DSE

New Senior Secondary

BIO MASTERING BIOLOGY
Mock Exam VIII
(Second Edition)
PAPER 1A

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
HKDSE MOCK EXAM VIII

Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes

This paper must be answered in English

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1 There are TWO sections, A and B, in this Paper. You are advised to finish Section A in about 35 minutes.

2 Section A consists of multiple-choice questions in this question paper. Section B contains conventional
questions printed separately in Question-Answer Book B.

3 Answers to Section A should be marked on the Multiple-choice Answer Sheet while answers to Section B
should be written in the spaces provided in Question-Answer Book B. The Answer Sheet for Section A and
the Question-Answer Book B for Section B will be collected separately at the end of the examination.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION A (MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS)

1 Read carefully the instructions on the Answer Sheet. After the announcement of the start of the examination,
you should first stick a barcode label and insert the information required in the spaces provided. No extra time
will be given for sticking on the barcode label after the ‘Time is up’ announcement.

2 When told to open this book, you should check that all the questions are there. Look for the words ‘END OF
SECTION A’ after the last question.

3 All questions carry equal marks.

4 ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. You are advised to use an HB pencil to mark all the answers on the Answer
Sheet, so that wrong marks can be completely erased with a clean rubber. You must mark the answers clearly;
otherwise you will lose marks if the answers cannot be captured.

5 You should mark only ONE answer for each question. If you mark more than one answer, you will receive
NO MARKS for that question.

6 No marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

Not to be taken away before the

end of the examination session

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -1-
 Oxford University Press 2017
There are 36 questions in this section.

The diagrams in this section are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

1 Which of the following statements about a light microscope are correct?

(1) The coarse adjustment knob is used to get a sharp focus.

(2) The diaphragm regulates the amount of light passing through the condenser.
(3) The body tube holds the eyepiece and the nosepiece.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

2 In an experiment, potato strips of the same size were cut from a potato and immersed in sucrose
solutions of different concentrations for one day. The ratio of final mass to initial mass of each
potato strip was calculated. Which of the following graphs shows the results of the experiment?

A B

C D

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -2-
 Oxford University Press 2017
3 A student performed an experiment to study osmosis. He cut a section of dandelion stem vertically
into four strips. He then put one strip into concentrated salt solution and one strip into distilled
water. The diagram below shows the steps of the experiment.

After 30 minutes, he observed the appearance of the strips. Which of the following shows their
appearance?

Strip in concentrated salt solution Strip in distilled water

A

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -3-
 Oxford University Press 2017
4 P is an enzyme in the human digestive system. An experiment was performed to study the effect of
pH on the activity of P. Equal volumes of P and buffer solutions at different pH were placed on top
of milk agar in four test tubes. The test tubes were then put in a water bath at 37 °C and left for
three hours. The diagram below shows the set-ups of the experiment.

After three hours, clear zones were formed in the cloudy milk agar. The diagram below shows the
results.

Which of the following statements about P is/are correct?

(1) Among the four pH values studied, P works best at pH 2.

(2) P is an amylase.
(3) The site of action of P is the small intestine.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (1) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -4-
 Oxford University Press 2017
5 The graph below shows the time taken for the completion of an enzymatic reaction at different
temperatures.

Which of the following can be deduced from the graph?

A The enzyme is denatured at 10 °C.

B The activity of the enzyme at 20 °C is higher than at 30 °C.
C This enzyme is reusable.
D This enzyme works optimally at about 35 °C.

6 The table below shows the energy content and the amounts of food substances in 100 g of three
different kinds of foods.

Food Energy Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Iron Calcium

(100 g) (kJ) (g) (g) (mg) (mg) (mg)

P 130 2.4 0 0 1.46 1

Q 173 16.6 0 1.7 5.14 102

R 52 0.3 3 4.6 0.12 6

Which of the following correctly identifies foods P, Q and R?

P Q R
A apple soya bean rice
B rice apple soya bean
C rice soya bean apple
D soya bean apple rice

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -5-
 Oxford University Press 2017
7 The table below shows the amounts of food substances in 100 g of four different kinds of foods.

Food (100 g) Vitamin C (mg) Vitamin D (mg) Iron (mg) Calcium (mg)

W 10 0 0.4 7

X 0 6.38 0.4 35

Y 0 0 7.6 30

Z 0.5 0.002 0.1 120

Which of the following foods are best for preventing anaemia?

A W and X
B W and Y
C X and Y
D Y and Z

8 The graph below shows the changes in air pressure in the lungs of a person within a period of time.

Which of the following statements about the events that happen at time P, Q and R are correct?

(1) At P, the volume of the lungs is decreasing.

(2) At Q, the intercostal muscles relax.
(3) At R, the diaphragm becomes flattened.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -6-
 Oxford University Press 2017
9 The photograph below shows a dissected pig heart.

Which of the following statements about structures X, Y and Z is/are correct?

(1) X contracts to pump blood to various parts of the body except the lungs.
(2) Y receives blood from the pulmonary veins.
(3) Z prevents the backflow of blood into the ventricles.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only

10 The graph below shows the changes in blood pressure in the aorta.

Which of the following statements about the conditions of semilunar valves, bicuspid valve and
ventricles at time T is/are correct?

(1) Semilunar valves are open.

(2) The bicuspid valve is closed.
(3) The ventricles are contracting.

A (3) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -7-
 Oxford University Press 2017
11 The graph below shows the rate of carbon dioxide uptake and release of a plant over a 24-hour
period.

Which of the following letters in the graph represents midday?

A P
B Q
C R
D S

12 The diagrams below show the transverse sections of leaves X and Y.

Which of the following statements about leaves X and Y are correct?

(1) The diffusion of gases in leaf X is more effective than that in leaf Y.
(2) If the rates of respiration of the two leaves are similar, the compensation point of leaf X is
lower than that of leaf Y.
(3) More water is lost through the cuticle of leaf X than through the cuticle of leaf Y.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -8-
 Oxford University Press 2017
13 A student performed an experiment to investigate the relative abundance of stomata on both sides
of the leaves of a plant. He picked two similar leaves from the plant, and smeared vaseline on the
upper side of one of them and on the lower side of the other. The two leaves were then hung on a
balance as shown in the diagram below.

After one hour, the arm of the balance tilted to the right. Which of the following statements about
the experiment are correct?

(1) More stomata are present on the lower epidermis of the leaves.
(2) The arm of the balance would tilt further to the right if the experiment is repeated with the
set-up placed in a warmer and drier environment.
(3) The arm of the balance would tilt to the left if the experiment is repeated with the leaves of a
floating plant.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

14 The graph below shows the changes in the amount of genetic material in a mammalian cell which
is undergoing cell division.

Which of the following statements about the events that happen at time P, Q and R are correct?

