Contest 1a

Distinguish between reptiles and amphibians with respect to the following.

1. Type of respiratory organs

The respiratory organs in Amphibians are gills, skin, and lungs, whereas
reptiles have only lungs

2. Reproduction Type
Amphibians are oviparous organisms, whereas reptiles can be oviparous or
viviparous

3. Mode of fertilization
Amphibians exhibit external mode of fertilization, whereas reptiles exhibit
internal mode of fertilization
………………………
Contest 1b
Describe chordates with respect to the following.
1. Body temperature
They are either cold or warm-blooded organisms

2. Type of blood vascular system

Have a closed vascular system

3. Germ layers
Triploblastic
………………………….
Contest 2a
Indicate whether the following are anabolic or catabolic processes
1. Photosynthesis
Anabolic

2. Excretion
Catabolic

3. Cellular respiration
Catabolic
Contest 2b
Describe hormones with respect to the following
1. Site of action
Hormones perform activity at some distance away from the site of origin.

2. Fate of their chemical composition after reactions

Their chemical composition changes after reaction

3. Type of glands that synthesize and secrete them

Hormones are synthesized and secreted by endocrine glands.
……………………
Contest 3a
Distinguish between animal cells and plant cells with respect to the following
1. Size and shape
The shape and sizes of animal cells vary greatly from irregular shapes to
round shapes, most defined by the function they perform, whereas plant
cells are similar in shape with most cells being rectangular or cube-shape

2. Vacuoles
Animal cells may have many small vacuoles, a lot smaller than the plant
cells/ Plant cells have a large central vacuole that can occupy large portion
of the cell’s volume.

3. Golgi bodies
Animal cells have larger and fewer Golgi bodies, whereas plant cells have
smaller but more Golgi bodies
………………………
Contest 3b
Describe oviparous animals with respect to the following.
1. Mode of reproduction
Oviparous animals lay eggs that later hatch to form young ones.

2. Type of fertilization
Oviparous animals might undergo internal or external fertilization.

3. Chance of survival of young ones

The chance of survival of the young ones is less as the eggs are laid in the
environment where they are prone to various dangers
Contest 4a
Indicate the type of chromosomal mutation to which the following descriptions refer.
1. Results from the shift or transfer of a part of a chromosome or a set of genes to a
non-homologous chromosome.
Translocation

2. When a part of a chromosome is present in excess of the normal composition

Duplication/Amplifications

3. It occurs due to the loss of a part of a chromosome as a result of the breakage of

the chromosome.
Deletion
……………
Contest 4b
Classify the following group of fungi as Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes or
Deuteromycetes
1. Mushrooms
Deuteromycetes

2. Yeasts
Ascomycetes

3. Bracket fungi
Deuteromycetes
………………….
Contest 5a
Indicate the type of camouflage in animals to which the following refer.
1. The animal hides against a background of the same colour in order to protect
themselves from predators and also for hunting their prey.
Concealing colouration

2. The dark spots or stripes found on the animal’s skin that are mainly used to
camouflage themselves and to escape from their predators.
Disruptive coloration

3. The change in an animal’s appearance or colour which gets the blend with their
surroundings by their colour, texture and shape. It is mainly seen in insects like
spiders, leaf butterfly, dragonfly katydid, stick bugs or stick insect
Disguise colouration
Contest 5b
Mention one of the primary functions of RNA:

1. Facilitates the translation of DNA into proteins

2. Functions as an adapter molecule in protein synthesis
3. Serves as a messenger between the DNA and the ribosomes.
4. They are the carrier of genetic information in all living cells
5. Promotes the ribosomes to choose the right amino acid which is required in
building up of new proteins in the body.

……………………….

Contest 6a
Indicate the benefits that plants or animals obtain by the presence of the following
features.
1. Sunken stomata and the folding of leaves
Prevent water loss

2. Spines and shells on animals

Physical protection

3. Long necks of come herbivores

For feeding in the tops of trees
………………….
Contest 6b
Explain the following with respect to the arrangements of vascular bundles in
angiosperms
1. Conjoint
In conjoint vascular bundles, the xylem and phloem tissues are present on
the same radius and only opposed to each other.

2. Bicollateral
Conjoint vascular bundle in which phloem is present on both sides of xylem

3. Concentric vascular bundles.

The xylem either surrounds the phloem tissue occasionally or vice versa.
Contest 7a
Indicate the primary meristem that gives rise to the following cells
1. Sieve tube element
Procambium

2. Guard cell
Protoderm

3. Vessel element
Procambium
………………………..
Contest 7b
The genotypes of certain species of plants are represented as, TT, Bb, DD, bb, Dd.

1. Which of them are hybrids?

Bb and Dd

2. Which of them are homozygous?

TT, DD and bb

3. Which of the genotypes will be considered as pure breeds?

TT, DD and bb

…………………
Contest 8a
Indicate the part of dicotyledonous seed to which the following descriptions refer.
1. The part that encloses and protects the seed from insects and fungi, and other
pathogens
Testa /The seed coat

2. The hole which allows water to enter when the seed starts to germinate
Micropyle

3. The modified leaves containing food reserves.

Cotyledons
Contest 8b
Mention the terms that are used to describe the following with respect to the
development of animals.

1. How a cell diverges from its early morphology into a more specialized
morphology.
(Cellular) differentiation

2. Describes how cells, tissues, and organs are arranged in an organism

Pattern formation

3. The capability of certain embryonic cells to form any type of adult cell
Totipotency

…………………………………………………………………………………..
Contest 9a
Classify the following under one of these types of behaviours in organisms.
Communication Behavior, Territorial Behavior. Dispersal behaviour or Defensive
behaviour
1. Ants use pheromones to determine if another ant is an intruder or a member of the
colony.
Communication behaviour

2. Some animal species move away from the area in which they were born to live in
other areas.
Dispersal behaviour

3. A carnivorous organisms that bares its teeth and growls when cornered by a
predator.
Defensive behaviour
Contest 9b
The human body is composed of just four basic kinds of tissue. Name one each.

