HKCEE / HKDSE

BIOLOGY
PAPER I COLLECTION
QUESTIONS
(Core Only)

2000 – 2009, 2012

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Page 2
How to mark your answers effectively?

1. Mark (1)(2)(3)(4) 2. Highlight key words in missing points

Example: [2012 HKDSE Q6c]

2
4

SOLUTION
2012 PP Q6
(c) 1 the transpiration rate will increase (1)
2 because the air current sweeps away the water vapour around the leafs’ shoot (1)
3 the concentration gradient of water vapour between the atmosphere and the air space in the
leaves becomes steeper (1)
4 water vapour diffuse out to the atmosphere at a faster rate (1)

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How to learn from your mistakes effectively?

分析答案，唔好照抄

CASE 1
SOUTION
2004 Q1b
(ii) 1 Amylase hydrolyses the starch stored in the seed (1)
2 into maltose / sugar, (1)
3 which is used for forming new cells (1)
4 and for respiration / release of energy for the growth of the seedling. (1)

For example:
For example :
1 – Amylase / name of enzyme
記得要寫 sugar 有咩用
2 – What amylase do / reaction of enzyme
(make new cells / respiration)
3,4 – Use of the products

For example:
Key words : 1 amylase 2 starch à maltose 3 respiration+ energy

CASE 2
SOLUTION
2003 Q1c
(3) 1 Energy is lost along the food chain due to respiration / excretion / incomplete ingestion and
digestion of food /death (1)
2 Since the size of organisms are increasing from caterpillar to snake, (1)
3 Thus the number of organisms in each trophic level decreases from caterpillar to snake (1)
4 However the size of the fruit tree is much greater than that of a caterpillar (1)
so small number of fruit trees can support many caterpillars -

Corrections:
For example: For example :
1 energy loss + ways 記得要考慮 size
2,3 ∵size increase è ∴number decrease ∵size increase è ∴number decrease
4 ∵size decrease è ∴number increase

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Cell, Biomolecules and Cellular Transport
2000
3c. To study the effect of sucrose solution on plant cells, a student used the lower epidermis of a Rhoeo
discolor leaf, the cells of which contain a red pigment. He mounted a piece of the lower epidermis in
a sucrose solution. He then observed the epidermis under the microscope immediately and after 10
minutes. The photomicrographs below show the conditions of the cells under the low power of the
microscope:

(i) Describe and explain the change in the appearance of cell A 10 minutes after mounting. (4 marks)

(ii) Suggest a reason why cell B did not show the same change as cell A. (1 mark)

(iii) The student wanted to examine cell A under the high power of the microscope

(1) State ONE action that he might need to take before turning to the high power objective. (1 mark)

(2) State TWO actions action that he might need to take after turning to the high power objective.
(2 marks)

Page 5
2003
1(b) A student carried out a study on the effect of two different sodium chloride solutions on red blood cells.
He added a drop of citrated mammalian blood 102 cni3 of each solution in separate test tubes, A and
B. After five minutes, the mixtures in both tubes appeared light red in colour. He then examined a
drop of each mixture under the microscope. After repeated examinations, he found that intact red
blood cells were present in tube B only and they were in two different forms as shown below

The results are recorded in the table below

(i) (1) In tube B, some red blood cells became wrinkled. How would you explain this? (3 marks)

(2) Both forms of red blood cells were observed in tube B. Suggest a reason for this. (1 mark)

(ii) How could the student be sure that the red blood cells in tube B had reached equilibrium with the
surrounding solution at the time when he made the observation? (2 marks)

(iii) Account for the absence of intact red blood cells in the mixture in tube A and the light-red appearance
of the mixture. (4 marks)

10

Page 6
2007
2. One day, when Keith and Jane walked past a fresh fruit juice shop, Keith noticed that some pears
were cut into pieces and stored in a tank of water before use.

(a) Keith thought that the shopkeeper stored the cut pears in water in order to extract more juice.
Explain the biological principle behind Keith’s idea. (3 marks)

(b) Jane disagreed with Keith because she found that the shopkeeper also stored whole pears in water
tanks. Explain why this observation provides Jane with evidence to oppose Keith’s idea.
(2 marks)

(c) Suggest one possible hygienic problem of storing the cut pears in water tanks. (1 mark)

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2008
4. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) Single-celled organisms can be classified into different kingdoms. Name two kingdoms that include
single-celled organisms. (2 marks)

(b) Later, scientists found that living cells are made up of many cellular structures. State two cellular
structures present in all living cells. (2 marks)

(c) The following table shows some steps of preparing a temporary slide of onion epidermis and the
purpose behind each step. Complete the table. (2 marks)

Page 8
2009
4. A student carried out an investigation to determine the water potential of potato tissue. He immersed
five identical potato strips separately into five beakers containing sucrose solution of different
concentrations for one hour. The masses of the potato strips before and after the immersion were
measured and recorded. He then made the following calculation for each potato strip:

The graph below shows the results of the investigation:

(a) (i) “When the ratio of fmal mass to initial mass is 1.0, the potato tissue has the same water
potential as the corresponding sucrose solution.’
Explain the biological principle behind this statement. (3 marks)

(ii) Based on the statement in (i), the student should be able to conclude that the water potential
of the potato tissue is equal to the water potential of _______________ sucrose solution.
(1 mark)

(b) Describe the state of the potato strip after being immersed in 10 % sucrose solution for one hour.
Explain your answer. (3 marks)

(c) What would be the change in water potential of a fresh potato after it has been stored for a long
time? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

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2012 PP
2. The following shows an electronmicrograph of a cell taken from a leaf:

(a) Name the type of cell shown in the electronmicrograph. (1 mark)

(b) Using the letters in the electronmicrograph, fill in the table below to show the structures in which ATP
is synthesised. State the process by which ATP is synthesised in each structure. (4 marks)

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2012 PP
11. Digested food is absorbed into the epithelial cells of the villi,

(a) With reference to the structure of the cell membrane as illustrated by the fluid mosaic model of cell
membrane, explain the following:
(i) Fatty acids (non-polar molecules) can diffuse across the cell membrane into the epithelial cell.
(2 marks)

(ii) Amino acids (polar molecules) can be taken up from the intestinal lumen into the epithelial cell
but cannot diffhse across the epithelial cell membrane back to the lumen. (3 marks)

(b) Name a mechanism for transporting glucose across the cell membrane,
State a difference between this mechanism and diffusion. (2 marks)

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Page 12
Enzyme
2000
4(a) In the production of beer, the raw material used is barley grains, which contain a large amount of
starch. When barley grains germinate, amylase is produced . The grains are then crushed and mixed
with warm water. After several hours , yeast is added to the mixture for fermentation.

(i) What is the action of amylase on the starch in the barley grains? (1 mark)

(ii) After the crushed grains are mixed with warm water, why is it necessary to wait for several hours
before adding the yeast? (1 mark)

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of temperature on the activity of barley amylase.
For each temperature, the same amount of crushed grains and water were used . The amylase activity
was estimated by the rate of disappearance of starch using the iodine test . The results obtained are
shown in the graph below :

(iii) What conclusions can be drawn from the graph about the effect of temperature on amylase activity?
(3 marks)

(iv) If you want to store the mixture of crushed grains and water with minimal reaction so that it can be
used several days later, what temperature would you choose? Why? (3 marks)

(v) Suggest another method to estimate the amylase activity for this investigation. (2 marks)

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2002
4(c) A kind of Chinese dessert is made by mixing milk with ginger juice so that the milk becomes
coagulated. The coagulation of milk is due to the conversion of a soluble milk protein into an insoluble
form. To find out the conditions for milk coagulation, a person mixed milk at different temperatures
with some fresh ginger juice. The mixtures were observed for 15 minutes to see if coagulation would
occur. The results are shown in the table below:

(i) Referring to the above results, describe the effect of milk temperature on the rate of milk coagulation
by ginger juice. (3 marks)

(ii) How would you explain the action of fresh ginger juice in bringing about the coagulation of milk?
Give evidence to support your answer. (2 marks)

(iii) Milk protein also coagulates at low pH. In which part of the alimentary canal does this coagulation
occur? Based on your biological knowledge, suggest why the coagulation of milk protein can facilitate
its digestion in that part of the alimentary canal. (3 marks)

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2003
3(b) The following shows the procedure of an experiment to study the effect of pH on the activity of
catalase extracted from bean seedlings. The results of the experiment are shown in the table.

11

(i) Explain why the paper discs rose to the surface of the solution in some of the tubes. (2 marks)

(ii) (1) Work out the rate of reaction from the value of T for each tube. Tabulate your answer. (2 marks)

(2) Using the data obtained in (1), plot a graph on graph paper to show the effect of pH on catalase
activity. (3 marks)

(iii) (1) Based on your graph, estimate the optimum pH of catalase. (1 mark)

(2) In order to get a more accurate estimate of the optimum pH, what further work would you carry
out in this experiment? (1 mark)

(iv) A sample of bean extract was refrigerated at 4°C and then allowed to warm to room temperature. If
the experiment was repeated using this sample, would the catalase activity be different from that of
the previous experiment? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

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2008
6. Ginger milk curd (薑汁撞奶) is a Chinese dessert. Below is a recipe of this dessert.

Having studied the recipe, a science student, Kelvin, conducted an investigation on the making of
ginger milk curd. He followed the steps in the recipe with the use of raw ginger juice for one setup
and boiled ginger juice for another setup. The results are shown below:

(a) With reference to the treatment used by Kelvin, what do you think is his hypothesis about the
coagulation of milk in making ginger milk curd? (1 mark)

(b) What is the principle behind the design of this investigation? (3 marks)

(c) Kelvin then carried out another investigation on the effect of temperature on milk coagulation by
cooling the boiled milk to different temperatures before mixing it with ginger juice. He found that milk
coagulation only occurs at around 65oC. After that, he would like to test if boiling of milk is necessary.
Suggest the procedures he would have to carry out in this test. (2 marks)

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2010
1. A certain brand of washing powder claims to contain protease that can remove egg stains on clothes.
To find out if protease was present in the washing powder, a student carried out an investigation using
photographic film. The procedures and results of his investigation are shown in the diagram below.

(a) (i) ‘To make the investigation a fair test, the boiled washing powder solution should be cooled
down to __________ oC before the photographic film is put into it. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain why cooling the boiled washing powder solution to the temperature you stated in (i)
would make the investigation fair. (1 mark)

(b) How can the results of the investigation support the claim that the washing powder contains protease?
Explain your answer. (4 marks)

(c) Explain why egg stains on clothes can be removed by using this washing powder. (2 marks)

Page 17
2011
2. The synthesis of substance U from substances ft and S is represented by the figure below:

(a) With reference to the above figure, state and explain one property of enzyme T. (2 marks)

(b) In an experiment, substances R and S were mixed with enzyme T. The amount of substance U formed
was recorded over a period of time, The experiment was then repeated with the addition of chemical
X. The results obtained are presented in the following graph:

(i) What is the effect of chemical X on the synthesis of substance U from substances R and S?
Support your answer with evidence from the above graph. (2 marks)

(ii) Substance U is essential for protein synthesis in bacteria.

Suggest one application of chemical X in treating bacterial infection. (1 mark)

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2012 PP
4. When a slice of apple is exposed to air, it quickly turns brown. This is because the enzyme diphenol
oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of phenols in the apple to dark-coloured products. In an experiment,
the effect of a chemical, PHJ3A, on the rate of this enzymatic reaction was investigated. The
experiment was carried out at the same temperature and the same concentration of diphenol oxidase
was used. The results are shown in the graph below:

(a) Deduce the relationship between PHBA and diphenol oxidase. (3 marks)

(b) Draw a curve in the above graph to show the effect of PHBA on the rate of enzymatic reaction if a
higher concentration of PHBA had been used. (1 mark)

(c) Suggest one other factor that should be kept constant in this experiment.
Explain how this factor may affect the activity of the enzyme. (3 marks)

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Page 20
Human Nutrition
2000
2(a) In order to lose weight , an 18-year-old girl, Jane ,had a diet as shown in the table below :

(i) If the average daily energy requirement for Jane 15 about 9200kJ, explain why this diet will be
effective in helping her to lose weight. (3 marks)

(ii) Protein in the diet can be absorbed into the body as amino acids. Explain how amino acids can
provide energy for Jane’s daily activity. (3 marks)

(iii) If Jane continues this diet for several months, what disease will she probably develop as a result of
mineral deficiency? (1 mark)

(iv) Describe a food test to show that fat is present in ham. (3 marks)

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2003
2(c) The function of the pancreas in some people may become impaired due to the blockage of the
pancreatic duct. The diagram below shows the pancreas and part of the alimentary canal

(i) The faeces produced by such patients usually have a high fat content. Explain why. (3 marks)

(ii) In these patients, tissues of the pancreas may get digested. How would you account for this?
(2 marks)

(iii) Explain why the patients may produce urine containing glucose if the tissues of the pancreas are
damaged by digestion. (4 marks)

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2004
1(a) The photomicrograph below shows a cross section of the small intestine of a mammal :

(ii) Use a flowchart to show how amino acids are transported to the heart after entering X. Indicate the
major organs and blood vessels along the pathway. (2 marks)

(iii) Describe how the muscle layer helps the movement and digestion of food inside the small intestine.
(3 marks)

2005
6. Some vegetarians eat plant foods only.
(a) From the nutritional point of view, explain TWO advantages of having a diet rich in plant foods over
that with little plant foods. (4 marks)

(b) Most plant foods have a low protein content. Suggest a plant food that can provide a lot of protein to
the vegetarians. (1 mark)

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2005
3. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

(a) If gastric ulcer is caused by excessive secretion of acid, what kind of chemicals should be used for
treatment? (1 mark)

(b) Many doctors were surprised at Marshall’s observation because they thought that bacteria could not
survive in the stomach. Why did they think so? (1 mark)

(c) With reference to the treatment used by Marshall, what do you think is his hypothesis about gastric
ulcer? (1 mark)

(d) Suggest a method to test Marshall’s hypothesis. What result would be obtained if his hypothesis is
correct? (2 marks)

(e) Explain the importance of the churning action of the stomach in the digestion of food. (3 marks)

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2006
2. The table below shows the average amount of water entering the alimentary canal and the average
amount being absorbed in the intestine of a person each day:

(a) Based on the above information, how much water is egested with the faeces each day? (1 mark)
(Note : Neglect the amount of water absorbed in the other parts of the alimentary canal.)

