Cambridge IGCSE Biology (9-1) 0970 — 2018 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 2
0970/22/O/N/18 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper20 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · A person drinks a glass of iced water and the volume of sweat they secrete decreases
1 A person drinks a glass of iced water and the volume of sweat they secrete decreases. This is an example of which characteristic of living organisms? A growth B movement C respiration D sensitivity
Mark scheme: D
Q2 · Lichens are formed from two different organisms living together
2 Lichens are formed from two different organisms living together. The table shows some of the characteristics of two organisms, X and Y, found in most lichens. X Y made of strands called hyphae single celled hyphae have cell walls cell contains a nucleus and many nuclei and chloroplasts Which kingdoms are represented by X and Y? X Y A Fungus Plant B Fungus Protoctist C Protoctist Fungus D Protoctist Plant
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · Two types of cell, one animal and one plant, were examined using a light microscope
3 Two types of cell, one animal and one plant, were examined using a light microscope. Which row shows the correct combination of cellular features that would be observed in the cells? cell structure observed animal cell plant cell A chloroplast membrane vacuole cytoplasm B cytoplasm nucleus chloroplast membrane C membrane cell wall cytoplasm nucleus D nucleus chloroplast cell wall membrane
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · The diagram shows part of a leaf in cross-section
4 The diagram shows part of a leaf in cross-section. X Y Structures X and Y are both part of the same A cell. B organ. C tissue. D vessel.
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · How do carbon dioxide and oxygen move into and out of a mesophyll cell?
5 How do carbon dioxide and oxygen move into and out of a mesophyll cell? A active transport B diffusion C respiration D transpiration
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · The diagram shows a plant cell after it has been submerged in a solution, P, for 20…
6 The diagram shows a plant cell after it has been submerged in a solution, P, for 20 minutes. Which row describes the water potential of solution P and the condition of the cell? water potential of solution P condition of the cell A higher than the cell sap in the vacuole plasmolysed and turgid B higher than the cell sap in the vacuole under high turgor pressure C lower than the cell sap in the vacuole plasmolysed and flaccid D the same as the cell sap in the vacuole under low turgor pressure
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The data show the concentrations of sugar and starch in an onion
7 The data show the concentrations of sugar and starch in an onion. total sugar including starch reducing sugar / g per 100g / g per 100g 3.7 0.0 The onion is tested with Benedict’s solution and iodine solution. Which set of results is correct? Benedict’s iodine solution solution A blue blue-black B blue brown C brick red blue-black D brick red brown
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · The base sequence of part of one strand of a DNA molecule is shown
8 The base sequence of part of one strand of a DNA molecule is shown. ATAGCC What is the base sequence of the other strand? A GCGATT B CGCTAA C TATCGG D ATAGCC
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · The apparatus shown is used for an experiment on starch digestion
9 The apparatus shown is used for an experiment on starch digestion. Which test-tube contains the most sugar after 20 minutes? A B C D starch starch solution starch solution and salivary solution and salivary amylase amylase water-bath at 15 °C water-bath at 37 °C
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · The graph shows the effect of temperature on the action of an enzyme
10 The graph shows the effect of temperature on the action of an enzyme. enzyme activity 0 20 40 60 80 temperature /°C Why does the rate of reaction change when the temperature is increased from 20°C to 30°C? more kinetic more frequent energy of particles collisions of particles A v v B x v Cc v x D x x
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · An experiment was carried out using the apparatus shown
11 An experiment was carried out using the apparatus shown. The carbon dioxide content of the water in each test-tube was measured at the start and again three hours later. In which test-tube would there be a decrease in carbon dioxide content? A B C D black polythene water to keep out light light light light water plant water snail
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · The diagram shows the structure of cells from the leaf of a plant
12 The diagram shows the structure of cells from the leaf of a plant. What type of cells are they? A epidermal cells B guard cells C palisade cells D spongy cells
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · What is the result of a diet lacking iron?
13 What is the result of a diet lacking iron? A bleeding gums B poor wound healing C reduced number of red blood cells D weak bones and teeth
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Which row shows an enzyme with the correct site of production and products?