(1) At P, DNA replicates.

(2) At Q, the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous
chromosomes may occur.
(3) At R, four genetically different daughter cells are formed.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A -9-
 Oxford University Press 2017
15 The photomicrograph below shows the transverse section of a part of a lily flower.

Which of the following statements about structures X and Y is/are correct?

(1) X splits open when Y is ready for dispersal.

(2) Y is the male gamete of the plant.
(3) Y fuses with the female gamete when it lands on the stigma of the same species.

A (1) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

16 The photograph below shows a longitudinal section of a Chaenomeles flower.

Which of the following statements about the fate of structures X, Y and Z after fertilization are
correct?

(1) X withers and falls off.

(2) Y becomes a fruit.
(3) Z becomes an embryo.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 10 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
17 In a surgery, both vas deferens of a man are tied and cut. Which of the following statements about
the man are correct?

(1) The man can still ejaculate.

(2) The man can still produce male sex hormones.
(3) His semen still contains sperms.

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

18 The calendar for May is shown below. The days when menstruation occurred in a woman are
marked with an asterisk (*).

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3* 4*

5* 6* 7* 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31*

Which of the following statements about the menstrual cycle of the woman is/are correct?

(1) The menstrual cycle of the woman lasts 31 days.

(2) The uterine lining started to thicken on 3rd May.
(3) The chance of pregnancy was low if the woman had sexual intercourse on 8th May.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (3) only
D (1) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 11 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
19 The photomicrograph below shows a section of an onion root tip.

Which of the following statements about region X is/are correct?

(1) X contains apical meristem.

(2) The cells in X have small vacuoles in the cytoplasm.
(3) Growth at X increases the length of the plant.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only

20 A student performed an experiment to study the movement of auxins in shoots. The diagram below
shows the set-ups of the experiment.

After 48 hours, the student measured the amounts of auxins in agar blocks P, Q, R and S. Which of
the following statements about the results is/are correct?

(1) The amount of auxins in P was similar to that in Q.

(2) Q contained more auxins than R.
(3) R contained more auxins than S.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 12 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
21 The photograph shows a woman dancing and the diagram shows some muscles of her right leg.

Which muscles in her right leg are contracting?

A P and Q
B P and S
C R and Q
D R and S

22 The electron micrograph below shows part of a cell of an organism.

Which of the following organisms does the cell possibly belong to?

(1) E. coli
(2) Amoeba
(3) Yeast

A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 13 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
23 A student carried out an investigation. He sowed different numbers of seeds of a plant in four
different pots of the same size and left them to germinate and grow for three weeks. The table
below shows the results of the investigation.

Number of seeds sowed in the pot 5 10 15 20

Total mass of the plants in the pot after

58 81 90 79
three weeks (g)

Which of the following is most likely the aim of this investigation?

A To study the effect of competition on the germination of seeds.

B To study the effect of mutualism on the growth of plants.
C To find out the density of seeds at which the plants grow best.
D To find out the amount of nutrients available for the plants at different densities of seeds.

24 Three test tubes containing the same amount of photosynthetic microorganisms were exposed to
flashes of light in a dark room. The lengths of the dark periods between flashes were different for
different tubes, but the total time during which each tube was exposed to light was the same. The
volume of oxygen evolved from the microorganisms in each tube was measured. The table below
shows the results.

Volume of oxygen evolved

Tube Pattern of light exposure
(arbitrary unit)

3 ms in the light → 3 ms in the dark →

X 7
3 ms in the light …

3 ms in the light → 18 ms in the dark →

Y 14
3 ms in the light …

3 ms in the light → 180 ms in the dark →

Z 14
3 ms in the light …

Which of the following statements about photosynthesis that occurred in the tubes is/are correct?

(1) The photochemical reactions occurred much faster than the Calvin cycle.
(2) If the intensity of light shining on tube X was increased, the volume of oxygen evolved from
the microorganisms in tube X would increase.
(3) In tube Y, all the NADPH and ATP produced in the photochemical reactions were used up in
the Calvin cycle.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (2) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 14 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
25 The graph below shows the rate of photosynthesis of a plant under different environmental
conditions.

Under which of the following conditions is carbon dioxide concentration limiting the rate of
photosynthesis?

(1) Light intensity of 0.5 arbitrary units, 0.04% carbon dioxide, 15 °C

(2) Light intensity of 3 arbitrary units, 0.04% carbon dioxide, 15 °C
(3) Light intensity of 3 arbitrary units, 0.2% carbon dioxide, 15 °C

A (2) only
B (3) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (2) and (3) only

26 A student carried out an experiment using mitochondria freshly isolated from mammalian muscle
cells. He set up a test tube using mitochondria, pyruvate, ADP and phosphate. Oxygen was pumped
into the tube throughout the experiment. He found that ATP was produced in the tube. Which of the
following about the experiment is/are correct?

(1) Carbon dioxide was evolved from the tube.

(2) No ATP would be produced if no oxygen was supplied to the tube.
(3) More ATP would be produced if glucose was used instead of pyruvate.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (1) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 15 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
27 The inner membrane of mitochondria is highly folded to provide a large surface area to pack more
enzymes. These enzymes include those which catalyse

A the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.

B the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.
C the conversion of ATP to ADP.
D the conversion of NADH to NAD.

Directions: Questions 28 and 29 refer to the diagram below, which shows the results of an
investigation on the effectiveness of two antibiotics on treating a disease caused by a
bacterium.

28 Which of the following is the dependent variable of the investigation?

A diameter of the clear zone

B the type of bacterium
C the type of antibiotic
D the concentration of antibiotic

29 Which of the following can be done to increase the reliability of the results?

A Put a paper disc which is soaked with distilled water onto the agar plate.
B Set up another agar plate which is not spread with bacteria.
C Set up another agar plate which is spread with a different type of bacteria.
D Set up another agar plate which is identical to the one shown in the diagram.

30 Which of the following diseases can be prevented by regular exercise?

(1) night blindness

(2) coronary heart disease
(3) type 2 diabetes

A (2) only
B (3) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (2) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 16 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
31 When babies are born, high levels of antibodies are present in their blood, which can protect them
from diseases for several weeks. Which of the following statements about this type of immunity
is/are correct?

(1) The immunity is acquired when pathogens in the mothers’ body enter the babies’ blood
through the placenta.
(2) This is an example of active immunity because the antibodies are produced by lymphocytes.
(3) No memory cells are produced in the babies’ body when the immunity is acquired.

A (2) only
B (3) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (1) and (3) only

14
32 N and 15N are two isotopes of nitrogen. When DNA molecules containing the lighter isotope 14N
are centrifuged with a separating solution, the DNA molecules will settle at a certain position in the
centrifuged tube. When DNA molecules containing the heavier isotope 15N are centrifuged instead,
the DNA molecules will settle at a lower position due to their higher mass.