(b) Give two examples of secretions that enter the alimentary canal. (2 marks)

(c) (i) Based on one structural difference between the small intestine and the large intestine, explain
why a much larger volume of water is absorbed in the small intestine. (2 marks)

(ii) Explain how the absorption of digested food facilitates the absorption of water in the small
intestine. (2 marks)

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2006
5. Body mass index (BMI) is a figure used to assess the body weight condition of a person. It is
determined by two factors: weight and height of the person. The BMI chart below allows people to
check their body weight conditions based on their weight and height:

(a) (i) Mr. Wong weighs 70 kg and his height is 1.7 m. Using the descriptions given on the chart, state
the body weight condition of Mr. Wong. (1 mark)

(ii) Mr. Wong’s son is 1.55 m tall. What should be the ideal range of his body weight if he wants to
be fit and healthy? (1 mark)

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(b) According to the deposition of fat in the body, scientists classify body shape into two basic categories:
apple shape and pear shape. To determine the categor’ of body shape, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)
can be used and it is represented by the following formula:

The table below shows the categorization of the body shapes of men and women using the WHR:

(i) For most people, having extra fat around their waist increases health risk more than having
extra fat around their hip. With reference to this information, which body shape has a higher
health risk? (1 mark)

(ii) Mr. and Mrs. Wong have similar BMI, but their body shapes are different. Mr. Wong’s waist and
hip circumferences are 0.87 m and 0.97 m respectively, whereas Mrs. Wong’s are 0.87 m and
0.95 m. Who has a higher health risk? Show how you arrive at your answer. (3 marks)

(c) Dieticians recommend that overweight people should have a diet with more vegetables.
Suggest TWO reasons to explain why this diet may help these people to reduce the chance of
becoming obese. (4 marks)

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Page 27
2007
6. Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) (i) With reference to the content of gastric juice, suggest a probable reason for its damage to
the oesophagus. (1 mark)

(ii) Food entering the small intestine carries some gastric juice from the stomach. Explain why the
gastric juice does not normally damage the small intestine. (3 marks)

(b) Suggest why the backflow of gastric juice is more likely to occur if a person has a meal just before
sleeping. (3 marks)

(c) A patient suffering from severe gastric reflux will also likely to have tooth decay.
Give an explanation for this. (2 marks)

Page 28
2008
1. The following diagram shows part of the human digestive system.

(a) Describe how structure A helps the digestion of food. (4 marks)

(b) The table below lists some information about the components of the secretion from structures B and
C. Complete the table. (5 marks)

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2008
7. A person joined a fitness programme which involves body weight training and cardio-respiratory
training for one month., The table below shows some data about his fitness status before and after
the training.

(a) With reference to the above data, suggest an explanation for the increased basal metabolic rate after
the training programme. (2 marks)

(b) How does the training result in the decrease in body fat of the person? (3 marks)

(c) During this training, the diet should be changed accordingly. With reference to two changes in the
fitness status shown above, state two nutrients that may require an increased intake. Explain how the
increased intake of these nutrients contributed to the changes in the fitness status. (4 marks)

(d) There is a change in the person’s stroke volume (volume of blood pumped out of the heart in each
heartbeat) when running at 6 km per hour before and after the training. Suggest the change in his
stroke volume and explain the significance of such a change. (3 marks)

12 Page 30
2009
1. The diagram below shows the human digestive system.

(a) Describe the digestion processes that take place at part X. (2 marks)

(b) (i) Name structure Y. (1 mark)

(ii) With reference to one feature of structure Y observable in the above diagram, explain how this
feature facilitates the absorption of digested food. (2 marks)

(c) Explain a role of the digestive system in body defence. (2 marks)

5
Page 31
2011
9(b) Obesity is a known risk factor for a number of diseases,
(i) One health problem associated with obesity is gallstones (pebble-like substances developed inside
the gall bladder). Describe how food digestion would be affected if the bile duct of an obese man is
blocked by gallstones. (3 marks)

(ii) For health reasons, an obese woman is considering the following methods to lose weight.

Method 1 : Taking a medicine that induces diarrhoea (a condition in which watery faeces is egested).
Method 2 : Inserting a silicone balloon into her stomach through the mouth and filling it up with water
(Figure 1).

(1) Suggest how the medicine in Method 1 can lead to a rapid removal of the faeces in the woman’s
intestine. (1 mark)

(2) From a nutritional point of view, suggest a harmful effect of the medicine in Method 1 on the
woman’s health. (1 mark)

(3) Explain how Method 2 can help the woman lose weight. (4 marks)

(4) Apart from the above methods, suggest a method which would help the woman lose weight in a
healthy way. (1 mark)

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Human Transport
2000
3(a) The photomicrograph below shows some muscle cells of the human small intestine and their
associated blood vessels;

(i) (1) What type of blood vessel is A? (1 mark)

(2) Based on the photomicrograph, state one feature of A to support your answer to (1). (1 mark)

(ii) The muscle cells in the photomicrograph are surrounded by a fluid. Explain how this fluid is formed
from the blood in blood vessel A. (2 marks)

(iii) Draw a labeled diagram to show what you would see in the cross section made along line BC.
(3 marks)

(iv) By means of a flowchart, show the route by which a red blood cell from the small intestine reaches
the lung. Indicate the major blood vessels and organs involved. (3 marks)

Page 33
2001
3(b) The diagram below shows part of the human circulatory system:

(i) Explain why the lymph in vessel X of a person turns from clear to milky after he has eaten some
barbecued pork. (3 marks)

(ii) Describe how a continuous flow of lymph in vessel Y of the leg is maintained. (2 marks)

(iii) For a patient suffering from a disease called elephantiasis, the lymph vessel in his leg are blocked by
a kind of parasitic worm. The leg becomes greatly swollen due to the accumulation of tissue fluid.
Explain why the tissue fluid accumulates. (2 marks)

(iv) Structure Z may become enlarged when a person has a sore throat.
Explain why structure Z is enlarged. (2 marks)

Page 34
2002
4(b) The graph below shows the changes in blood pressure and velocity of blood flow as the blood travels
from the heart to the leg and returns to the heart:

(i) Compare the blood pressure in the artery with that in the vein. Suggest two reasons for the difference.
(3 marks)

(ii) Explain the importance of the low velocity of blood flow in the capillary. (2 marks)

(iii) In the vein of the leg, the blood pressure is very low while the velocity of blood flow is quite high.
Describe how such a high velocity of blood flow in the vein is maintained. (2 marks)

(iv) Using the same x-axis given above, sketch a graph to show the change in the oxygen content of the
blood as it passes through the blood vessels. (3 marks)

Page 35
2003
4(b) The photograph below shows the transverse section of a pig’s heart, which has a structure similar to
that of the human heart.

(i) Which chamber of the heart, A or 13. is responsible for sending out blood to all parts of the body
except the lungs ? Explain your choice. (3 marks)

(ii) (1) Name valve X. (1 mark)

(2) In a type of heart disorder, valve X cannot close proper1y. A man suffering from this disorder
may faint easily when lie performs vigorous exercise. How would you explain this? (4 marks)

(iii) Vessel Y is an artery found in the heart wall. Explain why the risk of heart attack would be higher if
fatty substances are deposited on the inner wall of vessel Y. (2 marks)

10

Page 36
2004
3(c) The photomicrograph below shows the sections of two types of blood vessels in the human body:

(i) State TWO functions of the thick muscular wall of vessel type I. (2 marks)

(ii) Vessel type II has a larger lumen than vessel type I. Explain the importance of this. (2 marks)

The table below shows the gas content of the blood in the two types of vessels transporting blood
between the heart and an organ A:

(iii) Identify organ A. (1 mark)

(iv) With reference to organ A,

(1) account for the difference in carbon dioxide content between the blood in vessel types I and II.
(3 marks)

(2) explain the low oxygen content of the blood in vessel type I. (3 marks)

11
Page 37
2005
8(a) The photomicrograph below shows three types of blood vessels, P, Q and R, in a tissue. The cells of
the tissue are not shown.

(i) (1) Judging from the direction of fluid movement shown above, which blood vessel, P or R, would
have a more muscular wall? (1 mark)

(2) Explain the importance of the muscular tissue in the wall of this blood vessel. (3 marks)

(ii) Q forms a highly branched network. What is the significance of this? (2 marks)

(iii) Explain how the fluid movement as indicated by the arrows is brought about at
(1) site X, (2 marks)
(2) site Y. (2 marks)

10 Page 38
2006
1. The following paragraph describes the blood flow and a defective condition in the veins of the legs.
Complete the paragraph with suitable words. (5 marks)

5
Page 39
2006
10b) The graph below shows the oxygen content of blood in the aorta and that in the vena cava, and the
oxygen uptake of a person performing exercise of different intensities. The intensity of exercise is
expressed as the energy requirement of the exercise.

(i) How does the oxygen uptake change with exercise of different energy requirements? (1 mark)

(ii) From the graph, find out the blood oxygen content in the aorta and the vena cava for boxing, which
has an energy requirement of 4500 kJ h. (1 mark)

(iii) The energy requirements for running and cycling leisurely are 3600 kJ h and 1800 kJ h respectively.
Calculate the difference in the blood oxygen content between the aorta and the vena cava for each
type of exercise. (2 marks)

(iv) How does the difference in blood oxygen content between the two blood vessels change with the
intensity of exercise? Explain the significance of this change. (3 marks)

(v) As exercise intensity increases, there is a great change in the blood oxygen content in the vena cava,
but that in the aorta remains constant and high. Explain how the constant and high blood oxygen
content in the aorta can be achieved. (3 marks)

10
Page 40
2008
9(b) The graph below shows the blood pressure of blood vessels at different locations of the pulmonary
circulation.

(i) (1) Using the letters A to E in the graph, construct a flowchart to show the direction of blood flow
from the heart along the pulmonary circulation. (1 mark)

(2) State the criterion you should use in constructing the flowchart in (1). (1 mark)

(ii) The blood vessels of two of the above locations show rhythmic changes in blood pressure.
Explain how these blood pressure changes are related to the heart activity. (2 marks)

(iii) State TWO blood components responsible for killing specific pathogens in the human body.
(2 marks)

(iv) Immunity can be acquired by vaccination. Vaccine may be injected into the tissue under the skin.
Describe how the vaccine can be transported to the heart after injection. (3 marks)

9
Page 41
2009
2. The following graph shows the change in blood volume in the left ventricle of a man over time.

(a) With reference to the graph, calculate his heartbeat rate. (2 marks)

(b) State the conditions of the following heart valves at 1.0 s. (2 marks)
(1) bicuspid valve:
(2) semi-lunar valve:

(c) Explain the increase in blood volume in the left ventricle from 1.1 s to 1.5 s. (3 marks)

7
Page 42
2010
3. Read the paragraph below and answer the following questions.

(a) Based on the present biological knowledge, state three ways in which Galen’s ideas about blood flow
are wrong. (3 marks)

(b) Galen’s ideas were questioned when later scientists observed the detailed structure of blood vessels
and the heart, In the 15th century, a scientist Michael Servetus found that when inserting a metal wire
from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, the passage was smooth and without obstacle,
However, it was difficult to insert the metal wire in the opposite direction.

(i) Explain why it was difficult to insert the metal wire from the pulmonary artery into the right
ventricle. (1 mark)

(ii) To challenge Galens idea, Servetus conducted an investigation by pumping water into the right
half of the heart through two different blood vessels as shown in the diagram below.

(1) Based on your biological knowledge, predict how the water will flow in each of the two treatments.
(2 marks)
Treatment 1 :
Treatment 2 :

Page 43
 (2) With reference to the design of the above investigation, which of Galen’s ideas did Servetus aim
to challenge? (1 mark)

(c) Which aspect of the nature of science is shown in the development of the knowledge of blood flow
described above? (1 mark)

Page 44
Human Gaseous Exchange
2000
1(c) The diagram below shows the structure of an air sac of the human lung. The tidal air refers to the air
that can be breathed in and out of the body in each breath. The residual air refers to the air that
cannot be exchanged with the atmosphere during breathing.

(i) Describe how oxygen in the tidal air reaches the blood. (3 marks)

(ii) (1) If a person breathes deeply, how will the volume of tidal air inhaled be affected? (1 mark)

(2) Based on your answer to (1), explain the effect of deep breathing on the rate of oxygen uptake
in the blood. (2 marks)

(iii) Explain one effect of smoking on the process described in (i). (2 marks)

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2001
4(b) The graph below shows the changes in lung volume of a boy at rest over a period of 30 seconds:

(i) Determine the rate and depth of breathing of the boy at rest. (2 marks)

(ii) State the period of time in the first 5 seconds during which air was flowing out of the lungs. (1 mark)

(iii) Explain how thee outflow of air from the lungs was brought about by the breathing mechanism.
(4 marks)
(iv) If the pleural membrane on the left side of the boy’s thorax is punctured, his left lung will collapse
while his right lung will not. What would be the change in
(1) his breathing movement, (1 mark)
(2) the air flow of his left and right lungs? (2 marks)

Page 46
2003
1(a) To study the effect of concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide on the breathing rate, a healthy
person was asked to inhale different gas mixtures. The results are shown in the table below

(i) With reference to the above information, state the factor that affects the breathing rate of the person.
Explain how you arrive at your answer. (3 marks)

(ii) Which of the four gas mixtures has similar concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide as exhaled
air? (1 mark)

(iii) Mouth-to-mouth ventilation is a method for rescuing a person who fails to breathe but still has
heartbeat. It involves blowing exhaled air into the patient’s body through the mouth as shown below

Based on the composition of exhaled air, explain why this method can help the patient stay alive
before he can breathe again. (2 marks)

(iv) Suggest why it is necessary to do the following when carrying out mouth-to-mouth ventilation:
(1) Tilt the patient’s head as shown in the diagram, instead of letting it lie flat. (1 mark)
(2) Observe whether the patient’s chest rises when blowing air into the patient. (1 mark)

(v) Which part of the brain controls the breathing rate? (1 mark)

9
2004
1(c) The diagram below shows an air sac of the lung and its blood supply:
Page 47
 5

(i) Explain the importance of the water film in gaseous exchange. (2 marks)
(ii) SARS patients may have fluid accumulated in the air sacs. Explain how the accumulation of fluid may
affect the oxygen content of the blood of the patients. (3 marks)

2005
4. The photomicrograph below shows a section of a mammalian lung:

12

(a) With reference to two features observable in the photomicrograph, explain how the lung tissue is
adapted to gas exchange. (4 marks)

(b) Oxygen moves continuously from the air in A into the capillaries. However, the oxygen content in A
remains relatively high. Explain how this is achieved. (2 marks)

(c) Eric wanted to compare the oxygen content of atmospheric air and exhaled air, so he prepared two
jars of gas as shown below:

(i) Draw a labelled diagram to show a set-up that can be used to collect the air exhaled from his lungs.
(4 marks)
(ii) Describe what Eric should do in order to compare the oxygen content of the two air samples.
(2 marks)

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2008
3. The following diagram shows part of the human respiratory system.