14 Which row shows an enzyme with the correct site of production and products? enzyme product(s) enzyme produced by of digestion A amylase salivary glands amino acids B amylase stomach sugar C protease salivary glands sugar D protease stomach amino acids
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · The diagram shows a plant cell
15 The diagram shows a plant cell. What type of plant cell is this? A guard cell B mesophyll cell C root cortex cell D root hair cell
Mark scheme: D
Q16 · Roots and leaves both act as a source and a sink for sucrose and amino acids at different…
16 Roots and leaves both act as a source and a sink for sucrose and amino acids at different times during the year. At which point in the year are the roots most active as a source? A spring new leaves start to grow D B winter summer no leaves leaves are are present mature C autumn leaves die and fall
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · The diagram shows a circulatory system
17 The diagram shows a circulatory system. 2 3 capillaries of capillaries of the the lungs heart rest of the body 1 4 Which vessels carry oxygenated blood? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · What happens to the heart valves when the ventricles contract?
18 What happens to the heart valves when the ventricles contract? atrioventricular semilunar valves valves A valves close valves close B valves close valves open C valves open valves close D valves open valves open
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · The diagram with the structure labelled X shows a bacterium with proteins on its surface
19 The diagram with the structure labelled X shows a bacterium with proteins on its surface. The diagram labelled Y shows proteins made by the human body. X Y Which row shows the correct combination for destroying the bacterium? correct name of X name of Y shape of Y A antigen antibody B antibody antigen C antigen antibody D antibody antigen
Mark scheme: A
Q20 · The graph shows changes in the volume of air in the lungs of a person at rest, over a…
20 The graph shows changes in the volume of air in the lungs of a person at rest, over a period of 30 seconds. 2 volume of air in lungs 1 / dm3 0 0 30 time / s Which graph shows changes in the volume of air in the lungs of the same person immediately after they have done five minutes of vigorous exercise? A B 2 2 volume volume of air in of air in lungs 1 lungs 1 / dm3 / dm3 0 0 0 30 0 30 time / s time / s C D 2 2 volume volume of air in of air in lungs 1 lungs 1 / dm3 / dm3 0 0 0 30 0 30 time / s time / s
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · As we breathe out, ......1.....
21 As we breathe out, ......1...... is ......2...... through the lungs. Which words correctly complete gaps 1 and 2? 1 2 A carbon dioxide excreted B carbon dioxide respired C oxygen excreted D oxygen respired
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · A person carries out vigorous exercise without drinking any water
22 A person carries out vigorous exercise without drinking any water. What would happen to the concentration and volume of the person’s urine immediately after exercise? urine urine concentration volume A decrease decrease B decrease increase C increase decrease D increase increase
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · What does the central nervous system consist of?
23 What does the central nervous system consist of? A brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves B brain and spinal cord only C brain only D spinal cord and peripheral nerves only
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · A student used two seedlings X and Y to investigate phototropism
24 A student used two seedlings X and Y to investigate phototropism. The diagram shows their investigation. light light piece of glass piece of glass X X at the start of after some time the experiment no curvature towards light light light piece of glass piece of glass Y Y at the start of after some time the experiment gives curvature towards light Which statement explains the difference in results between X and Y? A The piece of glass destroyed the auxin on the shaded side of the seedling. B The piece of glass destroyed the auxin on the side of the seedling facing the light. C The piece of glass in X stopped the auxin travelling down the shaded side of the seedling. D The piece of glass in X stopped the auxin travelling down the side of the seedling facing the light.
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · What is a response to a low concentration of glucose in the blood?
25 What is a response to a low concentration of glucose in the blood? A Glucagon will cause the body to convert glucose into glycogen. B Glucagon will cause the body to convert glycogen into glucose. C Insulin will cause the body to convert glucose into glycogen. D Insulin will cause the body to convert glycogen into glucose.
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The graph shows the number of cases of MRSA in one country between 2001 and 2006
26 The graph shows the number of cases of MRSA in one country between 2001 and 2006. 8000 7250 number of cases of 6500 MRSA 5750 5000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 year Between which years was the greatest change in the number of cases of MRSA seen? A 2002 and 2003 B 2003 and 2004 C 2004 and 2005 D 2005 and 2006
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · What are two adaptive features of a human sperm cell?
27 What are two adaptive features of a human sperm cell? 1 jelly coat present 2 relatively high number of mitochondria 3 acrosome present 4 relatively high energy stores A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · Which hormone maintains the thickness of the lining of the uterus during pregnancy?
28 Which hormone maintains the thickness of the lining of the uterus during pregnancy? A follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) B luteinising hormone (LH) C oestrogen D progesterone
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · What is a possible disadvantage of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
29 What is a possible disadvantage of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)? A Donated eggs and sperm can be used. B Embryos can be screened for genetic disorders. C It requires more medical resources. D Unused embryos can be stored.
