New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)

Book 2

Suggested answers to Exercise and

Reading to learn
MS Word file is available in Teaching Resource Centre: www.oupchina.com.hk/biology
The overseas examination boards bear no responsibility for the suggested answers contained
in this publication. Answers for HKDSE, HKCEE and HKALE questions are not available
due to copyright restrictions.

Ch 11 Cell cycle and division

Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 11-25)
1 A 2 C 3 D 4 C
5 A 6 D 7 D 8 D

Short questions (p. 11-26)

9 a A highest proportion of cells are at interphase. 1
b New organelles (e.g. mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum) and proteins are
synthesized. 1 DNA replicates. 1
The cell grows to its maximum size. 1 c
12 + 7 + 6 + 14

438 + 12 +7 + 6 + 14
1
= 78.5 mins 1

10 HKDSE Biology Sample Paper IB Q4

11 To provide more cells that are needed for growth. 1

For repairing damaged tissues and replacement of worn-out cells. 1
Cells specialize / differentiate to perform particular functions. 1
For the formation of gametes. 1

12 a Testis 1
b Meiotic cell division 1
c P: 23 1
( ) 16 60 mins
Q: 23 1 d Each chromosome in cell P consists of two chromatids 1 whereas each
chromosome in cell Q consists of one chromatid. 1

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
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13 a 53 1
b Each of the gamete-producing cells of the zebronkey contains two different sets of
chromosomes. 1
This makes the pairing of homologous chromosomes impossible. 1
Therefore the zebronkey cannot produce normal haploid gametes for reproduction. 1

Structured questions (p. 11-28)

14 a X: metaphase 1 Y: anaphase 1 b i Prophase 1 ii Two
chromatids drawn 1
Centromere labelled and in correct position 1 One long arm with
a section shaded 1 c Meiosis halves the chromosome number. /
Through meiosis, haploid gametes are produced. /
The chromosome number is maintained (between generations) after fertilization. /
Meiosis provides a source of genetic variations. (any 3) 1×3

15 a i 95–100 minutes 1 ii It shows that the distance between the sister

chromatids increases at this point 1 as they begin to separate / move to
opposite poles. 1 b Chromatids cannot be seen 1 because
chromosomes have not condensed / chromatin is too diffuse / the cell is still at
interphase. 1 c i Zygote 1
ii This avoids the doubling of chromosome number at each generation. /
This maintains the chromosome number from generation to generation. /
Diploid / The correct chromosome number / 46 chromosomes can be restored at
fertilization. 1

Essay (p. 11-28)

16 HKDSE Biology 2012 IB Q11

Reading to learn (p. 11-29)

1 The tumour may become large and press against important organs. 1 Rapid and
continuous cell divisions of cancer cells draw nutrients and energy from the body. 1
2 Without DNA replication, cancer cells cannot undergo mitotic cell division because there
is insufficient DNA for daughter cells. 1 3 Cancer cells divide more rapidly 1
and their DNA replicates more frequently than normal cells. The drugs target DNA
replication and are therefore more effective against cancer cells. 1

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
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 Ch 12 Reproduction in flowering plants

Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 12-26)
1 C 2 A 3 A 4 A
5 A 6 C

Short questions (p. 12-27)

7 a Rhizome 1 b Ginger / asparagus 1

8
Type of
Explanation
reproduction
Seeds of bean Sexual Seeds develop from ovules after
fertilization of gametes
Fruits of maize Sexual Fruits develop from ovaries after
fertilization of gametes
Tubers of Asexual Tubers develop from buds by
potato mitosis only
4

9 a A: pollen tube 1
B: ovule 1
C: female gamete / ovum 1
b Stigma is the place where pollen grain germinates. /
The pollen tube (A) grows down the
style. / The pollen tube (A) enters the ovule
(B) / by growing through the micropyle. /
The tip of the pollen tube (A) opens. /
The male gamete fuses with the female gamete (C) /
to form a zygote.
(any 3) 1 × 3 10 HKDSE Biology Practice Paper 2012 IB Q10a

Structured question (p. 12-28)

11 HKCEE Biology 2011 I Q9a

Essay (p. 12-28)

12 HKALE Biology 2010 II Q6a

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Reading to learn (p. 12-29)

1 The new plants are formed by mitotic cell division of the cells from the parent plant.
1
2 To ensure that there are no fungi or bacteria 1 to cause infection in the plant tissues or
plantlets. 1
3 Plantlets are grown under sterile and disease-free conditions. This reduces the loss of
plants due to disease. 2
The conditions for growth are well controlled. This increases the success rate of
propagation of plants. 2

