Cambridge IGCSE Biology (9-1) 0970 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 2
0970/22/O/N/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 processes are characteristics of all living organisms?
1 Which processes are characteristics of all living organisms? 1 digestion 2 respiration 3 excretion A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 only C 2 and 3 only D 2 only
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · Using the binomial system, the Arctic fox is called Vulpes lagopus
2 Using the binomial system, the Arctic fox is called Vulpes lagopus. Which row is correct? Vulpes lagopus A genus kingdom B genus species C species genus D species kingdom
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Concept and uses of classification systems
Q3 · Which feature is found in viruses?
3 Which feature is found in viruses? A cell wall B mitochondria C nucleus D protein coat
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · Which features are possessed by all plant cells?
4 Which features are possessed by all plant cells? a cell wall chloroplasts A Jv J key B /=yes Cc X=no D «xX x \ x
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · The length of a bacterium in a diagram is 50 mm
5 The length of a bacterium in a diagram is 50 mm. The magnification of the diagram is ×5000. What is the actual length of the bacterium? A 1 µm B 10 µm C 100 µm D 1000 µm
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · The diagram shows an experiment to investigate osmosis in living cells
6 The diagram shows an experiment to investigate osmosis in living cells. water potato glass dish concentrated sugar solution What happens to the volumes of water and sugar solution after 12 hours? volume of volume of water sugar solution A decreases increases B increases increases C increases remains the same D remains the same decreases
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · Which statements about active transport are correct?
7 Which statements about active transport are correct? 1 It transports particles from a low concentration to a high concentration. 2 It always transports particles into cells. 3 It involves protein molecules in the cell membrane. 4 It uses energy from respiration. A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 3 and 4 only C 1 and 2 only D 3 and 4 only
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · Which row identifies the chemical elements in proteins?
8 Which row identifies the chemical elements in proteins? carbon hydrogen oxygen nitrogen A v J J J key B Jv x Jv x / = present Cc x v v v X = absent D J J x x
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · The table shows some large biological molecules and some small biological molecules
9 The table shows some large biological molecules and some small biological molecules. large biological small biological molecules molecules 1 cellulose glucose 2 oil amino acids 3 glycogen glucose 4 protein ethanol Which rows correctly pair large molecules with the smaller molecules used to make them? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · The graph shows the results of an experiment to investigate the rate of respiration in an…
10 The graph shows the results of an experiment to investigate the rate of respiration in an organism in different environmental temperatures. rate of respiration 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 temperature / °C What explains the increase in the rate of respiration between 10 °C and 30 °C? A The enzymes are denaturing. B There are more frequent effective collisions between enzyme and substrate molecules. C There are fewer enzyme-substrate complexes formed. D There is less kinetic energy.
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · The diagram shows how the rate of photosynthesis varies with light intensity
11 The diagram shows how the rate of photosynthesis varies with light intensity. The four curves show different conditions of temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. 30°C, 0.2% CO, te ot 20°C, 0.2% CO, rate o photosynthesis 30°C, 0.1% CO, 20°C, 0.1% CO, light intensity What limits the rate of photosynthesis at point P? ar ; carbon dioxide light intensity ; temperature concentration A Jv v x key B J x x v=yes Cc x v v X =no D x x v
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · The diagram shows a cell with groups of bacteria around its edge
12 The diagram shows a cell with groups of bacteria around its edge. cell cytoplasm spiral-shaped chloroplast bacteria The bacteria have moved to areas of high oxygen concentration. Which process in the cell causes the bacteria to form these groups? A digestion B photosynthesis C reproduction D respiration
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · The diagram shows the teeth in the lower jaw of a human
13 The diagram shows the teeth in the lower jaw of a human. Which tooth is a premolar? B C A D
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · Some medicines are made into tablets which are coated in a starch-like substance
14 Some medicines are made into tablets which are coated in a starch-like substance. The coating protects the medicine from the effects of gastric juice. Which enzyme digests the coating and what is produced by this action? enzyme products A amylase fatty acids and glycerol B amylase simple reducing sugars C lipase fatty acids and glycerol D lipase simple reducing sugars
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · The diagram shows a villus
15 The diagram shows a villus. The arrows show the direction of flow within vessels associated with the villus. Which vessel carries blood to the liver? A D C B
Mark scheme: D
Q16 · From which part of a leaf does most water evaporate during transpiration?