Scientists grew some cells in a medium containing 15N for some time and then transferred them to a
medium containing 14N. After the cells underwent one cell cycle in the 14N medium, DNA
molecules were extracted from the cells and centrifuged with the separating solution. Which of the
following diagrams shows the position(s) where the DNA molecules settled after centrifugation?

A B C D

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 17 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
33 The sex of fruit flies is determined by a pair of sex chromosomes. Male fruit flies have one X
chromosome and one Y chromosome, while female fruit flies have two X chromosomes. The eye
colour of fruit flies is controlled by a pair of alleles. The table below shows the results of three
crosses.

Parents Offspring
Cross
Male Female Male Female

78 red eyes, 160 red eyes

I Red eyes Red eyes
79 white eyes

II Red eyes White eyes 158 white eyes 160 red eyes

III White eyes Red eyes 162 red eyes 162 red eyes

Which of the following can be used to deduce whether the gene controlling eye colour is sex-
linked?

(1) All the offspring having white eyes are males in cross I.
(2) All the female offspring have red eyes in cross II.
(3) All the offspring have red eyes in cross III.

A (1) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)

34 Scientists compared the amino acid sequence of a protein in three species and found that most of
the amino acids in the proteins were identical except the amino acids at three positions. The amino
acids at these three positions in the proteins of the three species are shown below.

Chimpanzee … - Threonine - … - Arginine - … - Proline - ….

Gorilla … - Threonine - … - Lysine - … - Proline - ….

Orangutan … - Lysine - … - Arginine - … - Glutamine - ….

Which of the following can be deduced from the above information?

(1) Both gorillas and orangutans have evolved from chimpanzees.

(2) Chimpanzees have a closer phylogenetic relationship with gorillas than with orangutans.
(3) Orangutans appeared on the earth far earlier than chimpanzees and gorillas.

A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (2) and (3) only

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 18 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
35 In human cells, a tRNA molecule carrying the amino acid arginine has an anticodon GCG. Which
of the following statements about the anticodon GCG is correct?

A All the tRNA molecules carrying arginine in human cells have the anticodon GCG.
B It pairs with bases on the coding strand of DNA during translation.
C The corresponding base sequence on the template strand of DNA is GCG.
D In other organisms, anticodon GCG specifies for other amino acids.

36 The mean beak size of a species of bird on an isolated island increased after a drought. The beak
size of the birds determines the types of seeds they can eat. Which of the following is most likely
an explanation for the change in the mean beak size of the birds?

A The environmental change induced mutations in the population.

B The environmental change affected the development of phenotypes of individuals.
C Individuals with a larger beak had a higher chance to reproduce.
D Individuals developed a larger beak to adapt for the environmental change and passed this
characteristic on to their offspring.

– END OF SECTION A –

Go on to Question-Answer Book B for questions on Section B

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 19 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section A - 20 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 DSE
BIO
Mock Exam VIII
B Please stick the barcode label here.

PAPER 1B

New Senior Secondary

Candidate Number
MASTERING BIOLOGY
(Second Edition)

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
HKDSE MOCK EXAM VIII

SECTION B: Question-Answer Book B

This paper must be answered in English

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION B

1 After the announcement of the start of the examination, you

should first write your Candidate Number in the space
provided on Page 21 and stick barcode labels in the spaces
provided on Pages 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 and 39.

2 Refer to the general instructions on the cover of the Question

Paper for Section A.

3 Answer ALL questions.

4 Write your answers in the spaces provided in this Question-

Answer Book. Do not write in the margins. Answers written in
the margins will not be marked.

5 Supplementary answer sheets will be supplied on request.

Write your Candidate Number, mark the question number box
and stick a barcode label on each sheet, and fasten them with
string INSIDE this Question-Answer Book.

6 Present your answers in paragraphs wherever appropriate.

7 The diagrams in this section are NOT necessarily drawn to

scale.

8 No extra time will be given to candidates for sticking on the

barcode labels or filling in the question number boxes after the
‘Time is up’ announcement.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 21 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 SECTION B
Answer ALL questions. Put your answers in the spaces provided.

1 For each structure of the human breathing system listed in column 1, select from column 2
one statement that matches it. Put the appropriate letter in the space provided. (3 marks)

Column 1 Column 2

Epiglottis ________ A It vibrates to produce sound.

B It is where the respiratory tract and the alimentary

canal meet.
Vocal cord ________ C It prevents the trachea from collapsing.
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

D It is lined with ciliated epithelial cells.

Pharynx ________ E It covers the opening of the larynx during swallowing.

2 The photograph below shows some tomatoes.

a From which floral parts did structures X and Y develop? (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 22 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

b With reference to the photograph, suggest how the seeds in tomatoes are dispersed.
(2 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

3 The photographs below show two plant species, P and Q. They belong to different plant
groups.

a A student said, ‘Q cannot grow as tall as P’. Based on one structural difference between
P and Q, explain why the student’s statement is correct. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 23 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 b Sketch in the space below the transverse section of a young stem of P. Label the
structure that contributes most to the support of the plant. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 24 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

4 The electron micrograph below shows some sub-cellular structures in cell P.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

The table below shows the total membrane surface areas of the cell membrane, X and Y in
cell P and a liver cell expressed as percentages of the total membrane surface areas of the
cells.

Percentage of total membrane surface area (%)

Sub-cellular structure
Cell P Liver cell

Cell membrane 5 2

X 60 35

Y 21 39

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 25 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 a Cell P is a eukaryotic cell. With reference to the electron micrograph, state one feature
of cell P which can be found in eukaryotic cells only. (1 mark)

b Is cell P likely to be a pancreatic cell? Give one piece of evidence from the table to
support your answer. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

c The high percentage of total membrane surface area of Y in the liver cell indicates that
the cell has a large amount of Y. Explain the importance of the large amount of Y to the
function of the liver cell. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 26 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

5 The child of a normal couple is diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a genetic
disease controlled by a pair of alleles. People having this disease cannot produce functional
phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of phenylalanine. The
increased level of phenylalanine in the blood of the patients may cause damage to their brain.
The disease can be controlled by limiting phenylalanine intake in diet.

a With reference to the information above, deduce whether PKU is a dominant genetic
disease or a recessive genetic disease. Explain how you arrive at your answer without
using a genetic diagram. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

b It is known that people carrying an allele for PKU are more resistant to a toxin which is
produced by a mould commonly found in Europe. The toxin can cause death of foetuses
if it is ingested by pregnant women. Suggest how the mould may have caused the higher
prevalence of PKU in Europe. (3 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 27 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 6 A farmer grows crops in a greenhouse. He is finding ways to increase the yield of his crops.