Ch 13 Reproduction in humans
Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 13-40)
1 B 2 A 3 B 4 C
5 B 6 B 7 D 8 C
9 B 10 C 11 C 12 C 13 B 14 D 15 D 16 C

Short questions (p. 13-42)

17 a X: acrosome 1 Z: mitochondria 1 b i Structure X releases
enzymes 1 to digest the jelly coat of the ovum. 1 ii Structure
Z provides energy 1 for the movement of the sperm. 1

18 a They prevent pregnancy / formation of mature ova / ovulation. 1 b Do not

have to remember to take the pill every day. /
The pill is difficult to swallow. 1c i Ovary 1 ii The breasts
develop. / The hips broaden. /
Pubic hair grows. /
Hair grows in the armpits. 1 d i To test if it is safe / to see if it
works. 1
ii People think it is cruel to animals / non-ethical. /
People worry that it may work differently in different species /
animals are not the same as humans. 1

19 HKCEE Biology 2011 I Q4

Structured questions (p. 13-43)

20 a A: ovary 1 B: oviduct 1 C: uterus 1

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D: cervix 1 b i A large number of sperms increases the chance of fertilization 1 as only

a small percentage of sperms can reach the point of fertilization. 1 ii The sperm has a tail for
swimming. /
The sperm has an acrosome which releases enzymes to penetrate the ovum. /
The sperm contains mitochondria which provide energy for swimming. /
The ovum is larger / has more cytoplasm for food storage.
(any 2) 2×2

21 a i X: maternal blood space 1

Y: embryonic villi 1 Z: umbilical cord 1 ii Away
from the placenta 1 iii The blood in the umbilical vein contains more oxygen.
1 b i Tissue is a collection of cells which are specialized / differentiated. 1
These cells work together to perform a particular function. 1 ii Mother:
maternal blood space 1 Embryo: embryonic villus 1 c The mother’s
blood is at a pressure high enough to damage the foetal blood vessels. /
The protective barrier can prevent immune response / separate the maternal and foetal
circulations as they have different genotypes. /
The protective barrier can stop most bacteria / some viruses from crossing the
placenta.
(any 2) 1×2
22 a X placed clearly on an oviduct 1 b i M: placenta / embryonic villus 1
N: umbilical cord 1 ii Structure M provides a large surface area 1
for the diffusion of oxygen from the mother to the foetus / carbon
dioxide from the foetus to the mother. 1
Structure M allows the two blood supplies to be very close to one another. 1
c Structure O / The uterine wall contracts to push the baby out. 1 Structure
P / The cervix dilates to allow the exit of the baby. 1 d i The virus may pass
across the placenta. 1
The virus may be carried by blood leakage during birth from the mother to the foetus. 1
ii The mother should eat a balanced diet. /
The mother should have extra iron / protein in her diet. /
The mother should not smoke / drink alcohol / take
drugs. / The mother should check with a health team. /
The mother should take exercise.
(any 2) 1×2

Essays (p. 13-44)

23 HKALE Biology 2013 II Q6a

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Book 2

24 Contraception is the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. 1

Contraceptives contain synthetic hormones which prevent the formation of mature ova
and ovulation. 1
The rhythm method works by avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period, the
time when sperms are most likely to meet an ovum in the oviduct. 1
A diaphragm is placed over the cervix before sexual intercourse to prevent sperms from
entering the uterus. 1
A condom is worn over the erect penis before sexual intercourse. Ejaculated semen is trapped
inside the condom and sperms are prevented from entering the uterus. 1 A female condom is
inserted into the vagina. During sexual intercourse, the erect penis inserts through the open
end of the female condom and ejaculated semen is retained by the female condom. 1
A vasectomy involves tying and cutting the vas deferens so that sperms cannot be
transferred into the female body. 1
Tubal ligation involves tying and cutting the oviducts so that the ovum cannot meet the
sperms. 1
An intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus to prevent the implantation of an embryo into
the uterine lining. 1 Communication 3

Reading to learn (p. 13-45)

1 Poor sperm motility / sperms with structural defects / no ovulation / unsuccessful
implantation
(any 2 or other correct answers) 1×2
2 By stimulating the development of several follicles at the same time, more ova can be
collected for fertilization. 1
This increases the rate of successful pregnancy. 1
3 Fertilization takes place in the upper part of an oviduct in a normal pregnancy, 1
whereas fertilization takes place outside the body / in a Petri dish in IVF. 1 4
Potential human lives are destroyed when excess embryos are no longer needed. /
The chance of multiple births is increased. Multiple births put the mother’s health at risk. /
This technique may be used to produce designer babies. /
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1×2

