Leaving Cert Biology Short Questions

The Human Defence System

  1. What is meant by the term immunity?
  1. Distinguish between active and passive immunity.
  1. What is the purpose of vaccination?
  2. Distinguish between antigen and antibody.
  3. What is meant by the term immunity?
  4. Outline briefly the role of B lymphocytes in the human immune system.
  1. Distinguish between active and passive immunity.
  1. “Vaccination gives rise to active immunity”. Explain this statement.
  1. In certain situations a person is given a specific antibody rather than being vaccinated.
  1. Is this an example of active or passive immunity?
  1. Under what circumstances might an antibody, rather than a vaccination, be given?
  2. Comment on the duration of immunity that follows the administration of an antibody.

The Human Digestive System

  1. What is peristalsis?
  1. The hepatic portal vein carries blood from the alimentary canal to the …
  1. What are the products of fat digestion?
  1. What is the role of bile in fat digestion?
  1. State a role of beneficial bacteria in the alimentary canal
  1. State two good sources of protein in the human diet.
  1. Proteins are digested to simpler substances. What are these simpler substances called?
  1. State two ways in which villi are adapted for the absorption of soluble foods.
  1. State one function of protein in the human body.
  1. Name a process by which soluble foods are absorbed into the blood from the small intestine.
  1. What type of food is mainly absorbed into the lacteal?
  1. What are the final products of the digestion of a protein? …
  1. Give two good sources of protein in the human diet.
  1. State one reason that your body needs protein.
  1. Name two foods in which you found protein.
  1. Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.
  1. What is meant by egestion? From where does egestion occur?
  1. Bile is secreted by the …
  1. State one reason why a low pH is important in the stomach
  1. What is the function of the larynx?
  1. Where is the epiglottis? What is its function?
  1. Name a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme in the human alimentary canal. Where in the alimentary canal does this enzyme act? State the enzyme’s product(s).
  1. State the precise location of the liver in the human body.
  1. State a role that the liver plays in the digestive process.
  1. Write the dental formula for an adult human.
  1. What is meant by absorption?
  1. Give one function of symbiotic bacteria in the human digestive system.
  1. Where in the digestive system are the products of digestion absorbed? State one way in which this part of the system is adapted for absorption.
  1. In which part of the digestive system is water absorbed? Give another function of this part of the digestive system.
  1. State the function of the following: epiglottis, larynx.
  1. An organ for churning of food to chime is the …
  1. Symbiotic bacteria in the large intestine produce …
  1. Waves of contractions passing along the gut is …
  1. What type of teeth grind food into smaller pieces?
  1. What substance emulsifies fats?
  1. Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion.
  1. Explain how the small intestine is adapted for the absorption of the products of digestion.
  1. Name the part(s) of the digestive system in which the following are absorbed into the blood.
  1.              The products of digestion,
  2.       Water.
  1. Name a structure in the human digestive system, other than teeth, which is involved in mechanical digestion
  1. Bile is involved in digestion in the human body.
  1. Where is bile produced?
  2. Where is bile stored?
  1. 3. Where does bile act in the alimentary canal?
  1. What is the role of peristalsis in the digestive system?
  1. Where do the products of digestion enter the blood?
  1. How do these products of digestion pass into the blood?
  1. Name a process involved in the passage of the products of digestion into the blood.
  1. State a benefit of dietary fibre.