a Nitrates are important for the growth of crops. Someone suggests that the farmer should
plough the soil, which can help maintain the nitrate content of the soil. Explain how
ploughing helps maintain the nitrate content of the soil. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

b Someone suggests that the farmer should adjust the temperature in the greenhouse. The
graph below shows the rate of photosynthesis and rate of respiration of his crops at
different temperatures when the light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration are at
the same levels as those in his greenhouse.

respiration

rate of photosynthesis
photosynthesis
or respiration
(arbitrary unit)

0 10 20 30 40
temperature (°C)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 28 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

With reference to the graph, suggest which temperature should be maintained in the
greenhouse in order to maximize the yield of crops. Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 29 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 7 Gastroparesis and cystic fibrosis are two diseases that affect the digestive system of humans.
Patients with gastroparesis or cystic fibrosis have problems in digesting food.

a Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in the stomach cannot contract

normally. Patients with gastroparesis always feel full after eating only a small amount of
food. They may even vomit undigested food after a meal. In serious cases, patients may
suffer from malnutrition.

i Describe how the muscles in the stomach are involved in food digestion and
releasing food into the duodenum in a healthy person. (2 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

ii Suggest why patients with gastroparesis may suffer from malnutrition. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 30 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

b Cystic fibrosis is a condition in which the body produces an excess amount of thick
mucus. Thick mucus may block the pancreatic duct, causing digestion problems.

i Suggest how the blockage of the pancreatic duct affects the digestion of food.
(2 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

ii Patients with cystic fibrosis are suggested to take pills as shown in the photograph
below.

After the pills are taken into the body, the capsules do not dissolve until the pills
have passed through the stomach. Suggest why this is important for the function of
the digestive enzymes inside. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 31 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 8 A student carried out an experiment to study the changes during seed germination. He put
some seeds in moist cotton wool and left them to germinate in the dark. He then collected
10 seedlings every day and measured the dry masses of different parts of the seedlings and the
whole seedlings. The graph below shows the results for the first five days.

Key:
250
whole seedling
cotyledon
200 radicle and
plumule
mean dry mass (g)

150
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

100

50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
time (day)

a Suggest how the student can determine the dry mass of the seedlings. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 32 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

b Describe and explain the changes in the mean dry mass of the cotyledon and the mean
dry mass of the radicle and plumule in the first five days. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

c On day 5, the student divided the remaining seedlings into two groups, X and Y. He
moved X to a brightly lit place while Y remained in the dark. Compare the mean dry
mass of the radicle and plumule of the seedlings in X with that of the seedlings in Y a
few days later. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

d Starch and lipid are two types of food stored in seeds. State and explain which one is a
better food reserve for seeds. (2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 33 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 9 Scientists performed an experiment to study how the kind of food we take in affects the
insulin level in blood. The experiment involved two groups of healthy people. One group was
asked to eat 50 g of glucose powder and the other was asked to eat a portion of rice which
contained 50 g of carbohydrates. The insulin levels in the blood of the two groups of people
were then measured every 30 minutes. The table below shows the results.

Time after taking in the food (minute) 0 30 60 90 120 150

Mean insulin level of the people who

1 8.5 5.8 3.8 1.8 1.4
ate glucose powder (arbitrary unit)
Mean insulin level of the people who
1 4.4 2.8 2.2 1.6 1.4
ate rice (arbitrary unit)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

a Use the graph paper below, plot a graph to show the results of the experiment.
(4 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 34 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

b State and explain the difference between the mean insulin levels of the two groups of
people. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

c Some scientists suggested that glucose did not stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin
directly, but it stimulated some cells in the digestive tract to secrete a hormone, which in
turn stimulated the secretion of insulin. They performed an experiment and found that
when glucose solution was injected directly into the bloodstream, it took a much longer
time for the insulin level in blood to reach a peak.
How do the experimental results support the view of the scientists? (2 marks)

d Scientists are developing a new method of treating diabetes mellitus, which involves the
transfer of a gene coding for insulin into the pancreatic cells of the patients. Explain why
this treatment may not be effective for the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
(1 mark)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 35 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 10 Respiratory quotient is the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide given out to the volume of
oxygen taken in by an organism in a period of time. It can be used to deduce which kind of
respiration an organism is carrying out, and what kind of substrates an organism is using for
respiration.

a Some seeds were soaked in water and then transferred to soil for growth. The respiratory
quotient of the seeds was found to be higher in the water than in the soil. Suggest one
reason to explain why. (3 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

b i You are provided with the following materials and apparatus:
boiling tube, one-hole stopper, graduated glass tube, ink, potassium hydroxide
solution, wire gauze, soaked germinating seeds (surface sterilized)

How would you use the materials and apparatus to assemble a set-up for measuring
the volume of oxygen taken in by the soaked germinating seeds? Draw the set-up
in the space below. (3 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 36 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

ii Describe how you would use the above set-up to measure the volume of oxygen
taken in by the soaked germinating seeds in three hours. (2 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 37 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 11 The table below shows some historical events that contributed to our knowledge of the human
nervous system.

Year Historical event

Camillo Golgi tried to use silver nitrate, a chemical used in the making of
1873
photographic film, to stain cells and developed a new cell-staining method.
Santiago Ramon y Cajal used Golgi’s cell-staining method to stain brain
tissues and observed that there were gaps between neurones. He also
1891
proposed a hypothesis that nerve impulses were transmitted in one direction
in a neurone.
Charles Scott Sherrington proposed that the directional transmission of nerve
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

1897 impulses in a neurone was due to the gaps between neurones. He named the
gaps ‘synapses’.
Henry Hallett Dale and Harold Ward Dudley isolated acetylcholine, a
1929
chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, in animal tissues.
Scientists observed the detailed structure of synapses using the newly
1954
invented electron microscopes.

a State the direction in which nerve impulses are transmitted in a neurone. (1 mark)

b Explain how synapses cause the directional transmission of nerve impulses in a neurone.
(2 marks)

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 38 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Please stick the barcode label here.

c Scientists found that there are many mitochondria in synaptic knobs. What is the
function of mitochondria in the transmission of nerve impulses across synapses?
(2 marks)

d Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme in the membrane

of dendrons, which breaks down acetylcholine. Explain the importance of
acetylcholinesterase in the transmission of nerve impulses. (1 mark)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

e Elaborate on how the above historical events can be used to demonstrate the three
aspects of the nature of science listed in the table below. (3 marks)

Nature of science Elaboration

Doing science requires creativity

and imagination.

Scientists build on the work of

other scientists.

