STPM Semester 2 Trial Examination

Biology
1 ½ hours
Name: _________________________ 2020

Instructions:
There are fifteen questions in Section A. For each question, four choices of answers are given.
Choose one correct answer and indicate it on the answer sheet.
Answer all questions. Marks will not be deducted for wrong answers.
Answer all questions in Section B. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
Answer any two questions in Section C. All working should be shown. For numerical answers, units
should be quoted wherever appropriate. Begin each answer on a fresh sheet of paper and arrange
your answers in numerical order.

Section A [15 marks] – Answer all questions in this section.

1. The pulmonary surfactant covering the inside of the alveoli is secreted by
A mucosa cells B alveolar macrophages
C type I pneumocytes D type II pneumocytes

2. The graph below shows the two different oxygen dissociation curves.

Curve P

Curve Q

If curve P is for adult haemoglobin, curve Q can be for

A myoglobin
B foetal haemoglobin
C haemoglobin of mammals living on high altitude
D adult haemoglobin at higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide

3. An artificial pacemaker is a device which can be implanted to help the patient with a severe
malfunctioning of
A autonomic nerve fibres B sinoatrial node
C cardiac muscle fibres D Purkinje fibres
4. Which of the following are functions of the lymphatic system?
I transporting lipid droplets to the blood circulatory system
II absorbing vitamin B and C by the lacteals in the small intestine
III defending the body by filtering the pathogens and producing new lymphocytes
IV returning excess interstitial fluid and some plasma proteins from the blood capillaries

A I and IV only B II and IV only

C I, III and IV only D I, II, III and IV

5. The diagram below shows a part of the transport system of a dicotyledonous plant.

Cell X

Nucleus
Cell Y

Sieve
plate

Which of the following statements is true about the cells involved based on the pressure flow
hypothesis?
A Cell X receives organic substances transported by cell Y
B In the sink, water diffuses into cell X by passive transport
C In cell X, the transport of organic substances is bidirectional
D Cell X depends on cell Y to supply ATP for its activities as it is a dead cell

6. The figure below shows the membrane potential at a part of an axon.

B C

At which stage does efflux of a large amount of potassium ions occur?

7. The following events occur during the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse.
P - Releasing the neurotransmitter molecules
Q – Opening the sodium ligand-gated channels
R – Opening the calcium voltage-gated channels

Which is the correct sequence?

A PQR B QPR C R P  Q D RQP

8. The diagram below shows an electron micrograph of myofibril cross section.

The section is prepared when the myofibril is cut across the

A A band B I band C H zone D M line

9. Which of the following is not true about the effect of cocaine abuse?
A Cocaine can cause an intense feeling of euphoria
B There is high concentration of dopamine in the synaptic cleft
C Long term cocaine abuse results in less production of dopamine
D The cocaine molecules bind to the receptors in the postsynaptic membrane

10. Oryza sativa (Rice) is a short-day plant. It flowers when

I there is low level of Pfr
II it is exposed to flashes of red light at noon
III it is exposed to flashes of far-red light at midnight
IV it is exposed repeatedly to red light followed by green light
A I only B. I and III only C. II and IV D. II, III and IV

11. Which of the following is true about the passage of sperms before fertilisation?
A Vas deferens  Epididymis  Urethra  Cervix
B Vas deferens  Epididymis  Cervix  Urethra
C Epididymis  Vas deferens  Urethra  Cervix
D Epididymis  Vas deferens  Cervix  Urethra

12. Both the Cori cycle and the ornithine cycle

A involve the liver B occur in the muscle
C make use of ATP molecules D produce the same waste products

13. Which statement is not true about the loop of Henle of a desert rat?
A It is longer than the loop of Henle of the rats in tropical forests
B Water diffuses out through the wall of the descending limb by osmosis
C The thick segment of the ascending limb remove sodium chloride actively
D Highest concentration of salts in found in the descending limb next to the proximal tubule
14. The diagram below shows a protein molecule involved in human body defence.

Which of the following statements are true about the protein molecule shown?
I It is mainly found on the surface membrane of B cells
II It is produced by cells in the mucous membrane
III It provides natural passive immunity through breast feeding
IV It stimulates B cells to differentiate into plasma cells and memory cells

A I and III B I and IV C II and III D II and IV

15. Which is true about neuraminidase during an infection by Vibrio cholera?

A It is an enzyme which binds to choleragen
B It acts as a receptor for the toxin choleragen
C It changes the structures of some proteins on the walls of the small intestine
D It stimulates the secretion of chloride ions from the epithelial cells into the small intestine
lumen
Section B [15 marks] – Answer both questions in this section.