Ecology Questions

  1. Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: biosphere, habitat and niche.
  2. Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: Biosphere; Habitat; Consumer; Producer; Niche.
  3. An organism that eats another organism is called a …
  4. The place where an organism lives is called its …
  5. What is a pyramid of numbers?
  6. The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is the …
  7. The parts of the earth and atmosphere in which life is found is called the …
  8. In ecology what is meant by a trophic level?
  9. Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: niche, edaphic factor, symbiosis.
  10. What is meant by nitrogen fixation?
  11. What is meant by nitrification?
  12. What is the function of the nitrogen cycle?
  13. What term do ecologists use to describe an animal which kills and eats other animals?
  14. Give four factors that influence the size of the human population.
  15. If the population of prey declines suggest two possible consequences for the predators.
  16. What is meant by each of the following in ecology: predator; habitat; niche; biosphere; ecosystem?
  17. What is the principal source of energy for the Earth’s ecosystems?
  18. Name a producer.
  19. What is meant by an abiotic factor?
  20. State one way in which a named organism is adapted to the ecosystem.
  21. What is a quadrat frame?
  22. Give two abiotic factors that you investigated, describe how you measured each one.
  23. What term is used for the organism from which a parasite obtains its food?
  24. What is a habitat?
  25. List three abiotic factors that you investigated.
  26. In the case of a named organism give an adaptation feature that you noted.
  27. What is an ecosystem?
  28. What does an ecologist mean by competition?
  29. The use of one species to control the population of another species is called biological control. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of biological control.
  30. What is meant by nitrogen fixation?
  31. Name a group of organisms involved in nitrogen fixation.
  32. What is meant by a pyramid of numbers?
  33. A relationship between two organisms in which both benefit is called
  34. What does an ecologist mean by competition?
  35. What is an ecosystem?
  36. What is the biosphere?
  37. In ecological studies it is found that the distribution of organisms is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Distinguish between the underlined terms.
  38. From an ecosystem that you have investigated give an example of an abiotic factor that influences the distribution of a named plant in the ecosystem.
  39. In the case of a named ecosystem give an example of a biotic factor that influences the distribution of a named animal.
  40. What is the source of energy for the earth’s ecosystems?
  41. Construct a grazing food chain containing at least four trophic levels.
  42. The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates by bacteria is called …
  43. Give two sources of the carbon dioxide that is found in the atmosphere.
  44. Farmers add nitrates as fertilizers to the soil. They are advised not to spread fertilizers if heavy rain is forecast. Why do you think they are given this warning?
  45. Explain what is meant by pollution.
  46. Give an example of pollution and describe how this form of pollution can be controlled.
  47. Give an example of a human activity that results in the pollution of air or water
  48. Explain what is meant by conservation.
  49. Give a brief account of a conservation practice with which you are familiar.
  50. Explain conservation in relation to wild plants and animals.
  51. Suggest two reasons for conserving wild species.
  52. State one conservation practice from agriculture or fisheries or forestry
  53. What is meant by pollution?
  54. Describe a human activity that may result in pollution. Suggest a way in which this pollution could be prevented.
  55. Suggest a possible effect on a human population that may result from an increased availability of contraception.
  56. What is meant by pollution?
  57. What do you understand by the term conservation?
  58. Suggest three reasons for conserving wild animals and plants.
  59. Explain what is meant by pollution.
  60. Give an account of the effects of a named pollutant of domestic, agricultural or industrial origin. Describe one way in which it might be controlled.
  61. Outline the problems associated with the disposal of waste. Suggest two ways of minimising waste.
  62. Waste management is becoming an increasingly difficult matter. Suggest two reasons for this.
  63. Describe one method of waste management by reference to agriculture, fisheries or forestry.
  64. Suggest some ways of minimizing waste.
  65. Waste management is a matter of growing concern in Ireland as the population expands. Outline three problems associated with waste disposal.
  66. Suggest two methods of waste minimisation.
  67. Give an example of waste produced in agriculture or fisheries or forestry and describe how it is managed.
  68. Give one example of the use of micro-organisms in waste management.
  69. Suggest two ways to prevent or control pollution.
  70. What is meant by pollution?
  71. Write a short paragraph (about 5 lines) on waste management.
  72. What is meant by pollination?
  73. What term is used by ecologists to describe the organisms that form the base of a pyramid of numbers?
  74. What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey?
  75. What is a quadrat frame?
  76. What term is used to describe the animal that is killed and eaten?
  77. What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey?
  78. Name two habitats from the ecosystem you have studied.
  79. An animal that eats both plants and animals is called an …
  80. Give an example of an herbivore and of a carnivore found in an ecosystem you have studied (not domesticated or farm animals).
  81. What is meant by the term ‘fauna’?
  82. In ecological studies what is a key?
  83. What is meant by a qualitative survey?
  84. Describe three methods used by plants to protect themselves from adverse external environments.
  85. Give an example of pollution which may result from domestic (household) or industrial or agricultural activity.