(a) Name structure X and describe its function. (3 marks)

(b) Construct a flowchart to show the path of air passing from the atmosphere to the air sacs of
the lungs. (2 marks)

(c) Asthma is a respiratory disease. When it attacks, structure Y constricts and the patient will have
breathing difficulty. Explain the effect of asthma on the rate of removal of carbon dioxide from the
blood of the lungs. (4 marks)

9 Page 49
2010
2. The photomicrograplis below show a section of a leaf of a flowering plant and the mammalian lung:

Page 50
(a) State the process by which oxygen enters into air spaces 1 and 2 respectively from the atmosphere
at night. (2 marks)
Air space 1 : ________________
Air space 2 : ________________

(b) The table below lists the fate of oxygen after it enters into air spaces 1 and 2. Complete the table by
indicating the cell type(s) involved using the letters given in the photomicrographs. (2 marks)

(c) The oxygen concentration in air space 1 in daytime is much higher than that at night. Explain this
phenomenon. (3 marks)

(d) Describe how the loss of water vapour from air space 1 to the atmosphere leads to the movement of
water from cell type A to cell type B. (3 marks)

10

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Plant Physiology
2000
1(b) The diagram below shows part of a section of a leaf:

(i) Name tissues A and B. (2 marks)

(ii) Regions 1 and 2 have the same area. Work out the ratio of the density of chloroplasts in region 1 to
that in region2. (2 marks)

(iii) With reference to your answer to (ii), what would be the significance of this pattern of chloroplast
distribution in the leaf? Explain your answer. (4 marks)

(iv) It is suggested that cell type C is responsible for the transport of water from the stem to the leaf.
Design an investigation to test this idea using a leafy shoot. (2 marks)

10

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2001
3(c) The photomicrographs below show the transverse sections of stems taken from two plants:

(i) (1) Name tissue X (1 mark)

(2) Explain ONE way in which the cells in tissue X are structurally adapted to the function of transport.
(2 marks)

(ii) Which region(s) (P, Q, R or S) in the stem of plant B contains tissue X? (1 mark)

(iii) (1) On a hot sunny afternoon, plant B becomes wilted and its stem bends.
Explain why this occurs. (4 marks)

(2) In contrast to plant B, the stem of plantA remains upright under the same conditions.
Account for this. (2 marks)

10

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2002
3(a) The diagram below shows a set-up used to study the water balance of a small plant. The whole set-
up was put in a well-ventilated and well-illuminated room for 8 hours.

The initial and final readings in the measuring cylinder and the balance are tabulated below:

(i) (1) Calculate x and y. (1 mark)

(2) With reference to the water balance of the plant, what do x and y represent respectively?
(2 marks)

(3) Compare values x and y.

Explain the significance of their difference to the healthy growth of the plant. (3 marks)
3
(Given: 1 cm of water weighs 1 g)

(ii) Predict, with reasons, the change in value x if the study is repeated with the leaves of the plant
smeared with Vaseline on both surfaces. (4 marks)

10

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2003
3(c) The photomicrograph below shows part of the transverse section of a herbaceous stem:

(i) Based on the photomicrograph, state two features that can be observed in cell type C but not in cell
type B. (2 marks)

(ii) Some insects use their tube-like mouthparts to obtain a continuous supply of carbohydrate from one
of the cell types shown above. Using the letters in the photomicrograph, state which cell type it is.
What is the main carbohydrate that can be obtained? (2 marks)

(iii) When this stem is heavily infected by a fungus, cell type C is often blocked up by the fungal hyphae.

(1) On a hot day, the infected stem droops and bends whereas an uninfected stem remains upright.
Account for the appearance of the infected stem. (4 marks)

(2) State the ecological relationship between the fungus and the infected plant. (1 mark)

Page 55
2004
4(c) The photomicrographs below show the sections of a leaf and a root.

(i) What is the significance of the following features?

(1) the presence of cuticle on the leaf epidermis. (1 mark)

(2) the absence of cuticle on the root epidermis. (1 mark)

(ii) With reference to ONE feature shown in the photomicrograph, explain how gaseous exchange can
occur at the leaf epidermis. (2 marks)

(iii) Describe how the activity of cell type X leads to the storage of starch granules in cell type Y.
(4 marks)

(iv) The table below shows the concentration of certain minerals in the soil water and the cell sap of the
root epidermal cells:

According to these data, what mechanisms is probably used by the root to absorb minerals from the
soil water? Explain your answer based on the information provided. (3 marks)

11 Page 56
2005
9(b) Mary examined the epidermis of the leaf of a land plant under the microscope.
The photomicrographs below show the appearance of the upper and lower epidermis under different
magnifications:

(i) Using the information provided in photomicrograph 2, calculate the stomatal density (i.e. number of
stomata per unit area) of the lower epidermis. (2 marks)
(Take π= 3.14)

(ii) Compare the stomatal density of the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf.
Explain the significance of this pattern of stomatal distribution to the plant when it is under direct
sunlight. (3 marks)

(iii) Name structures P and Q. (2 marks)

(iv) Under certain conditions, the stomata of the leaves may become closed during daytime.
Explain how this would affect the rate of photosynthesis of the plant. (2 marks)

9
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2006
9(b) In 1890, a German scientist named Eduard Strasburger conducted an experiment to study the
transport of water in plants. He cut the stem of a woody plant and immersed the cut end in a poisonous
solution. Upon contact, the poisonous solution killed all living cells in its way.

(i) Strasburger found that the plant continued to take up 30 litres of solution and transport the solution
up to a height of 20 metres in two weeks. Based on his findings, what conclusion can you draw
regarding the cells involved in water transport? (1 mark)

(ii) Based on present day knowledge of the mechanism of water transport in plants, explain why the
treated plant can continue to transport the solution up the stem. (3 marks)

(iii) Describe how you would carry out an investigation with a small dicotyledonous plant that allows you
to identify the cell type for water transport. (3 marks)

(iv) Explain why the cut stem of the woody plant can remain upright even after the cells had been killed
by the poisonous solution. (2 marks)

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2007
3. The photomicrograph below shows a cross section of a dicotyledonous leaf:

(a) With reference to the photomicrograph, give TWO structural differences between cell types X and Y.
(2 marks)

(b) (i) In the presence of light, carbohydrates are formed and stored in cell type Y.
(1) State the carbohydrate stored. (1 mark)

(2) If you have prepared a thin section of a leaf, how would you show the presence of the stored
carbohydrate in it? (3 marks)

(ii) Explain why the stored carbohydrate in cell type Y disappears when the plant is kept in darkness.
(3 marks)

(c) During transpiration, water evaporates from the surface of cell type Y.
How does this help cell type Y to obtain minerals? (3 marks)

COMMENT 12

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2008
5. The photomicrograph below shows a vertical section of a plant stem. Both cell types A and B are
located in the tissues for transport.

(a) With reference to the photomicrograph, state two structural differences between cell types A and B.
(2 marks)

(b) Describe how the structure of cell type A facilitates its role in transport. (2 marks)

(c) Transport of substances downward through the phloem is very important to roots. Explain why.
(3 marks)

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2008
10b. In a study about the growth of a crop plant in a greenhouse, the rate of carbon dioxide uptake by
photosynthesis and the rate of carbon dioxide released by respiration at different temperatures were
determined. The results are shown in the graph below.

(i) With reference to the above graph, describe the effect of temperature on the rate of carbon dioxide
uptake. (2 marks)

(ii) Account for the change in the biomass of the crop plant if it is cultivated at 45°C for several days.
(3 marks)

(iii) Find out the optimum temperature for the production of this crop. (1 mark)

(iv) Explain how the plant may avoid overheating on a sunny day when the soil is well watered.
(3 marks)

9
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2009
5(a) The photomicrograph below shows the cross-section of a leaf of a dicotyledonous plant. A to E show
the different parts of the leaf.

(i) Using the letters in the photomicrograph, list the parts in descending order of their photosynthetic
rates. (1 mark)

(ii) State two features of the part with the highest photosynthetic rate shown in the photomicrograph
and explain how these features contribute to its high photosynthetic rate.
(3 marks)

(iii) Explain how the arrangement of the cells in part D facilitates photosynthesis. (2 marks)

(b) The arrangement of the leaves of an African violet is shown in the photograph below.

7
How does the arrangement of the leaves of this plant help photosynthesis? (1 mark)
Page 62
2009
9(b) Figures I and II show two plants, X and Y, from different plant groups. Figure III shows the cross-
section of the stern of plant Y.

(i) Structure S in Figure III is found in plant Y but not in plant X.

(1) What is structure S? (1 mark)

(2) With reference to Figure I, Figure II and your answer in (1), identify the groups to which plants X
and Y belong. (2 marks)

(3) Based on your knowledge of structure S, suggest why plant Y can grow taller than plant X.
(2 marks)

(ii) State one characteristic of the habitat of plant X. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

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2011
10b. The following figures show four plants. Figures 1 to 3 show three plants living in different habitats and
Figure 4 shows a geranium. Table I shows the densities of stomata on the upper epidermis and lower
epidermis of the leaves of these four plants.

(i) Using the information in Table 1, identify the plants in Figures 1 to 3 by putting the appropriate letter
in each of the following boxes. (2 marks)

(ii) Geranium is a common plant in Hong Kong. Compare the stomatal density of plant Z with that of a
geranium.Suggest a natural terrestrial habitat of plant Z. Explain your answer. (3 marks)

(iii) How does gas exchange take place in the plant shown in Figure 1?
Explain one structural adaptation of its leaf for gas exchange. (3 marks)

(iv) State one way by which the stem of the plant in Figure 2 achieves its support. (1 mark)
Page 64
Page 65
Nervous Coordination – Sense Organs
2000
2(b) An investigation was carried out to study the effect of light on the pupil of the eye. A person sat in a
room in which the light intensity could be varied. The size of the pupil of the person was measured at
different light intensities. The graph below shows the results of the investigation:

(i) Referring to the graph, describe the effect of light intensity on the size of the pupil. (2 marks)

(ii) Explain the significance of the change in pupil size in response to an increase in light intensity.
(2 marks)

(iii) The pupil response to light intensity is a reflex action coordinated by the brain.
By means of a flowchart, show the nervous pathway involved. (3 marks)
(Hint: This nervous pathway is similar to that of a spinal reflex arc.)

(iv) People have different eye colours, such as brown blue or green, but their pupils always appear to be
black. Explain why the pupil always appears to be black. (2 marks)

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2001
2(a) The diagram below shows a section of the human eye:

(i) State one function of A. What feature of A contributes to this function? (1 mark)

(ii) A small object may form an image on spot B or C, and it will be perceived differently.
What is the difference in vision? Why is there such a difference? (2 marks)

(iii) After reading her book, a student tries to look at some words written on the blackboard.
What would be the change in structure D of her eye? Explain how this change is brought about.
(3 marks)

(iv) The student finds that she cannot see the words on the blackboard clearly.
Draw a ray diagram to show the path of light rays entering her eye under such a condition.
(3 marks)

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2003
4(a) Diagram I below shows the structure of the human ear and its connection to the brain. Electron
micrographs X and Y show the surface view of the sensory hair cells at the same site in the ears of
two persons as observed under the same magnification

12

(i) What will be the change in the loudness of the sound heard if structure A of a person is lost in an
accident? Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)

(ii) Using the letters in diagram 1, list all parts of the ear that are filled with liquid. (2 marks)

(iii) Electron micrograph X shows the sensory hair cells taken from part E of a normal ear.
(1) Name part E. (1 mark)

(2) Explain the role of the sensory hair cells there. (2 marks)

(iv) Electron micrograph Y shows the sensory hair cells of a person who has been working at noisy
construction sites for a long period of time. Suggest why his sensory hair cells are different from those
shown in electron micrograph X. (2 marks)

(v) If the ear is normal but structure D is damaged completely at point P, how will hearing be affected?
Explain your answer. (3 marks)

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2003
3(a) The diagram below shows a section of the human eye

(i) Structure A has no blood capillaries.

(1) Why is this feature important to the formation of a clear image? (1 mark)

(2) From where does structure A obtain nutrients? (1 mark)

(ii) When a person steps out from a dark room into broad daylight, B becomes constricted.
(1) Explain the importance of this response. (2 marks)

(2) State the type of response illustrated by the constriction of B. (1 mark)

(3) The person also puts on his sunglasses. With regard to the nature of the response, state two
ways in which this action is different from the constriction of B. (2 marks)

(iii) In recent years, dark-coloured sunglasses are in fashion, but some of these sunglasses cannot cut
off ultra-violet light. Suggest why wearing such sunglasses under bright sunlight would be more
damaging to the eye than not wearing any sunglasses. (3 marks)

10
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2007
7(a) The diagram below shows a section of a human eye:

(i) (1) Name structure A. (1 mark)

(2) Structure A becomes weak in an old man.

Explain how this will affect his eyesight when he looks at a nearby object. (4 marks)

(ii) Suggest one possible change of the lens which will also weaken the eyesight. (1 mark)

(iii) With reference to the function of layer C, explain why the falling off of layer B from layer C may cause
blindness. (4 marks)

10
Page 70
2010
5(a) Macular degeneration is a disease resulting in the loss of light-sensitive cells in the yellow spot of
patients. The following photographs show normal vision and the vision of a patient with macular
degeneration.

