CAIE
A Level
9700
Biology 2024 · Oct/Nov
37 Questions
Q&A Available
Questions & Model Answers 37 Qs
Q2
MCQ
1 mark
A cell is shown in the micrograph. Which statement explains how it is possible to identify the type of microscope used to produce the micrograph? A The nucleus is visible, so an electron microscope was used. B The endoplasmic reticulum is not visible, so a light microscope was used. C Chloroplasts are visible, so a light microscope was used. D Ribosomes are visible, so an electron microscope was used.
A
cell is shown in the micrograph.
A
The nucleus is visible, so an electron microscope was used.
B
The endoplasmic reticulum is not visible, so a light microscope was used.
C
Chloroplasts are visible, so a light microscope was used.
D
Ribosomes are visible, so an electron microscope was used.
Q3
MCQ
1 mark
Which statement supports the fact that mature plant cells contain organelles that carry out the same role as lysosomes? A A range of hydrolytic enzymes can be found within mature plant vacuoles. B Glycogen, found within vesicles, can be hydrolysed to glucose molecules. C Double membrane-bound vesicles are formed from plant Golgi bodies. D Vesicles, formed from the cell surface membrane, contain enzymes.
A
A range of hydrolytic enzymes can be found within mature plant vacuoles.
B
Glycogen, found within vesicles, can be hydrolysed to glucose molecules.
C
Double membrane-bound vesicles are formed from plant Golgi bodies.
D
Vesicles, formed from the cell surface membrane, contain enzymes.
Q4
MCQ
1 mark
Which cell structures may contain cisternae? chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum Golgi body mitochondrion A 3 3 3 7 B 3 7 7 3 C 7 3 3 7 D 7 3 7 3 key = may contain cisternae
A
3 3 3 7
B
3 7 7 3
C
7 3 3 7
D
7 3 7 3
Q7
MCQ
1 mark
= does not contain cisternae 5 The diagram shows some cell structures of one type of cell. Which labelled cell structures are present in typical eukaryotic cells and typical bacterial cells? A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 3, 4 and 5 C 1, 2 and 3 only D 3, 4 and 5 only 6 The diagram shows part of a collagen fibril made of collagen triple helices. The collagen triple helices are linked to each other by one type of bond. This bond is labelled as X in the diagram. collagen triple helix collagen fibril What is bond X? A covalent bond B disulfide bond C hydrogen bond D peptide bond 7 The table shows some information about the polypeptides that make up haemoglobin. total number of amino acid residues in polypeptide chain position of amino acid cysteine in polypeptide chain 93 and 112 at position 93. They found that: What can be concluded from the information about cysteine in haemoglobin? A More than 1% of the amino acids in one haemoglobin protein are cysteine. haemoglobin for oxygen at low pH. at position 93 to become more hydrophilic.
A
1, 2, 3 and 4
B
1, 3, 4 and 5
C
1, 2 and 3 only
D
3, 4 and 5 only
A
covalent bond
B
disulfide bond
C
hydrogen bond
D
peptide bond
A
More than 1% of the amino acids in one haemoglobin protein are cysteine.
Q8
MCQ
1 mark
Which feature of glycogen distinguishes it from starch? A All glycogen molecules are highly branched. B All glycogen molecules are polysaccharides. D All glycogen molecules contain 1,4-glycosidic bonds.
A
All glycogen molecules are highly branched.
B
All glycogen molecules are polysaccharides.
D
All glycogen molecules contain 1,4-glycosidic bonds.