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · A sperm cell from a domestic cat contains 19 chromosomes
30 A sperm cell from a domestic cat contains 19 chromosomes. If this cell fertilises an egg, which zygote is produced? A diploid, with 19 chromosomes B diploid, with 38 chromosomes C haploid, with 19 chromosomes D haploid, with 38 chromosomes
Mark scheme: B
Q31 · The diagram shows a cell of an organism
31 The diagram shows a cell of an organism. The nucleus contains 12 chromosomes. After it divides by mitosis, how many chromosomes would be present in one of the daughter cells? A 6 B 12 C 18 D 24
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · Pure-breeding black-feathered chickens are mated with pure-breeding white-feathered…
32 Pure-breeding black-feathered chickens are mated with pure-breeding white-feathered chickens. All of the individuals in the offspring in the F1 generation have both black and white feathers. What will be the ratio of offspring phenotypes when two of the F1 generation chickens are crossed? A 1 black : 1 white B 1 black : 2 black and white : 1 white C 3 white : 1 black D 3 black : 1 white
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · The diagram shows the bases on part of a chromosome, P, responsible for the production of…
33 The diagram shows the bases on part of a chromosome, P, responsible for the production of normal haemoglobin. The same part of another chromosome, Q, is responsible for the production of sickle-cell haemoglobin. G A G G T G C T C C A C chromosome P chromosome Q What has caused the difference between the two chromosomes? A discontinuous variation B gene mutation C phenotypic variation D selective breeding
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Farmers have bred Holstein-Friesian cattle to produce more milk than older breeds of…
34 Farmers have bred Holstein-Friesian cattle to produce more milk than older breeds of cattle. Which process was used to produce these cattle? A adaptation B genetic engineering C natural selection D selective breeding
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · The diagram shows a food web
35 The diagram shows a food web. hedgehog robin caterpillar greenfly beetle rose plant cabbage plant Which row shows a food chain in this food web? primary secondary producer consumer consumer A hedgehog caterpillar robin B cabbage plant greenfly beetle C cabbage plant beetle robin D rose plant hedgehog greenfly
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · The diagram shows part of the nitrogen cycle
36 The diagram shows part of the nitrogen cycle. Which change is caused by the action of denitrifying bacteria? nitrogen gas in the air D A plants death nitrate in B feeding the soil death animals C faeces and urine
Mark scheme: D
Q37 · The diagram shows an industrial fermenter used to produce penicillin
37 The diagram shows an industrial fermenter used to produce penicillin. X What is a function of the part labelled X? A add oxygen to the solution B maintain an even temperature throughout the solution C record the pH of the solution D sterilise the solution
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · Genetic engineering involves various stages
38 Genetic engineering involves various stages. 1 human DNA is inserted into bacterial plasmid DNA 2 recombinant plasmid inserted into bacteria 3 restriction enzyme cuts bacterial plasmid DNA 4 restriction enzyme cuts human DNA What is the correct sequence for genetic engineering? A 1 → 2 → 4 → 3 B 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 C 3 → 2 → 4 → 1 D 4 → 3 → 1 → 2
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · The statements describe some of the events that occur during eutrophication
39 The statements describe some of the events that occur during eutrophication. What is directly responsible for the increase in bacteria? A a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration B an increase in nitrate concentration C an increase in the population of algae D an increase in the death of producers
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · In 1991 there were only fourteen Daviesia cunderdin plants
40 In 1991 there were only fourteen Daviesia cunderdin plants. What happens to a plant population that becomes very small? A Each plant will produce fewer offspring. B Each plant will produce more offspring. C Variation in the population is increased. D Variation in the population is reduced.
Mark scheme: D
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
3Cell structure2Chromosomes, genes and proteins2Enzymes2Gas exchange in humans2Biological molecules1Biotechnology1Characteristics of living organisms1Chemical digestion1Circulatory systems1Conservation1Coordination and response1Diet1Diffusion1Diseases and immunity1Drugs1Excretion in humans1Features of organisms1Food chains and food webs1Genetic modification1Heart1Hormones1Leaf structure1Mitosis1Monohybrid inheritance1Nutrient cycles1Osmosis1Photosynthesis1Pollution1Selection1Sex hormones in humans1Translocation1Tropic responses1Water uptake1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2018 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.