Cambridge IGCSE Biology (9-1) 0970 — 2023 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 2
0970/22/M/J/23 · 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 paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which process occurs both in plants and in animals?
1 Which process occurs both in plants and in animals? A excretion B phagocytosis C photosynthesis D transpiration
Mark scheme: A
Q2 · Some statements about species are given
2 Some statements about species are given. 1 Members of a species all look identical. 2 Members of a species belong to the same genus. 3 Members of a species can produce fertile offspring. 4 Species are named using an international system. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 2 and 4 only D 2, 3 and 4 only
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Concept and uses of classification systems
Q3 · Which structures are found in the cells of all living organisms?
3 Which structures are found in the cells of all living organisms? 1 cell membrane 2 chloroplast 3 cytoplasm A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · In the diagram of the palisade cell, the distance between X and Y is 20 mm
4 In the diagram of the palisade cell, the distance between X and Y is 20 mm. The actual width of the cell between X and Y is 40 µm. X Y What is the magnification of the diagram? A ×200 B ×500 C ×2500 D ×5000
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · The diagram shows a root hair cell
5 The diagram shows a root hair cell. When does water enter the cell by osmosis? A when the concentration of solutes outside the cell is greater than inside the cell B when the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell are equal C when the water potential inside the cell is higher than outside the cell D when the water potential outside the cell is higher than inside the cell
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · Which row shows the changes that occur during the germination of a seed?
6 Which row shows the changes that occur during the germination of a seed? respiration amount of how ions are rate energy required absorbed A decreased decreased active transport B decreased increased diffusion C increased decreased diffusion D increased increased active transport
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · The diagram shows the human alimentary canal
7 The diagram shows the human alimentary canal. In which structure is most glucose absorbed into the blood? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · DNA contains pairs of bases
8 DNA contains pairs of bases. Which pair shows a correct combination of bases? A A and C B C and G C G and A D T and G
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · In which region of the alimentary canal is maltose digested?
9 In which region of the alimentary canal is maltose digested? A colon B rectum C small intestine D stomach
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · The graphs show the effect of temperature on enzyme activity
10 The graphs show the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. This enzyme has an optimum temperature of 30 °C. Which graph shows the effect of temperature on the activity of this enzyme? A B enzyme enzyme activity activity 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 temperature / °C temperature / °C C D enzyme enzyme activity activity 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 temperature / °C temperature / °C
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · The diagram shows a leaf on a plant used in a photosynthesis experiment
11 The diagram shows a leaf on a plant used in a photosynthesis experiment. At the start of the experiment, there is no starch in the leaf. A piece of black paper is attached to the upper surface of the leaf. The plant is placed in bright light for 12 hours. Four discs are then cut from the leaf in the positions shown on the diagram. The discs are tested for starch. Which disc contains starch? disc A disc B green area white area disc C disc D black paper
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · The graph shows the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis
12 The graph shows the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. rate of photosynthesis 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 temperature / °C Which statement explains the change in rate of photosynthesis between 15 °C and 20 °C? A Chlorophyll is able to transfer more energy in chemicals to energy in light. B Enzymes involved in photosynthesis have denatured. C Kinetic energy of molecules is increasing, resulting in more effective collisions. D Light intensity and not temperature is limiting the rate of photosynthesis.
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · The lack of which component of a balanced diet will lead to the development of scurvy?
13 The lack of which component of a balanced diet will lead to the development of scurvy? A calcium B iron C vitamin C D vitamin D
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Which structure is the duodenum?
14 Which structure is the duodenum? D A C B
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · Humidity and wind speed are two factors that affect the rate of transpiration
15 Humidity and wind speed are two factors that affect the rate of transpiration. How do these two factors affect the concentration gradient of water molecules between the inside of the leaf and the outside atmosphere? high humidity high wind speed A lowers concentration gradient raises concentration gradient B raises concentration gradient raises concentration gradient C lowers concentration gradient lowers concentration gradient D raises concentration gradient lowers concentration gradient
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · During an investigation into the movement of substances in a plant, a ring of tissue…
16 During an investigation into the movement of substances in a plant, a ring of tissue containing the outer part of the transport tissue is removed, as shown. swelling time epidermis and outer part of transport tissue Which statement explains why a swelling develops in the stem? A Phloem has been removed causing a build up of sucrose and amino acids. B Phloem has been removed causing a build up of water and mineral ions. C Xylem has been removed causing a build up of sucrose and amino acids. D Xylem has been removed causing a build up of water and mineral ions.