Q9
MCQ
1 mark
The diagram shows a biological molecule. H HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH HH H Which molecules would be produced if this biological molecule was hydrolysed? A amino acids and glycerol only B amino acids, glycerol and water C fatty acids and glycerol only D fatty acids, glycerol and water
A
amino acids and glycerol only
B
amino acids, glycerol and water
C
fatty acids and glycerol only
D
fatty acids, glycerol and water
Q10
MCQ
1 mark
A mixture of glucose and starch solutions was placed in a length of dialysis (Visking) tubing and the tubing sealed. The tubing was then placed in a boiling tube containing distilled water. Two samples were immediately removed from this water (time 0 minutes) and tested with either iodine solution or Benedict's solution. This was repeated at 10 minute intervals for 30 minutes. The iodine solution gave an orange-brown colour each time. The table shows the results of the Benedict's test. time / minutes 0 10 20 30 colour produced by Benedict's test blue green yellow red What may be concluded from these results? 1 The pores in the Visking tubing are too small for a starch molecule to pass through. 2 Glucose diffuses through the Visking tubing down a diffusion gradient. 3 Water diffuses into the Visking tubing. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
A
mixture of glucose and starch solutions was placed in a length of dialysis (Visking) tubing and
A
1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Q11
Short Answer
1 mark
Which molecules are globular proteins? 1 amylase 2 haemoglobin 3 DNA polymerase A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 only
Q12
Short Answer
1 mark
The initial rate of a reaction catalysed by an enzyme was measured at various substrate concentrations. Which graph shows the effect of a low concentration of non-competitive inhibitor on the reaction? initial rate of reaction substrate concentration = without inhibitor = with inhibitorkey initial rate of reaction initial rate of reaction initial rate of reaction substrate concentration substrate concentration substrate concentration
Q13
MCQ
1 mark
Gout is a type of arthritis in which small uric acid crystals form inside and around the joints. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling. The diagram shows how uric acid is formed from hypoxanthine catalysed by the enzyme xanthine oxidase. hypoxanthine xanthine xanthine oxidase 2O + OH N uric acid xanthine oxidase 2O + O Gout can be treated using a drug called allopurinol which has a similar shape to hypoxanthine. allopurinol What can be concluded from this information about how allopurinol prevents the formation of uric acid? A It binds to the active site of xanthine oxidase instead of hypoxanthine, resulting in reduced production of uric acid. B It binds to another part of xanthine oxidase and this changes the shape of the active site. C It disrupts the hydrogen bonds within xanthine oxidase so it denatures and the active site is no longer complementary to hypoxanthine and xanthine. D It hydrolyses the peptide bonds within xanthine oxidase to change the shape of the active site.
A
It binds to the active site of xanthine oxidase instead of hypoxanthine, resulting in reduced
B
It binds to another part of xanthine oxidase and this changes the shape of the active site.
C
It disrupts the hydrogen bonds within xanthine oxidase so it denatures and the active site is
D
It hydrolyses the peptide bonds within xanthine oxidase to change the shape of the active
Q14
MCQ
1 mark
Phospholipids are formed in a similar way to triglycerides. A sample contained six phospholipid molecules. 282 g mol What is the molecular weight of the sample in g mol A 2598 B 4182 C 4506 D 4830
A
sample contained six phospholipid molecules.
A
2598 B 4182 C 4506 D 4830
Q15
Short Answer
1 mark
Which statements about phospholipids in cell surface membranes are correct? 1 Fatty acid tails allow most ions to pass through the membrane. 2 Hydrophobic tails point inwards facing each other. 3 All polar heads face the cytoplasm. 4 The phospholipids help with the flexibility of the membrane. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 2, 3 and 4 D 2 and 4 only
Q16
MCQ
1 mark
In an experiment, pieces of onion epidermis are put into three different concentrations of sucrose solutions, P, Q and R. The pieces of onion are left for an hour and then examined using the low power of a light microscope. Each diagram shows one cell from the epidermis that was placed in each of the sucrose concentrations. PQR What explains the appearance of cells in solution Q? A The concentration of solution Q is equal to the concentration of the solutes in the cell sap. B The cytoplasm has the same concentration of sucrose as solution Q. C The water potential of the cytoplasm is equal to the water potential of the vacuole. D The water potential of the cell sap is equal to the water potential of solution Q.
A
The concentration of solution Q is equal to the concentration of the solutes in the cell sap.
B
The cytoplasm has the same concentration of sucrose as solution Q.
C
The water potential of the cytoplasm is equal to the water potential of the vacuole.
D
The water potential of the cell sap is equal to the water potential of solution Q.
Q17
Short Answer
1 mark
The electron micrograph shows rod-shaped bacteria. diameter 0.5 μm length 2.0 bacterium is cylinder-shaped. What is the surface area to volume ratio of the bacterium? A 3.0 : 1.0 B 5.0 : 1.0 C 8.0 : 1.0 D 9.0 : 1.0
Q18
Short Answer
1 mark
Chickens have 78 chromosomes in the nucleus of a body cell. How many DNA molecules are there in a chicken body cell at the start of prophase of mitosis? A 46 B 78 C 92 D 156
Q19
MCQ
1 mark
The photomicrograph shows cells undergoing mitosis. Which statement describes what will happen next in cell X? A Chromatin coils up tightly and the nuclear envelope breaks down. B Chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell and attach to the spindle. C Sister chromatids move towards opposite poles, pulled by the spindle fibres. D Spindle fibres break down and the cell prepares for cytokinesis.