Biomolecules - Food

  1. What is a disaccharide?
  2. Name the nutrient medium that you used.
  3. Name a monosaccharide and state a role for it in living organisms.
  4. What is the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbohydrate?
  5. Name the chemical elements present in carbohydrates.
  6. When two monosaccharides unite they form a …
  7. Describe a test for a named polysaccharide.
  8. Name the reagents used to test for a reducing sugar.
  9. State one way in which carbohydrates differ from fats.
  10. Name the reagents used to test for a protein.
  11. Cellulose is a polysaccharide. What is it formed from?
  12. Name an important group of biomolecules that plants make from nitrates.
  13. Fats are composed of fatty acids and …
  14. What name is given to fats that are liquid at room temperature?
  15. Name a chemical element found in proteins that is not found in carbohydrates.
  16. Fats are composed of oxygen, hydrogen and …
  17. When an iodine solution is added to a food sample and remains red-brown in colour ………………… is absent.
  18. State a use of each of the following in the biology laboratory. Biuret test (copper sulphate and sodium hydroxide solutions).
  19. State a use of each of the following in the biology laboratory. Benedict’s (or Fehling’s) test.
  20. Name the four elements that are always present in protein.
  21. To what group of biomolecules do the main products of the dark stage belong?
  22. Name a test or the solution(s) that is (are) used to detect protein in a food source.
  23. A reducing sugar. E.g. …
  24. A polysaccharide. E.g. …
  25. A carbohydrate is composed of carbon, hydrogen and …
  26. A chemical that is used to show the presence of starch is …
  27. Fats are made from fatty acids and …
  28. Name the element, other than carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, which is always found in protein.
  29. What reagent or chemicals did you use to test for protein?
  30. What is saprophytic nutrition?
  31. Biomolecules of the general formula Cx(H2O)y are examples of …
  32. Name the test or give the chemicals used to detect the presence of protein in a food sample.
  33. Name a structural polysaccharide.
  34. Name a group of biomolecules in the blood which are too large to pass through the filtration system of the nephron.
  35. State a role for cellulose in living organisms.
  36. Name a polysaccharide that has a different role to cellulose. What is the role of the polysaccharide that you have named?
  37. An example of a protein that has a structural role is
  38. State two functions of fats in the human body
  39. Give an example of a carbohydrate that has a structural role. Where would you expect to find this carbohydrate in a living organism?
  40. State a role of carbohydrates other than a structural one.
  41. Cellulose is an example of a structural …
  42. Name a carbohydrate found in the cell wall of plant cells.
  43. Give an example of a protein that has a structural role.
  44. Give two functions of water in a living organism.
  45. How do fats differ from oils at room temperature?
  46. Name a fat-soluble vitamin, a good source of it and a deficiency disease caused by it.
  47. An example of a fat-soluble vitamin is … A source is … A lack causes …
  48. Vitamins are either water-soluble or ……-soluble
  49. Vitamin … is an example of a water-soluble vitamin.
  50. Name a disorder associated with a deficiency of a named vitamin in the human diet.
  51. A fat-soluble vitamin. E.g. …
  52. A trace element in the human diet. E.g. …
  53. An example of a water-soluble vitamin is …
  54. Name two minerals required by the human body and give their functions
  55. In the human diet zinc, iron and copper are examples of …

Genetics Questions

  1. Genetics is the study of …
  1. In a woman the sex chromosomes are XX; in a man they are …
  1. Explain briefly what is meant by a gene.
  1. True or false. Human chromosomes are found in the nucleus.
  1. Where in the nucleus would you find genes?
  1. What is the significance of the fact that the two allele pairs are located on different chromosome pairs?
  1. The genetic code is contained within the DNA of chromosomes. Briefly describe the nature of this code.
  1. What is meant by non-coding DNA?
  1. What is a chromosome?
  1. What is meant by sex-linked?
  1. What is meant by the term segregation as used in genetics?
  1. State the products of segregation when an organism is heterozygous in respect of the dominant allele A.
  1. State the Law of Independent Assortment.
  1. Define the following terms as used in genetics; linkage, sex linkage.
  1. In genetics, what is meant by sex linkage?
  1. True or false. Chromosomes are made of DNA and lipid
  1. What is meant by the term DNA profiling?
  1. State two uses of DNA profiling.
  1. What is meant by DNA profiling?
  1. Explain each of the following terms in relation to DNA: replication, transcription.
  1. Name the four bases that are found in DNA.
  1. What is meant by a triplet code?
  1. The triplet code is transcribed into mRNA. What does this statement mean?
  1. The DNA molecule is composed of two strands held together by paired bases.
  1. Which base can link only to thymine?
  1. 2. Which base can link only to cytosine?
  1. “The same amount of DNA is present in nuclei of cells taken from the liver, heart, pancreas and muscle of a rat.” Use your knowledge of DNA and mitosis to explain this statement.
  1. Explain what is meant by the term DNA profiling.
  1. Name the type of bonding which occurs between members of a base pair in DNA.
  1. What are the stages involved in DNA profiling.
  1. Give two applications of DNA profiling.
  1. In order to make proteins, DNA is first transcribed as messenger.
  1. Give one structural difference between DNA and RNA.
  1. Outline briefly how a virus replicates (reproduces).
  1. Name the nitrogenous bases whose first letters are A and C.
  1. DNA contains the instructions needed to make protein. These instructions are called the … code.
  1. In relation to protein synthesis what is transcription.
  1. In relation to protein synthesis what is a triplet and state the role of a triplet.
  1. In relation to protein synthesis describe the role of tRNA.
  1. What term is used to describe an individual’s genetic makeup?
  1. What term is used by biologists to describe differences within a population with respect to features such as height?
  1. Explain the following terms that are used in genetics; dominance, genotype, phenotype.
  1. Explain each of the terms: alleles, recessive.
  1. Explain the following terms, which are used in genetics: allele, homozygous, genotype.
  1. The allele for brown eye (B) is dominant to the allele for blue eye (b).
  2. Explain each of the underlined terms.
  1. Explain the following terms which are used in genetics: homozygous, recessive, phenotype
  1. For hair colour black (B) is dominant over brown (b). Seán is heterozygous (Bb) and Máire is homozygous (bb).
  1. What colour is Seán’s hair?
  1. 2. What colour is Máire’s hair?
  1. What is a mutation?
  1. State one cause of mutation.
  1. Give an example of a condition, found in the human population that results from a mutation.
  1. When the normal control of mitosis in a cell is lost, cancer may result. Suggest two possible causes of cancer.
  1. A change in the genetic material of an organism is called a …
  1. Give a brief account of the Theory of Natural Selection.
  1. Name a scientist responsible for the Theory of Natural Selection
  1. What is meant by the term evolution?
  1. Describe the process of natural selection.
  1. Give an account of the evidence for evolution from a named source.
  1. True or false. Organisms of the same species can usually produce fertile offspring.
  1. What is evolution?
  1. Name one of the scientists who developed the Theory of Natural Selection.
  1. What is Natural Selection?
  1. Explain the following terms as used in genetics: species, variation.
  1. Name the scientists who are associated with the Theory of Natural Selection and refer to any one observation that prompted its development.
  1. What is meant by evolution?
  1. Outline the evidence for evolution from any one named source.
  1. What is meant by genetic engineering?
  1. State two applications of genetic engineering, one involving a micro-organism and one involving a plant.
  1. What is meant by genetic screening?
  1. Parents who are suspected of being carriers of disease-causing alleles may be advised to consider a genetic test. Suggest a role for such a test after in-vitro fertilisation.
  1. What is genetic engineering?
  1. Give one example of genetic engineering involving an animal and one example
  2. involving a plant.
  1. What is genetic screening?
  1. Give two biological advantages of breastfeeding.
  1. Explain the terms: allele and dominant.
  1. Name one of the scientists associated with the Theory of Natural Selection.