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · The diagram shows the human heart
17 The diagram shows the human heart. Which label shows the left ventricle? D A B C
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · Which row shows the features of an artery or a vein?
18 Which row shows the features of an artery or a vein? diameter thickness blood vessel of lumen of wall A artery large thick B artery small thin C vein large thin D vein small thick
Mark scheme: C
Q19 · Cholera bacteria in the gut cause secretion of chloride ions which leads to diarrhoea
19 Cholera bacteria in the gut cause secretion of chloride ions which leads to diarrhoea. Which diagram shows the correct movement of chloride ions (Cl –) and water (H2O)? A B gut small intestine gut small intestine epithelial cell epithelial cell Cl – Cl – H2O H2O C D gut small intestine gut small intestine epithelial cell epithelial cell Cl – Cl – H2O H2O
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Different stages in the process of expiration are listed
20 Different stages in the process of expiration are listed. 1 Rib cage moves downwards and inwards. 2 Volume of thorax decreases and pressure in lungs increases. 3 Air is pushed out of lungs. 4 Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax. What is the correct order of these stages? A 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 B 1 → 4 → 2 → 3 C 4 → 3 → 2 → 1 D 4 → 1 → 2 → 3
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · Which row shows aerobic respiration?
21 Which row shows aerobic respiration? substrates products A 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 B C6H12O6 + 6CO2 6H2O + 6O2 C 6CO2 + 6O2 C6H12O6 + 6H2O D C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · In which organ is lactic acid respired aerobically to remove an oxygen debt?
22 In which organ is lactic acid respired aerobically to remove an oxygen debt? A brain B heart C liver D lungs
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · The diagram shows a cross-section of a kidney
23 The diagram shows a cross-section of a kidney. R P Q What are the correct names for structures P, Q and R? P Q R A urethra cortex medulla B ureter medulla cortex C urethra medulla cortex D ureter cortex medulla
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · Which statement describes what happens during the transmission of an electrical impulse…
24 Which statement describes what happens during the transmission of an electrical impulse along a reflex arc? A The relay neurone has receptor proteins which bind with neurotransmitter molecules. B The relay neurone has vesicles which bind with neurotransmitter molecules. C The sensory neurone causes receptor proteins to release neurotransmitter molecules. D The sensory neurone impulses cause vesicles to release receptor protein molecules.
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · During the pupil reflex in bright light, what describes the actions of the muscles in the…
25 During the pupil reflex in bright light, what describes the actions of the muscles in the iris? A The circular muscles of the iris contract and the radial muscles relax. B The circular muscles of the iris contract and the radial muscles contract. C The circular muscles of the iris relax and the radial muscles contract. D The circular muscles of the iris relax and the radial muscles relax.
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · Which distribution of auxin will cause the shoot tip to grow towards the light?
26 Which distribution of auxin will cause the shoot tip to grow towards the light? A B C D key direction of light auxin
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · What is an advantage of asexual reproduction in a wild population?
27 What is an advantage of asexual reproduction in a wild population? A The population has reduced ability to respond to changes in the environment. B The population can increase rapidly when conditions are suitable. C The population shows a lot of variation. D The whole population may be killed by a disease pathogen.
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · The diagram shows the structure of part of a flower
28 The diagram shows the structure of part of a flower. anther stigma The arrow represents the transfer of pollen. Which statement about the arrow is correct? A The arrow represents cross-pollination in an insect-pollinated flower. B The arrow represents cross-pollination in a wind-pollinated flower. C The arrow represents self-pollination in an insect-pollinated flower. D The arrow represents self-pollination in a wind-pollinated flower.
