
from elsewhere during the time period under consideration= ½

Emigration = ½ , number of individuals of the population who left the habitat and gone
elsewhere during the time period under consideration = ½

[1 + 4 = 5 marks]

OR

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 (a) What is hydrarch succession ?

(b) Compare the pioneer species and climax communities of hydrarch and xerarch
succession respectively.

(c) List the factors upon which the type of invading pioneer species depend in secondary
hydrarch succession. Why is the rate of this succession faster than that of primary
succession ?

Ans. (a) The gradual and fairly predictable changes in the species composition in a water body /
wetter areas = 1

(b) Hydrarch : Pioneer species – Phytoplanktons = ½

Climax community – Forest / trees = ½

Xerarch : Pioneer species – Lichens = ½

Climax community – Forest / trees = ½

(c) Condition of soil, availability of water, seeds or other propagules = 1

Because (some) soil / sediment is already there, the rate of secondary succession is much
faster than primary succession = 1

[1 + 2 + 2 = 5 marks]

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