Human Reproduction

  1. Explain what is meant by germ layers and name the germ layers that appear in early human development.
  1. What is a placenta? From what tissues does a placenta form?
  1. What is the difference between a nucleus of an egg cell and that of a somatic (body) cell of an animal?
  1. What is a germ layer?
  1. What is fertilisation?
  1. Where precisely does fertilisation normally occur in the human female?
  1. List the three germ layers. Relate each of the germ layers that you have listed to an organ or system in the adult body.
  1. True or false. A sperm contains the haploid number of chromosomes
  1. What are secondary sexual characteristics?
  1. Where are sperm produced?
  1. From what structures does the placenta develop?
  1. State one cause of infertility in the female and one cause of infertility in the male.
  1. What is the function of the prostate gland?
  1. State one way in which a sperm differs from an ovum (egg).
  1. Give an example of a human secondary sexual characteristic.
  1. State three functions of the placenta.
  1. What is meant by in vitro fertilisation? What is done with the products of in vitro fertilisation?
  1. What is meant by infertility? State one cause of infertility in the human male.
  1. Name three methods of contraception and, in each case, explain how the method prevents conception.
  1. Name a hormone associated with the maintenance of the placenta.
  1. Describe the amnion and state its role.
  1. Where is testosterone secreted in the body of the human male?
  1. Give an example of a surgical method of male contraception. Suggest an advantage and a disadvantage of the method that you have named.
  1. Give a brief account of the role of testosterone.
  1. Where are sperm produced?
  1. List three methods of contraception other than surgical. In your answer you may refer to either or both sexes.
  1. State two ways in which sperm differ from ova (eggs).
  1. Name a gland that secretes seminal fluid.
  1. State a function of seminal fluid.
  1. What is meant by contraception?
  1. What is the menstrual cycle?
  1. Give one example of vegetative propagation and state whether it involves a stem, a root, a leaf or a bud.
  1. Write notes on menstruation and a disorder of menstruation.
  1. Write notes on biological benefits of breastfeeding.
  1. Write notes on formation and functions of the placenta.
  1. In which part of the human female reproductive system is the ovum (egg) formed?
  1. What is meant by fertilization?
  1. Write notes on survival times for sperm and ova.
  1. Give one cause of female infertility.
  1. In which part of the human female reproductive system does fertilization occur?
  1. Where is FSH produced?
  1. Give one function of FSH.
  1. Where is sperm stored in the human male?
  1. State two functions of testosterone.
  1. Give a cause of male infertility and suggest a corrective measure.
  1. Which part of the female reproductive system is influenced by both FSH and LH?
  1. How does vegetative propagation differ from reproduction by seed?
  1. Where does fertilisation normally occur in the reproductive system of the human female?

Metabolism and Enzyme questions

  1. What term is used to describe a cellular reaction in which large molecules are broken down to smaller ones?
  1. Give an example of a catabolic reaction
  1. What is metabolism?
  1. A catabolic reaction in an animal. E.g. …
  1. An anabolic reaction in a plant. E.g. …
  1. Is energy release a feature of anabolic or catabolic reactions?
  1. To which group of molecules do enzymes belong?
  1. Name an enzyme and matching substrate
  1. What is an enzyme?
  1. Name an enzyme that is involved in the digestion of fat
  1. True or false. Immobilised enzymes can act as catalysts
  1. What is a bioreactor?
  1. State one advantage of using an immobilised enzyme in a bioreactor.
  1. What is an enzyme?
  1. What term best describes the shape of an enzyme?
  1. Suggest a temperature at which human enzymes work best.
  1. In the case of cold alcohol (ethanol) state the following:

                              An investigation in which you used it,

                             The precise purpose for its use in the investigation that you have indicated.