16. The diagram below shows the action of hormone X.

Plasma
membrane

Molecule Y

Complex binds to DNA

Hormone X
Complex

a) Which type of hormone is hormone X classified under? [1]

___________________________________________________________________________

b) Give a suitable example of hormone X. [1]

___________________________________________________________________________

c) Describe the characteristics of molecule Y. [2]

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

d) Explain how the binding of the complex formed to DNA can result in a cellular response. [2]

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

e) Describe how the mechanism of action of insulin is different from hormone X. [2]

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
17. The diagram below shows a series of reactions which cause the reabsorption of sodium ions
when a person has just donated blood.

a) (i) Give the name and the location of Structure P. [1]

____________________________________________________________________

(ii) What is Structure Q? [1]

____________________________________________________________________

b) Name Enzyme Y. [1]

_______________________________________________________________________

c) Identify Hormone Z and explain its function. [2]

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

d) Explain why the blood sodium ion concentration can affect the blood pressure. [2]

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
Section C [30 marks] – Answer any two questions in this section.

18 a) Outline the formation of an ovum in a woman. [6]

b) Explain the roles of various hormones in the process of parturition. [9]

19 a) Explain rejection of transplanted organ and efforts which can be taken to minimise the
problem. [8]

b) Explain how a human immunodeficiency virus can attack human cell and cause AIDS. [7]

20. a) Define infectious disease and its causative agent. [2]

b) Describe the causes, signs and symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever. [6]

c) Discuss how the local community can help to prevent dengue infection. [7]

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End of question paper

 2020 Semester 2 Biology Trial Exam
Answers:
Section A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
D D B C A C C A D B C A D C C

Section B
Q Answer Mark
16. a Steroid hormone 1
b Testosterone/ Oestrogen/ Progesterone/ Aldosterone/ Glucocorticoid
c P1 – It is a protein molecule 1
P2 – It is a binding site/ receiving site which can bind with a specific hormone 1
P3 – It can form a hormone-receptor complex which can enter the nucleus and 1
bind to a specific regulatory site on DNA Max.2
d P1 – The binding activates a specific gene in the DNA 1
P2 – which induces the transcription of the specific gene to produce mRNA 1
P3 – Translation of the mRNA produces a polypeptide chain/ protein which 1
results in a physiological response Max.2
e D1 – Insulin does not pass through the plasma membrane but binds to a specific 1
receptor protein in the plasma membrane itself
D2 – Insulin does not activate the gene in the nucleus but acts as the first 1
messenger to start a series of reactions/ cascade reactions
D3 – Insulin brings about a more rapid and amplified response but the effect does 1
not last as long as hormone X Max.2
17. a Name: Juxtaglomerular apparatus 1/0
Location: At the wall of the distal convoluted tubule and afferent arteriole (near
to the glomerulus)
b Adrenal cortex 1
c Renin 1
d Identity of Hormone Z: aldosterone 1
Explanation of function: It activates the genes which increase the number of 1
protein pumps for Na+ and K+ in the plasma membrane of the cells of distal
convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, this results in more reabsorption of Na+
and more secretion of K+
e E1 – Sodium ion concentration of the blood determines the water potential of the 1
blood
E2 – High blood sodium concentration results in low blood water potential 1
E3 – Water enters the blood capillaries by osmosis and increases the blood 1
volume
E4 – An increase in blood volume raises the blood pressure 1
Max.2

Section C
Q Answer Mark
18a P1 – Germinal epithelial cells near the surface of an ovary divide by mitosis to 1
form diploid oogonia (2n).
P2 – Oogonia undergo growth by mitosis and form primary oocytes which 1
remain at prophase of meiosis I throughout childhood.
P3 – All primary oocytes undergo meiosis but stop at prophase I of meiosis in the 1
developing foetus.
 P4 – A primary oocyte completes meiosis I to form two haploid cells which are 1
not equal in size.
P5 – The larger cell becomes a secondary oocyte (n). 1
P6 - The secondary oocyte starts meiosis II which progresses until metaphase II. 1
P7 – When the secondary fuses with a sperm/ at fertilisation, it undergoes the 1
second meiotic division to form an ovum and a second polar body. Max.6

b P1 – The hormones involved in parturition include progesterone, oestrogen, 1

oxytocin, and relaxin (and prostaglandins, a hormone like substance) from
the mother, adrenocorticicotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroids
from the foetus.
P2 – During the final month of pregnancy (about week 37), the hypothalamus of 1
the foetus releases ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from its pituitary
gland.
P3 – ACTH stimulates the foetal adrenal gland to release corticosteroids which 1
cross the placenta and enter the mother’s circulation.
P4 – This causes a decrease in progesterone production and an increase in 1
prostaglandins secretion.
P5 – Prostaglandins are secreted by the uterus and stimulate contraction of the 1
uterus.
P6 – The reduction in progesterone level also removes the inhibitory effect of 1
progesterone on contraction of the myometrium.
P7 – Low level of progesterone stimulates the synthesis of more oxytocin 1
(produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary
gland of the mother and the foetus).
P8 – The level of oestrogen secreted by placenta remains high for the time being. 1
High level of oestrogen and low level of progesterone causes the synthesis
of more and more oxytocin receptors in the myometrium.
P9 – With more receptors, the uterus becomes more sensitive to oxytocin. 1
P10 – Oxytocin causes contractions of the smooth muscle of the myometrium, 1
the muscular lining of the uterus
P11 – The contractions stimulate the release of more oxytocin and prostaglandins 1
(a positive feedback).
P12 – Relaxin produced by the ovary and the placenta relaxes the ligaments in 1
the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix.
P13 – The contraction of the smooth muscles of the myometrium force the foetus 1
out of the uterus. Max.9