 Ch 14 Growth and development

Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 14-26)

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Book 2

1 C 2 C 3 B 4 B
5 B

Short questions (p. 14-27)

6 HKDSE Biology Practice Paper 2012 IB Q10 b–c

7 HKALE Biology 2010 II Q6b

8 In the region of cell division, cells undergo active mitotic cell division. 1
This leads to an increase in the number of cells. 1 In the region of elongation, cells take in
water by osmosis. 1 This leads to an increase in the size of cells. 1
In the region of differentiation, extra materials are added to the cell walls. 1
This leads to an increase in the complexity of cells. 1

9 a The head of the newborn baby is relatively larger. 1 The arms / legs of
the newborn baby are relatively shorter. 1 b Genetic factor / diet / hormones /
exercise
(any 2) 1×2
c Different parts of the body grow at different rates. 1
Height is not always related to mass. 1 Mass may fluctuate / change temporarily. 1

Structured questions (p. 14-27)

10 HKCEE Biology 2010 I Q8b

11 HKCEE Biology 2006 I Q10a

Essay (p. 14-28)

12 Meristemic cells are undifferentiated cells which are able to divide by mitotic cell
division. /
In the root tip, meristemic cells are situated at the region of cell division. /
When a meristemic cell undergoes mitotic cell division, a daughter cell may be pushed to
the region of elongation of the root tip. /
It takes in water by osmosis and the cell elongates as many small vacuoles are formed. /
The elongated cell is then pushed to the region of differentiation of the root tip. /
Small vacuoles in the cell fuse to form large vacuoles. /
A long extension, the root hair, grows from the cell. /
More cellulose fibres are made and added to the cell wall.
(any 7) 1 × 7 Communication 3

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Reading to learn (p. 14-29)

1 Seeds take less space. / More seeds can be stored to provide greater genetic variability. /
The maintenance cost is lower. / Seeds can be stored for a long period of time.
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1×22 To avoid the growth of fungi / mould
1 which may spoil the seeds. 1
3 To suppress the activity of enzymes involved in seed germination. 1
4 To ensure that the seeds are still viable / living after they are dried and stored at low
temperature. 1

Ch 15 Detecting the environment

Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 15-41)
1 B 2 A 3 C 4 B
5 C 6 A 7 D 8 C
9 C 10 D 11 C

Short questions (p. 15-43)

12 HKDSE Biology Practice Paper 2012 IB Q3

13 The ciliary muscles contract. 1

The suspensory ligaments become slackened. 1
The lens becomes more convex. 1

14 a i B 1 ii F and G 1 iii B to C / from 1.9 to 3.3 minutes

1 b The ciliary muscles relax. /
The suspensory ligaments are pulled. /
The suspensory ligaments pull on the lens. /
The lens is elastic. /
The lens becomes less convex / thinner.
(any 4) 1×4

15 a Auxin from the coleoptile tip diffuses into the agar block, 1 causing
growth / cell elongation of the decapitated coleoptile. 1 b There is a positive
correlation between the time that the tip was left on the agar block and the growth of the
coleoptile. 1

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With increased time, more hormone can diffuse into the agar block / more hormone is
available for cell elongation. 1
The result levels off as the agar block can only hold a limited amount of the hormone
/ as there is a limit to how much a cell can elongate. 1 c The agar blocks
contain different amounts of hormone. / The quality of contact between the agar block and the
decapitated tip varies. / Hormone diffuses more readily in some decapitated coleoptiles than
others. / Some tips have more hormone than others. / There is variation in the quality of
coleoptile.
(or other reasonable answers) 1

16 a Correct drawing to show the coleoptile placed with block D is shorter than the
others
1 b The agar blocks received auxin from the tips. / Auxin moved
from agar blocks into the decapitated coleoptiles. / The metal sheet prevented lateral
movement of auxin. /
Auxin stimulated cell elongation. /
Blocks A and B produced the same growth as auxin had diffused equally into
blocks A and B because the light was from above. /
Block C produced more growth as more auxin was available. / Block D produced the least
growth as least auxin was available. /
Most auxin diffused down the shaded side. / Less auxin diffused down the
illuminated side.
(any 4) 1 × 4 c Blocks A and B allowed comparison / act as a control experiment. / To show
that the growth stimulus (production of auxin) was even when light was from above. / To
confirm that lateral illumination influenced the movement of auxin. 1