1. Nervous

2. Muscular

3. Epithelial

4. Connective tissue
………………..
Contest 9b
Describe chromatids with respect to the following
1. Role in protein synthesis
Chromatids are not involved in protein synthesis

2. Structure
Chromatids have a thin and long fibrous structure.

3. Compactness compared to chromosome

Chromatids are less condensed than chromosomes.
……………..
Contest 10a
1. What is a non-communicable disease?
A disease that is not transferred from an infected person to another via any
means and are mostly caused by factors like improper lifestyle and eating
habits.

2. What is the role of agents or vectors for the infection of non-communicable

disease?
There are no agents for infection of non-communicable diseases (as they
primarily depend on the personal diet, allergy, or physical inactivity)

3. How do non communicable diseases spread from person to another?

These do not spread from one person to another at all.
Contest 10b
Mention one of the four main supporting tissues in angiosperms.
1. Parenchyma

2. Collenchyma

3. Sclerenchyma (fibre)

4. Xylem (wood)
………………
Contest 11a
Distinguish between cold blooded and warm blooded animals with respect to the
following
1. Effect of temperature on their metabolic rates
Metabolic rates of cold-blooded animals depend entirely on the
environmental temperature, but in warm blooded animals, environmental
changes have no effect on metabolic rates

2. Resistance against disease causing organisms

Warm-blooded animals have a much stronger immune system to defend
against disease causing organisms than cold blooded animals.

3. Heat source
Cold blooded animals mostly depend upon direct sunlight and heat from
the surrounding environment but warm blooded animals produce heat
from the consumption of foods.
………………………..
Contest 11b
Name the principal locomotory organs in the following organisms
1. Snails
Muscular foot

2. Paramecium
Cilia

3. Echinoderms
Tube feet
Contest 12a
Name the type of connective tissue to which the following descriptions refer.
1. It eases joint movements; resists compression at joints and shapes outer ear.
Cartilage

2. Physically supports the body, provides movement, encloses and protects soft
organs, stores and releases calcium and phosphorus.
Bones

3. Moves vocal cords; forerunner of foetal skeleton; growth zone of children's

bones.
Cartilage
………………..
Contest 12b
The leaves of plants have various tissues and structures that enable them perform their
function. State how the following features adapt the leaves of plants to their function

1. Spongy layer
Contains air spaces that allow carbon dioxide to diffuse easily through the
leaf

2. Thin epidermis
To allow more light to reach the palisade cells

3. Network of veins
To support the leaf and transport water and carbohydrates
Contest 13a
1. Mention the laws that describe the inheritance of alleles.
Law of segregation and law of independent assortment

2. Give the ratio of the offspring with respect to the law of segregation
3:1

3. Give the ratio of the offspring with respect to the law of independent assortment
9:3:3:1
……………………….
Contest 13b
Provide the names given to the following.
1. Flowers without a calyx
Asepalous

2. A floral structure consisting of the calyx and corolla especially when the two
whorls are fused.
Perianth

3. Flowers without a corolla

Apetalous.
…………………..
Contest 14a
State one of the four common features of enzymes
1. Enzymes do not make a reaction occur that would not occur on its own,
they just make it happen much faster.
2. The enzyme molecule is not permanently altered by the reaction. It may be
changed transiently, but the enzyme at the end of the reaction is the same
molecule it was at the beginning. Therefore, a single enzyme molecule can
be used over and over to catalyze the same reaction.
3. An enzyme can catalyze both the forward and the reverse reaction. One
direction may be more favorable than the other, but the unfavorable
direction of the reaction can occur.
4. Enzymes are highly specific for the substrates they bind, meaning they
catalyze only one reaction.
Contest 14b

Indicate what happens during the following stages of translation in protein synthesis
1. Initiation step,
It involves the binding of mRNA to the ribosomes, followed by the transfer
and binding of activated amino acid to the tRNA.

2. Elongation
Two amino acids are joined by the peptide bond as the mRNA and
ribosomes move with respect to one another to ensure the translation of
codons successively.

3. Termination
When a stop codon is reached, the ribosome releases the polypeptide
…………………………….
Contest 15a
1. What name is given to the male gametophyte of flowering plants?
(Mature) pollen grain

2. In which part of filaments are pollen produced?

In the anthers / the distal end of filaments.

3. The filament and anther together constitute what structure?

The stamen
……………..
Contest 15b

Mention one of the main functions of epithelial tissue

1. Absorption
2. Protection
3. Receptor (Sensation)
4. Secretion
5. Transportation
Contest 16a
Distinguish between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus with respect to the following
1. Muscle wasting
In Kwashiorkor, muscle wasting is mild or absent whereas there is severe
muscle wasting Marasmus

2. Prominence of ribs of the individuals

The ribs are not prominent in persons suffering from Kwashiorkor, but
they are prominent in persons suffering from Marasmus

3. Type of diet that the individuals need

The person suffering from Kwashiorkor needs adequate amount of protein,
whereas the person suffering from Marasmus need adequate amount of
protein, fats ad carbohydrates
……………………
Contest 16b
Indicate the part of the cell wall of plants to which the following descriptions refer
1. It serves as a cementing layer between the primary walls of adjacent cells.
The middle lamella

2. It is responsible for most of the plant’s mechanical support as well as the

mechanical properties prized in wood
Secondary cell wall

3. It is formed between the middle lamella and plasma membrane in growing plant
cells. It is primarily composed of cellulose microfibrils contained within a gel-
like matrix of hemicellulose fibers and pectin polysaccharides
Primary cell wall
……………………………….
Contest 17a
Name the types of fruits to which the following descriptions refer

1. They possess a Close-fitting pericarp that surrounds a single seed. Eg sunflower

Achene

2. They possess a close-fitting pericarp fused to a single seed. eg corn

Grain

3. Fruit opening by several splits or pores as in cotton

Schizocarp
Contest 17b
1. In which part of animal cell are ribosomes parts made?
They are made in the nucleolus of the nucleus

2. What kind of ribosomes makes proteins that remain inside the cell?
Free ribosomes

3. What causes the difference in appearance in the two kinds of endoplasmic

reticulum?
The rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes attached to the surface
whereas the smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks ribosomes
……………
Contest 18a
Indicate the characteristics of flowers pollinated by the following agents
1. Bats
Flowers that are pollinated by bats bloom at night, tending to be large,
wide-mouthed, and pale-colored; they may also give off strong scents.