A
Chromatin coils up tightly and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
B
Chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell and attach to the spindle.
C
Sister chromatids move towards opposite poles, pulled by the spindle fibres.
D
Spindle fibres break down and the cell prepares for cytokinesis.
Q20
Short Answer
1 mark
Which processes occur in bone marrow cells that are in a mitotic cell cycle? 1 Phosphate groups bind to ADP molecules to form ATP. 2 Bonds form between nucleotides in a DNA strand. 3 Hydrogen bonds form between tRNA anticodons and mRNA codons. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 only
Q21
Short Answer
1 mark
The enzyme telomerase prevents loss of telomeres after many mitotic cell cycles. Which cells need to transcribe telomerase enzyme? 1 stem cells 2 activated memory B-lymphocytes 3 helper T-lymphocytes secreting cytokines A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Q22
MCQ
1 mark
A polypeptide molecule contains the amino acid sequence: glycine - leucine - lysine - valine. The table shows DNA triplets for these amino acids. glycine leucine lysine valine CCC GAA TTT CAA Which tRNA anticodons are needed for the synthesis of this polypeptide? A CCC GAA TTT CAA B CCC GAA UUU CAA C GGG CUU AAA GUU D GGG CUU UUU GUU
A
polypeptide molecule contains the amino acid sequence:
A
CCC GAA TTT CAA
B
CCC GAA UUU CAA
C
GGG CUU AAA GUU
D
GGG CUU UUU GUU
Q23
MCQ
1 mark
The diagram shows a section of a strand of DNA. Which type of bond is labelled X? A glycosidic B hydrogen C peptide D phosphodiester
A
glycosidic
B
hydrogen
C
peptide
D
phosphodiester
Q24
MCQ
1 mark
Which row correctly describes cytosine? ring structure number of hydrogen bonds it forms with its complementary base type of base A double three purine B double two pyrimidine C single three pyrimidine D single two purine
A
double three purine
B
double two pyrimidine
C
single three pyrimidine
D
single two purine
Q25
MCQ
1 mark
During the production of protein molecules, only one strand from the DNA double helix is used. Which name is given to the DNA strand that is used to produce a new protein? A non-transcribed strand B leading strand C template strand D lagging strand
A
non-transcribed strand
B
leading strand
C
template strand
D
lagging strand
Q26
Short Answer
1 mark
The diagram shows a longitudinal section of a phloem sieve tube with a companion cell. Where are the mitochondria located for the release of energy for cotransport?
Q27
MCQ
1 mark
The diagram shows a phloem sieve tube element and a companion cell that are involved in translocation of sucrose. WX YZ Which process correctly describes the translocation of sucrose through these cells? A Sucrose moves from Y to Z by active transport. B Protons move from Y to Z by active transport. C Protons move from Z to Y by diffusion. D Protons move from X to W by diffusion.
A
Sucrose moves from Y to Z by active transport.
B
Protons move from Y to Z by active transport.
C
Protons move from Z to Y by diffusion.
D
Protons move from X to W by diffusion.
Q28
MCQ
1 mark
Which types of molecules are cotransported into companion cells? A monomers and disaccharides B monomers and polysaccharides C polymers and disaccharides D polymers and monosaccharides
A
monomers and disaccharides
B
monomers and polysaccharides
C
polymers and disaccharides
D
polymers and monosaccharides
Q29
MCQ
1 mark
The diagram shows a section through the human heart. Which label is correct? A pulmonary artery B left ventricle C right atrium D aorta
A
pulmonary artery
B
left ventricle
C
right atrium
D
aorta
Q30
Short Answer
1 mark
The graph shows how the volume of the left ventricle changes during one cardiac cycle. Which point on the graph represents the start of atrial systole? ventricular volume / cm time
Q31
MCQ
1 mark
Which statement is correct? A In a red blood cell, CO 2 can combine with haemoglobin to form haemoglobinic acid. B Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyses the reaction between CO 2 and H2O. C At the lungs, carbon dioxide is released when carbonic acid and water react together. D The greater the concentration of CO 2 in the blood, the higher the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.