  1. What is an amylase? Name a site of amylase action. What is the approximate pH value at this site?
  1. What is meant by an enzyme?
  1. What is meant by immobilisation?
  1. Name a substance that is used to immobilise enzymes.
  1. Give two advantages of using immobilised enzymes.
  1. Give one application of a named immobilised enzyme. In your answer, refer to substrate, enzyme and product.
  1. Is an enzyme a lipid, a protein or a carbohydrate?
  1. Where in a cell are enzymes produced?
  1. Name an enzyme that turns fats to fatty acids and glycerol.
  1. What is meant by an enzyme’s optimum pH?
  1. What is a denatured enzyme?
  1. Answer the following in relation to a lipase:
  1. Where is it secreted?
  2. Where does it act?

  1. 3. What is the approximate pH at its site of action?

  1. Amylase is an enzyme that is found in saliva. State the substrate and the product of this enzyme.

  1. What is a denatured enzyme?

  1. Name a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme in the human alimentary canal. Where in the alimentary canal does this enzyme act? State the enzyme’s product(s).

Microbiology Questions

  1. To which kingdom do yeasts belong?
  1. To which kingdom does Rhizopus belong?
  1. What term is used for the form of asexual reproduction in bacteria?
  1. Describe two ways in which the skin helps to defend the body against pathogenic micro-organisms.
  1. What does the term pathogenic mean in relation to bacteria?
  1. What do bacteria form when environmental conditions become unfavourable?
  1. Other than being prokaryotic, state two ways in which a typical bacterial cell differs from a typical human cell (e.g. cell from cheek lining).
  1. What are antibiotics?
  1. Describe how some bacteria respond in order to survive when environmental conditions become unfavourable.
  1. What is meant when a bacterium is described as being pathogenic?
  1. To which kingdom do bacteria belong?
  1. Distinguish between photosynthetic and chemosynthetic bacteria. Give an example of each type.
  1. Name two forms of heterotrophic nutrition found in bacteria.
  1. Explain what is meant by antibiotic resistance and suggest how it may develop.
  1. What is a nutrient medium?
  1. Give two meanings for the term sterile.
  1. What is an antibiotic?
  1. Antibiotics should not be prescribed for a person suffering from a viral infection. Suggest a reason for this.
  1. Give examples of two harmful bacteria.
  1. Briefly explain chemosynthesis.
  1. Give two activities of symbiotic bacteria in the human digestive system.
  1. What is meant by sterile?
  1. How may apparatus be sterilised?
  1. State one way in which yeast is beneficial to humans.
  1. Name the nutrient medium on which you grew yeast
  1. Give two industrial uses of the anaerobic respiration of yeast.
  1. State one feature that indicates that Rhizopus belongs to the kingdom Fungi.
  1. Yeasts are eukaryotic organisms. What does this mean?
  1. To which kingdom do yeasts belong?
  1. Saprophytic and parasitic fungi are widespread in nature. Explain each of the underlined terms.
  1. Give one example of a beneficial fungus and one example of a harmful fungus.
  1. State a function for each of the following structures that are found in fungi; rhizoid, sporangium, gametangium, zygospore.
  1. What term is used to describe the nutrition of Rhizopus? Explain the importance of this type of nutrition in nature.
  1. To what kingdom does Rhizopus belong?
  1. Name another organism that you have studied in your biology course that belongs to the same kingdom as Rhizopus.
  1. Distinguish between hypha and mycelium.
  1. What are antibiotics? For what purpose are they used?
  1. In the case of alkaline pyrogallol or an anaerobic jar state:
  1. An investigation in which you used it,

2.       The precise purpose for its use in the investigation that you have indicated.

  1. What type of asexual reproduction is shown in yeast?
  1. Which type of division, mitosis or meiosis, is involved in budding?
  1. Name a fungus, other than yeast, that you studied during your course.
  1. What are symbiotic bacteria?
  1. What is fermentation?
  1. To which kingdom does Rhizopus belong?
  1. Name the container in which you grew the leaf yeast.
  1. Give an example of a beneficial organism and of a harmful organism that belong to the same kingdom as Rhizopus.
  1. In the case of starch or skimmed milk agar plates state the following:
  1. An investigation in which you used it,

2.     The precise purpose for its use in the investigation that you have indicated.

  1. To which kingdom does Amoeba belong?
  1. What does the animal plankton feed on?
  2. Distinguish between batch and continuous flow food processing using micro-organisms in the food industry.