2. Small birds
Flowers that are pollinated by small birds usually have curved, tubular
shapes

3. Wind
Wind-pollinated flowers do not produce scents or nectar; instead, they tend
to have small or no petals and to produce large amounts of lightweight
pollen.
……………..
Contest 18b
Distinguish between vertebrates and invertebrates with respect to the following
1. Metamerism
Invertebrates have true /pseudo metamerism or no metamerism, but
vertebrates have true metamerism

2. Type of coelom
Invertebrates are Acoelomate, pseudocoelomate or truly coelomate, but
vertebrates are truly coelomate

3. Position of gut in relation to nerve cord

In invertebrates, the gut is dorsal to the nerve cord, whereas in vertebrates
it is ventral to the nerve cord
Contest 19a
Name the types of fruits to which the following descriptions refer

1. They possess pods that split along two opposite sides

Legumes

2. They have a thick, woody pericarp that surrounds a single seed

Nut

3. They are formed by fusion of several separate pistils of several grouped flowers
Multiple fruit (don’t accept aggregate fruit - Formed by fusion of several
separate pistils of one flower)
……………………..
Contest 19b
Distinguish between an axon and a dendrite with respect to the following
1. Number per nerve cell
Only one axon per nerve cell, but there are many dendrites in a nerve cell.

2. Direction of Conduction
An Axon conducts impulses away from the cell body (soma), whereas a
dendrite conducts impulses towards the cell body.

3. Where they arise from

An axon arises from the discharging end of a neuron (axon hill lock), whereas a
dendrite arises from the receiving end of a neuron
………………………………………………….
Contest 20a
State one of the five main limitations of ecological pyramids.
1. More than one species may occupy multiple trophic levels as in the case of
food web. Thus, this system does not take into account food webs.
2. The saprophytes are not considered in any of the pyramids even though
they form an important part of the various ecosystem.
3. These pyramids are applicable only to simple food chains, which usually do
not occur naturally.
4. These pyramids do not deliver any concept in relation to variations in
season and climate.
5. They do not consider the possibility of the existence of the same species at
different levels.
Contest 20b
Describe cellular respiration with respect to the following.
1. Cells in which it occurs
It occurs in all living cells

2. The exact site of the mitochondrion in which it occurs

The inner membrane / Cristae

3. Where ATP synthesis occurs

It occurs towards the matrix side
……………………………..
Contest 21a
Distinguish between xylem and phloem with respect the following
1. Location in the plant
The xylem is located deeply in the plant in the centre of the vascular bundle
whereas the phloem is located on the outermost side of the vascular bundle
of the plant.

2. Direction of movement of substances within them

Movement in Xylem is unidirectional but movement in the Phloem is
bidirectional.

3. Proportion of plant body

Xylem mostly contains the bulk of the plant body, but phloem consists of a
small portion of the plant body

……………………..
Contest 21b
Distinguish between cytoplasm and nucleoplasm with respect to the following
1. Their location with respect to the nucleus
Cytoplasm is found inside the cell, outside the nucleus, but nucleoplasm is
found inside the nucleus.

2. Cell types in which they can be found

Cytoplasm is found in all the known living cells, but nucleoplasm is found
only in eukaryotic cells.

3. Structures suspended in them

Inclusions and organelles are suspended in the cytoplasm, whereas
Nucleolus and chromatin are suspended in the nucleoplasm.
…………………………
Contest 22a
Distinguish between fertilization and pollination in flowering plants with respect to the
following.

1. Role of Pollen tube

Male gametes are transferred to ovum through pollen tube during
fertilization, but pollen tube does not play any role during pollination

2. Role of external agents

External pollination agents, play a role in the transfer of pollen grains, but
external agents do not play any role in fertilization

3. Function
Pollination is the first step to fertilization where pollens reach stigma from
the anther, whereas fertilization results in zygote formation which divides
to form an embryo

4. Occurrence
Pollination occurs in flowering plants only, but fertilization Occurs in
almost every plant and living being

………………………….
Contest 22b
Describe DNA with respect to the following
1. Location
DNA is found in the nucleus, with a small amount of DNA also present in
mitochondria

2. Structure
Long, ladder-like macromolecule that twists to form a double helix.

3. Major enzyme involved in propagation

DNA polymerase

4. Ultraviolet (UV) Sensitivity

DNA is vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet light.
……………………………………….
Contest 23a
Distinguish between blood plasma and serum with respect to the following
1. Cell arrangement
Cells of serum are usually attached together by clot formation, but cells of
plasma are not attached together and suspended in plasma.

2. Discoloration on standing
The serum does not discolor on standing, but the Plasma tends to discolor
on standing.

3. Feasibility of Separation
Separation of serum requires higher levels of expertise, expenses and is
time-consuming., but Separation of plasma is relatively easy and
inexpensive

4. Clotting factors
Serum is the watery fluid from blood without the clotting factors, whereas
plasma is the blood fluid that contains blood-clotting agents.
Contest 23b
Describe anabolic reactions with respect to the following
1. Oxygen utilization
Anabolism does not use oxygen

2. Energy Conversion
In anabolism, kinetic energy is converted to potential energy

3. Effect on the Human Body

Anabolism repairs and furnishes tissues and subsequently increases the
muscle mass.

