29 questions · 68 marks · ≈ 68 min · spans 29 of 68 topics
Assembled from the topic question banks — not an official Cambridge International paperSpecimens can be measured using eyepiece graticules and stage micrometers.
Which of the following correctly describes the role of a stage micrometer?
Choose your answer
Directly measuring the size of a specimen
Determining the size of the eyepiece graticule units
Determining the magnification at which at object is being viewed
A type of slide upon which a specimen can be prepared
Which of the following identifies the type of molecule, or molecules, present in the genetic material of a virus.
Choose your answer
DNA or RNA
DNA
RNA
DNA and RNA
A group of students tested four solutions for sugars. The colours observed after testing are shown in the table below.
| test 1 | test 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| solution | heated with Benedict’s solution | hydrolysed, then heated with Benedict’s solution |
| 1 2 3 4 | brown blue yellow brown | blue red green orange |
Which solution may contain non-reducing sugars?
Choose your answer
1 and 2 only
2 only
3 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4
Which of the following occurs when sucrose is formed from monosaccharides?
Choose your answer
Condensation of non-reducing sugars, using water
Condensation of reducing sugars, using water
Condensation of reducing sugars, releasing water
Condensation of non-reducing sugars, releasing water
When leaving the lungs, haemoglobin is 98 % saturated.
How many oxygen atoms will be carried by the majority of haemoglobin molecules?
Choose your answer
2
4
6
8
The specific heat capacity of water is the highest of all liquids.
Which of the following is a correct definition of specific heat capacity?
Choose your answer
The heat required to change one mole of liquid into one mole of gas.
The heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of liquid by 1 °C.
The heat required to change one mole of solid into one mole of liquid.
The ability of a solid to transfer heat to a liquid.
The breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen is catalysed by the enzyme catalase. In an investigation into the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction of catalase, mashed liver (which contains catalase) was added to hydrogen peroxide.
What would the independent variable be in this experiment?
Choose your answer
The change in mass of the liver after a given time.
The temperature of the solution.
The mass of liver added at the start.
The volume of oxygen produced.
This diagram shows a metabolic pathway.
What would be the effect of adding a competitive inhibitor of enzyme z?
Choose your answer
intermediate 2 would increase in concentration
enzyme z would be denatured
no more end product would be made
rate of reaction of enzyme x would slow
Cholesterol and temperature both affect the fluidity of cell surface membranes.
Which statement is correct about the effect of cholesterol at different temperatures?
Choose your answer
Cholesterol decreases fluidity at low temperatures and increases fluidity at high temperatures.
Cholesterol decreases fluidity at low temperatures and decreases fluidity at high temperatures.
Cholesterol increases fluidity at low temperatures and decreases fluidity at high temperatures.
Cholesterol increases fluidity at low temperatures and increases fluidity at high temperatures.
The diagram shows a glass cylinder within which a partially permeable membrane separates two compartments, G and H, of the same volume (V).
Each compartment contains saline solution, the concentration (C) in G is double the concentration in H.
The membrane is attached to a sliding piston.
Which equations correctly describe the concentration and volume of compartments when osmotic equilibrium is reached?
Choose your answer
CG = 2CH and VG = 2VH
CG = CH and VG = VH
CG = 2CH and VG = VH
CG = CH and VG = 2VH
The risk of developing a cancerous tumour is increased by exposure to which of the following?
| ultraviolet light | viruses | carbon monoxide | X-rays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | ✓ | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| B | ✓ | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| C | x | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| D | ✓ | x | ✓ | x |
key
✓ increases risk
x does not increase risk
Choose your answer
At which stages of mitosis do centromeres separate and the DNA condenses?
| centromeres separate | condensation of DNA | |
|---|---|---|
| A | metaphase | interphase |
| B | anaphase | prophase |
| C | metaphase | telophase |
| D | anaphase | interphase |
Choose your answer
Which enzymes are needed for DNA replication?
| 1 | Helicase |
|---|---|
| 2 | DNA ligase |
| 3 | RNA polymerase |
| 4 | DNA polymerase |
Choose your answer
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4 only
1 and 4 only
In a genetic engineering experiment a piece of double-stranded DNA containing 18000 nucleotides coding for a specific polypeptide is transcribed and translated.
What is the maximum number of amino acids in this polypeptide?
Choose your answer
3000
6000
9000
18000
The diagram shows three transverse plant sections.
Which row correctly identifies 1 - 6?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A B C D | phloem xylem xylem phloem | xylem phloem phloem xylem | xylem xylem phloem phloem | phloem phloem xylem xylem | phloem xylem phloem xylem | xylem phloem xylem phloem |
Choose your answer
Which of the following does not correctly explain the movement of water in the xylem of plants?