(i) State the type of light-sensitive cell that is lost in this disease. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain why the vision of the patient with macular degeneration is seriously blurred in the centre.
(2 marks)

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(b) The vision of patients with macular degeneration may be helped by bionic eyes. A bionic eye consists
of a camera mounted on a pair of glasses worn by the patient. Signals from the camera are sent to a
device implanted behind the retina of the eye of the patient. The diagrams below show how the bionic
eye works,

(i) Why can the bionic eyes also help the patients to see even when the lenses in their eyes become
cloudy? (1 mark)

(ii) Can the bionic eyes be used to help other patients without any light-sensitive cells in their retina?
Give one reason for your answer. (2 marks)

(iii) In another type of bionic eye, a device is implanted In the brain. After receiving signals, the device
will directly stimulate the brain to generate vision.
(1) Name the part of the brain where the device should be implanted. (1 mark)

(2) Suggest one advantage of this type of bionic eye over the type illustrated in the diagrams
(1 mark)

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2012 PP
3. The electronmicrograph below shows two types of photoreceptors in the human eye:

(a) Name the part of the human eye where the photoreceptors are found. (1 mark)

(b) A coloured object is perceived as being more colourful in bright light than in dim light. Explain this
with respect to the functioning of photoreceptors A and B. (4 marks)

5
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Nervous Coordnation – Nervous System
2004
2(c) Irritability is the ability of an organism to respond to an external stimulus.
Most cases of irritability work in the following pattern:

Below are three examples of irritability in humans:

(I) Secretion of saliva when food is ingested

(II) Constriction of pupil under bright light
(III) Running out of the classroom upon hearing the fire alarm

(i) For case I, state the receptor and effector involved. (2 marks)

(ii) Based on the above pattern, use a flowchart to show the nervous pathway for case II, including the
types of neurones involved. (3 marks)

(iii) (1) Name the region of the brain where the coordinating centre for case III is located.
(1 mark)

(2) State two features of the responses controlled by this region. (2 marks)

8
Page 74
2006
3. The figure below shows a magnetic resonance image of the lateral side of the upper body of a person:

(a) Name structure X and state its function. (2 marks)

(b) What is the importance of structure Z to structure Y? (1 mark)

(c) The diagram below shows the transverse section of structure Y and an outline of the arm:

On the above diagram, draw the reflex arc for the withdrawal reflex of the arm and label the different
components of the reflex arc. (4 marks)

7
Page 75
2008
2. The photograph below shows the lateral view of a human brain.

(a) The surface of structure X is highly folded. What is the significance of this feature? (1 mark)

(b) Name structure Y and state one of its functions. (2 marks)

(c) A patient who suffered from a stroke was diagnosed to have part of area A damaged.
After the stroke, it was found that he ha d difficulty in moving his arm. What is area A? (1 mark)

(d) Area B is located behind area A. What is area B? (1 mark)

5
Page 76
2009
7. The photograph below shows an athlete leaping a hurdle.

(a) The contraction of muscle A leads to the raising of the lower leg. How do muscle A and other related
structures of the leg bring about this action? (3 marks)

(b) Describe the roles of different parts of the brain in bringing about the action of leaping the hurdle.
(4 marks)

(c) After the race, athletes would apply some ointment which enhances local blood circulation to relieve
muscle fatigue. Explain how the enhanced blood circulation could help the recovery of the muscle
from fatigue. (1 mark)

8
Page 77
Hormonal Coordination – Diabetes Mellitus
2000
3(b) Diabetes mellitus is a disease found in humans and other mammals. The main symptom of this
disease is the presence of glucose in the urine.
In the early twentieth century, the cause of diabetes mellitus was still unknown. In order to study this
disease, a scientist performed the following experiments on dogs:

(i) Comparing the results of experiments 1 and 2, what conclusion can be drawn? (2 marks)

(ii) What is the aim of performing experiments 3? (2 marks)

(iii) Based on the results of experiments 2 and 3 (a), explain whether the diabetic dogs would show
symptoms of the disease if they were treated with the extracts of pancreas by feeding instead of by
injection. (3 marks)

(iv) Based on your biological knowledge, explain why the urine of a diabetic person usually contains
glucose. (5 marks)

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2002
1(c) In a study, a healthy person and a person with diabetes mellitus fasted for 12 hours. They then stayed
at rest in the same room and drank equal volumes of glucose solutions of the same concentration.
Their blood glucose levels were measured immediately afterwards and at 30-minute intervals for three
hours. The results are shown in the graph below:

(i) What is the increase in the blood glucose level after 1 hour in
(1) the healthy person,
(2) the diabetic person? (2 marks)

(ii) Explain why the healthy person had a smaller increase in blood glucose level in the first hour when
compared with the diabetic person. (4 marks)

(iii) During the study, a larger volume of urine was produced by the diabetic person than the healthy
person. Suggest an explanation for this. (4 marks)

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2007
8(b) The graphs below show the changes in the glucose consumption and the blood glucagon level in a
person before, during and after exercise:

(i) Explain the change in glucose consumption during exercise. (3 marks)

(ii) During exercise, the blood glucose level remains relatively steady. Explain this phenomenon by
referring to the change in the blood glucagon level. (3 marks)

(iii) Draw a line on the graph to show the change in the blood lactic acid level during and after vigorous
exercise. (2 marks)

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2007
9(b) Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of foods containing carbohydrates. It is based on their immediate
effect on the blood glucose level after consumption. The higher the GI value of a food, the quicker the
rise of blood glucose level. Below are the major food constituents and the GI values of some common
food items:

(i) With reference to the major constituents of whole milk and fat-free milk in the above table, suggest
why whole milk has a lower GI value. (3 marks)

(ii) For a diabetic person, which breakfast food item, cornflakes or oatmeal, is more suitable?
Explain your choice. (3 marks)

(iii) Besides GI values, state and explain two other considerations regarding the nutritional content of food
when you plan a healthy diet to reduce body weight. (4 marks)

10
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2008
8(b) The following information is extracted from a pamphlet for diabetic patients. Read the content and
answer the questions that follow.

(i) Explain why a diabetic patient may suffer from hypoglycaemia if he has taken more exercise than
usual. (4 marks)

(ii) It is recommended for diabetic patients to take in complex carbohydrates (a variety of polysaccharides)
in their normal meal instead of sugar. Suggest why these patients are advised to take different types
of carbohydrates under normal and hypoglycaemic conditions.

(1) Take in complex carbohydrates in normal meal (3 marks)

(2) Take in sugar when hypoglycaemia occurs (2 marks)

9
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2011
11b Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

(i) Based on the results of the experiments of Minkowski and Mering in 1889, suggest two functions of
the pancreas. (2 marks)

(ii) Based on the present knowledge of the function of the pancreas, explain why the blood glucose level
dropped after Banting and Best injected the diabetic dog with the pancreas extract. (3 marks)

(iii) The symptoms of diabetic patients include the presence of glucose in urine and frequent urination.
Explain why a diabetic patient would have these symptoms. (4 marks)

Page 83
Hormonal Coordination - Tropism
2009
10b Scientists have proposed two hypotheses to explain why a greater amount of auxins is found in the
shaded side than the lighted side when a coleoptile is illuminated with unilateral light.

Hypothesis A : Light destroys auxins in the lighted side of the plant

Hypothesis B : Auxins move from the lighted side to the shaded side of the plant

(i) A scientist performed an experiment to test Hypothesis A. He used agar blocks to collect auxins from
coleoptile tips under different conditions. Then he placed each agar block on one side of a decapitated
coleoptile. The set-up was kept in darkness for two days. He then measured the degree of bending
of the coleoptile. The diagram below shows his experimental set-ups and the results:

(1) State the dependent variable in the above experiment. (1 mark)

(2) Do the results of the above experiment support Hypothesis A? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

Page 84
(ii) The scientist performed another experiment to test Hypothesis B. The diagram below shows his
experimental set-ups and the results:

(1) What is the purpose of inserting a glass plate into the coleoptile and agar block in the way shown in
Experimental set-up III? (1 mark)

(2) If Hypothesis B is correct, explain the results obtained from Experimental set-up IV. (4 marks)

Page 85
Locomotion
1985
2. The diagram below shows the arm muscles and bones of a man:

10
(i) Both muscles X and Y are involved m raising the metal block.
(1) Which is the extensor?
(2) Which is the flexor?
(3) What is the term used for describing this pair of muscles for this mode of action?

(ii) What is the tissue connecting

(1) bone to bones?
(2) muscle X to bone R?

(iii) State the difference in the movement allowed by the joints M and N.

(iv) Alter rotating the arm vigorously for some time, the man felt tired.
(1) Which joint, M or N, was involved in this movement?
(2) Which carbon compound, stored in the muscles, was used to provide the energy for this
movement?
(3) Which carbon compound, accumulating in the muscles, caused muscle fatigue?

1997 Q4c
4. The photographs below show two postures of a woman doing sit-up exercises:

(ii) Referring to photograph 2, which muscles in her arms, biceps or triceps, are in a contracted state so
that she can touch her knees? (1 mark)

(iii) Give two structural features of the backbone which allow it to bend to a smooth and curved shape as
shown in photograph 2. * (2 marks)

(iv) Suggest one advantage of doing regular exercise. (1 mark)

Page 86
Locomotion
2002
1(b) The diagram below shows the human skeleton and two muscles of the right arm, M and N:

(i) Deficiency of vitamin D in childhood will lead to deformity of bones.

(1) Using the letters in the diagram, indicate which part of the skeleton is most easily deformed.
Explain your choice. (3 marks)

(2) Apart from diet, suggest another way by which the body gets vitamin D. (1 mark)

(ii) Why are muscles M and N described as an antagonistic (opposing) pair? (1 mark)

(iii) (1) Draw a diagram to show the lever system involved in lifting the right forearm. Indicate the
positions of the load, the effort and the fulcrum in your diagram.

(2) In lifting the right forearm, what will form the load, the effort and the fulcrum respectively?
(5 marks)

10

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2011
8. In a football match, a goalkeeper jumped up to catch an approaching ball. Figure 1 shows the posture
of the goalkeeper just before juniping and Figure 2 shows some muscles in his right leg.

(a) Explain how the change in the lenses of the goalkeeper’s eyes was brought about which enabled him
to see the approaching ball clearly. (3 marks)

(b) Fill in each of the following blanks with a suitable word or a letter in Figure 2 to give an account of the
response of the goalkeeper in catching the ball. (3 marks)

(c) Upon landing on the ground, the goalkeepers right ankle joint was dislocated.
(i) Which structure of the joint was damaged and caused the dislocation? (1 mark)

(ii) The injured ankle began to swell due to the damage of the blood vessels at the ankle.
Explain why applying an ice pack can reduce the swelling. (3 marks)

10

Page 88
Cell Division
2015
2. The photomicrograph below shows the appearance of genetic materials at two different stages of the
cell cycle:

(a) Label structure X shown in the photomicrograph. (1 mark)

(b) With reference to the appearance of the genetic materials shown in the photomicrograph, at which
stage, A or B, is transcription more likely to take place? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(c) In the space provided below, state the cause for the different outcomes of mitosis and meiosis.
(2 marks)

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2002 2(a)
(iv) The following is a simplified diagram of a cell which is undergoing cell division to form an ovum.
(Only two pairs of homologous chromosomes are shown in the diagram.)

(1) Based on the above diagram, make a drawing of the ovum formed showing the chromosomes
contained inside. (3 marks)

(2) (i) Describe the chromosomal content of the ovum produced in (1) compared to the germ cell.
(2 marks)

(ii) Based on the critical events occurring during cell division, account for your answer in (2)(i).
(3 marks)

Page 90
Page 91
Plant Reproduction
2000
2(c) The Diagram below shows a section of a pea flower:

(i) Under natural conditions, pea flowers are self-pollinated, i.e. the stigma receives pollen grains from
the same flower.
Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of this method of pollination. (2 marks)

(ii) In a genetic experiment a scientist, wanted to ensure that the stigma of a pea flower only received
the pollen grains of another pea flower. Suggest how the scientist could achieve this by making use
of a plastic bag and a brush. (3 marks)

(iii) The colour of the pea pod (fruit) is controlled by a pair of alleles. The scientist first crossed a pea plant
homozygous for green pods with another pea plant homozygous for yellow pods to produce the first
filial generation (F1). She then allowed the F1l plants to self-pollinate to produce the second filial
generation (F2). The results of the crosses are summarized in the table below:

(1) What can you conclude from the result of the first cross? (1 mark)

(2) Use a genetic diagram to show how the pod colours of the F2 plants were inherited from the
F1 plants. (5
marks)

Page 92
2001
4(c) The diagram below shows the structure of a flower:

(i) With reference to the diagram, state two observable features that suggest this flower is insect-
pollinated. (2 marks)

(ii) Some tiny grains from structure A were put in a 15% sugar solution. After 2 hours, the grains were
observed under the microscope. The photograph below shows one of these grains:

(1) Name structure D. (1 mark)

(2) What is the function of structure D? (2 marks)

(iii) What structures are formed from B and C respectively after fertilization?
Describe the roles of these structures in reproduction. (5 marks)

Page 93
2002
1(a) Some plants can be propagated vegetatively using tissue culture. In this method, the culture medium
is sterilized before use and it provides essential materials for plant growth. The diagram below shows
an outline of an investigation involving tissue culture. The whole process is conducted in the presence
of light.

(i) Sugar is one of the essential components of the culture medium. Explain why sugar must be added.
(3 marks)

(ii) Compare the genetic make-up of the daughter plants with that of the parent plant.
Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)

(iii) After several weeks, plant B showed signs of yellowing while plant A remained green.
Based on the information provided, suggest an explanation for the yellowing of plant B. (3 marks)

(iv) Give two advantages of this method of plant propagation over the propagation using seeds
(2 marks)

Page 94
2007
8(a) The photographs below shows the structure of a lily flower:

10

(i) Label the structures R and S. (2 marks)

(ii) State the method of pollination for this flower..

Support your answer with two observable features from Photograph 1. (3 marks)

(iii) After pollination, describe how the male gamete meets the female gamete. (4 marks)

(iv) The lily plant can also reproduce asexually. What is this type of asexual reproduction? (1 mark)

Page 95
2008
9(a) A study of the wheat genome revealed that modern wheat is originated from the crosses among wild
wheat and wild grasses. Below is one of the crosses.

