Research and Development Department

PREBOARD EXAMINATION-I-DECEMBER-2025
CLASS: XII
BIOLOGY (044) SET B MARKS: 70
DATE: 11/12/2025 Marking Scheme TIME: 3hrs.
[Link]. ANSWERS Marks
1. c) The generative cell forms male gametes that move into the pollen 1
tubes.
2. b) 24, 8 1
3. b) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 1
4. (a) Autosomal recessive 1
5. (c) They control the cell-mediated response. 1
6. a) 20% 1
7. a) A and B 1
8. b) 0.32 1
9. c) It separates the two strands of DNA. 1
10. b) only P and S 1
11. c) maintains sterility 1
12. d) Alien species invasion 1
13. A 1
14. A 1
15. B 1
16. A 1
17. ori (Origin of replication):
This region initiates DNA replication and controls the copy number of 1
the plasmid inside the host cell, enabling multiple copies of the
recombinant DNA.
ampR / tetR (Selectable markers):
These antibiotic resistance genes help differentiate recombinant cells
from non-recombinant ones. Only transformed cells survive on 1
antibiotic-containing medium.
18. (a) The deletion of a single nucleotide causes a frameshift mutation.
(b)The reading frame changes from the point of deletion, producing
an entirely new sequence of codons. (1m) 2
As a result, the protein will have more amino acids than normal,
because the original stop codon (UGA) is lost and translation
continues for longer than usual. (1/+1/2 m)
19. (a) The diagram illustrates adaptive radiation, where an ancestral
finch species diversified into multiple species with different beak 2
 shapes. (1)
(b) Different ecological niches contributed to the formation of new
species in Darwin's finches through a process of adaptive radiation,
where a single ancestral species diversified into multiple species,
each specialized for a unique environment and food source. natural
selection acted differently in each environment. (1)
20. -Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Used to control insect pests like
butterfly caterpillars.
-Trichoderma species (a fungus): Used to control several plant
pathogens in the field (root-borne pathogens).
-Baculoviruses: Used as narrow-spectrum insecticidal agents that
attack insects and other arthropods.
OR

WBC count increases to fight pathogens.

Cells: Phagocytes/macrophages.
21. (a)
 X – Integuments
 Y – Nucellus
 Z – Embryo sac (1/2x4) 2
(b)The integuments (X) develop into the seed coat after fertilization.
22. (a) When lactose is not available, the lac repressor binds tightly to the
operator, preventing transcription by RNA polymerase. However, 3
when lactose is present, the lac repressor loses its ability to bind
DNA. It floats off the operator, clearing the way for RNA polymerase
to transcribe the operon. (2m)

(b) If the gene for the repressor protein (i gene) is mutated so that it
can no longer produce a functional repressor, the structural genes
(z, y, a) will be expressed constitutively (continuously), regardless
of whether lactose is present or absent in the medium. (1m)
//
Without a functional repressor protein, nothing can bind to the
operator site to block RNA polymerase. Therefore, the structural
genes are constantly transcribed and translated, even when there is no
need to break down lactose. The regulatory mechanism is broken,
leading to permanent expression of the lac enzymes.
23. Spermatogenesis produces four haploid sperm cells from one 3
spermatogonium, while oogenesis produces one haploid ovum and
polar bodies from one primary oocyte. =1
Hormonal regulation in males involves a consistent supply of
testosterone, while in females, it is cyclical, regulated by FSH, LH,
estrogen, and progesterone to produce a single ovum per cycle.=1+1
24. (a) The evolutionary force responsible is natural selection. (1)
 (b) Allele A likely provides a selective advantage, such as improved 3
survival or reproductive success, causing individuals with this
allele to produce more offspring. (1)
(c)This represents directional selection, where one allele/phenotype
is consistently favoured over the alternatives. (1)
25. (a) The condition is called an allergy. It is caused by an exaggerated
immune response to certain harmless environmental antigens (like 3
pollen), which are called allergens. (1)
(b) The antibodies involved are the IgE type. The chemical
substances released from mast cells are histamine and serotonin,
which cause the allergic symptoms. -1/2+1/2
(c) antihistamine (any valid answer) (1)
26. (a) Enzyme replacement therapy is not a permanent cure because the
functional ADA enzyme needs to be administered periodically to the
patient. The underlying genetic defect in the patient's cells is not
corrected by this method. 3
(b) The principle of gene therapy for ADA deficiency involves
introducing a functional ADA cDNA gene (complementary DNA)
into the patient's lymphocytes using a retroviral vector. These
genetically engineered lymphocytes are then returned to the patient's
body. The goal is for the inserted gene to integrate into the genome
and produce the functional ADA enzyme continuously, thus providing
a potential permanent cure, although this requires periodic infusion as
lymphocytes have a limited lifespan.
(c) The first human protein produced by recombinant DNA
technology is insulin (specifically 'Humulin'). It was produced in the
bacterium E. coli.
27. (a) Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is calculated as GPP minus
Respiration losses (R).
R = 20% of 50,000 kcal = 0.20 x50,000 kcal = 10,000 kcal/m²/year.
NPP = GPP - R = 50,000 kcal - 10,000 kcal = 40,000 kcal/m²/year is 3
available as biomass for the next trophic level.