A
In a red blood cell, CO
B
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyses the reaction between CO
C
At the lungs, carbon dioxide is released when carbonic acid and water react together.
D
The greater the concentration of CO
Q32
Short Answer
1 mark
Which row is correct for an artery? inner layer middle layer outer layer smooth layer of endodermis cells collagen, elastic fibres and smooth muscle collagen only smooth layer of endodermis cells elastic fibres and smooth muscle only collagen and elastic fibres smooth layer of squamous cells collagen, elastic fibres and smooth muscle collagen and elastic fibres smooth layer of squamous cells elastic fibres and smooth muscle only collagen only
Q33
MCQ
1 mark
Which row shows the features of the gas exchange surface that increase diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen? concentration gradient diffusion distance A steep long B steep short C shallow long D shallow short
A
steep long
B
steep short
C
shallow long
D
shallow short
Q34
Short Answer
1 mark
The electron micrograph shows some of the airways in the gaseous exchange system of an insect and the respiring body cells that surround them. Each trachea is filled with air which enters through tiny holes called spiracles. Each trachea is held open by spirals of a material called chitin. respiring body cell Tracheoles are narrow tubes which branch from a wide trachea. They lie next to body cells and gaseous exchange occurs across them directly into respiring body cells. Which statements describe correct differences between the insect gas exchange system shown in the electron micrograph and the human gas exchange system? 1 Gas exchange occurs through the walls of the airways directly into respiring body cells in insects but this does not occur in humans. 2 There are spirals of chitin in the walls of a trachea in insects to hold it open but not in humans. 3 There is more than one trachea in the gas exchange system of the insect but only one in humans. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 2 and 3 only D 3 only
Q35
MCQ
1 mark
Which row is correct for the wall of the trachea and the wall of the bronchus? cartilage smooth muscle goblet cells A 3 3 3 key B 3 3 7 3 = present C 3 7 3 7 = not present D 7 3 7
A
3 3 3 key
B
3 3 7 3 = present
C
3 7 3 7 = not present
D
7 3 7
Q36
MCQ
1 mark
A bacterial pathogen produces a protein that acts as a toxin. This toxin is harmful to humans. Scientists are developing monoclonal antibodies that can be used to detect the presence of the toxin in the body so that early treatment can be given. Which statements describe steps in the development of these monoclonal antibodies? 1 The toxin protein is injected into a mouse and triggers mitosis of specific B-lymphocytes. 2 Antibodies are collected from the spleen of the mouse and fused with myeloma cells. 3 A hybridoma cell produces many antibodies with a variety of different variable regions. A 1 and 2 B 1 only C 2 and 3 D 3 only
A
bacterial pathogen produces a protein that acts as a toxin. This toxin is harmful to humans.
A
1 and 2 B 1 only C 2 and 3 D 3 only
Q37
Short Answer
1 mark
Which statements are correct for penicillin? 1 It is harmful to prokaryotic cells. 2 It disrupts cell wall synthesis. 3 It becomes less effective with regular use. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Q38
MCQ
1 mark
Why is passive immunity effective for only a short time? A Antibodies are rapidly broken down. B Antigens are rapidly broken down. C Memory cells soon die. D Phagocytes soon die.
A
Antibodies are rapidly broken down.
B
Antigens are rapidly broken down.
C
Memory cells soon die.
D
Phagocytes soon die.
Q39
MCQ
1 mark
Which row is correct for the control or prevention methods for each disease? TB malaria cholera A vaccination chlorination of water vaccination B chlorination of water contact tracing destruction of the vector C contact tracing destruction of the vector chlorination of water D destruction of the vector vaccination contact tracing
A
vaccination chlorination of water vaccination
B
chlorination of water contact tracing destruction of the vector
C
contact tracing destruction of the vector chlorination of water
D
destruction of the vector vaccination contact tracing
Q40
MCQ
1 mark
Peptidoglycan is stained purple by the chemical crystal violet. Which cells would stain purple in the presence of crystal violet? A palisade mesophyll cells B Vibrio cholerae cells C Plasmodium falciparum cells D endothelial cells Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.
A
palisade mesophyll cells
B
Vibrio cholerae cells
C
Plasmodium falciparum cells
D
endothelial cells
Paper Details
| Board | CAIE |
| Level | A Level |
| Subject | Biology |
| Code | 9700 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Session | Oct/Nov |
| Q&A | 37 questions |
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