Answer Key & Explanations
Instructions:
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
---
Answers
1. (1) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Consciousness, or the ability to sense and respond to stimuli, is the defining
feature of life, as it is present in all living organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.
2. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: The genes were tightly linked, not completely linked. They showed 1.3%
recombination, which deviates significantly from the 50% recombination expected from
independent assortment.
3. (1) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The inner mitochondrial membrane is folded into cristae to increase the surface
area available for the enzymes and electron carriers involved in ATP synthesis.
4. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: C4 plants avoid photorespiration by physically separating the initial $CO_2$
fixation (in mesophyll) from the Calvin cycle (in bundle sheath cells), which concentrates
$CO_2$ for RuBisCO.
5. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: The cry gene toxin is an inactive prototoxin in the bacterium. It is converted into
its active toxic form by the alkaline pH of the insect's gut.
6. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Syngamy is, by definition, the fusion of the male gamete with the egg, and this
fusion is what creates the diploid zygote.
7. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The SAN's ability to generate the maximum number of action potentials (auto-
excitation) is precisely why it is the pacemaker, as it establishes the heart's rhythm.
8. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: In a haplontic life cycle, the zygote is the only diploid stage, so it must undergo
meiosis to produce haploid spores that grow into the haploid organism.
9. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: The first heart sound ("lub") is caused by the closure of the tricuspid and
bicuspid (AV) valves. The second sound ("dub") is from the closure of semilunar valves.
10. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Eichhornia (water hyacinth) is an invasive weed ("Terror of Bengal") that
propagates rapidly and depletes oxygen, killing fish.
11. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: In single-celled organisms, reproduction occurs by cell division. The parent cell
does not die; it divides, making the lineage immortal.
12. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: The lac operon is an inducible system, not repressible. Lactose (or allolactose)
binds to the repressor, inactivating it and inducing transcription.
13. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: Oogenesis (formation of oogonia) ceases before birth; no more oogonia are
added after birth.
14. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: A flower is a modified shoot because the apical meristem converts to a floral
meristem, and the floral appendages (sepals, petals, etc.) are modified leaves on a condensed
axis.
15. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Adaptive radiation is the process of evolution of different species in a given area
from a common ancestor, radiating into other habitats (e.g., Darwin's finches).
16. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The reason a child with 'O' (ii) can be born is that both 'A' and 'B' parents were
heterozygous ($I^Ai$ and $I^Bi$), each passing on the recessive i allele.
17. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The creation of complementary "sticky ends" by restriction enzymes is what
allows foreign DNA cut with the same enzyme to be ligated, forming recombinant DNA.
18. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; the portion above the cotyledons is the epicotyl. The portion below is
the hypocotyl.
19. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is false; viruses are acellular and inert outside a host, but 'living' inside, so
their classification is ambiguous. (R) is true; Whittaker did not include acellular organisms.
20. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Splicing is necessary in eukaryotes because the initial hnRNA contains non-
functional introns, which must be excised to join the functional exons.
21. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Vertebrates are defined by the notochord being replaced by a vertebral column in
adults. Protochordates (like Urochordata) are chordates but not vertebrates.
22. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are true facts about the bryophyte life cycle. (R) describes the
relationship but isn't the *reason* for (A); it defines the life cycle.
23. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: Oogenesis (formation of oogonia) is initiated during fetal development. No more
oogonia are formed or added after birth.
24. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: PCR requires cycling through high temperatures (denaturation), which would
destroy normal polymerases. A thermostable polymerase (like Taq) is essential to survive these
temperatures.
25. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: A test cross (crossing with a homozygous recessive) is specifically used to reveal
the genotype (homozygous or heterozygous) of the dominant phenotype parent.
26. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The primary structure (amino acid sequence) determines how the protein will
fold (secondary and tertiary structures), and this 3D shape dictates function.
27. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive disorder. The reason it causes
symptoms (like mental retardation) is the lack of the specific enzyme, leading to toxic
accumulation.
28. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The forelimbs of these mammals are homologous structures. They have a
common anatomical plan from a common ancestor but are modified for different functions
(divergent evolution).
29. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are correct facts. However, the mechanism in Vallisneria (R) is
an example of water pollination, not the reason why it is rare (A).
30. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The z gene codes for beta-galactosidase, and the function of this enzyme in the
operon is to break down lactose, the substrate.
31. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are true, but (R) does not explain (A), as other triploblastic,
bilateral animals (like Platyhelminthes) only have an organ level.
32. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The logistic curve shows these phases precisely because it models a population
constrained by finite resources (the carrying capacity, K).
33. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are true descriptions of gametogenesis. However, (R)
(oogenesis) does not explain (A) (spermatogenesis); they are just two different, true processes.
34. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: In incomplete dominance, the heterozygote (Rr) has a distinct phenotype (pink)
from the homozygotes (RR-red, rr-white), leading to the 1:2:1 phenotypic ratio.
35. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Thorns are modifications of axillary buds (which are stems). Their function is to
provide defense against herbivores.
36. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are correct events in the menstrual cycle. However, the function
of the corpus luteum (R) is a post-ovulation event and does not explain what causes ovulation
(A).
37. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: This is the definition of pleiotropy. The gene for starch branching enzyme (B)
affects both seed shape and starch grain size, serving as a key example.
38. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; Heterochromatin is transcriptionally inactive. (R) is false;
Heterochromatin is densely packed and stains dark. (Euchromatin is loosely packed, light-
staining, and active).
39. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is the correct definition of decomposition. (R) is false; decomposition is
largely an oxygen-requiring (aerobic) process.
40. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true. (R) is false; the central cell contains the two polar nuclei, not the three
antipodal cells (which are separate cells).
41. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Harvey's use of a thermometer (an experimental method) to show that
"blackbile" individuals had normal body temperatures disproved the "good humor" hypothesis.
42. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The water vascular system is the unique, defining characteristic of echinoderms.
Its multiple functions (locomotion, feeding, respiration) are what make it so significant.
43. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is true. (R) is true; these are the criteria Whittaker used for his 5-kingdom
system, but (R) explains the whole system, not just the basis for Monera.
44. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; a typical nucleosome contains approx 200 bp of DNA. (R) is false; the
DNA wraps around a histone octamer (not nonamer). Both (A) and (R) are false.
45. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is the correct definition of apomixis. (R) describes adventive embryony, which
is an example of apomixis, not the reason for the definition.
46. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria, the cell wall is the outermost
covering. (R) is a true description of the cell membrane.
47. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both (A) and (R) are true descriptions of the DNA backbone structure, but they
don't logically explain one another.
48. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Small animals have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio. This causes them to
lose heat rapidly, making it metabolically expensive to maintain body temperature in cold
climates.
49. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both are true findings from the Human Genome Project. However, (R) does not
explain (A); they are two separate findings.
50. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The inner cell mass contains stem cells. These cells are defined by their
pluripotency—the ability (potency) to differentiate into all tissues and organs.
51. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; the rop gene codes for proteins involved in plasmid replication. (R) is
false; 'ori' is the site where replication starts; 'rop' regulates the process.
52. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is a correct statement. (R) is false; the protonema (first stage) is sterile; the
leafy stage (second stage) bears the sex organs.
53. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true. (R) is false; the common cold is caused by Rhinoviruses, whereas
Haemophilus influenzae causes pneumonia.
54. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is the definition of eutrophication. (R) correctly describes the process of how
nutrient influx leads to increased biomass, sedimentation, and aging.
55. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Mature sieve tube elements are enucleated. They remain functional only
because their activities are controlled by the nucleus of the adjacent companion cells.
56. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both are true statements regarding these hominids. However, their diet (R)
doesn't, by itself, explain the difference in brain capacity (A); they are concurrent traits.
57. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The pistil (female organ) is defined by the ovary, which contains ovules. The
ovules, in turn, are the structures that contain the female gametophytes (embryo-sacs).
58. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: A single-celled organism must perform all life functions. This is possible because
the cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function.
59. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both statements are true facts about human gamete production (female
homogamety and male heterogamety). (R) describes the male, and (A) describes the female.
60. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The use of condoms has increased, and a primary reason for this is their
"additional benefit" of providing protection against STDs and AIDS.
61. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: PEN is triploid precisely because it is formed by triple fusion—the fusion of one
haploid male gamete with the diploid secondary nucleus (two polar nuclei).
62. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is a true statement about post-fertilization changes. (R) is also a true
statement defining the pericarp. (R) does not explain (A).
63. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Carboxylation is the first step. It is the reaction where $CO_2$ is fixed (accepted)
by RuBP, a reaction catalyzed by RuBisCO.
64. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: In prokaryotes, transcription and translation can be coupled. This is possible
because there is no nuclear membrane separating the DNA/RNA from the ribosomes, and the
mRNA needs no processing.
65. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) and (R) are both correct definitions of the A-band and I-band, respectively.
They do not explain each other.
66. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; Morgan observed linkage. (R) is false; tightly linked genes show low
recombination frequencies.
67. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; bulliform cells cause leaf curling during water stress. (R) is false; they
are located on the adaxial (upper) epidermis.
68. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (R) correctly explains the pressure-flow hypothesis: high sugar concentration at
the source draws in water, building turgor pressure that pushes sap to the sink.
69. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Colostrum is essential because it contains IgA antibodies, which provide passive
immunity to the newborn.
70. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: A single base difference (SNP) is a key feature. Its importance (R) in research
(tracing history and disease) is what makes it a "key feature" (A).
71. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: When glucose is absent, cAMP is high; cAMP-CAP complex binds to the operon
and positively regulates (promotes) transcription, assuming lactose is present.
72. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Apical and intercalary meristems are defined as primary meristems because
they appear early and are responsible for primary growth (elongation).
73. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; the first step is the absorption of light by Photosystem II (P680) and
electron excitation. Water splitting occurs to replace the electron lost by P680.
74. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; eukaryotic cells are highly diverse (plant vs. animal). (R) is true; the
defining features of all eukaryotic cells are a true nucleus and organelles.
75. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is the definition of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (R) lists the five factors
that disrupt this equilibrium, causing evolution.
76. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Because there is no direct complementarity between nucleotides and amino
acids, an adapter molecule (tRNA) is required for translation.
77. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The testes are in the scrotum. The reason is functional: the scrotum maintains a
lower temperature essential for spermatogenesis.
78. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is the correct definition of gymnosperms ("naked seeds"). (R) is false;
following fertilization, the seeds remain uncovered (naked).
79. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true. (R) is false; the pollen grain (male gametophyte) is a haploid structure,
formed from a haploid microspore.
80. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; Chlamydomonas exhibits a haplontic life cycle. (R) is false; in a
haplontic life cycle, the dominant phase is the haploid gametophyte.
81. (44) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; the i gene codes for the repressor protein. Lactose is the inducer. (R)
is false; the i gene is a regulatory gene, not a structural gene. Both (A) and (R) are false.
82. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) states the correct terms. (R) correctly describes the
autotrophic/heterotrophic roles that define this mutualistic relationship.
83. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: B and T lymphocytes are the basis of acquired immunity. The secondary
response is faster and more intense because these cells create a "memory" of the first
encounter.
84. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is a true statement about RNAi. (R) correctly describes the mechanism of
RNAi, where a dsRNA molecule targets a complementary mRNA for silencing.
85. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is the correct definition of biomagnification. (R) is false; the phenomenon
occurs because the toxicant cannot be metabolized or excreted, so it accumulates.
86. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The first gene therapy was for ADA deficiency. This was targeted because ADA is
essential for the immune system, making the deficiency a severe disorder.
87. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) correctly classifies the Phylum Platyhelminthes. (R) describes the key
adaptations (suckers, direct absorption) that result from its endoparasitic lifestyle.
88. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) states the primary function of roots. (R) states a modified function
(respiration) in a specific plant. Both are true, but (R) does not explain (A).
89. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: (A) is a true statement. This property (one codon for one amino acid) is the
definition of (R), that the code is "unambiguous".
90. (11) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: A meiocyte is the diploid (2n) cell. A gamete is the haploid (n) cell. Therefore, if
the meiocyte (2n) has 1260 chromosomes, the gamete (n) will have half that number (630).
91. (4) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation: (A) is false; the sex is determined by the father (the sperm). (R) is true and
explains why: the mother only passes on X, while the father passes on X or Y.
92. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Double fertilization is unique to angiosperms. It is defined by the two fusions
mentioned in (R): syngamy (forming the zygote) and triple fusion (forming the PEN).
93. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both (A) and (R) are true statements describing the mechanisms of two different
types of IUDs (non-medicated and hormone-releasing). (R) does not explain (A).
94. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The SAN (pacemaker) initiates the signal for atrial contraction. This signal must
then be passed via the AVN and AV bundle to coordinate the ventricular contraction.
95. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; before pollution, light-colored moths were better camouflaged. (R) is
false; the melanized (dark) moths were selected against in that environment and were easily
seen.
96. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is the correct description of the sliding filament theory. (R) is false; the A-band
(myosin filament length) remains constant, while the I-band and H-zone shorten.
97. (3) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: (A) is true; the central cell contains two polar nuclei. (R) is false; triple fusion
(male gamete + two polar nuclei) results in the triploid (3n) Primary Endosperm Cell (PEC).
98. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both (A) and (R) are true statements about the timeline of the origin of life. They
are two separate points on the timeline.
99. (1) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The secondary oocyte is arrested in metaphase II. Its completion (meiosis II) is
triggered by the sperm's entry, resulting in an unequal division (ovum and polar body).
100. (2) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Both are true milestones in human gestation. (R) describes events of the second
trimester, while (A) describes an event of the first month; they are unrelated statements.