(i) Hybrid C cannot produce gametes but it can produce offspring asexually.
State the type of asexual reproduction employed by hybrid C. (1 mark)

(ii) With reference to the process of meiotic cell division, suggest why hybrid C cannot produce gametes.
(2 marks)

(iii) The following photographs show the reproductive structures of wheat.

(1) What is the pollinating agent for wheat? Support your answer with two observable features from
photograph 2. (3 marks)

(2) A scientist performed a genetic experiment by crossing two different wheat plants. Describe the
procedures done in order to ensure cross-pollination, but not self pollination to occur. (3 marks)

9 Page 96
2012 PP
10a Photograph 1 shows two groups of wheat flowers and Photograph 2 shows an enlarged wheat flower:

Suggest the agent for pollination of the wheat, Support your answer with reference to an observable
feature in the above photographs. (2 marks)

(b) Explain the importance of soaking wheat grains in water for germination. (2 marks)

Page 97
2010
10a A farmer cultivated a plant species which has two varieties. One gives purple flowers and the other
gives white flowers. As the purple-flower variety could be sold to make a greater profit, the farmer
wanted to maintain the flower colour of the plants propagated. He selected a plant X with purple
flowers and propagated the plant using the two methods outlined below:

(i) Explain why method 1 always gives daughter plants with purple flowers. (2 marks)

(ii) Compared with method 1, explain why method 2 may give rise to daughter plants with different flower
colours by referring to the reproductive processes involved. (3 marks)

(iii) What will happen to structures A and B after fertilization? (2 marks)

Page 98
2011
9(a) (i) The following photomicrograph shows a pollen grain with a pollen tube.

(1) This pollen grain comes from an insect-pollinated flower. State a feature observable in the
photomicrograph that is adapted for insect pollination. (1 mark)

(2) To which human body structure does the pollen tube have a similar role in reproduction?
Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(ii) An experiment was conducted to investigate the germination of the pollen tubes from the pollen grains.
Pollen grains from three different flowering plants were transferred to sucrose solutions of different
concentrations, and incubated at 23 °C for 24 hours. The results are shown in the following table:

(1) Name the floral part on which the pollen tube will germinate. (1 mark)

(2) With reference to the above results, state two conclusions about the effect of sucrose solution on the
success rate of pollen tube germination of these three plants. (2 marks)

(3) A student thought that the result obtained from using 15% sucrose solution for Plant R was due to
error. How can he find out if his idea is correct? (2 marks)

Page 99
Human Reproduction
2000
1(a) The diagram below outlines a clinical test used to examine whether a human foetus has any
abnormality in its chromosomes :

(i) The cells of A and the cells of the foetus have the same genetic composition.
How would you explain this? (2 marks)

(ii) (1) With reference to the chromosomes in the diagram, state the sex of the foetus. (1 mark)

(2) Describe how the sex of this foetus is determined at the time of fertilization. (3 marks)

(iii) What abnormality is found in the chromosomes of the foetus? (1 mark)

(iv) As the uterine wall may be stimulated to contract when removing cells from A, what would be the risk
associated with this test? (1 mark)

(v) State two differences between the blood entering the foetus and that leaving the foetus. (2 marks)

Page 100
2002
2(a) The following photograph shows a female condom while the diagram on the right shows the human
female reproductive system:

(i) The female condom is placed in A during sexual intercourse. How does the female condom contribute
to contraception? (2 marks)

(ii) Give an example of an infectious disease that can be prevented by wearing the condom. (1 mark)

(iii) Another contraceptive method is to tie and cut both the oviducts.
State whether or not menstruation will still occur in a young woman who has received this operation.
Explain your answer with reference to the physiological processes involved. (4 marks)

(iv) The following is a simplified diagram of a cell which is undergoing cell division to form an ovum.
(Only two pairs of homologous chromosomes are shown in the diagram.)

Based on the above diagram, make a drawing of the ovum formed showing the chromosomes
contained inside. (3 marks)

Page 101
2003
2(b) The cartoon below shows a foetus crying for help inside the mother’s body

(i) Smoking during pregnancy is hazardous to the foetus. The foetus may be affected in a number of
ways, such as a reduced supply of oxygen and the entry of toxic chemicals.

(1) Suggest an explanation for the reduced oxygen supply to the foetus. (2 marks)

(2) Using a flowchart, show the route by which nicotine in cigarette smoke is transported from the
mother’s lungs to the foetus. Indicate only the major organs and blood vessels involved.
(3 marks)

(ii) (1) An early sign of the birth process is the breaking of the amnion. What is the significance of this
event in the birth process ? (2 marks)

(2) Describe what happens afterwards that leads to the birth of the baby. (3 marks)

10

Page 102
2004
2(a) The table below shows the average number of pregnancies for women adopting different
contraceptive methods:

(i) The use of condoms and diaphragms are based on the same principle in bringing about contraception.
What is the principle? (1 mark)

(ii) How can an IUD prevent pregnancy to occur? (1 mark)

(iii) (1) Explain the biological basis of the rhythm method. (3 marks)

(2) Why does the contraceptive method have a high rate of failure? (1 mark)

(iv) Even though some couples do not use any contraceptive methods and have regular intercourse, the
wives fail to become pregnant. Suggest TWO reasons for this. (2 marks)

(v) A man received an operation for contraception and had his sperm ducts tied and cut. Explain why his
secondary sexual characteristics will not be affected after the operation. (3 marks)

11 Page 103
2005
10a The diagram below shows how the fluid surrounding the foetus (fluid X) can be collected using a
syringe. The fluid collected contains some foetal cells. These cells are cultured for several weeks and
then examined under the microscope to determine whether the foetus has certain genetic disorders.

(i) (1) Name the membrane that surrounds fluid X. (1 mark)

(2) Give two reasons why fluid X is important to the foetus during its development. (2 marks)

(ii) Suggest why it is necessary to culture the foetal cells for several weeks before they are examined
under the microscope. (1 mark)

(iii) If microscopic examination shows that the foetus has Down Syndrome, the parents will have to decide
whether to continue with the pregnancy or to end the pregnancy by abortion. Which choice do you
support? Justify your answer. (2 marks)

(iv) Explain how we can find out the sex of the foetus through microscopic examination of the cultured
cells. (2 marks)

8
Page 104
2006
7. Lily is a healthy young woman. She adopts the ‘safe period’ method for contraception. In order to do
so, she measures her body temperature every morning when she wakes up. Graph 1 below shows
the body temperature recorded in March and Graph 2 shows the change in the thickness of her
uterine lining in the same month:

(a) Identify the period that corresponds to menstruation. Give one piece of evidence from the information
provided to support your answer. (2 marks)

(b) Referring to the graphs, state the period in which there will be a high chance of pregnancy if sexual
intercourse occurs. Explain your answer. (4 marks)

(c) The ‘safe period’ method is not very reliable for contraception because it can only predict part of the
fertile period. Explain why it cannot predict the whole fertile period. (2 marks)

8 Page 105
2009
8(b) A couple can produce gametes but are still not able to produce children. A doctor advised them to
undertake an in vitro fertilization treatment. The chart below outlines the stages involved in their in
vitro fertilization treatment.

(i) Suggest one possible cause of infertility for this couple. (2 marks)
(1) The man (2) The woman:

(ii) Explain why the woman had to undertake hormone injection at the beginning but not the man.
(3 marks)

(iii) Of the six embryos put into the uterus, eventually only two embryos have successfully developed.
(1) Why were some embryos not able to develop in the uterus? (1 mark)

(2) Is it possible that the two embryos are of different sexes? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

8 Page 106
2011
4. The most common male contraceptive method currently used is the condom, 1-lowever, inserting an
intra-vas device (IVD) into each of the sperm duets (shown in the figure below) is a male contraceptive
method now under research,

(a) Does the IVD work by the same biological principle as the intra-uterine device (IUD) used in women?
Explain your answer with reference to how contraception is achieved in these two methods.
(2 marks)

(b) Would the man’s secondary sexual characteristics be affected if he adopts the LVD method for
contraception? Why? (2 marks)

(c) Apart from low cost and being convenient to use, suggest one advantage of using a condom over the
IVD method. (1 mark)

Page 107
Growth and Development
2004
1(b) The diagram below shows a section of a seed:

(i) (1) Name structure A. (1 mark)

(2) What organs will A develop into during seed germination? (2 marks)

(ii) During germination, amylase activity is detected in region B. Explain the importance of amylase
activity to the growth of the seedling. (4 marks)

(iii) The dry mass of the seedling decreases in the initial stage of germination but starts to increase after
one week. Explain the increase in dry mass of the seedling in the later stage. (3 marks)

9 Page 108
2006
10a In a study of the growth of mung bean seedlings, two samples of mung bean seeds were grown under
the same conditions except that one sample was kept in daylight while the other in darkness. The
same number of seedlings was collected from each group every 6 days. The average dry mass of
the seedlings of each group was determined and the results are shown below:

(i) Explain the change in the average dry mass of the seedlings in both daylight and dark conditions from
day 0 to day 12. (3 marks)

(ii) From day 12 to day 18, how do the seedlings grown in daylight differ from those grown in the dark in
terms of the change in the average dry mass? Account for this difference. (4 marks)

(iii) Suggest why the dry mass of seedlings was measured instead of the fresh mass in this study.
(1 mark)

8 Page 109
2010
8(b) A study was conducted to find out the change of amylase activity and the amount of reducing sugars
in seeds during germination. The seeds were washed with water and soaked in dilute sterilizing
solution for 10 minutes. They were then rinsed with distilled water and germinated under suitable
conditions, The results of the study are shown in the following table.

(i) The data on arnylase activity in seeds is plotted on the graph. Present the data on the amount of
reducing sugars in seeds on the same graph and give a title to the completed graph. (4 marks)

Page 110
(ii) With reference to the data from day 1 to day 5, describe and explain the relationship between the
amylase activity and the amount of reducing sugars in seeds during germination. (2 marks)

(iii) The amount of reducing sugars in seeds in day 9 is Lower than that in day 3 even though the amylase
activity in seeds in these two days are the same. Suggest a reason for the lower amount of reducing
sugars in day 9. (1 mark)

(iv) State two uses of reducing sugars in the seeds during germination. (2 marks)

Page 111
Ecology
Important sections in ecology:
1. Definition of ecological terms.
2. How abiotic factors may impact on organisms in an ecosystem, and how organisms adapt to such
abiotic factors.
3. Energy flow in an ecosystem (Food chain, energy transfer and loss, pyramids)
4. Matter cycle in an ecosystem. (Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle)
5. Interspecific relationships.
6. Succession.
7. Methods in ecological studies (Quadrat, Line transect, Belt transect)

Page 112
2002
3(b) In an ecosystem, there are various types of bats. One type of bats, A, is shown in photograph I below.
When a sample of its faeces was examined, pieces of legs and wings of a certain group of animals
were found as shown in photograph 2.

(i) (1) To which group of vertebrates do bats belong? (1 mark)

(2) Referring to photograph 1, state one external feature of bat A through which it is classified into
the group you stated in (1). (1 mark)

(ii) With reference to photograph 2, suggest the group of animals that bat A feeds on. (1 mark)

(iii) The faeces of another type of bats, B, are found to contain some seeds. Suggest an explanation for
the presence of intact seeds in the faeces of bat B. (2 marks)

Page 113
(iv) A third type of bats, C, feeds on the blood of large animals. Assuming that bats B and C have the
same amount of daily food intake, compare the daily amount of faeces they produce. Explain your
answer. (2 marks)

(v) Having different types of bats is advantageous to the survival of bats in an ecosystem.
Suggest an explanation for this using the information about bats A, B and C given above.(2 marks)

2003
1(c) The photographs below show a Hong Kong newt and a lizard which can be found in Tai Mo Shan
Country Park.

(1) With reference to the given food web, draw a food chain that consists of five trophic levels. (1 mark)

(2) Construct a pyramid of numbers for this food chain. (2 marks)

(3) Explain the shape of this pyramid of numbers. (4 marks)

Page 114
2005
8(b) The picture below shows a school garden with some tomato plants:

(i) Explain why continuous harvesting of tomatoes may lead to the depletion of nitrate in the garden soil.
(2 marks)

(ii) Which organism in the soil turns some of the nitrate into atmospheric nitrogen? (1 mark)

(iii) Suggest two ways to restore the nitrate content of the soil. (2 marks)

(iv) A student flooded the soil with water. As a result, the air content of the soil became very low. Explain
why this condition may lead to poor plant growth. (3 marks)

2005
6(c) A piece of agricultural land can be used for growing crops, or for growing grass to raise cattle for meat.
Explain why crop-growing can provide more food for human consumption than cattle-raising.
(4 marks)

Page 115
2007
9(a) The photograph below shows an ecosphere:

The ecosphere is a self-sustaining ecosystem sealed in a glass container. It contains bacteria,

microscopic algae, shrimps and branches of dead coral in filtered seawater.

(i) Why is it essential to put the algae into the ecosphere to make it self-sustaining? (4 marks)

(ii) How can the activity of the bacteria contribute to the growth of algae? (2 marks)

(iii) This ecosphere can only support two trophic levels.

Suggest a possible explanation for this. (2 marks)

8 Page 116
2008
8(a) In order to increase the yield of crops, farmers may add inorganic fertilizers and fungicides to the field.
Fungicides can kill fungi which may infect crop plants. The table below shows the effect of applying
these chemicals to a wheat field.

(i) Plot a graph to show the yield of wheat when different amounts of inorganic fertilizers are added in
the presence and in the absence of fungicides. (3 marks)

(ii) With reference to the graph plotted, describe the effect of fungicides and inorganic fertilizers on the
yield of wheat. (3 marks)

(iii) Explain an ecological impact of the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers on the aquatic community
nearby. (3 marks)

3 Page 117
2009
10a The following diagram shows the freshwater aquarium set up by Cindy.

All the fish died after one week. She learnt from the internet that a high level of ammonia in water is
harmful to the fish. She suspected that this caused their death.

(i) Account for the presence of ammonia in the aquarium. (2 marks)

After searching on the internet, she found that the ammonia concentration in water can be lowered
by installing a biological filter seeded with bacteria. To set up the aquarium again, she purchased a
biological filter and ‘noted the following instructions:

I. Leave the tap water in the aquarium for at least one night before installing the filter.
II. Allow the filter to operate for four weeks before putting fish in the aquarium.