Photosynthesis Questions

  1. Write a balanced equation to summarise the process of photosynthesis.
  1. Explain the part played by NADP- in photosynthesis.
  1. Name the process that takes place in plants in which this energy is converted to a usable form.
  1. Name the gas used in photosynthesis.
  1. Name the gas produced during photosynthesis.
  1. Suggest one way in which the rate of photosynthesis of plants in a greenhouse could be increased.
  1. Light energy trapped by chlorophyll is used to split water. List three products that result when water is split.
  1. Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis. Where does it enter the leaf?
  1. From your knowledge of photosynthesis suggest a way to increase the yield of plants such as lettuces in a greenhouse.
  1. What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
  1. Write an equation to summarize photosynthesis.
  1. Why is the dark stage of photosynthesis given the alternative name of the light-independent stage?
  1. Name a gas that is essential for the dark stage of photosynthesis.
  1. Two products of the light stage of photosynthesis are vital for the dark stage. Name each of them.
  1. Name the structures in plant cells in which photosynthesis takes place.
  1. In addition to carbon dioxide another small molecule is needed for photosynthesis. Name this other molecule.
  1. What happens to water molecules when they reach the sites of photosynthesis?
  1. State a precise role for each of the following in photosynthesis: (i) Carbon dioxide,  (ii) Water.
  1. Name the process that converts the principal source of energy into chemical energy in plants.

  1. During photosynthesis oxygen is produced.
  1. From what substance is oxygen produced?
  2. In which stage of photosynthesis is oxygen produced?

  1. 3. Give two possible fates of oxygen following its production.

  1. In photosynthesis water (H2O) is split into three products.
  1. Name these three products.

2. State what happens to each of these products.

  1. In what main part of a plant does most photosynthesis take place?
  1. What do the letters ATP stand for?
  1. Energised electrons play a central role in ATP formation during photosynthesis. What is an energised electron?
  1. ATP is an abbreviation. What does it stand for?
  1. In which of the stages of photosynthesis does ATP form?
  1. In which stage of photosynthesis does carbon dioxide provide carbon for carbohydrate formation?
  1. For what is ATP an abbreviation?
  1. What is the role of ATP in cells?
  1. Name the energy source for photosynthesis.
  1. Where in a cell does photosynthesis take place?

Structure, Transport and Nutrition in Flowering Plants

  1. State one difference between the seeds of monocotyledons and dicotyledons other than the number of seed leaves.
  1. State three functions of a root.
  1. What is a cotyledon?
  1. Name two vascular tissues found in flowering plants.
  1. Where would you find a meristem in a root?
  1. What is meant by a vascular tissue?
  1. State a function of sieve tubes.
  1. Where in a leaf would you expect to find cells with most chlorophyll?
  1. State a function of companion cells.
  1. How is xylem adapted for its role in water transport?
  1. Name two vascular tissues and give one way in which they differ.
  1. State a function of ground tissue.
  1. True or false. Parallel leaf veins are characteristic of monocotyledonous plants.
  1. The walls of xylem vessels are reinforced with …
  1. State a function of dermal tissue.
  1. State one way in which a transverse section through a monocotyledonous stem differs from a dicotyledonous stem.
  1. An organism which makes its own food is called a(n) …
  1. What is the point of entry of carbon dioxide to a leaf?
  1. What is a meristem?
  1. Give two functions of a stem.
  1. Give one main function of the leaf.
  1. Name the tube-like tissue found in the stem in which water moves through the plant.
  1. Give one main function of the root.
  1. What is meant by ground tissue?
  1. Give a function of ground tissue.
  1. What is a meristem?
  1. What is the function of the stomata?
  1. What term is used to describe the nutrition of plants?
  1. Give a function of the guard cell.
  1. Name two gases that enter or leave the leaf.
  1. Name the tissue that transports water from the root to the leaves.
  1. Name a plant in which the leaves are modified for food storage
  1. Name a type of modified stem that functions in food storage.
  1. Name a carbohydrate that you would expect to find in the modified leaves of a bulb.
  1. Strong forces of attraction exist between water molecules. Give an account of the importance of these forces in raising water to great height in trees.
  1. Tiny holes called … allow gases to enter and leave the leaf.
  1. Gas exchange between a leaf and the atmosphere takes place through the …
  1. Name a factor that influences the diameter of the stomata.
  1. Name the apertures in stems that are equivalent to the stomata.
  1. Plants obtain carbon dioxide from the air. Name two processes that release this gas into the air.
  1. True or false. Lenticels serve the same function as stomata.
  1. Name the process by which the gases move in or out of the leaf.
  1. Name the openings in the leaf which allow the entry of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. State a factor which influences the diameter of these openings.