16 From which part of a leaf does most water evaporate during transpiration? A the cuticle B the guard cells C the spongy mesophyll cells D the xylem vessels
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · The photograph shows a cross-section through a sunflower stem
17 The photograph shows a cross-section through a sunflower stem. Z What is the name and function of the tissue labelled Z? name of tissue function of tissue A phloem transport of mineral ions B phloem transport of sucrose C xylem transport of mineral ions D xylem transport of sucrose
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · The photomicrograph shows some blood cells
18 The photomicrograph shows some blood cells. P What is the function of cell P? A It carries carbon dioxide. B It carries oxygen. C It helps to clot blood. D It produces antibodies.
Mark scheme: D
Q19 · The diagram shows the blood vessels associated with the liver
19 The diagram shows the blood vessels associated with the liver. X aorta Y liver key direction of blood flow Z NOT TO small intestine SCALE What are the blood vessels labelled X, Y and Z? X Y Z A hepatic artery hepatic portal vein hepatic vein B hepatic portal vein hepatic artery hepatic vein C hepatic vein hepatic artery hepatic portal vein D hepatic vein hepatic portal vein hepatic artery
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · When a pathogen enters the blood, the immune system uses different mechanisms to destroy…
20 When a pathogen enters the blood, the immune system uses different mechanisms to destroy the pathogen. The diagram shows one of these mechanisms. X Y pathogen Which row describes the structures involved? structure X X is made by structure Y A antigen lymphocytes antibody B antigen phagocytes antibody C antibody lymphocytes antigen D antibody phagocytes antigen
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · What is the composition of expired air compared with inspired air?
21 What is the composition of expired air compared with inspired air? carbon dioxide oxygen water vapour A decreased increased increased B decreased decreased increased C increased decreased decreased D increased decreased increased
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · During exercise, receptors detect a change in the blood and cause the breathing rate to…
22 During exercise, receptors detect a change in the blood and cause the breathing rate to increase. Which change do the receptors detect and where are they found in the body? change detected location of receptors in the blood A carbon dioxide increases brain B carbon dioxide increases lung C carbon dioxide decreases brain D carbon dioxide decreases lung
Mark scheme: A
Q23 · Yeast cells can convert glucose into alcohol and carbon dioxide
23 Yeast cells can convert glucose into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Which statement about this process is correct? A The alcohol produced can be used to make bread rise. B The carbon dioxide produced can be burnt as a biofuel. C The yeast cells are using oxygen for this process. D The yeast cells are carrying out anaerobic respiration.
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · What is the correct balanced equation for one type of respiration?
24 What is the correct balanced equation for one type of respiration? A C2H5OH → 2C6H12O6 + 2CO2 B 2C2H5OH → C6H12O6 + 2H2O C C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 D C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2H2O
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · Which row shows an organ and the substance it excretes?
25 Which row shows an organ and the substance it excretes? substance organ excreted A bladder water B kidney ions C lung oxygen D urethra urea
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The diagram shows a reflex arc in a human nervous system
26 The diagram shows a reflex arc in a human nervous system. The person’s finger has just made contact with a sharp object. Which part is the motor neurone? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · Which hormones can increase blood glucose concentration?
27 Which hormones can increase blood glucose concentration? A adrenaline and insulin B adrenaline and glucagon C adrenaline only D glucagon only
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · What is defined as a substance that is taken into the body and modifies or affects…
28 What is defined as a substance that is taken into the body and modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body? A antibody B drug C hormone D pathogen
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · What is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction for a population in the wild?
29 What is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction for a population in the wild? A a reduction in genetic diversity B a decreased ability to adapt to changes in the environment C a reduction in reproduction if individuals are isolated D an increased likelihood of a disease affecting all individuals
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · Pollen grains from a plant were placed onto the stigma of a flower of the same plant
30 Pollen grains from a plant were placed onto the stigma of a flower of the same plant. The lengths of the pollen tubes were measured for four hours. (The mean length of the style in this species of plant is 2 mm.) This was repeated using pollen from a different plant. The results are shown. 3500 pollen from a different plant 3000 2500 mean length 2000 of the pollen tubes / μm 1500 1000 500 pollen from the same plant 0 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 time / hours Which statements are correct? 1 Self-pollination does not lead to fertilisation. 2 The difference in growth of the two types of pollen is an adaptation to increase variation. 3 The pollen tubes from a different plant grew fastest between 2.0 hours and 4.0 hours. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: B
Q31 · Which hormones are released by the placenta during pregnancy?