(ii) (1) What kind of bacteria is seeded in the biological filter? Explain how this kind of bacteria can
lower the ammonia concentration in the aquarium. (2 marks)

(2) With reference to the process of water treatment in Hong Kong, explain why instruction I is
necessary. (2 marks)

(3) Why is it necessary to leave the filter operating for four weeks before putting the fish in the
aquarium? (1 mark)

(iii) Cindy is advised to grow some water plants in the aquarium. What is the role of the water plants in
the cycling of materials in the aquarium? (2 marks)

9 Page 118
2010
7. The diagram below shows the energy flow in a food thain.

(a) Explain the difference between the energy stored in biomass and the energy gained at each trophic
level. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest two reasons to explain why in each trophic level the energy gained is always less than the
energy that can be provided by the previous trophic level. (2 marks)

(c) Below is the comparison of the average mass of individual organisms in a food chain:

Sketch a pyramid of numbers relating the three trophic levels. (3 marks)

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2010
9(b) Mikania is a climber plant which originates in South America. It climbs up other plants to reach for
better sunlight. Its leaves grow extensively and cover the affected plants, eventually leading to the
death of the plants. The photograph below shows Mikania and the affected plant.

(i) With reference to the photograph, identify the plant group to which Mikania belongs. (1 mark)

(ii) State the relationship between Mikania and the affected plant. Suggest how Mikania can lead to the
death of the affected plant. (3 marks)

(iii) A researcher wanted to find a way to control the spread of Mikania. He discovered that a native
parasitic plant, dodder coils around the Mikania and absorbs nutrients from them, He then conducted
a study by growing dodder in Mikania-affected areas A and B on an island. The results are shown in
the table below:

(1) State one limitation of using dodder for controlling the spread of Mikania. Give supporting
evidence from the above results. (2 marks)

(2) Apart from dodder, an invertebrate from another country can also control the spread of Mikania
by feeding on them. From the ecological point of view, suggest three reasons why this
invertebrate should not be introduced to Hong Kong to control Mikania. (3 marks)

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2011
11a. Growing plants in domestic sewage can be used for sewage treatment, The method is to soak the
roots of the plants directly in diluted sewage which is then circulated for 48 hours. The figure below
shows the set-up of this method of sewage treatment:

The contents of the sewage before and after treatment are shown in the following table:

(i) State the change in the amount of organic matter and the change in the total amount of inorganic
nitrogen in the sewage after treatment. Explain the changes. (4 marks)

(ii) Suggest one method to increase the efficiency of sewage treatment in the trough.
Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(iii) It is suggested that the plants grown in sewage are not suitable for eating. Why? (1 mark)

(iv) With reference to the contents of the treated sewage, state how this method of sewage treatment is
better for reducing water pollution than the usual way of sewage treatment in Hong Kong.
(2 marks)

Page 121
2012 PP
5, A sandy shore community has three species: a burrowing clam, a snail, and a crab.

(a) To determine the relative abundance of these species, a student placed a quadrat on the shore and
collected all the individuals on the sediment surface inside the quadrat. After counting the number of
individuals of each species collected from this quadrat, he determined their relative abundance. Give
three reasons why the student’s sampling method may not reflect the actual relative abundance of
these organisms. (3 marks)

(b) The feeding relationship of these three species is shown below:

Suggest the effect on the population of crabs if a large number of clams are harvested by visitors to
the shore. Explain your answer. (2 marks)
(Assume that the crabs have the same preference for snails and clams.)

5 Page 122
2012 PP
8. Graph I shows the change in the soil nitrogen content in an area over 200 years. At the beginning of
Stage I, the area was without vegetation. Table I shows the relative abundance of three plant species
found in this area at the different stages:

(a) With reference to Table 1, state the process that accounts for the change in the relative abundance
of the plant species in this area. (1 mark)

(b) (i) The bacteria living symbiotically with plant species A and species B played an important role in
causing the increase in the soil nitrogen content in Stages 1 and 2.

(1) Name the symbiotic bacteria living in plant species A and B. (1 mark)

(2) Describe how the symbiotic bacteria and the two plant species caused the increase in the
soil nitrogen content in Stages 1 and 2. (3 marks)

(ii) Species C was absent in Stage 1 but became the dominant species in Stage 3.
Explain the change in its relative abundance from Stage 1 to Stage 3. (3 marks)

8 Page 123
Page 124
Biodiversity
2002
2(b) The photomicrographs below show part of the transverse section of the leaf blade of a terrestrial
dicotyledonous plant and that of a moss:

(i) (1) Name structure A. (1 mark)

(2) Explain one way in which A contributes to the function of cell B under bright sunlight.
(2 marks)

(ii) The moss above is restricted to damp and shady environments and it is often covered with a thin film
of water.
(1) With reference to the leaf structures shown in the two photomicrographs, suggest two reasons
why the moss cannot grow well in dry environments. (4 marks)

(2) Describe how the moss leaf obtains oxygen from the atmosphere at night. (3 marks)

Page 125
2005 (edited)
1. The following pictures show four different organisms:

(a) Organisms can be classified into six kingdoms. Name the kingdom that P and Q each belongs to.
(2 marks)

(b) State two cell structures that can be found in Q, R and S, but not in P. (2 marks)

(c) Explain the role of S in the cycling of materials in nature. (2 marks)

(d) A number of human diseases such as influenza and SARS are caused by viruses.
Some scientists consider viruses as organisms, but some do not.
Give one reason for each of these views. (2 marks)

Page 126
2003
1(c) The photographs below show a Hong Kong newt and a lizard which can be found in Tai Mo Shan
Country Park.

Hong Kong newt

Lizard (By Dakota L. - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18521114)

(i) The two animals above belong to different vertebrate groups. Based on the photograph, state one
external feature of the newt that is characteristic of its group. (1 mark)

(ii) Name the vertebrate group to which the Hong Kong newt belongs. (1 mark)

(iii) Only a small number of Hong Kong newts exist today and it is listed as a protected species. Suggest
two reasons to account for its small population. (2 marks)

4 Page 127
2007
1. Three samples of specimen were examined in a laboratory. The results are shown below:

The following paragraph summarizes the report about the three samples.
Complete the paragraph with suitable word(s). (4 marks)

With reference to the results, the groups that samples 1 and 2 belong to are __________________

and __________________ respectively. For sample 3, it remains unclassified. It could belong to

one of the following groups : plants, _________________ or _________________.

Page 128
Page 129
Photosynthesis (CE + AL)
(1) CE Photosynthesis (Requirements, experiments, concepts of limiting factor)
(2) AL Photosynthesis (Detailed biochemical pathway)
Recite the pathway of photochemical reactions and the Calvin cycle

1997 Q4a
10. To study the conditions required for photosynthesis, a destarched plant with variegated leaves was
put under sunlight for 4 hours as shown in the diagram below

(i) Explain why the plant can be destarched by keeping it in darkness for 48 hours. (2 marks)

(ii) What is the use of soda lime in the set-up? (1 mark)

(iii) After 4 hours, both leaf A and leaf B were detached and tested to see whether photosynthesis had
taken place. Describe how the test should be canied out. (4 marks)

(iv) After the test in (iii), what is the observed result of

(1) leaf A?
(2) leaf B? (2 marks)

(v) What conclusion, if any, can be drawn by comparing the results of

(1) the green and the nn-green part of leaf A only?
(2) the green part of leaf A and the green part of leaf B only, (3) the green part of leaf A and the non-
green part of leaf B only?

Give an explanation if no conclusion can be drawn. (4 marks)

13 Page 130
2001
2(b) The set-up below is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis of a green plant. The sodium
hydrogencarbonate solution helps to maintain a constant level of carbon dioxide inside the syringe
during the experiment:

(i) Explain why the water level in the pipette will drop when the set-up is put under bright light condition.
(4marks)

Page 131
(ii) A fluorescent lamp was placed 12 cm away from the set-up. The position of the water level was
recorded at 10-minute intervals for 30 minutes. The same procedure was repeated with the lamp
placed 18 cm and 24 cm away. The results of the experiment are shown in the graph below:

(1) Given that the rate of respiration of the plant is 0.002cm3O2min-1, calculate the rate of
photosynthesis of the plant when the lamp was 12 cm away from the set-up. (2 marks)

(2) What was the effect on the rate of photosynthesis of the plant when the distance between the
lamp and the plant increased? How would you explain this? (2 marks)

(iii) The set-up can be modified to measure the rate of respiration of the plant.
State three necessary modifications. (3 marks)

COMMENT 2001 Q2(b)

(ii) Most candidates were able to work out the apparent rate of photosynthesis by extracting the relevant
information from the graph. But only a small number of candidates could calculate the absolute rate
of photosynthesis correctly by taking into account the rate of respiration. Many candidates also had
difficulty in assigning a correct unit to their answer.

(iii) This question assesses candidates’ ability to apply practical knowledge in designing an experiment
for problem solving. The overall performance was quite good, although many candidates were unsure
about the action of sodium hydrogencarbonate.

11 Page 132
2006
8(a) The diagram below shows a set-up used to measure the rate of photosynthesis of a pondweed.
A lamp was placed at different distances from the pondweed. At each distance, the volume of gas
collected per minute was taken as the rate of photosynthesis.

The results of the experiment are shown in the table below:

(i) How would you measure the volume of gas collected per minute using this set-up? (1 mark)

(ii) Present the results of the experiment in the form of a graph. (4 marks)

(iii) Describe and explain the change in the rate of photosynthesis with light intensity. (4 marks)

(iv) Explain why the rate of photosynthesis becomes 0 even there is 0.4 arbitrary unit of light.
(2 marks)

11
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2011
1. Your teacher gives you two assignments.
(a) In the first assignment, you have to design an investigation to compare the rates of photosynthesis of
two types of water plant, X and Y. It is assumed that the rates of respiration of the two types of water
plant are the same. The materials and apparatus provided are shown in the figure below:

(i) The following shows a part of the worksheet provided by the teacher for the investigation.
Complete (1) and (2) in the worksheet. (2 marks)

(ii) Apart from temperature, state one controlled variable of this investigation. Suggest a method to
keep this controlled variable constant. (2 marks)

(b) In the second assignment, the teacher provides the following data:

Use the above data to construct a bar chart. (2 marks)

6
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(2) AL Photosynthesis (Detailed biochemical pathway)
AL 2009
The following figure shows the results of a study on the photochemical process of photosynthesis. In this
study, grana taken from chloroplasts were incubated with an adequate amount of ADP and inorganic
phosphate (Pi) and treated with different light conditions during the course of the experiment.

(a) Both ATP synthesis and electron transport are events of the photochemical process of photosynthesis.
How do the results provide evidence that the photochemical process is light dependent?
(3 marks)

(b) Explain why the rate of ATP synthesis and the rate of electron transport levelled off at 50 arbitrary
units of light intensity (2 marks)

(c) Give a reason why the rate of ATP synthesis and the rate of electron transport remained unchanged
when light intensity increased from 100 to 150 arbitrary units (1 mark)

Page 135
(d) It is known that ATP synthesis and electron transport are linked to each other in the photochemical
process. To study this relationship, chemical Y was added to the reaction mixture exposed to light
intensity of 100 arbitrary units. Chemical Y served to break the linkage of the two events. The results
of this study are shown below:

(i) Describe the results after the addition of chemical Y. (2 marks)

(ii) Hence how ATP synthesis and electron transport are linked to each other. (1 mark)

(e) Explain why intact chloroplasts should not be used in these studies. (2 marks)

11

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Respiration (CE + AL)
(1) CE Respiration (Aerobic respiration vs Anaerobic respiration)
2004
4(a) An experiment was carried out to study the changes in blood lactic acid concentration of an athlete
during and after exercise. On day 1, the athlete ran for 10 minutes during and after exercise. On day
1, she performed the same exercise, followed by slow jogging for 40 minutes. The results of the
experiment are shown below:

(i) Account for the increase in blood lactic acid concentration in the first 10 minutes. (3 marks)

(ii) The rate of carbon dioxide production also increased in the first 10 minutes. Write a word equation to
show how carbon dioxide is produced. (2 marks)

(iii) Why is it harmful to the body cells if the blood contains a high level of lactic acid? (1 mark)

(iv) Referring to the graph, which method, sitting down or slow jogging, is more effective in removing lactic
acid from the blood after exercise?
Based on your knowledge, explain why this method is more effective. (4 marks)

10 Page 137
2007
4. A student carried out an investigation to compare the activity of three brands of yeast. He added a
mixture of fixed amounts of dough and yeast into a measuring cylinder and recorded the volume of
the mixture. After putting the measuring cylinder in a water bath at 30°C for one hour, the volume of
the mixture was recorded again. The diagram below shows his set-up:

(a) The results of the investigation are shown in the table below. Complete the table by finding out the
percentage change in the volume of mixture for brand C. (1 mark)

(b) Draw a bar chart to show the activity of the three brands of yeast in terms of the percentage change
in the volume of mixture. (3 marks)

(c) Explain why the yeast can make the mixture rise. (3 marks)

(d) The student wants to make a cake that is the most spongy.
Based on the above results, which brand of yeast should be used? (1 mark)

(e) Why should the set-up be kept in a water bath? (1 mark)

(f) If the student wanted to study the effect of temperature on the activity of yeast, suggest two changes
that should be made in his experimental design. (2 marks)

10 Page 138
(2) AL Respiration (Detailed biochemical pathway)
2005
2. The diagram below outlines the biochemical pathway of respiration in animal and plant cells:

(a) (i) State the end product(s) of anaerobic respiration in animal cell and plant cell respectively.
(2 marks)
(ii) Based on your knowledge of biochemical reactions, suggest a reason why the same substrate
(pyruvic acid) can be broken down into different end products in the anaerobic respiration of
animal and plant cells. (1 mark)

(b) Give one carrier that transfers electrons from the Krebs cycle to the electron transport chain.
(1 mark)

(c) Explain why the electron transport chain cannot operate under anaerobic conditions. (1 mark)

(d) Indicate on the diagram two other sites where carbon dioxide is released in the aerobic pathway.
(2 marks)

7 Page 139
AL 2008
2. Glycolysis is an important process in glucose metabolism in cells. Its pathway is outlined in the
diagram below:

(a) In the above pathway, the conversion of intermediate A to intermediate B is catalysed by an enzyme
E, which is inhibited by a high level of ATP. Based on this information, suggest whether the rate of
glycolysis would be higher under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Explain your answer. (4 marks)

(b) Fluoride is an inhibitor of another enzyme in the glycolytic pathway.