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · In a sperm cell, which structure contains enzymes that can digest the jelly coat of an…
29 In a sperm cell, which structure contains enzymes that can digest the jelly coat of an egg cell? A acrosome B flagellum C mitochondria D nucleus
Mark scheme: A
Q30 · The following are involved in protein synthesis
30 The following are involved in protein synthesis. 1 amino acids assembled in order 2 mRNA moves to the cytoplasm 3 mRNA passing through a ribosome 4 DNA in the nucleus In which order do they become involved when proteins are made? A 1 → 3 → 2 → 4 B 3 → 2 → 1 → 4 C 4 → 2 → 3 → 1 D 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A man of genotype IAIo and woman of genotype IBIo have a child
31 A man of genotype IAIo and woman of genotype IBIo have a child. What is the chance that the child will have the same blood group as one of its parents? A zero B 1 in 4 C 1 in 2 D 3 in 4
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · A man who has red-green colour blindness has a child with a woman who does not have…
32 A man who has red-green colour blindness has a child with a woman who does not have red-green colour blindness. The child has red-green colour blindness. The man and woman decide to have another child. What is the percentage probability that their next child will have red-green colour blindness? A 0% B 25% C 50% D 100%
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · Which types of variation can be inherited?
33 Which types of variation can be inherited? variation caused by | variation caused by genes the environment A v Jv key B v Xx v/=yes Cc x v X =no D x x
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Which feature is a leaf adaptation for living in a hot, dry desert?
34 Which feature is a leaf adaptation for living in a hot, dry desert? A hairy B large surface area C many stomata D thin waxy cuticle
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · Which term is used to describe an organism that makes its own organic nutrients?
35 Which term is used to describe an organism that makes its own organic nutrients? A carnivore B decomposer C herbivore D producer
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · The diagram shows two pyramids based on food chains in which the producer is a large tree
36 The diagram shows two pyramids based on food chains in which the producer is a large tree. P Q What do the two pyramids represent? P Q A biomass biomass B biomass numbers C numbers biomass D numbers numbers
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · What is a negative impact on the environment caused by deforestation?
37 What is a negative impact on the environment caused by deforestation? A decrease in land for livestock production B decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the air C increase in flooding D increased levels of soil
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · The diagram shows the positions of four farms and the concentrations of nitrate at…
38 The diagram shows the positions of four farms and the concentrations of nitrate at different points in a river. Which farm is likely to have been using too much fertiliser on its land? farm C direction of flow farm A farm D farm B direction of flow 60 40 nitrate concentration / ppm 20 0
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · The diagram shows a bacterial cell containing a plasmid
39 The diagram shows a bacterial cell containing a plasmid. plasmid What is inserted into the plasmid if this cell is to be used for the production of insulin? A a length of DNA from a human B a length of DNA from another bacterium C a molecule of insulin D an enzyme
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · Yeast carries out anaerobic respiration, making carbon dioxide and ethanol as end-products
40 Yeast carries out anaerobic respiration, making carbon dioxide and ethanol as end-products. Which end-products can be used to make biofuel and bread? biofuel bread A carbon dioxide carbon dioxide B carbon dioxide ethanol C ethanol carbon dioxide D ethanol ethanol
Mark scheme: C
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.
2Monohybrid inheritance2Osmosis2Photosynthesis2Absorption1Active transport1Adaptive features1Aerobic respiration1Anaerobic respiration1Asexual reproduction1Biological molecules1Biotechnology1Blood vessels1Cell structure1Characteristics of living organisms1Chemical digestion1Chromosomes, genes and proteins1Concept and uses of classification systems1Coordination and response1Diet1Digestive system1Enzymes1Excretion in humans1Gas exchange in humans1Genetic modification1Habitat destruction1Heart1Pollution1Sense organs1Sexual reproduction in humans1Sexual reproduction in plants1Size of specimens1Translocation1Transpiration1Tropic responses1Variation1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 May/June, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.