31 Which hormones are released by the placenta during pregnancy? A FSH and LH B FSH and progesterone C oestrogen and LH D progesterone and oestrogen
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · Why are cells in the pancreas the only body cells that produce insulin?
32 Why are cells in the pancreas the only body cells that produce insulin? A All of the genes in the nucleus of a cell in the pancreas are expressed. B Other body cells do not have the gene for insulin. C The cells in the pancreas have twice as many genes as the other body cells. D The gene for insulin is only expressed by cells in the pancreas.
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · Which statement is correct?
33 Which statement is correct? A Mitosis always produces offspring that are homozygous. B Mitosis produces cells that are genetically identical. C Mitosis produces gametes in animals. D Mitosis only produces haploid cells.
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · What are sources of genetic variation in populations?
34 What are sources of genetic variation in populations? 1 meiosis 2 random mating 3 random fertilisation A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · Which row shows features of xerophytes that reduce water loss?
35 Which row shows features of xerophytes that reduce water loss? areal reduced to Presence of thick cuticle chlorophyll spines A Jv x Jv x B J Jv x x Cc x Jv x v D x x Jv JV key JY = reduces water loss X = does not reduce water loss
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · The diagram shows a food chain
36 The diagram shows a food chain. tree → insect → blue tit → hawk Which statement about a pyramid based on this food chain is correct? A Drawn as a pyramid of biomass, the hawk would have the largest bar size. B Drawn as a pyramid of energy, the tree would have the largest bar size. C Drawn as a pyramid of energy, the tree would have the smallest bar size. D Drawn as a pyramid of numbers, the hawk would have the largest bar size.
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · During the nitrogen cycle, which process releases nitrogen gas into the air?
37 During the nitrogen cycle, which process releases nitrogen gas into the air? A decomposition B denitrification C nitrification D nitrogen fixation
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · Red-green colour blindness is a sex-linked characteristic caused by a recessive allele
38 Red-green colour blindness is a sex-linked characteristic caused by a recessive allele. Which prediction can be made about the children of a woman who is colour-blind and a man with normal vision? A Boys will be colour-blind, and girls will have a 50% chance of being colour-blind. B Boys will be colour-blind, and girls will have normal vision. C Girls will be colour-blind, and boys will have a 50% chance of being colour-blind. D Girls will be colour-blind, and boys will have normal vision.
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · One method of conserving fish stocks is to have a minimum mesh size for fishing nets
39 One method of conserving fish stocks is to have a minimum mesh size for fishing nets. How is the mesh size chosen to conserve a particular fish species? A The holes in the net must be small enough to catch only young fish. B The holes in the net must be small enough to catch all fish old enough to reproduce. C The holes in the net must be large enough to catch some fish of all ages. D The holes in the net must be large enough to allow young fish to escape.
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · The diagram shows how a human gene can be inserted into a bacterium
40 The diagram shows how a human gene can be inserted into a bacterium. human cell bacterium 1 2 gene removed from a a bacterial plasmid human chromosome is removed and cut 3 a human gene is inserted into the plasmid 4 Which row shows the correct processes at 1, 2, 3 and 4? using using ligase multiplication restriction enzymes of bacteria enzymes A 1 2 3 B 1 and 2 3 4 C 1 and 3 2 4 D 4 1 and 2 3
Mark scheme: B
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.
2Biological molecules2Features of organisms2Gas exchange in humans2Photosynthesis2Absorption1Active transport1Adaptive features1Blood1Blood vessels1Characteristics of living organisms1Chemical digestion1Chromosomes, genes and proteins1Concept and uses of classification systems1Conservation1Coordination and response1Digestive system1Diseases and immunity1Drugs1Enzymes1Excretion in humans1Food chains and food webs1Genetic modification1Hormones1Mitosis1Monohybrid inheritance1Nutrient cycles1Osmosis1Sex hormones in humans1Sexual reproduction1Sexual reproduction in plants1Size of specimens1Transpiration1Variation1Xylem and phloem1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.