Reproduction in Flowering Plants

  1. State a function of the sepal.
  2. State a function of each of the following parts of a flower:  petal; sepal; anther.
  3. What is the function of the petal? Give two ways in which it may be adapted for this function
  1. From what does a seed develop?
  1. In relation to flowering plants explain what is meant by vegetative propagation.
  1. Distinguish between endospermic and non-endospermic seeds.
  1. Give two examples of natural vegetative propagation that involve different parts of a plant.
  1. What is meant by the germination of a seed?
  1. Suggest a benefit of artificial propagation.
  1. Clones are genetically identical individuals. Are the products of vegetative propagation clones? Explain your answer.
  1. State three environmental factors that are necessary for germination.
  1. Describe two techniques of artificial vegetative propagation that are used for flowering plants.
  1. From what part of the embryo plant within the seed does the root develop?
  1. In which part of the flower is pollen produced?
  1. Name a part of a flower that may develop into a fruit.
  1. What happens to the two polar nuclei in the carpel?
  1. In which part of a flower does a seed form?
  1. Some flowers have nectaries. How are these flowers pollinated? Explain your answer.
  1. Explain what is meant by pollination.
  1. Name a part of a flower from which a fruit develops.
  1. What is meant by germination?
  1. In each of the following cases give one example of a plant that uses the stated method of seed dispersal:
  1. Wind;

2. Animal.

  1. What is the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination?
  1. List three factors that are essential for germination.
  1. Why is it important for plants to disperse their seeds?
  1. What is meant by the dormancy of seeds?
  1. Name two ways in which cross-pollination happens.
  1. Suggest an advantage of dormancy of seeds to a plant.
  1. Suggest why cross-pollination is preferable to self-pollination.
  1. What is meant by cross-pollination?
  1. What is meant by the germination of a seed?
  1. Name two methods of cross-pollination.
  1. True or false. Light is essential for the germination of seeds.
  1. State one reason why water is needed for germination
  1. What is vegetative propagation?
  1. Artificial propagation is widely used in horticulture. Give two examples of artificial propagation.
  1. True or false. Endosperm is a food reserve in some seeds.
  1. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of artificial propagation.
  1. State a role for each of the following: sepal, anther, stigma, ovary.
  1. The two male gametes in the pollen tube are derived from the generative nucleus. Do these gametes form as a result of mitosis or meiosis? Explain your answer.
  1. Distinguish between pollination and fertilization.
  1. State one method that is used to produce seedless fruits.
  1. Give one location in a seed in which food is stored. Name a carbohydrate that you would expect to be present in this food store.
  1. In which part of the flower is pollen produced?
  1. Give two ways in which pollen may be transported to another flower.
  1. What forms in the carpel after pollination and fertilization?
  1. From what structure in the carpel does the seed develop?
  1. State two locations in the seed where food may be stored.
  1. The embryo plant within the seed has a number of parts. List two of these parts, apart from food stores, and give a role for each of them.
  1. Following dispersal, the seed undergoes a period of dormancy. What is dormancy? Suggest two advantages of dormancy.
  1. What is the role of the fruit?
  1. Distinguish clearly between pollination and fertilisation.
  1. State three factors necessary for the germination of a seed.
  1. What is germination?
  1. State a location in the seed where food is stored.
  1. What is meant by the germination of seeds?
  1. Seeds may remain inactive for a period before germination. What term is used to describe this period of inactivity?
  1. In which part of the flower is pollen produced?
  1. List three characteristics in each case of;
  1. An insect-pollinated flower,
  2. A wind-pollinated flower.
  1.  What process follows pollination in the life cycle of a flowering plant?

Respiration Questions

  1. Complete the following equation, which is a summary of aerobic respiration.

                                         C6H12O6 + 6O2 

  1. Aerobic respiration is a two-stage process. The first stage takes place in the cytoplasm. Where does the second stage take place?
  1. Yeast cells produce ethanol (alcohol) in a process called fermentation.

        Is this process affected by temperature?

  1. Name a substance that yeast can use to make ethanol.
  1. Name a substance produced during aerobic respiration that is not produced during fermentation.
  1. True or false. Aerobic respiration is the release of energy in the absence of oxygen
  1. Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
  1. Give an account of a chemical test to demonstrate that alcohol (ethanol) has been produced. Include the initial colour and final colour of the test.
  1. Write a balanced equation to summarise aerobic respiration.
  1. Why does fermentation eventually cease?
  1. When lactic acid builds up in the blood, a person is said to be in oxygen debt. This debt must eventually be paid. Suggest how the debt is paid.
  1. Suggest one reason why living organisms need to respire.
  1. Some of the carbohydrates produced in photosynthesis are used in respiration. What is respiration?
  1. What is aerobic respiration?
  1. Anaerobic respiration by micro-organisms is called fermentation. Give one example of industrial fermentation, including the type of micro-organism and the substance produced.
  1. What is the first stage process of respiration called?
  1. In the first stage of respiration there is a release of ATP as glucose is converted to another substance. Name this other substance.
  1. In respiration the acetyl group enters a cycle of reactions. What name is given to this cycle? Where in the cell does this cycle take place?
  1. To what is pyruvic acid (pyruvate) converted under anaerobic conditions in:
  1. Yeast?