Structured questions (p. 15-45)

17 HKCEE Biology 2007 I Q7a

18 HKCEE Biology 2010 I Q5

19 a
Part Air Fluid
A ✓
B ✓
C ✓
3 b Label ‘V’ on oval window and round window 2 c
Label ‘X’ on cochlea 1 d Part D is the passage to the air outside / to the atmosphere /
to the throat, 1 so as to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
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atmosphere. 1 Blockage of part D causes the pressure on both sides of the eardrum
to become
unequal, so the eardrum bulges. 1
The eardrum cannot vibrate and sound waves cannot be transmitted to the middle ear.
1

20 HKCEE Biology 2002 I Q4a

21 HKDSE Biology 2013 IB Q7

22 a Each section grows by a very small amount. / Combined growth is easier to

observe / measure. / This can reduce experimental errors / improve accuracy.
(any 2) 1×2
b The metal weight applies constant force for the coleoptiles to act against. /
The metal weight does not transmit light / casts shadow on the film. /
The metal weight stops coleoptile sections from floating up. / Metal does not float.
(any 2) 1 × 2 c The coleoptiles grow in length and push the weight up. 1 So the
shadow on the film rises. / So more light is blocked. 1
d IAA causes an increase in growth rate of coleoptiles. /
There is time delay in the effect. /
Softening of the cell wall allows expansion of cells / of vacuoles due to the uptake of water /
fluid. /
Soft cell walls allow mitosis / cell division. /
Therefore the length of the coleoptile increases.
(any 3) 1×3
e Temperature, because it affects the rate of enzyme action / metabolism. /
The strain / age / growth conditions of the coleoptiles before the experiment, so
the cells are in similar stage of expansion / growth. /
Where sections are taken from in the coleoptiles, so the cells are at similar
stages of differentiation / have similar hardening of cell walls. /
The mass of the metal weight, so as to provide a constant force.
(any 2) 1×2
f Small movements of weight lead to a much larger movement of the shadow on the
film. / To put the scale on the axis. / To convert the beam movement to mm of growth
/ to give a quantitative result. 1

Essay (p. 15-48)

23 HKALE Biology 2011 II Q4a

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Book 2

Reading to learn (p. 15-49)

1 The photoreceptors in the retina detect light 1 and generate nerve impulses which are
sent to the brain for interpretation. 1
2 Conjunctiva, cornea and lens. 3 3 Blindness due to damaged retina 1 or non-
functioning photoreceptors. 1
4 It cannot restore eyesight in people who are blind due to damages to the optic nerve or the
visual centre of the brain. /
It can only restore vision partially. /
It requires surgical operation which may not be suitable for all patients especially the
elderly. /
It may not be functional for a lifetime.
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1×2

Ch 16 Coordination in humans
Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 16-33)
1 A 2 D 3 A 4 A5 C 6 C 7 B
8 B
9 B 10 C 11 A

Short questions (p. 16-35)

12 HKALE Biology 2009 I Q1

13 HKCEE Biology 2008 I Q2

14 a Correct drawing to show dendron of sensory neurone starts at receptor and travels
through dorsal root; cell body is drawn inside dorsal root ganglion and axon enters
grey matter of spinal cord 1 b Muscle 1
c Reflex action produces fast response / protects the body from danger / protects
the
body from damage. 1
d Reflex arcs connect with other neurones to transmit nerve impulses to the brain.
1

15 HKDSE Biology 2013 IB Q1

Structured questions (p. 16-36)

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Book 2

16 a P: mitochondrion 1
Q: nucleus 1
R: myelin sheath 1 b i By diffusion 1 from a high concentration to a low concentration.
1 ii The chemicals may change the shape of the active sites of the enzymes, 1 or bind to the
active sites of the enzymes. 1
Neurotransmitter molecules cannot bind to the active sites of the enzymes.
1 The breaking-down reaction of the neurotransmitter molecules cannot be
catalysed. 1

17 a The cerebral hemisphere is the site for intelligence / sight / hearing / enables us to
think / make decisions / have memories / controls voluntary actions. 1 The
cerebellum coordinates muscular movements / maintains body balance. 1 b
Death may result. 1 Part C controls involuntary actions / controls breathing / heart
beat. 1 c Spinal cord 1
There will be no impulses below the cut-position / at the lower body. /
There will be no sensation below the cut-position. /
There will be paralysis below the cut-position.
(any 2) 1×2

