Biology June 2018 Higher Tier Past Paper Questions

Question 1

A plant seedling received bright light from one side. As a result it bends towards the light.

Q1. Name this response to light.

(1 mark)

Answer 1

Phototropism

Question 2

A plant seedling received bright light from one side. As a result it bends towards the light.

Q2. Name the Plant Hormone that brings about this response.

(1 mark)

Answer 2

Auxin

Question 3

A plant seedling received bright light from one side. (As a result it bends towards the light. - See screenshots)

Explain how this response is brought about.

(2 marks)

Answer 3

If a shoot is grown with light coming from only one direction, auxins move to the shaded side of the shoot (leading to the uneven distribution of Auxin). As a result, the auxins cause the cells on the shaded side of the shoot to elongate more, which in turn causes the shoot to grow towards the light.

Question 4

Give one commercial use of plant hormones.

1 mark

Answer 4

Any 1 of the following;

• Rooting powder
• Weed killer
• Tissue culture
• Stimulation of flowering
• Fruit formation

Question 5

What is the role of a producer in a food web?

2 marks

Answer 5

• Make own food/Photosynthesis

- Provides food for other animals in web.

Question 6

The bar graph shows the energy needed per day by different people. (See screenshots)

Name three factors that affect the energy needs of different people.

(6 marks)

Answer 6

Gender, age and activity are determinants of total energy expenditure. As a result our energy requirements vary with recommendations expressed both as energy units per day and energy per kilogram of body weight (another determining factor).

Gender - Adult males carry more muscle mass than females meaning their BMR is higher. Muscles burns more calories than fat which is why more energy will be required. (Teenage boy needs 16 000 kJ, teenage girl needs 12 000 kJ/man doing light work needs 13 800 kJ, woman doing light work needs 11 800 kJ)

Age - Children and adolescents need energy for growth and development which is significantly reduces as body composition changes due to a loss of muscle mass with age. (5-year-old needs 8000 kJ, teenage girl needs 12 000 kJ)

Activity - Those who are active need more energy than Sedentary people as they burn a large proportion of their Caloric Intake. (Man doing light work needs 13 800 kJ, man doing heavy work needs 20 000 kJ.)

Question 7

Name muscle X.
(Runs between the ribs, help form and move the chest wall)

(1 mark)

Answer 7

Intercostal Muscle

Question 8

Photograph B was taken during breathing out.

Give two pieces of evidence from photograph B to support this statement.

(2 marks)

Answer 8

E.g.

• Diaphragm moved up/domed shape.
• Ribs move down/in; [1]
• Chest/lung volume decreased.

Question 9

Photograph C shows a Lung Model. (See screenshots)

Q1. Describe and explain how the lung model can be used to demonstrate breathing in.

(4 marks)

Answer 9

Rubber sheet (diaphragm) pulled down.

Volume inside bell jar (thorax) increases.

Pressure (inside bell jar) decreases.

Atmospheric air pressure forces air in (like the Lungs pull Oxygen in during inspiration).

Question 10

Photograph C shows a Lung Model. (See screenshots)

Q2. Describe one way the process of breathing in, as demonstrated by this model, differs from the action of the respiratory system.

(1 mark)

Answer 10

Bell jar does not move/rib cage moves.

Question 11

The diagram shows the action of an enzyme. (See screenshots)

Use the diagram to help describe the theory of enzyme action (Enzyme-substrate complex)

(4 marks)

Answer 11

• Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts (speed up without being used themselves).
• Active site found on the Enzyme is complementary in shape to 1 substrate. They are substrate specific and work on the substrate, to form products.
• The Substrate connects to the Active Site on the Enzyme to form Enzyme-Substrate Complexes.
• The substrate is broken down or built up and products are released. The Enzyme is free to act again.
• This theory is known as the ‘lock and key model’ which explains why each enzyme will only work on one substrate.

Question 12

A pupil carried out an experiment to investigate the effect of pH on the rate of reaction of two different enzymes, A and B.
The table shows the results. (See screenshots)

Q2. Describe and explain how these enzymes are affected by pH. Give data from the graph to support your answer.

(3 marks)

Answer 12

Different Optimum pH;
A = 3
B = 8

Enzyme A has become denatured.

Question 13

The diagram shows changes in a person’s blood glucose level after eating a meal rich in carbohydrate. (See screenshots)

Explain why the blood glucose level increases after eating a meal rich in carbohydrates.

(2 marks)

Answer 13

Carbohydrates once digested become Glucose which once absorbed into the Blood increases the Blood Glucose levels.

Question 14

Name hormone A and target organ B. (See screenshots)

Hormone A released into Target Organ B after Blood Glucose levels increase.

(2 marks)

Answer 14

Insulin and Liver

Question 15

Explain how hormone A (Insulin) decreases the blood glucose level.

(2 marks)

Answer 15

Any 2 from;

• (Increased) Uptake of Glucose by Liver.
• Glucose converted to Glycogen.
• Increased respiration.