(b) The 10% law states that only about 10% of the energy from one
trophic level is transferred to the next.
Energy available to primary consumers = 10% of NPP = 0.10 x
40,000 kcal = 4,000 kcal/m²/year.
(c) The pyramid of energy is always upright because, during the flow
of energy from one trophic level to the next, a large amount of energy
(about 90%) is lost as heat to the environment due to metabolic
activities and respiration, following the second law of
thermodynamics. Thus, higher trophic levels inherently have less
energy available than lower ones.
OR
(a) The ecological principle demonstrated by this experiment
 is Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle (or simply the
Competitive Exclusion Principle). (1) 3
(b) The principle states that two closely related species competing for
the exact same limited resources cannot co-exist indefinitely. The
competitively superior species will eventually eliminate the inferior
species. (1)
(c) In nature, if two species attempt to occupy the exact same niche,
either one species will competitively exclude the other (as per Gause's
principle), or more likely, natural selection might drive one or both
species to evolve mechanisms for resource partitioning (dividing up
the niche/resources) or co-existence through behavioural changes,
thereby avoiding direct competition and allowing both to survive in
slightly different ways. (1)
28. a) DNA molecules are negatively charged due to the presence of
phosphate groups in their backbone and move towards the positive 3
electrode (anode) when an electric field is applied.

(b) The movement of DNA fragments through the agarose gel matrix
is based solely on their size (length in base pairs).

(c) The staining agent used is ethidium bromide (EtBr). The process
of cutting out the separated DNA bands from the agarose gel and
extracting them is called elution.
29. a) The two key hormones are Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH),
which stimulates the development of follicles, and Luteinizing 3
Hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation. Estrogen, secreted by the
developing follicles, causes the uterine lining to proliferate.
Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum in the luteal phase,
prepares the uterus for implantation.

b) If fertilization does not occur, the ovum degenerates within 12 to

24 hours. The uterine lining, which was prepared for implantation,
breaks down and is shed along with blood, leading to menstruation.

c) The degeneration of the corpus luteum is caused by the declining

levels of LH. If fertilization doesn't occur, there is no pregnancy, and
the absence of the hormone hCG (produced by the developing
embryo) means the corpus luteum cannot be maintained. It
degenerates into the corpus albicans due to the lack of LH support.
30. a) HIV specifically targets T-lymphocytes (Helper T-cells). =1
OR 4
b) Due to the destruction of helper T-cells, the immune system
becomes weak, reducing the body’s ability to fight pathogens. This
allows opportunistic infections to occur frequently. =1
 c) HIV carries RNA as genetic material and uses the enzyme
reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from RNA inside host cells
— a key feature of retroviruses. =2

d) The test is ELISA. It works on the principle of antigen–antibody

interaction and detects HIV-specific antibodies in the patient’s
blood=1
31. A. Steps of Embryo Sac Formation (Megasporogenesis &
Megagametogenesis):
1. MMC (2n) undergoes meiosis
→ Forms four megaspores (n). =1
2. Out of four, three degenerate. 5
o Only one functional megaspore remains. =0.5
3. Functional megaspore undergoes three mitotic divisions
o Produces 8 nuclei.=1
4. Organization of nuclei:
o 3 antipodal cells at chalazal end.
o 2 polar nuclei in central cell.
o 1 egg cell + 2 synergids at micropylar end.=1
Why 7-Celled, 8-Nucleate?
 Seven cells:
o 1 egg cell
o 2 synergids
o 3 antipodals
o 1 central cell (with 2 nuclei)
 Eight nuclei:
o Because the central cell has two polar nuclei but counts
as a single cell. =1

Diagram description/clarity=0.5
OR

B. Process A and Differences (1.5 Marks)

 Name of Process A: Cleavage. (1/2)
 Two key differences are that cleavage lacks a growth
phase and cleavage results in a decrease in the size of
individual cells, while standard mitosis in somatic cells
includes an interphase for growth and results in cells of roughly
the same size as the parent cell. (1/2+1/2)
2. Significance of Zona Pellucida at Stage B (Morula) (1 Mark)
 The Zona Pellucida remains intact until the Blastocyst stage.
Its significance is to prevent premature implantation of the
embryo (Morula) in the Fallopian tube. It ensures that the
developing embryo reaches the uterus before it expands and
attaches.
 3. Layers of Structure C and Fate of Outer Layer (2.5 Marks)
 Two Distinct Cell Layers of Stage C (Blastocyst):
1. Trophoblast (Outer layer). (1/2)
2. Inner Cell Mass (ICM) (Inner cluster of cells). (1/2)
 Immediate Fate of the Outermost Layer (Trophoblast): The
Trophoblast layer gets attached to the endometrium (uterine
lining) during implantation. (1/2)
 After attachment, the trophoblast cells quickly differentiate and
form projections called chorionic villi, which interact with the
uterine tissue to form the Placenta. (1)
32. A. a) This is called a test cross. [1 mark]
b) Advantage of the cross: It is advantageous because it can be used
to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant
phenotype (e.g., homozygous dominant or heterozygous).(2) 5