4. Energy and Heat Requirement

Anabolism is an endergonic reaction / The reaction requires ATP energy as
it absorbs heat.
………………………….
Contest 1a
Mention one of the principal functions of the amniotic fluid.
1. It acts as a cushion: This protects the fetus from injury should the mother's
abdomen be the subject of trauma or a sudden impact.
2. It protects the umbilical cord: Amniotic fluid flows between the umbilical
cord and fetus.
3. It protects the feotus from infection: Amniotic fluid has antibacterial properties.
4. It contains essential nutrients: These include proteins, electrolytes,
immunoglobulins, and vitamins that assist in the development of the fetus.
5. It allows for the fetus to move: Amniotic fluid also allows the developing fetus
to move around in the womb, which in turn allows for proper development and
growth of the musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal system, and pulmonary
system.
6. It assists in maintaining stable temperature: Amniotic fluid assists in keeping
a constant steady temperature around the fetus throughout pregnancy, protecting
the baby from heat loss.
7. It allows Development of Body Parts: Amniotic fluid circulates freely within the
womb, keeping every part of the body lubricated. That allows for the growth of
the external body parts such as fingers and toes and stops them from becoming
clumped together. It also helps in the development of the lungs and the digestive
system
………………………….
Contest 1b
Indicate the parts of an ovule of a flower to which the following descriptions refer
1. It is a stalk-like structure which represents the point of attachment of the ovule
to the placenta of the ovary
Funiculus

2. They are the outer layers surrounding the ovule that provide protection to the
developing embryo.
Integuments

3. It is a mass of the parenchymatous tissue surrounded by the integuments from

the outside. It provides nutrition to the developing embryo.
Nucellus
Contest 2a
1. What is triple fusion in relation to angiosperms?
Triple fusion is the fusion of the male gamete with two polar nuclei inside
the embryo sac of the angiosperm.

2. Where does triple fusion take place?

This process of triple fusion takes place inside the embryo sac.

3. Name the nuclei involved in triple fusion.

One male gamete nucleus and two polar nuclei are involved in this process.

Since this process involves the fusion of three haploid nuclei, it is known as triple fusion. It results in
the formation of the endosperm.
…………………………..
Contest 2b

Name one of the three important components of biodiversity.

1. Genetic diversity

2. Species diversity

3. Ecosystem diversity

…………………..
Contest 3a
State one way by which the process of diffusion is important to flowering plants

1. The exchange of gases through stomata takes place by the process of

diffusion.
2. Transpiration occurs by the principle of diffusion.
3. Water and ions in the soil are absorbed by simple diffusion.
4. The food material is translocated by this process.
5. This process keeps the walls of the internal tissues of the plant moist.
6. It is responsible for spreading the ions and molecules throughout the
protoplast.
7. Aroma of flowers is due to the diffusion of aromatic compounds to attract
pollinating insects.
Contest 3b
Provide appropriate technical terms to which the following descriptions refer
1. Blood-filled cavity in arthropods
Haemocoel

2. Stinging organ of jelly fishes

Nematocysts

3. Lateral appendages in aquatic annelids

Parapodia,
……………

Contest 4a
Name one of the four major causes for the loss of biodiversity around the world.
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation

2. Over-exploitation

3. Alien species Invasions

4. Co−extinction

……………………..

Contest 4b

1. What name is given to the thick oily substance, secreted by the sebaceous glands
of the skin that consists of fat and cellular debris?
Sebum

2. Name one of the two main types of sweat glands in the body of humans
Eccrine sweat glands/ apocrine sweat glands.

3. Each sweat gland is made up of two portions. Mention one of the portions
A secretory section / An excretory duct
Contest 5a
The air that humans breathe contains particulate matter such as dust, dirt, viral particles,
and bacteria that can damage the lungs or trigger allergic immune responses. Mention
the protective mechanisms that enables the following parts of the respiratory system
avoid problems or tissue damage.
1. In the nasal cavity
Hairs and mucus trap small particles, viruses, bacteria, dust, and dirt to
prevent their entry.

2. The lungs
Produce mucus—a sticky substance made of mucin, a complex glycoprotein,
as well as salts and water—that traps particulates.

3. The bronchi and bronchioles

Contain cilia, small hair-like projections that line the walls of the bronchi and
bronchioles
…………………..
Contest 5b
Indicate how sandy soils differ from clayey soils with respect to the following.
1. Ability to hold nutrients
Sandy soil lacks the ability to hold nutrients whereas clayey soil has the
ability to hold nutrients.

2. Moisture holding capacity

Sandy soil has poor moisture holding capacity whereas clayey soil has good
moisture holding capacity

3. Air space
Sandy soil has good/large air spaces whereas clayey soil has poor/small air
spaces
Contest 6a
Mention the plant hormones to which the following descriptions refer.

1. It inhibits plant metabolism and regulates abscission and dormancy. It is also

called “stress hormone” as it increases the tolerance of plants.
ABA / Abscisic Acid

2. Promotes bolting, i.e. sudden elongation of internodes just before flowering in

rosette plants like cabbage, beet
Gibberellins Hormone

3. They are widely used in agricultural and horticultural practices. They are found
in growing apices of roots and stems and then migrate to other parts.
IAA/Auxins
…………………………..
Contest 6b

There are four main accessory ducts and they play an important role in the transport and
temporary storage of sperms. Mention one each.

1. Vasa efferentia

2. Epididymis

3. Vas deferens

4. Rete testis
Contest 7a

Classify the following diseases as 'Transmissible' or 'Non-transmissible'.