Science is affected by the

technology and the types of
equipment available at the time.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 39 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 12 In humans, rod cells and cone cells are found in the retina of eyes. Compare and contrast rod
cells and cone cells in terms of their properties, functions and distribution in the retina.
(10 marks)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

– END OF PAPER –

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 1 Section B - 40 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
DSE
BIO
Mock Exam VIII

PAPER 2 New Senior Secondary

MASTERING BIOLOGY
(Second Edition)

BIOLOGY PAPER 2
HKDSE MOCK EXAM VIII

Time allowed: 1 hour

This paper must be answered in English

INSTRUCTIONS

1 There are FOUR sections, A, B, C and D in this Paper. Attempt ALL questions in any TWO sections.

2 Write your answers in the Answer Book. Start each question (not part of a question) on a new page.

3 Present your answers in paragraphs wherever appropriate.

4 Illustrate your answers with diagrams wherever appropriate.

5 The diagrams in this Paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

Not to be taken away before the

end of the examination session

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 41 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
SECTION A Human Physiology: Regulation and Control
Answer ALL parts of the question.

1 a Kidney function can be assessed by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR is the
volume of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute. We can measure the GFR by the rate of
clearance of creatinine by the kidneys. Creatinine is a breakdown product of a substance
found in muscle cells and is produced at a relatively constant rate. Normally it passes from
the blood in the glomerulus into the Bowman’s capsule and is entirely excreted by the
kidneys.

i Explain why creatinine passes from the blood in the glomerulus into the Bowman’s
capsule. (2 marks)

ii A healthy person produced 1.80 dm3 of urine in one day. The concentrations of
creatinine in his blood and urine were found to be 0.01 mg cm‒3 and 0.98 mg cm‒3
respectively.

(1) What is his rate of clearance of creatinine by the kidneys? Express your answer
in mg min‒1. (1 mark)

(2) What is his GFR? Express your answer in cm3 min‒1. (1 mark)

iii If the healthy person in ii drank a large amount of water the next morning, how would
the volume of urine produced and the concentration of creatinine in the urine change?
Explain your answers. (6 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 42 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
1 b The graph below shows the changes in the levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen and progesterone in the blood of a woman during a
menstrual cycle.

i On which day did ovulation occur? Explain your answer using two pieces of
information from the graph. (3 marks)

ii Describe and explain the relationships between the levels of FSH and oestrogen from
23 Jul to the day when ovulation occurred. (3 marks)

iii The menstrual cycle of the woman lasted much shorter than the average cycle of 28
days. Explain why short menstrual cycles may cause infertility. (2 marks)

iv As more women delay having children until they are older, more women are having
the problem of infertility. Suggest why older women are more likely to be infertile than
younger women. (2 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 43 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
SECTION B Applied Ecology
Answer ALL parts of the question.

2 a Slurry containing faeces and urine produced from the livestock in a farm was discharged
directly into a river. In an investigation, a scientist took water samples from several sites
along the river. For each water sample, he measured the biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), i.e. the rate at which oxygen is used when the water sample is kept at 20 °C in the
dark. He also recorded the most abundant aquatic organisms present in each water sample.
The table below shows his results.

Sampling site
Most abundant
(from upstream to BOD (mg L3)
aquatic organism
downstream)

P 5 Stonefly nymph

Outlet of slurry  Q 255 Sludge worm

R 136 Lake fly larva

S 85 Water louse

T 22 Freshwater shrimp

U 7 Stonefly nymph

i Describe and explain the change in BOD from site Q to site U. (3 marks)

ii Why may the discharge of slurry lead to eutrophication in the river? (1 mark)

iii Both the discharge of slurry and eutrophication affect BOD in the river.

(1) What is the effect of the discharge of slurry and eutrophication on BOD?
(1 mark)

(2) How do the discharge of slurry and eutrophication cause the effect on BOD?
(2 marks)

iv Using the results from the table, explain how the listed aquatic organisms can be used
as indicators of water quality. (4 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 44 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
2 b Coral reefs are found in shallow and clear seawater. When reef-building corals are under
stress, they expel the unicellular algae living mutualistically inside their bodies. Without the
chlorophyll of the algae, the coral colonies appear white in colour and this is called coral
bleaching. Coral bleaching can occur when the corals are exposed to 1 °C above the
maximum of the normal sea surface temperature range for over a week. If conditions do not
quickly return to normal, the corals cannot recover and they die.

i How do the reef-building corals and unicellular algae benefit from each other in their
ecological relationship? (2 marks)

ii The graph below shows the changes in the average daily sea surface temperature of a
coral reef in 2015.

For how many weeks in 2015 was the sea surface temperature at 1 °C above the
maximum of the normal sea surface temperature range? (1 mark)

iii Explain how coral bleaching is occuring more frequently as the global climate changes
due to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. (4 marks)

iv With the current trend of coral destruction, it is estimated that 60% of the world’s coral
reefs will be lost over the next 30 years. Explain why conservation of coral reefs may
bring economic benefits to the local communities. (2 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 45 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
SECTION C Microorganisms and Humans
Answer ALL parts of the question.

3 a Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency

virus (HIV). HIV only infects and destroys helper T cells in humans.

i The diagram below shows some components in HIV.

Explain how the envelope of HIV helps the virus infect a helper T cell. (2 marks)

ii The graph below shows the changes in the numbers of HIV and helper T cells in the
blood of a person after infection with HIV.

(1) Describe and explain the changes in the number of HIV in the blood of the person
during the first 9 years after infection with HIV. (4 marks)

(2) Nine years after infection with HIV, why may the person die of infections that do
not normally cause serious harm in healthy people? (3 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 46 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
3 b Yeast is used in the brewing industry. In an experiment, the tolerance to alcohol of two
strains of yeast, P and Q, was compared. One gram of yeast P was mixed with 10 cm3 of 0‒
35% alcohol at 30 °C. After 15 minutes, a sample of each suspension was withdrawn and
mixed with methylene blue. Dead yeast cells took up the dye and appeared blue whereas
living yeast cells remained colourless. The numbers of living and dead yeast cells were
counted using a cell counter and the percentage of dead yeast cells in each sample was
calculated. The above procedure was then repeated for yeast Q. The graph below shows the
results.

i Why is yeast instead of an enzyme used in fermentation in the brewing industry?

(3 marks)

ii Describe and explain the general trend of the change in yeast population as the
concentration of alcohol increases. (3 marks)

iii Based on the results of the experiment, suggest which strain of yeast is more suitable
for use in the brewing industry. Explain your answer. (3 marks)

iv Give two possible sources of error in the technique in finding the percentage of dead
yeast cells in the samples. (2 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 47 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
SECTION D Biotechnology
Answer ALL parts of the question.