2.        A human muscle cell?

  1. Under aerobic conditions pyruvic acid (pyruvate) is converted to an acetyl group and in the process a small molecule is released. Name this small molecule.
  1. Identify X and Y in the following equation which is a summary of aerobic respiration.
  2. C6H12O6 + 6X   6Y + 6H20
  1. If yeast cells are kept under anaerobic conditions, alcohol (ethanol) and another substance are produced. (i) What are anaerobic conditions?  (ii) Name the other substance produced.
  1. What is anaerobic respiration?
  1. Does the first stage of respiration require oxygen?
  1. Comment on the amount of energy released in the first stage of respiration.
  1. What name is given to the first stage of respiration?
  1. Where in the cell does the second stage of respiration take place?
  1. Where in a cell does this first stage of respiration take place?
  1. Does the second stage of respiration require oxygen?
  1. To what substance is glucose normally converted in the first stage of respiration?  Is oxygen required for this conversion?
  1. Comment on the amount of energy released in the second stage of respiration.
  1. Name a compound to which pyruvic acid (pyruvate)  may be converted, in the absence of oxygen.
  1. State two ways in which the energy that is released during respiration is used in the human body.
  1. Which stage of respiration releases more energy?
  1. Explain briefly what is meant by respiration.
  1. In stage 1 of respiration, glucose is partly broken down. Where in the cell does this happen?
  1. Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
  1. The first stage of respiration takes place in the cytosol. What is the cytosol?
  1. Does the first stage of respiration release a small or large amount of energy?
  1. Where in the cell does the second stage of aerobic respiration take place?
  1. Is oxygen required for the second stage of aerobic respiration?
  1. Suggest a situation in which some cells in the human body may not be able to engage in the second stage of aerobic respiration
  1. True or false. Stage 1 of respiration requires oxygen.
  1. True or false. Stage 1 of respiration takes place in the cytoplasm.
  1. True or false. Stage 2 of respiration takes place in the cytoplasm.
  1. True or false. Some of the energy released in respiration is lost as heat.
  1. Where does the second stage of respiration take place?
  1. What substance, other than ethanol, is produced during fermentation?
  1. Where in the cell does the first stage of respiration occur?
  1. Where in the cell does the first stage of respiration take place?
  1. Give two industrial uses of the anaerobic respiration of yeast.

The circulatory system, heart and the blood

  1. Name two tissues that are present in the walls of arteries and veins and give a function of each of these tissues.
  1. Veins contain valves whereas arteries do not. What is the function of the valves?
  1. To which group of blood cells do lymphocytes belong?
  1. Name the artery that supplies the heart muscle with blood.
  1. Name two types of lymphocyte and state a role of each.
  1. To where does the pulmonary artery carry blood?
  1. What is the function of the bicuspid valve?
  1. What is the average resting rate of the human heart in beats per minute?
  1. Name the liquid part of blood.
  1. Name two substances that are dissolved in the liquid part of blood.
  1. Cardiac muscle may be described as a contractile tissue. Explain the meaning of the underlined term.
  1. State one function of the liquid part of blood.
  1. Which chamber of the heart has the greatest amount of muscle in its wall?
  1. Blood contains red cells and white cells. State one function for each of these.
  1. What is the function of a semilunar valve?
  1. Name two common blood-grouping systems
  1. Where in your dissection did you find the origin of the coronary artery?
  1. Name two types of lymphocyte and state a role of each when viruses or other microorganisms enter the blood.
  1. True or false. The sino-atrial node (pacemaker) is located on the right side of the heart.
  1. True or false. A nucleus is absent from human red blood cells.
  1. Valves are present in veins. What is their function?
  1. The wall of capillaries is only one cell thick. How is this related to their function?
  1. Why are valves not needed in arteries?
  1. Which has the bigger lumen (cavity), an artery or a vein?
  1. State a precise location in the human body where red blood cells are made.
  1. Give an account of three functions of the lymphatic system.
  1. Name the chamber of the heart that receives blood back from the lungs.
  1. From which blood vessel is the afferent arteriole derived?
  1. Suggest a reason why it is important to know a person’s blood group.
  1. Is the blood in the Aorta oxygenated or deoxygenated?
  1. Give one reason why the wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the wall of the right ventricle.
  1. What is the role of the bicuspid valve?
  1. What is blood plasma? Give a role for blood plasma.
  1. Name two types of cell found in the blood and give a function for each of them.
  1. The ABO blood group system has four blood groups. What are these four groups?
  1. Name the following blood vessels;
  1. The vessels that carry blood from the aorta to the kidneys.

  2.     The vessels that supply the heart’s muscle with blood.

  1. Name the blood vessel that joins the ileum to the liver.
  1. To which main blood vessel does the renal artery link the kidney?