1. Influenza
Transmissible

2. Arthritis
Non transmissible

3. Coronary heart disease

Non transmissible
……………………………………………….

Contest 7b
Name one abiotic factor which might affect a plant growing on mountains.

1. Temperature

2. Wind speed

3. Drainage of water

4. Light intensity

………………
Contest 8a
Give the terms to which the following descriptions refer.

1. All the organisms of one species living in a defined area.

Population

2. The place where an organism is usually found.

Habitat

3. A self-supporting group of organisms and their environment

Ecosystem.
Contest 8b
Distinguish between perisperm and endosperm of a seed with respect to the following

1. Origin
Perisperm originates from the nucellus.whereas the endosperm originates
from the primary endosperm nucleus.

2. Ploidy
The perisperm contains diploid cells whereas the endosperm contains
triploid cells.

3. Tissues that absorb their nutrients

The nutrients in the perisperm are absorbed by the endosperm, whereas the
nutrients in the endosperm is absorbed by the embryo
……………………………

Contest 9a
What part do the following organisms play in the nitrogen cycle?
1. Nitrifying bacteria,
Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia and other nitrogenous substances
(e.g.urea) into nitrates

2. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert gaseous nitrogen into nitrogenous
compounds.

3. Denitrifying bacteria
Denitrifying bacteria decompose nitrogenous compounds to produce gaseous
nitrogen.
…………………………….
Contest 9b
Indicate the body fluids in humans into which the following substances do pass.
1. Glucose
Enter the blood stream

2. Fatty acids, glycerol

May enter the blood or the lymph

3. Amino acids pass

Enter the blood stream
Contest 10a
In a certain breed of rabbits, the allele (F) for short fur is dominant to the allele (f) for
long fur.
1. What is the genotype of a true-breeding, long-furred rabbit?
A true-breeding, long-furred rabbit has the genotype ff.

2. What is the phenotype of a rabbit with the genotype Ff?

The Ff genotype will produce a short-furred phenotype

3. In an Ff genotype, which allele is expressed in the phenotype?

In an Ff genotype, the dominant allele (F) will be expressed
…………………..
Contest 10b
Name the major mineral element needed by each of the following.
1. Bones
Calcium

2. Red blood cells,

Iron

3. The thyroid gland

Iodine
………………………
Contest 11a
Explain the following biological terms with respect to the rib cage of humans.
1. True ribs
True ribs are dorsally, attached to the thoracic vertebrae and ventrally
connected to the sternum (the breast bone) with the help of hyaline
cartilage.

2. Bicephalic ribs.
The ribs have two articulation surfaces on the dorsal end

3. Floating ribs
These are ribs that are not connected ventrally to the sternum (the breast
bone) / they are not attached to the sternum (the breast bone) or to another
rib.
Contest 11b
Describe the seed of flowering plants with respect to the following.

1. Relationship with the fruit

The fruit covers the seed of flowering plants

2. The main components

The three main components of seed are the embryo, endosperm, and the seed
coat

3. Definition
The seed refers to the unit of reproduction of a higher plant, capable of
developing into another such plant
……………………………….
Contest 12a
Give one similarity between stolons and rhizomes

1. Stolon and rhizome are two integral parts of the stem.

2. Both contain nodes and internodes.

3. They grow away from the plant, aiding vegetative reproduction.

4. They serve as storage parts of nutrients.

5. They help the plant to survive under unfavourable conditions.

……………………..
Contest 12b
State what the liver does to the following in the human body

1. Hormones
Converts hormones to inactive compounds / it secretes it into the blood

2. Alcohol
Oxidizes alcohol to carbon dioxide and water

3. Vitamin
Stores vitamin A.
Contest 13a
Distinguish between stem tuber and root tuber with respect to the following
1. Scaly leaves and axillary buds
Stem tubers possess scaly leaves and auxiliary buds while root tubers do not
possess scaly leaves and auxiliary buds.

2. Number of tubers
Several stem tubers occur per plant while only a single tuber occurs per a
plant. .

3. Where they arise

Stem tuber arises at the tip of an underground branch, whereas r root tuber
can arise from any part of the root.
…………………………

Contest 13b
Name one of the structures that one can find in the dermis of the mammalian skin.
1. Sensory nerve endings,
2. Nerve fibres,
3. Capillaries,
4. Arterioles and venules,
5. Sweat glands and ducts,
6. Sebaceous glands
7. Hair follicles.
………………………
Contest 14a
1. Why are homologous traits similar?
They are derived from a common ancestor

2. What makes a trait vestigial?

When the trait is rudimentary and no longer functional

3. What name is given to a trait that improves the fitness of its bearer, compared to
individuals without the trait?
Adaptation
Contest 14b

Air in the lungs is measured in terms of lung volumes and lung capacities. Explain the
following with respect to the lung capacity and volume
1. Total lung capacity (TLC)
Total volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration

2. Vital capacity (VC)

Maximum amount of air that can be moved in or out of the lungs in a single
respiratory cycle

3. Residual volume (RV)

Air left in the lungs after a forced exhalation
………………..
Contest 28a
Give one disadvantage of transpiration in plants
1. Wilting
Wilting reduces photosynthesis and other metabolic activities.
2. Reduced Growth
Transpiration reduces availability of water inside the plant. Water deficit
decreases growth and hence the plant gives a stunted appearance.
3. Reduced Yield
Decreased availability of water inside the plant checks meristematic activity and
hence the formation of flowers, fruits and seeds.
4. Abscisic Acid
Water stress produces abscisic acid. Abscisic acid prevents several plant processes
and promotes abscission of leaves, flowers and fruits.
5. Wastage of Energy
The energy used in absorption and conduction of water goes waste.
6. Modifications
In order to reduce transpiration during critical periods, the plants produce several
types of modifications— thick cuticle, hair, prickles, spines, thorns, sunken
stomata, phylloclades, cladodes,
……………………………….