4 a Malaria in humans is caused by four species of the protist Plasmodium. They are P.
falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. A test strip can be used to diagnose malaria
rapidly. It works by detecting a specific enzyme called LDH produced by Plasmodium in the
blood of infected individuals. The diagram below shows the design of the test strip. It
contains several types of monoclonal antibodies and each of which is specific to a particular
antigen.

i After a drop of blood is put on the test strip, a buffer is added. The blood sample and
the buffer will then be drawn towards the absorbent material. Why should the buffer
contain an agent that lyses red blood cells? (2 marks)

ii Interpret and explain the following result shown on a test strip. (5 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 48 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 iii Why is a result valid only if line L3 becomes coloured? (2 marks)

iv Traditionally, malaria is diagnosed by looking for the protists in a drop of blood under
a light microscope. Besides obtaining a result more rapidly, suggest another advantage
of using the test strip over the traditional method for diagnosing malaria. (1 mark)

4 b Haemophiliacs whose blood fails to clot can be treated with factor IX extracted from the
milk of genetically modified (GM) sheep. The flow chart below shows the process of
producing the GM sheep.

i The jellyfish gene used in step 2 codes for a protein which glows green under
ultraviolet light. What is the purpose of attaching this jellyfish gene to the gene for
factor IX? (2 marks)

ii Describe how enzymes are used in producing the recombinant DNA in the process.
(2 marks)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 49 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 iii In this process, only a few live births result from the many embryos implanted into the
uterus of surrogate sheep. Suggest two reasons for this low success rate. (2 marks)

iv After a GM sheep which can secrete factor IX in its milk is produced, the following
two methods are considered to produce more sheep with this characteristic.

Method Description

Transplant each nucleus from a body cell of the GM sheep into

another sheep’s ova which have their original nuclei removed. Then
I
implant the embryos developed from the ova into the uterus of
surrogate sheep.
Remove an ovum from the GM sheep and fertilize it with a sperm
from a male sheep. Allow the zygote to develop into an embryo at the
II 8-cell stage. Split the embryo into individual cells and allow each cell
to grow into an embryo. Then implant the embryos into the uterus of
surrogate sheep.

(1) In method II, if a blastocyst instead of an 8-celled embryo was spilt into
individual cells, the cells would not develop into embryos. Explain why.
(1 mark)

(2) Compare the offspring produced in methods I and II. Then decide which method
is more suitable for use. (3 marks)

– END OF PAPER –

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Paper 2 - 50 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 Biology
HKDSE Mock Exam VIII
Answers
Paper 1 Section A

*Questions which are common items.

Question no. Answer Question no. Answer Question no. Answer
*1 C *13 D 25 A
*2 C *14 B 26 C
*3 D 15 A 27 D
*4 A 16 A *28 A
*5 D *17 A *29 D
*6 C *18 C 30 D
*7 B 19 C 31 B
*8 B *20 C *32 C
*9 B 21 A *33 A
*10 D *22 C *34 B
*11 D *23 C 35 C
*12 C 24 C 36 C

Paper 1 Section B
Question 1 is a common item.
1 E 1m
A 1m
B 1m

This is an item for Biology only.

2 a X: Sepal 1m
Y: Ovary wall 1m
b The seeds in tomatoes are dispersed by animals. 1m
Tomatoes have fleshy fruit walls which can attract animals to eat them. 1m

Question 3 is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 2.

3 a P has xylem while Q does not. 1m
The xylem vessels contain lignin which makes them hard and rigid. The xylem vessels provide great
support to P as P grows taller. 1m
b Correct title 1m
Correct drawing of structures 1m
Correct label: xylem 1m

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 51 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
Question 4 is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 3.
4 a Cell P has a true nucleus. /
Cell P has sub-cellular structures bounded by a double membrane / mitochondria. /
Cell P has endoplasmic reticulum.
(or other correct answers) 1m
b Yes 1m
The percentage of total membrane surface area of X in cell P is high, indicating that cell P has a large
amount of X. 1m
A large amount of X allows a large amount of pancreatic amylase / insulin / glucagon, which is protein, to
be synthesized. 1m
c Y is the main site for energy-releasing stage of respiration. 1m
A large amount of Y can release more energy to support the high level of metabolic activities in the liver
cell. 1m

Question 5 (a) is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 4.

5 a As the child has the disease, the child must have received at least one allele for the disease from either
parent. 1m
Since both parents are normal, each of them must possess at least one normal allele. Therefore, at least
one of them is heterozygous. 1m
Since only the dominant character is shown in heterozygous condition, PKU must be a recessive genetic
disease. 1m
b In Europe where the mould is commonly found, pregnant women carrying an allele for PKU have a higher
chance of giving birth to a baby. 1m
They have a higher chance of passing their alleles on to the offspring. 1m
Therefore, the proportion of people having one or two alleles for PKU increases in subsequent
generations. This results in a higher prevalence of PKU in Europe. 1m

Question 6 (a) is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 5.

6 a Ploughing aerates the soil. 1m
This helps prevent denitrification from occurring in the soil. 1m
Less nitrates in the soil are changed into nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria, so the nitrate content of the
soil can be maintained. 1m
b 20 °C 1m
At 20 °C, the rate of photosynthesis is higher than the rate of respiration, and the difference between them
is the greatest. 1m
The net production of food by the crops is the greatest. 1m

Question 7 is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 6.

7 a i The food is churned and mixed with gastric juice by the contraction and relaxation of the muscles in
the stomach lining. 1m
The chyme is then released into the duodenum when the pyloric sphincter relaxes. 1m
ii Patients eat less due to the feeling of fullness. / Patients may vomit undigested food after a meal, thus
less food remains in the stomach. 1m
Less nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore, patients may suffer from malnutrition.
1m
b i As the pancreatic duct is blocked, pancreatic juice cannot be delivered to the duodenum. 1m
Pancreatic amylase, proteases and pancreatic lipase in pancreatic juice cannot reach the duodenum to
help digestion. Thus, starch, proteins and lipids may not be completely digested. 1m
ii Digestive enzymes are proteins. They can be broken down by proteases / denatured by the acidic
environment in the stomach. 1m
The capsules protect the digestive enzymes in the pills until they reach the duodenum. 1m
New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 52 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
This is an item for Biology only.
8 a Heat the seedlings in an oven at slightly above 100 °C until a constant mass is obtained. 1m
The constant mass is the dry mass of the seedlings. 1m
b The mean dry mass of the cotyledon decreased while the mean dry mass of the radicle and plumule
increasesd in the first five days. 1m
During germination, the insoluble food (e.g. starch and proteins) stored in the cotyledon was broken down
into simpler and soluble food (e.g. sugar and amino acids). 1m
The simpler and soluble food was then transported to the radicle and plumule for growth. 1m
c The mean dry mass of the radicle and plumule of the seedlings in X would be greater than that of the
seedlings in Y. 1m
It is because in the presence of light, the cotyledon and young leaves would make food by photosynthesis.
Hence, the radicle and plumule of the seedlings in X would grow faster. 1m
d Lipid 1m
Lipid provides more energy per unit mass. 1m

Question 9 (a–c) is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 7.