(i) Although fluoride does not structurally resemble the substrate of this enzyme, its mode of
inhibition is found to be competitive. Briefly outline the principle of an experiment that you would
carry out to test this mode of inhibition of fluoride. (2 marks)

(ii) In the determination of blood glucose level, fluoride may be added to the blood samples when
red blood cells are not separated from the plasma immediately. Explain the importance of the
addition of fluoride. (3 marks)

(c) (i) Red blood cells lack mitochondria. State how pyruvate formed in these cells is further
metabolized and explain the significance of this metabolism in sustaining glycolysis. (2 marks)

(ii) Explain the possible significance of the lack of mitochondria to the function of red blood cells.
Page 140
 (3 marks)

(d) In red blood cells, glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis can undergo another important
metabolic process, the pathway of which is shown in the diagram below:

(i) NADPH produced in red blood cells is used to minimize the damaging effect of peroxides on the
cell membrane. Based on the information provided, explain why people who are deficient in
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) may show symptoms of anaemia. (3 marks)

(ii) What property of NADPH allows it to minimize the damaging effect of peroxides? (1 mark)

(iii) In other cells, ribose-5-phosphate formed in the above pathway is used for producing certain
biological molecules. Other than genetic materials, give two examples of such molecules.
(2 marks)

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2010
6. The following table shows the comparison of two vital life processes photosynthesis and aerobic
respiration. Complete the table with suitable words. (5 marks)

Page 142
Photosynthesis VS Respiration
AL 2003
6(a) Both the chloroplast and the mitochondrion are involved in ATP production. In what ways are their
ATP production processes similar to each other and how do they differ? (11 marks)

(b) In plant cells, the processes of carbohydrate formation in photosynthesis and carbohydrate
breakdown in respiration are not the direct reversal of each other
(i) What would be the consequence if these two processes were the direct reversal of each other?
(2 marks)
(ii) How can plant cells ensure that these two processes are not the direct reversal of each other?
(2 marks)

AL 2006
5(a) Both the biochemical pathways of the Krebs cycle and the Calvin cycle involve a cyclic transformation
of metabolites. How do these cycles differ in their occurrence and in the nature of the biochemical
reactions involved? (10 marks)

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Health and Diseases
2002
2(c) The following table shows the number of outbreaks of food poisoning due to different causative
agents in Hong Kong in 2000:

(i) Which period had the greatest number of food poisoning outbreaks due to bacteria?
Suggest why the number of outbreaks was the greatest in this period. (3 marks)

(ii) In some cases of bacterial food poisoning, the patient discharges a large amount of watery faeces.
Explain why this condition may be fatal. (1 mark)

(iii) Another kind of food poisoning is caused by the consumption of shellfish (e.g. oysters, clams) which
contain a high level of a harmful substance. This substance is actually produced in very small
quantities by certain marine microscopic algae.

(1) With reference to the table above, into which type of causative agent would you classify this
harmful substance? (1 mark)

(2) Explain why shellfish contain such a high level of this harmful substance. (3 marks)

(iv) The following is taken from a pamphlet on the guidelines for lunch box suppliers to Hong Kong schools:

Explain why points 1 and 3 are crucial in ensuring that food in the lunch boxes is safe to eat.
(2 marks)

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2003 [VERY TYPICAL QUESTION ABOUT HIR !! Memorize the answer if necessary]
4(c) Cholera is a human disease caused by a type of bacteria. It is transmitted through contaminated
water and food. A vaccine against this disease is made up of killed cholera bacteria. To study the
effectiveness of the vaccine, a mouse was first injected with the vaccine and then with live cholera
bacteria 20 days later. During the study, the mouse showed no sign of cholera. The changes in the
antibody level in the plasma of the mouse are shown in the graph below:

(i) Explain the rise in the antibody level between day 5 and day 7. (2 marks)

(ii) State two differences between the patterns of antibody production as induced by the two injections.
Suggest an explanation for such differences. (5 marks)

(iii) People may be infected with cholera through eating contaminated seafood. Besides vaccination,
suggest two ways to reduce the risk of cholera infection through eating seafood. (2 marks)

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2004
1(c) SARS suddenly emerged in Hong Kong in 2003.

(iii) One method to confirm whether a patient is infected with SARS virus is to test for the presence of
antibodies against the virus in the patient’s blood. Explain why these antibodies will be produced by
a SARS patient. (2 marks)

(iv) Suggest a method that can help the body develop immunity against SARS. Explain how the immunity
is developed. (4 marks)

2012 PP
1. For each of the infectious diseases listed in Column 1, select one of the methods listed in Column 2
that helps to protect people from contracting the disease, Put the appropriate letter in the space
provided. (2 marks)

Page 146
2009
6. Dengue fever is an acute viral disease. Prevention of this disease mainly depends on controlling the
mosquito population. Since 2000, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has
been monitoring the mosquito population in Hong Kong. The graph below shows the monthly
mosquito population in a certain district and the monthly mean temperature in 2007.

(a) Suggest why the mosquito population is related to the incidence of dengue fever. (1 mark)

(b) Based on the information from the graph, suggest how temperature may affect the breeding of
mosquitoes. (2 marks)

(c) The risk of the spreading of dengue fever is graded by the FEHD as high when the mosquito
population is 20 arbitrary units or above. The FEHD will conduct special operations to eliminate
potential breeding places for mosquitoes.

(i) In which months were special operations conducted in 2007? (1 mark)

(ii) The Hong Kong Observatory has, estimated that the annual average temperature in Hong Kong
will increase in the coming decades. Predict how this will affect the transmission of dengue fever.
Justify your answer. (3 marks)

(iii) If the mosquito population in the district you live is reported to be above 20 arbitrary units,
suggest one way to protect yourself from contracting dengue fever. (1 mark)

8
Page 147
2010
4. A fitness consultant wanted to study the effect of exercise on reducing the chances of a heart attack.
Overweight people were invited to take part in the study. They were divided into two groups, 1 and 2.
People in group 1 carried out aerobic exercise for 10 weeks while those in group 2 did not take part
in the exercise programme. The heart rate, blood fat content and blood pressure of the participants
were measured before and shortly after the exercise programme. The table below shows the results
of this study.

(a) Based on the purpose of this study, suggest why overweight people were invited to join the study.
(1 mark)

(b) Why was group 2 included in this study? (1 mark)

(c) To make the results of the two groups comparable, how should overweight people be put into groups
1 and 2? (2 marks)

(d) Find the percentage reduction in mean heart rate of

(i) group 1. (1 mark)
(ii) group 2. (1 mark)

(e) From the results of the study, the fitness consultant concluded that exercise was effective in reducing
the chances of a heart attack for all people. Suggest two reasons why this conclusion was questioned
by some scientists. (2 marks)

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2010
8(a) Influenza is a common disease caused by viruses. The Centre for Health Protection of Hong Kong
states, “Influenza vaccination is important because it is one of the effective ways in preventing this
disease.”

(i) Explain how vaccination can help to prevent influenza. (4 marks)

(ii) Suggest why elderly people are recommended to receive influenza vaccination. (1 mark)

(iii) It is known that smoking can inhibit the beating of cilia in the respiratory tract.
Suggest how smoking may result in a higher chance of influenza infection. (2 marks)

(iv) Influenza viruses undergo mutation easily. Explain why this characteristic of viruses makes the control
of influenza more difficult. ***** (2 marks)

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2011
3. Figure 1 shows the external structure of a human heart. Blood vessel X branches out from the aorta,
Figure 2 shows the cross-sections of the blood vessel X of two men4 A and B (shown in the same
magnification).

(a) Based an the conditions of blood vessel X of the two men shown in Figure 2, explain why man B has
a greater chance of having a heart attack than man A during vigorous exercise. (3 marks)

(b) Both blood vessel X in the human heart and the xylem vessel in a flowering plant are responsible for
transporting materials. Complete the following table to show the differences between blood vessel X
and the xylem vessel. (3 marks)

Page 150
Page 151
2012 PP
6. A test was carried out to investigate the effects of four antibiotics against a species of bacteria isolated
from a patient. The bacteria were inoculated on the surface of an agar plate. Four filter-paper discs
(each with a diameter of 5 mm) soaked with different antibiotics A, B, C and D were placed on the
surface of the agar. The agar plate was then incubated to allow the growth of the bacteria, If bacterial
growth is inhibited by an antibiotic, a clear zone surrounding the filter-paper disc soaked with the
antibiotic will be observed after 24 hours. The results of the test are shown below:

The following table shows the diameter of the clear zone measured in each of the filter-paper discs;

(a) Explain why the agar plate should be incubated at 37°C. (1 mark)

(b) (i) Based on the results, arrange the four antibiotics in descending order of effectiveness at
inhibiting bacterial growth. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain your reasoning in determining the order in (i). (3 marks)

(c) Antibiotic B has been commonly used. It was the most effective antibiotic against the same bacteria
a few years ago. Explain the result of antibiotic B in this test, (4 marks)

9 Page 152
2012 PP
7. Mr. Chan has been a smoker for more than 25 years. He has excessive rapid breathing and
experiences chest pain during vigorous exercise. When consulting the doctor, he was advised to
undertake an imaging of his heart for diagnosis. The image taken is shown below:

(a) (i) Identify artery X. (1 mark)

(ii) Based on the condition shown in the above image, explain why Mr. Chan may suffer from a heart
attack during vigorous exercise. (3 marks)

(b) The doctor advised Mr. Chari to quit smoking and to adopt a low-fat diet. With reference to Mr. Chan’s
health condition, give a reason for each piece of advice. (2 marks)
(i) Quitting smoking
(ii) Adopting a low-fat diet

6 Page 153
Basic Genetics (CE + AL)
(1) CE Genetics (Monohybrid cross, deduction, types and sources of variation)
2000
2c
(iii) The colour of the pea pod (fruit) is controlled by a pair of alleles. The scientist first crossed a pea plant
homozygous for green pods with another pea plant homozygous for yellow pods to produce the first
filial generation (F1). She then allowed the F1l plants to self-pollinate to produce the second filial
generation (F2). The results of the crosses are summarized in the table below:

(1) What can you conclude from the result of the first cross? (1 mark)

(2) Use a genetic diagram to show how the pod colours of the F2 plants were inherited from the
F1 plants. (5 marks)

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2001
3(a) The following table shows the information about some of the characteristics of 20 students in a class:

(i) (1) Draw a bar chart to show the distribution of students with different blood groups. (3 marks)

(2) What type of variation does blood group show? (1 mark)

(ii) In humans, the ability to roll the tongue is determined by a pair of alleles. Students 1 and 2 are sisters.
Both of their parents are tongue rollers. Deduce, with reasons, whether the allele for tongue rolling is
dominant or recessive. (Marks will not be awarded to genetic diagrams.) (5 marks)

(iii) Student 19 and 20 are twin brothers. Are they identical or non-identical twins?
Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)

Page 155
2003
2(a) Individuals of a certain type of plant produce either purple or white flowers. The flower colour is
controlled by a pair of alleles. A gardener carried Out two crosses with this type of plant and the results
are shown below:

(i) Based on cross 1, deduce the dominant flower colour. Explain your deduction. (5 marks)
(Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams.)

(ii) Use symbols to show the possible genotypes of the parents in cross 2. Define the symbols you use.
(3 marks)

(iii) If the purple-flower parent in cross 2 was self-pollinated (i.e. the stigma receives pollen grains from
the same plant) and a large number of offspring was produced, predict the phenotypes of the offspring
and their ratio. (3 marks)

Page 156
2005
2. Complete the following paragraph with suitable words selected from the list below:

Page 157
2007
5. The shape of the human little finger can. be straight or bent. The photograph below shows a hand
with a bent little finger:

The inheritance of the shape of the little finger is controlled by a pair of alleles. The following pedigree
shows the inheritance of this trait in a family:

(a) After studying the pedigree, a student could not determine which little finger shape is dominant.
However, he drew the following conclusion.

‘Either individual 1 or individual 2 must be heterozygous.’

Do you agree with this conclusion? Explain your answer with reference to the role of gametes in
inheritance. (3 marks)

(b) Provided that the allele for the bent little fingers is dominant, deduce the possible genotype(s) of
individual 4. (4 marks)
(Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams.)

(c) Individuals 5 and 6 are going to have another child. What is the probability of their second child having
straight little fingers? Illustrate your answer with a genetic diagram. (5 marks)

Page 158
(2) AL Genetics (Dihybrid cross, deduction, multiple alleles, sex-linkage)
School test
1. Colour-blindness is caused by an X-linked recessive allele.
(a) Deduce the phenotype of the father who has a colour-blind daughter. (4 marks)

(b) Deduce the phenotype of the mother who has a normal son. (4 marks)

School test
2. In a type of plant, the flower colour and the petal shape are controlled by genes located on different
homologous chromosomes.
Allele P for purple flower is dominant to allele p for red flower and allele R for long petal is dominant
to allele r for round petal

(a) A plant that is heterozygous for both flower colour and petal shape is crossed with another plant that
is homozygous for having red flower and heterozygous for petal shape.

What is the probability of their offsprings to have purple flower and round petal?
Explain with the help of a genetic diagram. (6 marks)

(b) Account for the presence of FOUR phenotypes in the offsprings using Mendel’s law of inheritance.
[HKDSE 2012 modified] (4 marks)
(Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams)

Page 159
2009
3(a) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited disorder. People with G6PD
deficiency will experience a massive destruction of red blood cells when exposed to certain drugs.
It is known that G6PD deficiency is controlled by a pair of alleles. The pedigree below shows the
inheritance of this trait in a family:

(i) Provided that the allele causing G6PD deficiency is recessive, deduce the possible genotype(s)
of individual 7. (Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams.) (4 marks)

(ii) Individuals 6 and 7 are going to have another child. What is the probability of their second child
having G6PD deficiency? (1 mark)

(iii) Is the blood of individual 6 suitable for use in blood transfusion? Justify your answer.
(1 mark)

(b) Aged red blood cells are destroyed in the liver. What is the fate of the haemoglobin after the red blood
cells are destroyed? (2 marks)

8 Page 160
2012 PP
9. A couple (A and B) does not have any family history of Down syndrome, but the female (B) has a
family history of colour blindness. The two daughters of this couple do not have colour blindness, but
one of them (C) has Down syndrome. The son (B) has colour blindness. The pedigree of this family
is shown in the following diagram:

(a) Normal people have 23 pairs of chromosomes in the cell nucleus, but people with Down syndrome
have an extra chromosome in the 2l pair of chromosomes. Explain how this couple could give birth
to a Down syndrome child (C). (2
marks)

(b) (i) In humans, colour blindness is a sex-linked trait. Based on the above pedigree, deduce the
genotype of the mother (B) with respect to colour vision.
(Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams.) (5 marks)

(ii) F is a carrier of the colour blindness allele. With the aid of a genetic diagram, find the probability
of E and F giving birth to a colour-blind daughter. (5 marks)

Page 161
12
2006
8(b) Diagram 1 below shows the result of meiotic cell division in gamete formation in humans:
(Note: Only one pair of homologous chromosomes is shown.)