Choose your answer
Water molecules are attracted to each other by forces of cohesion
Water molecules are attracted to the walls of xylem vessels due to forces of adhesion
Hydrogen bonds between water molecules results in cohesion-tension
The activity of cotransporter proteins generates a hydrostatic pressure gradient
The micrograph below shows human blood. There are four cells labelled.
Which row of the table below labels the cells correctly?
| W | X | Y | Z | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A B C D | lymphocyte erythrocyte neutrophil erythrocyte | erythrocyte neutrophil monocyte lymphocyte | monocyte phagocyte lymphocyte neutrophil | neutrophil lymphocyte erythrocyte neutrophil |
Choose your answer
The following events happen when carbon dioxide enters an erythrocyte in a capillary.
| 1 | Hydrogen carbonate ions diffuse into the plasma from the erythrocyte. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Dissociation of carbonic acid. |
| 3 | Carbon dioxide reacts with water forming carbonic acid. |
| 4 | Chloride ions diffuse into erythrocytes from plasma. |
Which row in the table below shows the correct sequence of events?
| first step → → last step | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| B | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| C | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| D | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Choose your answer
Which of the following statements happens during ventricular systole in a human heartbeat?
| 1 | ventricular pressure increases |
|---|---|
| 2 | atrial pressure does not change |
| 3 | aortic pressure increases |
Choose your answer
1 and 2
1 and 3
2 and 3
3 only
Which row correctly describes a bronchiole?
| diameter (mm) | collagen and elastic fibres | site of gas exchange | cilia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0.25 | no | yes | yes |
| B | 0.5 | no | no | no |
| C | 1 | yes | no | yes |
| D | 20 | yes | no | yes |
Choose your answer
Avian bird flu is caused by the H5N1 virus. Between 2021 and 2023 there have been 11 confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans. Whilst these numbers are low, there are concerns about the possibility of H5N1 causing a global pandemic.
Which of these measures is a suitable method to help prevent the spread of disease between humans?
| 1 | reducing the number of flights |
|---|---|
| 2 | killing all birds |
| 3 | taking a course of antibiotics |
| 4 | putting infected individuals in quarantine |
Which ones are correct?
Choose your answer
1 and 2
3 and 4
1 and 3
1 and 4
Antibiotics work by interfering with several different processes in the target bacteria.
Which of the following is not a process which is impacted by antibiotic action?
Choose your answer
Enzyme action
Formation of cell walls
Formation of capsid proteins
Protein synthesis
Which of the following statements describes the function of a macrophage?
Choose your answer
They circulate in the blood and produce antigens in response to infection.
They are found in tissues and secrete cytokines in response to infection.
They can leave the blood and secrete cytotoxins when exposed to damaged cells.
They can leave the blood and accumulate at sites of inflammation.
A child is given a vaccine to a viral disease. A few months later she is in contact with the same virus.
What is the expected response to the second contact with the virus?
Choose your answer
increased number of T-lymphocytes
large numbers of antibodies are released
large numbers of antigens are released
increased number of B-lymphocytes
Fig. 1 shows a respirometer set up to measure the rate of respiration in germinating mung bean seeds.
It consists of two linked tubes, 1 and 2, held in a temperature-controlled water bath.
Fig. 1
The capillary tubes in the U-tube containing coloured liquid have an internal diameter of 1 mm.
(i) Explain why the volumes of potassium hydroxide (KOH) are different in tubes 1 and 2.
(2 marks)
(ii) Suggest an experimental modification to allow the volumes of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to be the same in tubes 1 and 2.
(1 mark)
Extract:
Fig. 1 shows a respirometer set up to measure the rate of respiration in germinating mung bean seeds.
It consists of two linked tubes, 1 and 2, held in a temperature-controlled water bath.
The capillary tubes in the U-tube containing coloured liquid have an internal diameter of 1 mm.
Experimenters used the equipment in Fig. 1 to measure the rate of respiration in 10 g of active mung bean seeds over a 20 minute period.
They calculated a rate of movement of the liquid in the U-tube of 4mm3 hr-1 g-1.
Calculate how far, to the nearest mm, the liquid in the U-tube moved in the 20 minute period of their investigation.
Extract:
Fig. 1 shows a respirometer set up to measure the rate of respiration in germinating mung bean seeds.
It consists of two linked tubes, 1 and 2, held in a temperature-controlled water bath.
The capillary tubes in the U-tube containing coloured liquid have an internal diameter of 1 mm.
Experimenters used the equipment in Fig. 1 to measure the rate of respiration in 10 g of active mung bean seeds over a 20 minute period.
They calculated a rate of movement of the liquid in the U-tube of 4mm³ hr⁻¹ g⁻¹.