Contest 28b
The renal tubules are a series of tubes that begin after the Bowman capsule and end at
collecting ducts. Mention the part of the tubule to which the following descriptions
refer.
1. This section functions especially in the resorption of sugar, sodium and chloride
ions, and water from the glomerular filtrate..
Proximal convoluted tubule / proximal tubule

2. Its function allows production of urine that is far more concentrated than blood,
limiting the amount of water needed as intake for survival.
Loop of Henle.

3. It is a short nephron segment, interposed between the macula densa and

collecting duct. Even though it is short, it plays a key role in regulating
extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte homeostasis
Distal convoluted tubule.
Contest 28c
State one of the 5 essential steps in the origin of the eukaryotic cell.
1. The origin of flexible cell surface
2. The origin of nuclear envelope.
3. The appearance of digestive vesicles.
4. The origin of cytoskeleton
5. The endosymbiotic acquisition of certain organelles.
……………………………
Contest 29a
The following hormones affect osmoregulation. Mention where they are produced.
1. Aldosterone
Adrenal cortex

2. Anti-diuretic hormone
Hypothalamus (stored in the posterior pituitary)

3. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Adrenal medulla (the inner portion of the adrenal gland)
…………………..
Contest 29b
State one of the ways in which the absorbing surface of the small intestine is increased.

1. By being very long,

2. By having internal folds,

3. By having villi

4. Presence of micro-villi on the epithelial cells.

Contest 29c
Give one characteristic of a corm of cocoyam
1. It is vertically oriented
2. It bears many adventitious roots towards the base.
3. A corm bears circular nodes.
4. It bears foliage leaves.
5. Lateral buds are quite conspicuous.
6. It does not bear depressions.
7. Corms of the successive years persist and generally lie around or above the
older ones.

………………….
Contest 30a
Apart from provision of support, mention one function of a plant cell

1. Withstand turgor pressure: Turgor pressure is the force exerted against the cell
wall as the contents of the cell push the plasma membrane against the cell wall.
2. Regulate growth: The cell wall sends signals for the cell to enter the cell cycle in
order to divide and grow.
3. Regulate diffusion: The cell wall is porous allowing some substances,
including proteins, to pass into the cell while keeping other substances out.
4. Communication: Cells communicate with one another via plasmodesmata (pores
or channels between plant cell walls that allow molecules and communication
signals to pass between individual plant cells).
5. Protection: The cell wall provides a barrier to protect against plant viruses and
other pathogens. It also helps to prevent water loss.
6. Storage: The cell wall stores carbohydrates for use in plant growth, especially in
seeds.
……………….
Contest 30b
1. What is the main function the cornified layer of the skin?
The cornified layer reduces evaporation from the skin and resists entry of
bacteria.

2. What is meant by vasodilation?

Vasodilation is an increase in diameter of small arterioles and capillaries.

3. What is the effect of vasoconstriction on the body?

Vasoconstriction reduces heat loss from the body.
Contest 30c
Distinguish between moulds and yeasts with respect to the following.
1. Sexual Spores
No sexual spores are found in yeasts, but moulds have sexual spores
(Zygospores, Ascospores, etc).

2. Mode of Reproduction
The most common mode of reproduction in yeast is “budding.”, but that of
moulds is through small spores, which can be either sexual or asexual

3. Appearance
Yeast are white and thready. Usually oval in shape but moulds have a fuzzy
appearance and can be found in several shapes
…………………………

Contest 31a

Name one of the mechanisms that cause allele frequencies to change

1. Mutation
2. Selection
3. Migration
4. Genetic drift
Contest 31b
Explain the following terms with respect to respiration

1. Tidal volume,
Measures the amount of air that is inspired and expired during a normal
breath.

2. Expiratory reserve volume

It is the additional amount of air that can be exhaled after a normal
exhalation. It is the reserve amount that can be exhaled beyond what is
normal

3. Residual volume.
It is the amount of air that is left after expiratory reserve volume is exhaled
………………………..
Contest 31c
Give one similarity between reversible and irreversible enzyme inhibition
1. Reversible and irreversible enzyme inhibition are two types of enzyme
inhibition mechanisms.
2. They are responsible for reducing the activity of the enzyme.
3. Usually, they reduce the compatibility of the enzyme to its substrate,
inhibiting the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex.
4. During inhibition, inhibitor molecules bind to the enzyme either
temporarily or permanently.
5. Naturally, enzyme inhibition helps to regulate metabolism. Also, many drug
molecules are enzyme inhibitors.
Contest 32a
Distinguish between normal hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin with respect to the
following
1. The shape of red blood cells
The red blood cells in normal hemoglobin is biconcave in shape while sickle
cell hemoglobin makes red blood cells to become crescent in shape

2. Solubility under low oxygen concentrations

Normal hemoglobin is more soluble under low oxygen concentrations, while
sickle cell hemoglobin is less soluble.

3. Difficulty in flowing through veins

Normal hemoglobin allows red blood cells to freely flow through the veins
while sickle cell hemoglobin causes sickle red blood cells to become sticky at
the branching points of the veins.
…………………………………
Contest 32b
Indicate whether the following are examples of positive or negative feedback
1. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin is released and transports the glucose into
the cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
Negative feedback

2. When blood levels of calcium get too high, the thyroid gland is stimulated to
release calcitonin which inhibits osteoclast activity and stimulates calcium uptake
by the bones
Negative feedback

3. Contraction of the uterus during childbirth causes the release of oxytocin, which
stimulates stronger contractions of the uterus, causing more oxytocin release
Positive feedback
Contest 32c
1. Which bone cell is responsible for resorbing bone matrix and releasing calcium
into the blood?
Osteoclasts

2. What is the primary function of the bone marrow?

Blood cell production

3. What type of bone cell is active during the formation of new bone and during the
production of bone during bone remodeling?
Osteoblasts
…………………………………………………..
Contest 33a
Distinguish between animal protein and plant protein with respect to the following

1. Supply of essential nutrients

Animal protein is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids,
but plant proteins are incomplete proteins; they provide several essential
amino acids to the diet, but not all.