(i) Based on Diagram 1, give two features that are characteristic of meiotic cell division. (2 marks)

(ii) Sometimes, an abnormality occurs during meiotic cell division in gamete formation in humans.
Diagram 2 below shows the abnormality concerning a pair of homologous chromosomes:

(1) Distinguish between type A and type B gametes. (1 mark)

(2) Name a genetic disorder that will develop if a type A egg is fertilized successfully by a normal
sperm. (1 mark)

Page 162
(3) This type of abnormality in cell division may occur in the sex chromosomes.
The type B eggs may fertilize with normal sperms to form zygotes with different genotypes as
shown in Diagram 3 below:
(Note: Only the sex chromosome is shown.)

***** Suggest why zygotes with XO genotype may develop into an individual but not. (3 marks)

7 Page 163
2011
6. Although leopards and black panthers were once regarded as different species, some scientists
discovered that they are, in fact, of the same species. Their difference in coat patterns, spotted coat
and black coat, is due to one pair of alleles.
In a breeding programme, a leopard and a black panther which are both homozygous for their coat
patterns, were allowed to interbreed. The diagram below shows the breeding programme and the
results:

(a) Based on the breeding results, a student suggested : “The allele for the black coat is dominant.”
Do you agree with him? Explain your answer with reference to the above breeding. (4 marks)
(Marks will not be awarded for genetic diagrams.)

(b) With reference to the above breeding, explain why leopards and black panthers are now classified
as the same species. (1 mark)

(c) The number of black panthers in the wild is decreasing. Some people suggest solving this problem
by ‘conservation breeding’ — breeding black panthers in conservation centres and reintroducing them
to the wild when they have reached adulthood,

(i) Some people think that ‘conservation breeding’ would have little help in increasing the number
of black panthers in the wild. Suggest one argument to support this view. (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest another means of conserving black panthers. (1 mark)

Page 164
(2) AL Genetics (Dihybrid cross, deduction, multiple alleles, sex-linkage)

2006
6. A man of blood group A married a woman of blood group B. They have a son and a daughter. The
blood group of the son is O.

(a) What is / are the possible blood group(s) of the daughter? Use a genetic diagram to show how you
arrive at your answer. (4 marks)
A B
(Use I , I and i to represent the three alleles that determine the ABO blood groups in humans.)

(b) Explain whether the son can receive blood transfusion from his father. (3 marks)

2001
3(a) Contrast the genetic control of ABO blood group and that of red-green colour blindness in humans.
(5 marks)
(b) When a man, Tom, of blood group A marries a woman, May, of blood group O, deduce the chances
that a child of blood group A would be born to this couple. Use genetic diagram(s) to show your
deduction. (7 marks)

Page 165
AL 2009
6. The table below lists some significant historical developments in the knowledge of heredity.

(a) Using modern terms of genetics, state the type of variation corresponding to the ideas held by most
scientists in 1850s and Mendel. (2 marks)

(b) Based on his findings, Mendel proposed some postulates regarding the inheritance of characteristics.
However, his postulates were ignored by the scientific community of his time. These postulates were
given more attention several decades later as a result of Sutton’s observation.

(i) Complete the table below to show how the changes of chromosomes during gamete formation
correlate with Mendel’s postulates on inheritance. (3 marks)

(ii) How did Sutton’s observation contribute to Mendel’s postulates? (1 mark)

(c) Suggest one of the technological advancements between 1865 and 1902 that enabled Sutton to
observe chromosomes during gamete formation. (1 mark)

Page 166
Molecular Genetics (AL)
2003 AL
3. Crops that are drought resistant are economically desirable because they can survive well in
environments that have a limited water supply, whereas crops that are drought sensitive cannot.
Drought-resistant crops can produce a metabolite that can adjust the osmotic potential of the cell sap
in the root.

(b) In the drought-resistant plant, a gene encodes a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of this
metabolite. The nucleotide sequences of the drought-sensitive allele S and drought-resistant allele R
are:
S : ATAAGCATGACATTA
R : ATAAGCAAGACATTA

(i) What is the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA for S? (2 marks)

(ii) Using the universal codon table on the opposite page, determine the amino acid sequence
encoded by allele S. (2 marks)
(iii) How is allele R different from S? What difference would this make to the translated product?
(3 marks)

Page 167
(c) Conventional breeding work is carried out to obtain a drought-resistant and high-grain-yield crop that
is stable (i.e. homozygous). The following flow chart outlines the breeding procedure:
(N.B. It is known that the allele for drought resistance is dominant over the allele for drought sensitivity.
Grain yield is a polygenic trait.)

(i) Both parental crops bear bisexual flowers. Briefly describe the methods that can be used to
prevent self pollination and to ensure cross pollination between the two parental crops.
(4 marks)

(ii) Using a flow chart show the sequence of selection processes and kind(s) of crosses to complete
the above breeding procedure. In your flow chart, indicate the method you would use to select
plants that are drought-resistant. (5 marks)

7
Page 168
2006 AL
2. DNA controls various metabolic processes in our body through encoding different types of proteins
synthesized in the cells,

(a) The diagram below shows the process of transcription of a DNA strand, which encodes part of a
polypeptide:

(i) According to the DNA sequence shown, deduce the mRNA produced. (1 mark)

(ii) Describe the process by which the mRNA obtained directs the synthesis of the polypeptide part.
(5 marks)

AL 2009
7. In a bacterial genome, cytosine contributes to 28% of the total number of nitrogenous bases in its
double-stranded DNA.

(a) What is the percentage of guanine in this DNA? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
(b) Calculate the percentage of adenine in this DNA. (2 marks)
(c) How much uracil can be found in this DNA? (1 mark)

Page 169
Evolution (CE + AL)
2005
10b Peter moved to a small island ten years ago. He found that there were a lot of mosquitoes, so he
sprayed the area around his house with a certain kind of insecticides. The mosquito population
dropped rapidly, but rose again after several months. He then sprayed the same insecticide to kill the
mosquitoes and this was repeated whenever there was a rise in the mosquito population. However,
Peter has found that the insecticide has become less and less effective in recent years.

(i) Explain why the mosquito population rose again after a large number of them were killed by the
insecticide. (2 marks)

(ii) In the same population, the mosquitoes may show different degrees of resistance to the insecticide.
Explain two genetic causes that may lead to this variation among the mosquitoes. (4 marks)

(iii) Using the theory of natural selection, explain why the insecticide has become less and less effective
in killing the mosquitoes. (4 marks)

10
Page 170
2007
7(b) Antibiotic is a drug commonly used to treat bacterial infections. In recent years, there have been more
reported cases of resistant forms of bacteria strains found in hospitals. The graph below shows the
percentage of the resistant form in a particular bacterial population and the amount of antibiotics used
in one particular hospital each year from 1995 to 2004:

(i) Explain why the increased amount of antibiotics used will lead to the rise in the percentage of the
resistant form in the bacterial population. (4 marks)

(ii) Some patients in hospitals will have a higher death rate if infected with resistant forms of bacteria.
Suggest one group of these patients and give an explanation. (2 marks)

(iii) If you were a doctor, suggest two practices that you could adopt to slow down the rise of the resistant
forms of bacteria. (2 marks)

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Scientific Inquiry
These questions usually involve famous HISTORICAL INVESTIGATIONS for a particular topic.

Instead of the biological content knowledge, these questions focus on:

0. Absorb and assimilate new information given by the question
1. Understanding experimental design (e.g. indep / dep / controlled variable, control set-up)
2. Analyzing experimental results
3. Making deductions based on experimental results (instead of existing biological knowledge)
4. Drawing conclusions based on experimental results
5. Discussing possible errors and limitations of experiments
6. Designing new experiments to test hypothesis

To perform well in these questions, you should always:

1. Immerse yourself into the corresponding era. IMAGINE you are that scientist AT THAT ERA.
Think about what’s known / NOT YET known at that time. Sometimes, what the scientists believe at
that time may be wrong, and the investigation lead to new insights.
2. Identify the AIM / HYPOTHESIS of the investigation.
In particular, think about the QUESTIONS in the scientists’ mind AT THAT TIME.
3. RE-ORGANIZE the given information, using diagrams / flow-charts / concept maps / …..
4. When you analyze the data, think about how the analysis MATCH / DOES NOT MATCH modern
biological knowledge. This further helps you to understand why the scientist performed the
investigation.
5. Mind your wordings and tone in your answer. Make deductions based on experimental results
RATHER THAN explaining them based on modern knowledge.
Common answer pattern include :
“The data shows that ….(analysis)… . It indicates that ….(deductions)….”
6. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
When doing past papers, REFLECT on your analysis process after each question.
RE-CONSTRUCT the scenario and match with modern knowledge after each question.

SKILLS in designing new experiments

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2008
6. Ginger milk curd (薑汁撞奶) is a Chinese dessert. Below is a recipe of this dessert.

Having studied the recipe, a science student, Kelvin, conducted an investigation on the making of
ginger milk curd. He followed the steps in the recipe with the use of raw ginger juice for one setup
and boiled ginger juice for another setup. The results are shown below:

(a) With reference to the treatment used by Kelvin, what do you think is his hypothesis about the
coagulation of milk in making ginger milk curd? (1 mark)

(b) What is the principle behind the design of this investigation? (3 marks)

(c) Kelvin then carried out another investigation on the effect of temperature on milk coagulation by
cooling the boiled milk to different temperatures before mixing it with ginger juice. He found that milk
coagulation only occurs at around 65oC. After that, he would like to test if boiling of milk is necessary.
Suggest the procedures he would have to carry out in this test. (2 marks)

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2005
3. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

(a) If gastric ulcer is caused by excessive secretion of acid, what kind of chemicals should be used for
treatment? (1 mark)

(b) Many doctors were surprised at Marshall’s observation because they thought that bacteria could not
survive in the stomach. Why did they think so? (1 mark)

(c) With reference to the treatment used by Marshall, what do you think is his hypothesis about gastric
ulcer? (1 mark)

(d) Suggest a method to test Marshall’s hypothesis. What result would be obtained if his hypothesis is
correct? (2 marks)

(e) Explain the importance of the churning action of the stomach in the digestion of food. (3 marks)

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2006
9(b) In 1890, a German scientist named Eduard Strasburger conducted an experiment to study the
transport of water in plants. He cut the stem of a woody plant and immersed the cut end in a poisonous
solution. Upon contact, the poisonous solution killed all living cells in its way.

(i) Strasburger found that the plant continued to take up 30 litres of solution and transport the solution
up to a height of 20 metres in two weeks. Based on his findings, what conclusion can you draw
regarding the cells involved in water transport? (1 mark)

(ii) Based on present day knowledge of the mechanism of water transport in plants, explain why the
treated plant can continue to transport the solution up the stem. (3 marks)

(iii) Describe how you would carry out an investigation with a small dicotyledonous plant that allows you
to identify the cell type for water transport. (3 marks)

(iv) Explain why the cut stem of the woody plant can remain upright even after the cells had been killed
by the poisonous solution. (2 marks)

COMMENT 2006 Q9b

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2003
4(a) In the 17th century, a Dutch scientist, van Helmont, wanted to test the following hypothesis The soil
is the main source of food for plant growth. He grew a young willow plant in a known mass of soil for
five years. In this period, he only supplied the plant with water. His investigation is summarized in the
diagram below

(i) Calculate the change in mass of the dry soil and that of the plant in these five years. (1 mark)

(ii) Based on the results obtained in (i), what conclusion can you draw with reference to the above
hypothesis ? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

(iii) Explain why it is important to put a cover on the pot in this investigation. (2 marks)

(iv) At van Helmont’s time, people did not know that carbon dioxide in the air is also needed by plants for
making food.

(1) You are provided with a destarched potted plant. Draw a labelled diagram of an experimental
set-up which can be used to show that carbon dioxide is necessary for the plant to make food.
(3 marks)

(2) What is the purpose of destarching the plant before the experiment? Slate how you would
destarch the plant. (2 marks)

Follow-up:
(v) Account for the difference between the two values in (i). (5 marks)

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2012 PP
10c) When wheat grains are sown on a piece of farmland which has been frequently sprayed with a
pesticide X, the germination rate is poor. Design an experiment to investigate whether pesticide X
affects germination of the wheat grains. (4 marks)
[IMPORTANT SKILL : EXP DESIGN]

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2009
10b Scientists have proposed two hypotheses to explain why a greater amount of auxins is found in the
shaded side than the lighted side when a coleoptile is illuminated with unilateral light.

Hypothesis A : Light destroys auxins in the lighted side of the plant

Hypothesis B : Auxins move from the lighted side to the shaded side of the plant

(i) A scientist performed an experiment to test Hypothesis A. He used agar blocks to collect auxins from
coleoptile tips under different conditions. Then he placed each agar block on one side of a decapitated
coleoptile. The set-up was kept in darkness for two days. He then measured the degree of bending
of the coleoptile. The diagram below shows his experimental set-ups and the results:

(1) State the dependent variable in the above experiment. (1 mark)

(2) Do the results of the above experiment support Hypothesis A? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

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(ii) The scientist performed another experiment to test Hypothesis B. The diagram below shows his
experimental set-ups and the results:

(1) What is the purpose of inserting a glass plate into the coleoptile and agar block in the way shown in
Experimental set-up III? (1 mark)

(2) If Hypothesis B is correct, explain the results obtained from Experimental set-up IV. (4 marks)

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