1

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by a faulty ion channel protein, leading to thick
mucus that blocks ducts and tubes lined with epithelium. In the pancreas, this blocks the
release of digestive enzymes. A researcher is studying how the resulting nutrient
malabsorption affects cellular respiration in intestinal epithelial cells.
Table: Analysis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells in a CF Model
Cell Parameter Cystic Fibrosis Model Healthy Model
Thickness of mucus layer 150 µm 50 µm
Glucose absorption efficiency 30% 95%
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activity Low Normal
Mitochondrial ATP Output Low Normal
Task:
(a) Analyse the sequence of events, from the faulty protein to the thick mucus, and finally to
the reduced ATP output in the intestinal epithelial cells, explaining the role of glucose and
pyruvate dehydrogenase.

(b) Justify a nutritional supplement strategy that could bypass the blocked digestive enzymes
and provide substrates to support the aerobic respiration of the gut epithelium.

2
 In Karamoja, farmers are testing sorghum and amaranthus for drought resistance.
During prolonged dry spells, sorghum stays green and continues growing, while amaranthus
wilts rapidly and shows reduced leaf area.
Scientists recorded data on leaf anatomy, chloroplast density, stomatal behaviour, and
water content of both plants under the same conditions.
Data
Plant Leaf Type Average Leaf Chloroplasts per Average Photosynthetic
Water Mesophyll Cell Stomatal Pathway
Content (%) Opening (μm)
Sorghum Narrow with 80 60 2.0
thick cuticle
Amaranthus Broad with 55 38 4.5
thin cuticle
Reference:

Task:
Using the information provided,
(a) Explain the physiological reasons why sorghum survives better than amaranthus under
drought.

(b) Propose strategies to enhance drought resistance of amaranthus in Karamoja.

3
 During a heatwave, a marathon runner, David, stops sweating and becomes confused and
agitated. His core body temperature is 40.5°C. He is diagnosed with heatstroke. Meanwhile,
his teammate, Lisa, who drank a balanced electrolyte solution throughout the race, finished
strongly with a core temperature of 38.5°C. David's urine is very concentrated and dark
yellow.
Table: Thermoregulatory and Osmoregulatory Responses
Parameter David (Heatstroke) Lisa (Normal)
Core Temperature (°C) 40.5 38.5
Sweat Rate (L/h) 0 (ceased) 1.2
Plasma Osmolarity (mOsm/L) High Normal
Likely ADH Level Very High Moderately High
Skin Blood Flow Reduced Increased
Task:
(a) Explain the homeostatic failure in David's case. Describe how the hypothalamus normally
regulates temperature and how osmoregulation is linked to this process during dehydration.
(b) Justify the emergency treatment for David and a behavioural strategy to prevent
recurrence.

A previously healthy young man develops a severe bacterial infection. His innate immune
system initially controls it, but the infection persists. Blood tests show normal white blood
cell counts but a specific deficiency in the production of antibodies. This leaves him
vulnerable to recurrent infections that most people fight off easily.
Table: Immune Response Analysis
Component Patient Normal Function
Status
Phagocytosis by Normal Engulfs and destroys bacteria (Innate)
Neutrophils
T-cell Count Normal Cell-mediated immunity (Adaptive)
B-cell Count Normal Produces antibodies (Adaptive)
Antibody Levels (IgG, IgA) Very Low Neutralizes pathogens and tags them for
destruction
Tasks:
(a) Distinguish between the roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems in this case,
explaining why the patient can initially control the infection but suffers from recurrences.
(b) Propose strategies that could help protect him from future infections and explain its
mechanism.
TAP THE LINK BELOW FOR THE SCORING/MARKING GUIDE
S.5 A-Level Biology End of Cycle Scoring Guide Set 2, UNEB 2025.

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