9 a Correct title 1m
Correct choice of axes 1m
Axes with labels 1m
Correct plotting and joining of lines 1m

Mean insulin levels in the blood of the people after eating glucose powder or rice

6
mean insulin
level in blood5
(arbitrary unit)
4
eating glucose powder
3

eating rice
1

0
30 60 90 120 150
time (minute)

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 53 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 b The peak level of the people who ate glucose powder was higher than that of the people who ate rice.
1m
Glucose powder did not need digestion, thus all the glucose entered the bloodstream within a short time.
Starch in rice had to be digested into glucose before absorption, thus glucose entered the bloodstream
gradually. 1m
As a result, the blood glucose levels of the people who ate glucose powder increased to higher levels than
those who ate rice. The higher blood glucose levels caused their pancreas to secrete more insulin. 1m
c Compared with glucose taken orally, glucose injected into the bloodstream could reach the pancreas in a
shorter time. 1m
Glucose did not stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin directly because the time taken for the insulin
level in blood to reach a peak was longer but not shorter when glucose solution was injected into the
bloodstream. 1m
d In patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, the body cells are insensitive to insulin. Any extra insulin
synthesized in the body will not trigger any reactions to lower the blood glucose level. 1m

This is an item for Biology only.

10 a In the water, there was not sufficient oxygen. The seeds carried out more anaerobic respiration. 1m
More aerobic respiration was carried out after they were transferred to the soil, where oxygen was
sufficient. 1m
The respiratory quotient was higher when more anaerobic respiration was carried out because no oxygen
was consumed in anaerobic respiration. 1m
b i

graduated glass tube

ink

one-hole stopper

boiling tube

soaked germinating
wire gauze seeds (surface
sterilized)
potassium hydroxide
solution
3m
ii Record the initial position of the drop of ink in the graduated glass tube. Leave the set-up for three
hours. Record the final position of the drop of ink. Calculate the distance moved by the drop of ink (d).
1m
Measure the inner radius of the graduated glass tube (r). Calculate the volume of oxygen taken in (V)
by V = πr2d. 1m

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 54 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
Question 11 is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 8.
11 a Nerve impulses are transmitted from the dendrites / dendrons to the axon in a neurone. 1m
b In synapses, only the endings of axons / synaptic knobs can release neurotransmitter. 1m
Thus, nerve impulses can only travel from the axon of one neurone to the cell body or dendron of the next
neurone. 1m
c Mitochondria release energy through aerobic respiration. 1m
The energy released is used in synthesis of neurotransmitter / movement of synaptic vesicles. 1m
d Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine to stop it from stimulating the dendrons continuously.
This prevents a continuous generation of nerve impulses in the dendrons. 1m
e
Nature of science Elaboration
Doing science requires creativity Camillo Golgi developed a new cell-staining
and imagination. method using a chemical used in the making of
photographic film.

Scientists build on the work of Santiago Ramon y Cajal used Golgi’s cell-staining
other scientists. method to stain brain tissues and this led to the
discovery of synapses.

Science is affected by the The detailed structure of synapses can only be

technology and the types of observed after the invention of electron
equipment available at the time. microscopes.

3m

Question 12 is a common item which is equivalent to CS (Biology) question 9.

12 Similarities:
Both rod cells and cone cells are light-sensitive cells. 1m
Both rod cells and cone cells detect light and send out nerve impulses which travel along the optic nerve to
the brain. 1m
Both rod cells and cone cells are absent at the blind spot. 1m
Differences:
Rod cells are sensitive to dim light while cone cells are sensitive to bright light. 1m
There is only one type of rod cell while there are three types of cone cells. 1m
Rod cells are responsible for black and white vision while cone cells are responsible for colour vision. 1m
Rod cells are absent at the yellow spot while cone cells are concentrated at the yellow spot. 1m
Communication 3m

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 55 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
Paper 2

1 a i The size of the creatinine molecules is small enough to pass through the pores on the walls of the
glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule. 1m
The high blood pressure in the glomerulus forces creatinine molecules through the walls of the
glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule into the capsular space. 1m
ii (1) (0.98 × 1.80 × 1000) mg ÷ (60 × 24) min
= 1.225 mg min‒1 1m
‒1 ‒3
(2) 1.225 mg min ÷ 0.01 mg cm
= 122.5 cm3 min‒1 1m
iii If the healthy person drank a large amount of water, the water potential of his blood would become
higher than normal. 1m
The hypothalamus would detect this change and cause the pituitary gland to release less antidiuretic
hormone (ADH). 1m
The wall of the collecting duct would become less permeable to water 1m
so that a smaller proportion of water would be reabsorbed from the glomerular filtrate. 1m
As a result, a larger volume of urine would be produced 1m
and the concentration of creatinine in the urine would be lower. 1m
b i 2 Aug 1m
There was a high level of LH (an LH surge) just before this day. The LH surge triggered ovulation. /
The level of progesterone started to increase after this day as the yellow body formed from the
ruptured follicle secreted a large amount of progesterone. /
The level of oestrogen increased again after this day as the yellow body formed from the ruptured
follicle secreted a large amount of oestrogen. (any 2 or other reasonable answers) 2m
ii From 23 to 26 Jul, the level of oestrogen increased as the level of FSH increased because FSH
stimulated follicle cells to secrete oestrogen into the blood. 1m
From 26 to 30 Jul, the level of FSH decreased as the level of oestrogen continued to increase because
the increasing but still low level of oestrogen inhibited further secretion of FSH by the pituitary gland
(i.e. negative feedback). 1m
From 30 Jul, the level of FSH increased and reached a peak on 2 Aug as the level of oestrogen
continued to increase and reached a peak on 1 Aug because a high level of oestrogen caused a sudden
release of FSH (i.e. positive feedback). 1m
iii There may not be enough time for the uterine lining to thicken to prepare for implantation. 1m
Menstruation may start before the successful implantation of an embryo. 1m
iv The number of ova in the ovaries decreases as women get older. /
There is an increased chromosomal abnormality in the ova of older women. /
The uterine lining is less receptive and the risk of miscarriage increases as women get older.
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 2m

2 a i The BOD decreased from site Q to site U. 1m

At site Q, a large number of bacteria used a large amount of oxygen for decomposing the organic
matter in the slurry. Thus the BOD was the highest. 1m
As the organic matter was being decomposed / diluted by the flow of water from site Q to site U, the
population of bacteria decreased. Thus less oxygen was used and the BOD decreased. 1m
ii The decomposition of organic matter in the slurry releases nitrates / phosphates / minerals which may
be used for the rapid growth of algae. 1m
iii (1) Both the discharge of slurry and eutrophication increase the BOD in the river. 1m
(2) For the discharge of slurry, the effect on BOD is caused by the decomposition of the organic
matter in the slurry. 1m
For eutrophication, the effect on BOD is caused by the respiration of the algae at night or the
decomposition of the algae. 1m