19 a P1 – The cells of the transplanted organ have class I MHC proteins which act as 1
specific markers for an individuals
P2 – Different individuals have different class I MHC proteins 1
P4 – A healthy immune system is able to distinguish between the body’s cells 1
P5 – The MHC proteins in the plasma membrane of the cells in a transplanted 1
organ are detected by the host’s immune system as non-self.
P6 – Cells with non-self proteins are attacked by the immune system which 1
results in rejection of the transplanted organ. Max.4

To minimise the problem of rejection, the following efforts can be made:

E1 – Before transplantation of the organ, tissue matcing or tissue compatibility 1
tests are done to find the closet possible match.
E2 – After transplantation, the bone marrow is irradiated with X-ray to slow 1
down the production of lymphocytes.
 E3 – After transplantation immunosuppression drugs like cyclosporin is 1
administered to slow down the immune response.
E4 – After transplantation specific drugs like cyclosporine A and FK506 are 1
taken to act only on activation of T helper cells.
E5 – Use organs of transgenic animals which have human markers. 1
E6 – Use artificial organs which do not have non-self markers. 1
Max.4
b P1 – HIV attaches to the receptor site on the cell surface membrane of T4 cell or 1
helper T cell.
P2 – Lipoprotein membranes of HIV fuses with the host cell surface membrane. 1
P3 – Endocytosis occurs in which viral RNA and enzyme reverse transcriptase 1
enter the host cell.
P4 – Viral RNA, under the action of reverse transcriptase, acts as a template to 1
make a single strand of DNA (cDNA).
P5 – Reverse transcriptase catalyses the synthesis of a second DNA strand which 1
is complementary to the first strand, so an HIV DNA is formed.
P6 – The viral DNA then enter T4 cell to combine/ incorporate with the T4 cell 1
DNA as a provirus.
P7 – Each time the host’s DNA replicates, the viral DNA also replicates. So 1
gradually, most of the newly formed helper T cells have the viral DNA.
P8 – When the T4 lymphocytes are activated, the proviral genes are transcribed 1
into RNA which serves as mRNA for translation into HIV proteins and as
genomes for the next viral generation.
P9 – Capsids are assembled around viral genomes and reverse transcriptase 1
molecules to form many new viruses which bud off (by exocytosis) from the
host cell.
P10 – These new viruses attack other T4 cells and cause a reduction of the 1
number of helper T cells.
P11 – Eventually, the immune system can become so weakened that the 1
symptoms of AIDS begin to appear. Max.7

20a P1 – An infectious disease is a disease which is caused by organisms known as 1

pathogens.
P2 – An infectious disease can pass from infected human or animals to 1
uninfected people, e.g. dengue fever/ any suitable example Max 1

P3 – A causative agent of an infectious disease is the pathogen which causes the 1

disease, e.g. the causative agent of cholera is Vibrio cholerae/ any suitable
example

b P1 – Dengue haemorrhagic fever is caused by dengue fever virus (DENV), 1

P2 – DENV has four different serotypes - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and 1
DENV-4.
P3 – If a person was infected by one serotype and then infected by a different 1
serotype,
P4 – The immune response of the person would be very drastic and result in 1
severe complications called dengue haemorrhagic fever. Max 3

P5 – The signs and symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever are initially similar 1
to that of dengue fever like headaches with severe pain behind the eyes,
joint and muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting,
 P6 – As dengue haemorrhagic fever progresses, other signs and symptoms are Any 2-
shown, these include severe abdominal pain, petechiae, severe bleeding 2
from the gastro-intestinal tract, bleeding in the nose or gums, black stools,
persistent vomiting, decrease blood supply to vital organs, blood in urine.
c To prevent dengue infection, people in a local community can do the following:

P1 – Eradication of the mosquito population 1

E1 – Adding larvicides such as Abate to water containers and man-made ponds to 1
prevent the breeding of mosquitoes
E2 – Carrying out biological control by introducing the larvae-eating fish in 1
ponds.
E3 – Carrying out fogging with insecticide in dengue-stricken area 1
E4 – Covering water storage containers to prevent the mosquitoes from laying 1
eggs in them.
E5 – Emptying the stagnant water from old tyres, cans, bottles, tins and 1
flowerpots.
E6 – Cleaning and checking the drains regularly to ensure they are not blocked 1
especially during the rainy season.
E7 – Avoid organizing outdoor activities at the time and places the mosquitoes 1
are active. Max 5

P2 – Creating public awareness and involvement 1

E8 – Carrying out campaign to fight against Aedes through media 1
E9 – Educating the school children to prevent dengue 1
E10 – Encouraging schools and local communities to carry out communal 1
cleaning activities. Max 2