c) Effectiveness: In a test cross, the parent with the dominant trait is

crossed with a homozygous recessive parent. If the parent is
homozygous dominant (TT), all offspring will be heterozygous (Tt)
and will exhibit the dominant phenotype. If the parent is heterozygous
(Tt), the offspring will be a 1:1 ratio of heterozygous (Tt) and
homozygous recessive (tt), both exhibiting both dominant and
recessive phenotypes, respectively. (2)

OR
(a) The choice of radioactive isotopes was based on the fundamental
differences in the chemical composition of proteins and DNA:
 Proteins contain Sulfur (S) but generally do not contain Phosphorus
(P). By growing one batch of bacteriophages in a medium
containing radioactive Sulfur (35S), all the proteins making up the
viral coat were made radioactive.
 DNA contains Phosphorus (P) but does not contain Sulfur (S).
By growing a second batch of bacteriophages in a medium
containing radioactive Phosphorus (32P), only the DNA core of the
virus was made radioactive.
This differential labelling allowed Hershey and Chase to track exactly
which component (protein or DNA) entered the host bacterium during
the infection process. (2)

(b) In the 35S batch (protein labeled): Most of the radioactivity was
found in the supernatant (the liquid portion), meaning the
radioactive protein coats remained outside the bacterial cells.
In the 32P batch (DNA labeled): Most of the radioactivity was found
in the pellet (the bacterial cells), meaning the radioactive DNA had
successfully entered the bacteria. (1.5)
 c) The experiment provided conclusive evidence through the
following
1. The purpose of the bacteriophage infection is to inject its
genetic material into the host bacterium to direct the production
of more viruses.
2. The results showed that only the 32P-labeled material (DNA)
entered the bacterial cells, while the 35S-labeled material
(protein) stayed outside.
3. Since the genetic material must be the substance that enters the
cell and causes the infection cycle, Hershey and Chase
concluded that DNA is the genetic material, not protein. (1.5)
33. A) (a) When "log S" (Species Richness) is plotted against "log A"
(Area), the relationship becomes a straight line, described by the 5
equation log𝑆=log𝐶+𝑍log𝐴. (1m)

(b) The value 'Z' represents the slope of the line (also called the
regression coefficient). It indicates how species richness changes with
an increase in the sampling area. For small areas (like plants in
Britain), the 'Z' values are typically in the range of 0.1 to 0.2,
regardless of the species group. 2(m)

(c) A steeper slope (Z value > 1.0, e.g., 1.15 for frugivorous birds in
tropical forests) indicates that the area has much higher species
richness and diversity that increases dramatically with area explored.
It suggests that a loss of area in these highly diverse regions would
result in a much larger proportional loss of species than in less
diverse regions. (2m)
OR
B) (a) Diagram of Growth Curves:
(The diagram should depict two graphs sharing the same X-axis
(Time) and Y-axis (Population Density, N).)
 Curve A (Exponential Growth): A J-shaped curve that rises
sharply upwards, indicating rapid growth with unlimited
resources.
 Curve B (Logistic Growth): An S-shaped (sigmoid) curve that
initially shows slow growth (lag phase), followed by rapid
acceleration, deceleration, and finally asymptotes (flattens out)
as it reaches the carrying capacity (K).
(b) The mathematical equation used to describe the stabilized

𝑑𝑁/𝑑𝑡=𝑟(𝐾−𝑁/𝐾)
(logistic) growth is the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth equation:

Where:

𝑁= Population density at time 𝑡

𝑟= Intrinsic rate of natural increase

𝐾= Carrying capacity
=1

(c) The ecological term used to describe the maximum stable

population size the pond can support is the Carrying Capacity (K)
of that habitat. =1
(d) The logistic growth curve (S-shaped) is a more realistic model
for natural populations because resources (like food, space, and
oxygen) are finite and eventually become limited in any given
habitat. =1

It is important for the farmer to maintain his fish population at or near

the carrying capacity (K) because this ensures a sustainable yield. If
the population exceeds K, limited resources lead to increased
competition, stress, disease spread, and higher mortality rates, which
would harm the overall population health and long-term viability of
the farming business.