2. Calorie content
Whereas animal proteins are high in calories, plant proteins are low in
calories.

3. Health Effects
Animal proteins have negative health effects while plant proteins show
positive health effects.
……………….
Contest 33b
1. The luteal surge results in which key event in the female reproductive system?
Ovulation

2. Which gland creates a milky, alkaline solution, which helps sperm survive in the
acidic environment of the female reproductive tract?
Prostate gland

3. Which structure is the site of development and maturation of sperm and secretion
of testosterone?
Testes
Contest 33c
1. What is the reason for lipids requiring carrier proteins in order to be transported
in the blood?
Lipids are mainly nonpolar molecules. As a result, they are unable to be
dissolved in aqueous solutions, such as blood. This makes them require a
lipoprotein in order to be transported through the bloodstream.

2. Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. What does this mean?

They have both polar and nonpolar sections / They have both hydrophilic
and hydrophobic regions

3. What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by humans;
therefore, these fatty acids need to be ingested through food.

……………………
Contest 34a
Describe C3 plants with the respect to the following.
1. Initial carbon dioxide acceptor
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) / Ribulose Biphosphate

2. First stable product

3-Phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) / 3-phosphoglyceric acid

3. Requirements for the Dark Reaction

C3 plants require 12 NADPH, and 18 ATPs for the dark reaction,
Contest 34b
Indicate whether the following vessels carry oxygen-poor blood or oxygen-rich blood
and the part of the body to which they carry the blood.
1. Pulmonary arteries
Carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs so that it can become
oxygenated.

2. The aorta
Carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body and brain.

3. The superior and inferior vena cavae

Carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart so that it can travel
to the lungs and become oxygenated again.
…………………………..
Contest 34c

Name one of the 4 main processes by which organisms move carbon through the carbon

cycle.

1. Respiration

2. Decomposition

3. Sedimentation

4. Photosynthesis
Contest 35a
Distinguish between intracellular and extracellular enzymes with respect to the
following
1. Mechanism of action
While intracellular enzymes breakdown large polymers into smaller chains
of monomers, extracellular enzymes act on the end of the polymer to
breakdown its monomers one at a time.

2. Occurrence
Intracellular enzymes are responsible for the digestion of food particles
inside the cytoplasm of unicellular organisms while extracellular enzymes are
responsible for the digestion of food inside the alimentary canal of higher
animals and the extracellular digestion in decomposers such as fungi and
bacteria.

3. Proportions
Intracellular enzymes account for the majority of enzymes while the minority
is extracellular enzymes.
…………………………………….

Contest 35b
The abdominopelvic cavity of humans can be subdivided into four quadrants, namely
Right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, left lower quadrant and right lower
quadrant. Indicate the quadrants in which the following can be found.

1. It is the location of the larger portion of the stomach, the pancreas, spleen, portions
of the transverse and descending colon, and parts of the small intestine.
Left upper quadrant:

2. It houses the cecum, appendix and part of the small intestines.

Right lower quadrant

3. It houses majority of the small intestine, some of the large intestine, the left female
reproductive organs, and the left ureter.
Left lower quadrant
Contest 35c
1. Organisms tend to select foods that will give them as much energy as possible,
while requiring minimal energy. What is this process called?
Efficient foraging

2. What is the main way by which energy is lost in a food chain?

Respiratory heat

3. A certain insect eats certain species of plants. If the plants are producers, what is
the insect classified as?
Primary consumer
………………………………
Contest 36a
Distinguish between animal and plant hormones with respect to the following
1. Complexity
While animal hormones are complex organic substances, plant hormones are
simple organic substances.

2. How they are transported

Animal hormones diffuse through the blood while plant hormones diffuse
through xylem and phloem.

3. Speed of response
Animal hormones produce a rapid response, while plant hormones produce
a slow response.
…………………………………
Contest 36b
Mention the proteins found in the following structures
1. Hair, nails, and the epidermis of skin.
Keratin

2. Bone and cartilage

Collagen

3. Found in the blood in response to injury

Fibrin is a clotting protein.
Contest 36c
1. What is the function of Kinetochores which are located near the center of
chromatids during cell division?
Act as an attachment point for spindle fibers

2. In mitosis, which characteristic of a cell in metaphase easily distinguishes it from

the other stages?
Chromosomes are aligned in the middle of the plane by what is known as the
metaphase plate.

3. Which term refers to the microtuble structures that move the chromatids to
opposite poles of a cell during mitosis?
Spindle fibers
……………………………
Contest 37a
Indicate the direction of backflow of blood prevented by the following valves in the
mammalian heart.
1. The tricuspid
The tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right
atrium.

2. The bicuspid valve

The bicuspid valve prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left
atrium.

3. The semilunar valves

The semilunar valves prevent backflow into the ventricles from the aorta
and pulmonary arteries.
…………………………………..

Contest 37b
Parasitism is of different types depending on the size, characteristics, interaction with
the host, and their life cycles. Some of the parasites can exist in multiple classifications
depending on the basis of classification. Explain the following types of parasitism
1. Mesoparasitism
Mesoparasitism is a type of parasitism where the parasite lives partly
within the host’s body.
 2. Epiparasitism
Epiparasitism is a type of interaction between two parasites where one
parasite parasitizes the other.

3. Brood parasitism
Brood parasitism is a type of parasitism where the parasites depend on the
host to raise their young ones. This is a form of parasitism as the parasites
conserve energy whereas the host has to spend extra energy.
……………………

Contest 37c
Ligands are any substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological
purpose. Mention one of the four primary types of ligands that have their functional state
determined by their three-dimensional chemical conformation.