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 56 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 ivThe different aquatic organisms are adapted to live at different oxygen levels. 1m
Sludge worm was abundant in the water sample with a high BOD. The presence of a large number of
sludge worm in a water sample would suggest a high level of pollution. 1m
Stonefly nymph was abundant in the water sample with a low BOD. The presence of a large number
of stonefly nymph in a water sample would suggest a low level of pollution. 1m
Lake fly larva, water louse and freshwater shrimp were abundant in the water samples with
intermediate BOD. The presence of a large number of either one of these aquatic organisms in a water
sample would suggest an intermediate level of pollution. 1m
b i The reef-building corals obtain food produced from photosynthesis of the unicellular algae. 1m
The unicellular algae obtain carbon dioxide for photosynthesis from the respiration of the reef-
building corals. /
The unicellular algae obtain physical support from the coral reefs for more light exposure. /
The unicellular algae obtain protection from the coral reefs. 1m
ii 28 weeks (Sea surface temperature was above 29.6 °C during weeks 1314 and 1542) 1m
iii As the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration increases, more infrared radiation emitted from the
earth’s surface is trapped. 1m
This results in an increase in the atmospheric temperature. 1m
The shallow bodies of seawater containing coral reefs heat up as the atmospheric temperature
increases. 1m
The heat stress triggers coral bleaching. 1m
iv Coral reefs are breeding grounds for marine organisms including commercial fish. The selling of the
fish can increase the income. /
Coral reefs have an aesthetic value. They attract tourists and can increase revenue from tourism for
the local communities. /
Coral reefs can protect shoreline from wave actions, reducing damage to property. (any 2) 2m

3 a i The glycoproteins in the envelope bind to specific receptors on the cell membrane of a helper T cell
so that the virus can attach to the helper T cell. 1m
The virus penetrates the helper T cell as the phospholipid bilayer fuses with the cell membrane of the
helper T cell. 1m
ii (1) In the first half year, the number of HIV in the blood increases sharply because HIV infects
helper T cells and new viruses are being produced and released into the blood. 1m
In the second half of the first year, the number of HIV in the blood decreases sharply because
HIV infects and enters other helper T cells. 1m
In the following 7 years, the number of HIV in the blood remains low because HIV enters a
latent period / remains inactive in the helper T cells. 1m
Eight years after infection with HIV, the number of HIV in the blood increases sharply again
because HIV is reactivated. New viruses are being produced and released into the blood. 1m
(2) There are not enough helper T cells to activate B cells to produce antibodies to act against
pathogens. 1m
There are not enough helper T cells to activate other T cells to differentiate into killer T cells to
kill infected cells. 1m
Pathogens that can be destroyed in healthy people are not destroyed. They continue to cause
damage to human cells or tissues, and thus death results. 1m
b i More than one enzymes are required in the fermentation of sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
1m
Yeast can reproduce to produce more enzymes involved in fermentation. 1m
Yeast add flavour / nutrients (e.g. vitamins) to the wine / beer produced. 1m
ii The percentage of dead yeast cells increases as the concentration of alcohol increases. 1m
At high concentrations of alcohol, more enzymes important for the metabolism of yeast cells are
denatured. 1m

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 57 -
 Oxford University Press 2017
 At high concentrations of alcohol, the cell membranes of more yeast cells are disrupted and thus more
yeast cells are killed. 1m
iii As fermentation proceeds, more alcohol is produced and the concentration of alcohol increases. Yeast
will die when the tolerance level is reached. 1m
If a high percentage of yeast cells die at a low alcohol concentration, the alcohol content in the wine /
beer produced will be low and the wine / beer will be very sweet. 1m
Since the percentage of dead cells in yeast Q is lower at high concentrations of alcohol, yeast Q can
tolerate high concentrations of alcohol better and is more suitable for use in the brewing industry.
1m
iv The samples withdrawn were not representative of the yeast population because the suspensions were
not mixed thoroughly at the time of sampling. 1m
Some cells in the cell counter were overlapping and they were not counted. 1m

4 a i Plasmodium infects human red blood cells. 1m

The lysing agent helps release Plasmodium and the substances (including LDH) produced by it from
red blood cells. 1m
ii The result indicates that the test subject is infected with P. vivax, P. ovale and/or P. malariae but not
P. falciparum. 1m
As LDH from P. vivax, P. ovale and/or P. malariae in the blood sample is drawn towards the
absorbent material, it is bound to the colour labelled antibody W, forming a coloured complex. 1m
As the coloured complex is drawn through line L1, antibody X does not bind to the coloured complex
because it is specific to LDH from P. falciparum only. Thus line L1 is not coloured. 1m
As the coloured complex is drawn through line L2, antibody Y binds to the coloured complex
because it is specific to LDH from any of the four species of Plasmodium. Thus line L2 becomes
coloured.
1m
As the excess colour labelled antibody W or the coloured complex is drawn through line L3, antibody
Z binds to the colour labelled antibody W or the coloured complex. Thus line L3 becomes coloured.
1m
iii Line L3 becomes coloured only when antibody Z binds to colour labelled antibody W. 1m
Thus a coloured line L3 indicates that there is a proper flow of the colour labelled antibody W
through the test strip. The result is not a false positive or a false negative. 1m
iv Less training for staff is required as the result is easier to read. 1m
b i The jellyfish gene is used as a marker gene to identify which cells have taken up the recombinant
DNA. 1m
Cells which have taken up the recombinant DNA glow green under ultraviolet light. 1m
ii Use the same restriction enzyme to cut the gene for factor IX from human DNA and the jellyfish gene
from jellyfish DNA to produce complementary sticky ends on the genes. 1m
Use a ligase to catalyse the joining of the gene for factor IX and the jellyfish gene by covalent bonds.
1m
iii The insertion of the recombinant DNA into the DNA of the body cell may have disrupted genes and
affected protein synthesis. Thus the embryos fail to grow. 1m
The embryos are rejected or attacked by the immune system of the surrogate sheep. 1m
iv (1) Cells from an 8-celled embryo can differentiate into any types of specialized cells but the
cells from a blastocyst cannot. 1m
(2) All the offspring produced in method I are female sheep but some of the offspring produced in
method II may be male sheep. 1m
All the offspring produced in method I are genetically identical to the GM sheep but the
offspring produced in method II are genetically different from one another and the GM sheep.
1m
Method I is more suitable because all the offspring produced are female sheep which can
secrete factor IX in their milk. 1m
New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Mock Exam VIII Biology Answers - 58 -
 Oxford University Press 2017