Question 16

The table shows the number of adults with diabetes in Northern Ireland. (See screenshots)

Calculate the percentage change in the number of adults with diabetes from 2004–5 to 2010–11.
Show your working.

2004-5 results: 51541
2010-11 results: 72693

(3 marks)

Answer 16

72693 - 51541 = 21152
21152 / 5141 = 4.1
X 100 = 41

Ans: 41%

Question 17

Suggest two reasons for this change in the number of adults with diabetes.

(2 marks)

Answer 17

• Obesity

- Lack of exercise

Question 18

Give one long-term effect of diabetes.

1 mark

Answer 18

Give 1 of the following; 
Eye damage
Kidney failure
Stroke
Heart disease

Question 19

Describe one cost to society of diabetes.

1 mark

Answer 19

Give 1 of the following;

• Treatment cost
• Lack of work force
• Cost of benefits

Question 20

A pupil carried out an experiment to measure the concentration of vitamin C in orange juice. 1 cm^3 of the DCPIP was placed in a test tube and the volume of orange juice required to decolourise it was recorded.The experiment was repeated three times. Results are shown in the table. (See screenshots)
In a separate experiment carried out with a standard vitamin C solution, 0.1 mg of vitamin C was needed to decolourise 1 cm^3 DCPIP.

Experiment

1. = 0.76 (Volume of orange juice needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)
2. = 0.48 (Volume of oj needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)
3. = 0.74 (Volume of oj needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)

Calculate the average concentration of vitamin C in 1 cm^3 orange juice. Show your working out.

(3 marks)

Answer 20

Average: (0.76 + 0.48 + 0.74) ÷ 3 = 0.66
0.1 ÷ 0.66
= 0.15

Ans: 0.15cm^3

Question 21

Table results (also see screenshot):
Experiment
1. = 0.76 (Volume of orange juice needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)
2. = 0.48 (Volume of oj needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)
3. = 0.74 (Volume of oj needed to decolourise 1 cm3 DCPIP/cm3)

The pupil concluded that the results in the table were unreliable.
Use evidence from the table to suggest why.

(2 marks)

Answer 21

0.48 - anomaly result, does not fit the trend.

More repetitions are needed.

Question 22

A pupil carried out an experiment to measure the concentration of vitamin C in orange juice. 1 cm^3 of the DCPIP was placed in a test tube and the volume of orange juice required to decolourise it was recorded.The experiment was repeated three times. Results are shown in the table. (See screenshots)
In a separate experiment carried out with a standard vitamin C solution, 0.1 mg of vitamin C was needed to decolourise 1 cm^3 DCPIP.

Suggest why the pupil found it difficult to decide when the DCPIP was decolourised.

(1 mark)

Answer 22

Difficult to see the colour change because of orange colour of juice.

Question 23

The diagram shows a reflex arc. (See screenshots)

Name the Neurones A and B;

A seen in large complex X - CNS - in the System and B is seen travelling from the nerve in the hand.

(2 marks)

Answer 23

A - Association/ Relay

B - Sensory Neurone

Question 24

Neurone B (Sensory Neurone) is long.

Describe and explain one other way Neurones are adapted to transmit electrical nerve impulses.

(4 marks)

Answer 24

Insulated/sheath - Speeds up impulses.
or
Branched ends - Connects with other neurones.

Question 25

Give two differences between an involuntary reflex action and a voluntary action.

(2 marks)

Answer 25

Reflex occurs rapidly and does not involve conscious thought.

Question 26

The diagram shows a (chemical) synapse between two Neurones. (See screenshots)

Use the diagram to describe how the nerve impulses in Neurone C (Presynaptic Neuron) causes a nerve impulse in Neurone D (Postsynaptic Neuron).

(4 marks)

Answer 26

Any four from:

• Transmitter released from vesicle
• (transmitter) diffuses across the synapse.
• Transmitter attaches to receptors in D.
• Threshold/high concentration of transmitter in D; Triggers electrical impulse.

Question 27

Farmers apply fertilisers to increase the growth of grass.Slurry is a mixture of faeces and urine from the farm animals which is used as fertiliser.
Farmers grow clover plants because they carry out nitrogen fixation.
The table gives some information about farming in three fields in County Tyrone.

Use the information in the table to help answer the following questions. (See screenshots)
Q1. - Suggest which field A, B or C is most likely to become waterlogged after heavy rain.
Explain your answer.

(2 marks)

Answer 27

Field C. It has the lowest percentage of air.

Question 28

Farmers apply fertilisers to increase the growth of grass.Slurry is a mixture of faeces and urine from the farm animals which is used as fertiliser.
Farmers grow clover plants because they carry out nitrogen fixation.
The table gives some information about farming in three fields in County Tyrone.