1. Substrates

2. Inhibitors

3. Activators

4. Neurotransmitters

……………………..

Contest 38a
Obligatory exchange is a type osmotic exchange that take place between a fish and its
environment which is usually in response to physical factors over which the fish has
little or no physiological control. Mention one of the four main factors that affect
obligatory exchanges

1. Gradient between the Extracellular Compartment and the Environment:

 The greater the ionic difference between the body fluid and external medium, the
greater the tendency for net diffusion to low concentrations. Thus, a bony fish in
a sea water is affected by the problem of losing water into the hypertonic sea
water.

2. Surface/Volume Ratio:
Generally the animal with small body size desiccates (or hydrates) more rapidly
than a larger animal of the same shape.

3. Permeability of the Gills:

Fish gills are necessarily permeable to water and solutes as they are the main site
of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the water.
Active transport of salts also takes place in the gills.

4. Feeding:
Fishes take water and solute along with the feeding. A gill takes high quantity of
salt than water at the time of feeding on seashore invertebrates, these fishes,
therefore, must have some special device to excrete excess of salt. However, a
freshwater fish ingests large amount of water than salt and thus needs special
means of salt conservation.

Contest 38b
The cytoskeleton determines cell shape. It consists of three different types of filamentous
proteins. Mention the type of cytoskeleton to which the following descriptions refer

1. The functions include cytokinesis, amoeboid movement, cell motility, changes in

cell shape, endocytosis and exocytosis, cell contractility, and mechanical stability.
Microfilaments,
 2. They are the most diverse group of cytoskeletal elements. Their function is purely
structural. They bear tension, thus maintaining the shape of the cell, and anchor
the nucleus and other organelles in place. They have no role in cell movement
Intermediate filaments

3. They are small hollow tubes. They are the widest components of the cytoskeleton.
They help the cell resist compression, provide a track along which vesicles move
through the cell, and pull replicated chromosomes to opposite ends of a dividing
cell. They are the structural elements of flagella, cilia, and centrioles
Microtubules

…………………………………..

Contest 38c

1. How does blood in the renal vein differ from that in the renal artery in terms of
oxygen, carbon dioxide and urea contents?
Blood in the renal vein will have less oxygen and more carbon dioxide (as a
result of the kidney's respiration) and less urea, than blood in the renal
artery.

2. What happens in the kidney tubules when the concentration of solutes in the blood
rises above a certain level?
If the concentration of solutes in the blood rises, more water is reabsorbed
in the kidney tubules. (This helps to reduce the concentration of the blood.)

3. Is the human liver a homeostatic organ? Explain your answer.

Yes. It regulates the concentrations of glucose and amino acids

Contest 39a
State why mitosis is unlikely to occur in the following cells
1. A sperm cell
Once sperm cells are formed they do not divide again,

2. A hair cell
They are dead
 3. A red blood cell
They have no nuclei
………………
Contest 39b
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium shows that the gene frequency (the proportion of a
particular type of gene in a population) will remain constant if certain conditions occur.
Mention one of these conditions
1. The size of the population is practically infinite.
2. Individuals in the population mate at random.
3. All individuals in the population have the same fitness, regardless of their
genes.
4. There is no gain or loss of genes due to immigration into or emigration out
of the population.
5. There is no new mutation in the population.
……………………….

Contest 39c
Give one advantage of cage culture fish when compared to other methods of fish
culture
1. It requires less investment.
2. Its installation is easy.
3. Since it covers only a fraction of the pond, the remaining part can be used in the
normal way.
 4. It provides opportunity for controlled culture of choice.
5. Inspection of fishes and their feeding is much easier.
6. Treatment of disease is much simple than that of pond culture.
7. In emergencies it can be removed from one place to another.
8. Since the cage is meshed, the fishes inside have less chances of being attacked
by predators.
9. Harvesting is very simple.
10.The number of fish required at a particular time can be harvested and in this way
it helps to maintain the non-seasonal supply of the fish.
11.It is economical as compared to other methods of fish culture except fish-culture
in running water.

………………….
Contest 40a
The genetic code is a set of rules defining how the four-letter code of DNA is
translated into the 20-letter code of amino acids, which are the building blocks of
proteins. Explain the following properties of genetic code
1. The genetic code is universal
The same genetic code is used to code the same amino acid in all organisms
including virus.

2. The genetic code is non-overlapping

The same letter is not used for two different codons

3. The genetic code has polarity

The code is always read in a fixed direction

Contest 40b

1. Explain the means by which malarial parasites can be transmitted from an

infected person to a healthy person?
The malarial parasite is transmitted when a healthy person is bitten by a
mosquito which has fed on an infected person.
 2. Anti-malarial drugs kill plasmodium parasites in the blood but may not kill all
the parasites. Why?
Anti-malarial drugs do not kill the parasites in the liver.

3. Why was the use of DDT insecticide not successful in eradicating malaria?
The mosquitoes became resistant to the DDT insecticide.

………………………..

Contest 40c

1. How do Habitat loss and fragmentation lead to loss of biodiversity?

They result in the breaking up of the habitat into small pieces, which affects
the movement of migratory animals and also, decreases the genetic
exchange between populations leading to a declination of species.

2. How can the extinction of one species lead to the extinction of another species?
In a native habitat, one species is connected to the other in an intricate
network. The extinction of one species causes the extinction of other species,
which is associated with it in an obligatory way. For example, the extinction
of the host will cause the extinction of its parasites

3. How do exotic or Invasive alien species affect biodiversity?

They reproduce rapidly since they do not have local enemies, out-compete
native species for food, water and space, and are one of the main causes of
global biodiversity loss.
These species become established in their new environment and spread
unchecked, threatening the local biodiversity.