Following the investigation in part (b) the scientists reset the respirometer and ran the experiment again, this time with distilled water in place of KOH in both tubes 1 and 2.
They recorded a slight upward movement of the liquid in the U-tube manometer on the side of tube 2, this time at a rate of 0.72 mm3 hr-1 g-1.
Calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ) of the respiring mung bean seeds in this investigation.
Extract:
Experimenters used the equipment in Fig. 1 to measure the rate of respiration in 10 g of active mung bean seeds over a 20 minute period.
They calculated a rate of movement of the liquid in the U-tube of 4mm³ hr⁻¹ g⁻¹.
Following the investigation in part (b) the scientists reset the respirometer and ran the experiment again, this time with distilled water in place of KOH in both tubes 1 and 2.
They recorded a slight upward movement of the liquid in the U-tube manometer on the side of tube 2, this time at a rate of 0.72 mm³ hr⁻¹ g⁻¹.
Calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ) of the respiring mung bean seeds in this investigation.
Suggest, with a reason, what the value of RQ calculated in part (c) indicates about the respiratory substrate of the mung beans at the time of this investigation.
Fig. 1 shows the process of ethanol fermentation.
Fig. 1
Identify substances A and B.
Extract:
Fig. 1 shows the process of ethanol fermentation.
Identify substances A and B.
Substances A and B in Fig. 1 are:
Describe the reaction taking place at point X in Fig. 1.
Extract:
Fig. 1 shows the process of ethanol fermentation.
Fig. 1
Identify substances A and B.
Substances A and B in Fig. 1 are:
Ethanol fermentation occurs in yeast cells.
Describe the equivalent process in animal cells.
In aerobic respiration the presence of oxygen drives the electron transport chain to produce ATP.
Describe the role of oxygen in the electron transport chain.
Fig.1 is an outline diagram of the Calvin cycle.
Fig. 1
With reference to Fig. 1, describe stage A of the Calvin cycle.
Extract:
Fig.1 is an outline diagram of the Calvin cycle.
Outline the importance of the light-dependent reactions in allowing stage B of the Calvin cycle, as indicated in Fig. 1, to proceed.
Extract:
Fig.1 is an outline diagram of the Calvin cycle.
Fig. 1
Substance C in Fig. 1 represents a variety of complex organic molecules.
Give three named examples of substance C and the Calvin cycle intermediates from which these examples are produced.
Scientists investigated the effect of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (measured in microatmospheres, μatm) and temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rates of Ulva pertusa, common bloom-forming green algae.
U. pertusa was grown under four temperature and CO2 conditions:
The rate of photosynthesis was measured for each condition.
Fig. 1 shows the results of the investigation.
Fig. 1
Name the limiting factors between points X and Y.
Extract:
Scientists investigated the effect of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (measured in microatmospheres, μatm) and temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rates of Ulva pertusa, common bloom-forming green algae.
U. pertusa was grown under four temperature and CO2 conditions:
The rate of photosynthesis was measured for each condition.
Fig. 1 shows the results of the investigation.
Name the limiting factors between points X and Y.
Use the information from Fig. 1 to explain your answer to part (a).
Extract:
Scientists investigated the effect of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (measured in microatmospheres, μatm) and temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rates of Ulva pertusa, common bloom-forming green algae.
U. pertusa was grown under four temperature and CO2 conditions:
The rate of photosynthesis was measured for each condition.
Fig. 1 shows the results of the investigation.
Describe the results of the investigation shown in Fig. 1.
Extract:
Scientists investigated the effect of elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels (measured in microatmospheres, μatm) and temperature on the growth and photosynthetic rates of Ulva pertusa, common bloom-forming green algae.
U. pertusa was grown under four temperature and CO₂ conditions:
The rate of photosynthesis was measured for each condition.
Fig. 1 shows the results of the investigation.
Calculate the percentage difference in the rate of photosynthesis at 100 Lux between present day and modelled acidification conditions. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
The glomerulus is a structure in the kidneys responsible for the process of ultrafiltration.
Explain how ultrafiltration would be affected by severe dehydration.
Ultrafiltration relies on a water potential gradient being established.
Explain how solute concentration and pressure within the glomerulus establishes a water potential gradient during ultrafiltration.
An important role of the kidneys is the removal of urea from the blood. The volume of urea removed from the blood can be used as a measure of the rate of ultrafiltration, also known as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
An individual excretes 720 mg of urea in their urine over 1 hour, and has a blood urea concentration of 0.01 mg cm-3 entering the kidneys. Volume is calculated by dividing mass by concentration.
Use this information to calculate this person’s GFR. Give your answer in cm3 min-1.