Use the information in the table to help answer the following questions. (See screenshots)

Q1.2 - Suggest two ways the farmer could reduce the chance of waterlogging in this field.

(2 marks)

Answer 28

• Drainage

- Plough/cultivate

Question 29

Farmers apply fertilisers to increase the growth of grass.Slurry is a mixture of faeces and urine from the farm animals which is used as fertiliser.
Farmers grow clover plants because they carry out nitrogen fixation.
The table gives some information about farming in three fields in County Tyrone.

Use the information in the table to help answer the following questions. (See screenshots)

Q2. - Describe and Explain two reasons why the grass in field B would grow more than the grass in field A.

-In this question you will be assessed on your written communication skills, including the use of specialist scientific terms.-

Answer 29

Grass will use the energy from sunlight to produce Oxygen and sugar (glucose) via Photosynthesis. Cellular Respiration then converts the sugar into ATP, a source of energy for Biological processes. Energy transferred from molecules (e.g. glucose) to an intermediate energy source, is known as ATP. The Glucose stored in the plant can be eaten by other organisms so that they can use it for respiration which releases the energy stored in the glucose. This energy can then be used for life processes.

Field B will grow more than Field A due its high percentage of Oxygen (air) found in the soil. 39% making it the highest Oxygen to soil ratio with a greater aerobic intensity. Oxygen makes the process of aerobic respiration more efficient in a plant. Although the Plant cells generally generate their own Oxygen via Photosynthesis, they also respire. Their leaves need to capture energy from the sun for this to be possible which can present a problem when there is little sun. During these times when there is little - to no access to sunlight, plants will take in more Oxygen than they produce during Photosynthesis. This process happens throughout the grass/clover (seeds, roots, leaf) including in parts of the plant that don’t photosynthesise. Roots can drown in waterlogged soil without access to Oxygen. Growing plants will release more O2 than consumed allowing other organisms to breathe. Field B grows clover plants which contain Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria

3. Allows most active uptake (of nitrates/minerals from soil);
4. Clover plants (in B) contain nitrogen fixing bacteria;
5. (Nitrogen fixing bacteria) converts N2  nitrates;
6. Plants convert nitrates into amino acids/proteins for growth;
7. More decomposition of slurry by aerobic bacteria/more nitrification/
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   less denitrification; (in aerobic context).

Question 30

Describe and Explain two reasons why the grass in field B would grow more than the grass in field A.

(6 marks)

Answer 30

1. Highest % of air/oxygen in soil/39%/more aerobic;
2. For cell respiration/energy released;
3. Allows most active uptake (of nitrates/minerals from soil);
4. Clover plants (in B) contain nitrogen fixing bacteria;
5. (NFB) converts N2  nitrates;
6. Plants convert nitrates into amino acids/proteins for growth;
7. More decomposition of slurry by aerobic bacteria/more nitrification/
8. less denitrification; (in aerobic context)

Question 31

The diagram shows a section through the front of an eye. (See screenshots)

Name Part A.

(1 mark)

Answer 31

Cornea

Question 32

The diagram shows a section through the front of an eye. (See screenshots)

Name the substance filling Part B.

(1 mark)

Answer 32

Aqueous Humour

Question 33

Explain how the ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments change the shape of the lens when focusing on a distant object.

(3 marks)

Answer 33

• Ciliary Muscles relax.
• Suspensory Ligaments pull on lens/taut.
• Lens becomes thinner.

Question 34

Describe how the muscles of the iris have adapted this eye for dim light.

Use evidence from the diagram to support your answer. (See screenshots)

(4 marks)

Answer 34

• Circular Muscles relax.
• Radial Muscles contract.
• Pupil dilates/Iris narrows.
• More light enters.

Question 35

Complete the balanced chemical equation for Photosynthesis.

___________ + _____________ = C6H12O6 + ___________

(3 marks)

Answer 35

6H20 + 6CO2 = C6H1206 + 602

Question 36

The graph shows changes in the concentration of oxygen in the air around a leaf over a 24-hour period.(See screenshots)

Q1. - Describe and explain the change in the concentration of oxygen between midnight and 3am.

(5 marks)

Answer 36

• Negative/–20
• O2 used in plant respiration
• No/less sunlight between these hours resulting in no/less light for photosynthesis

Question 37

The graph shows changes in the concentration of oxygen in the air around a leaf over a 24-hour period.(See screenshots)

Q.2 - Explain why there is no change in concentration of Oxygen at 5.30 am.

(3 marks)

Answer 37

• Compensation point: where light intensity is at the point where the Rate of Photosynthesis = the Rate of Respiration
• O2 in = O2 out

Question 38

The graph shows changes in the concentration of oxygen in the air around a leaf over a 24-hour period.(See screenshots)

Explain the shape of the graph between 10am and 2pm.

(2 marks)

Answer 38

• Rate of photosynthesis is higher than Respiration rate.

- Light is no longer limiting/another factor limiting the rate of Photosynthesis.