Essay (p. 16-36)

18 HKDSE Biology Practice Paper 2012 IB Q12

Reading to learn (p. 16-37)

1 The chicken would have bled to death due to a lack of oxygen carried by the blood. 1 2
The medulla oblongata is the reflex centre for many reflex actions in the head. 1 It also
controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart beat. 1
3 No 1
It is because the chicken had lost its cerebrum, which is the site for thinking and making
decisions. 1

 Ch 17 Movement in humans
Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 17-26)
1 A 2 A 3 A 4 A
5 C

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Book 2

Short questions (p. 17-26)

6 HKALE Biology 2010 II Q5b

7 HKDSE Biology 2013 IB Q2

8 a Structures Q and S 2 b i Structure P / tendon transmits the pulling force

generated by muscle contraction to bones. 1 ii Structure P / tendon is
inelastic / does not stretch. 1 c One piece of structure R / muscle moves the joint
in one direction, and the second one is needed to move the joint in the opposite direction.
/
One piece of structure R / muscle bends the joint, and the second one is needed to
straighten the joint. 2
9 HKDSE Biology Sample Paper IB Q6

10 HKALE Biology 2007 I Q6

Structured questions (p. 17-28)

11 a Hip bone 1 b i Blood cells 1 ii It is lighter / stronger per unit
mass. / It requires less energy to move around. / Fewer
minerals are needed to form it.
(any 2) 1 × 2 c i To reduce friction. / As a shock absorber. 1
ii
Difference Bone Cartilage
1 Rigid / not flexible Flexible
2 Heavy Light
3 Contains marrow No marrow
4 Contains calcium No calcium
phosphate phosphate
5 Internal blood No internal blood
vessels vessels / has
external blood
vessels
6 Attached to Not attached to
muscles muscles
(any 3) 1×3
iii To allow bone to increase in length / to grow. 1 iv Rib
attachment to sternum / in trachea / ear / pinna / intervertebral disc / nose
(any 2) 1×2

12 HKALE Biology 1998 II Qa, c

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 New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition)
Book 2

13 HKCEE Biology 2009 I Q7a–b

Essay (p. 17-28)

14 Bones are made up of living cells and minerals. /
Minerals make the bones hard. /
Compact bone forms the outer shell of all bones and the shafts in limb bones. /
It provides great strength for supporting the weight of the body. /
The shafts of limb bones are filled with yellow bone marrow. /
Spongy bone is found at the heads of limb bones. /
It is porous to help absorb shock and resist stress. /
The cavities are filled with red bone marrow, which produces blood cells. /
Blood vessels run along bones. Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to bone cells and
removes waste from them.
(any 8) 1 × 8 Communication 3

Reading to learn (p. 17-29)

1 Calcium phosphate 1
2 The bones in the right arm of the tennis player are more frequently under stress than the
bones in the left arm. 1
Bone cells secrete more minerals to strengthen the bones in the right arm. 1
3 They can do exercise daily 1 to keep their bones under stress. 1

Ch 18 Homeostasis
Exercise
Multiple-choice questions (p. 18-15)
1 A 2 B 3 B 4 C
5 C

Short questions (p. 18-16)

6 HKDSE Biology Sample Paper IB Q11a

7 HKALE Biology 2008 I Q7

Structured question (p. 18-16)

8 HKCEE Biology 2008 I Q8b

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Book 2

Essay (p. 18-16)

9 Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable / relatively constant internal environment. /
Homeostasis involves negative feedback, / where a variation from the normal (blood
sugar level) triggers the correction mechanisms.
/
The process is controlled by the endocrine system. /
When blood glucose level is above normal, it stimulates insulin release. /
Insulin is produced by the pancreas. /
Insulin lowers blood glucose level /
by stimulating liver cells to convert glucose to glycogen. /
Insulin also stimulates body cells to take in more glucose for respiration. /
When blood glucose level is below normal, it stimulates glucagon release. /
Glucagon is produced by the pancreas. /
Glucagon stimulates liver cells to convert glycogen to glucose. /
The glucose is released to the blood, causing an increased level of glucose in the blood.
(any 9) 1 × 9 Communication 2

Reading to learn (p. 18-17)

1 Insulin caused a decrease in the blood glucose level. 1
Body cells and brain cells could not get enough glucose for respiration. This led to
weakness and dizziness. 1
2 As the blood glucose level dropped below normal, more glucagon and less insulin were
produced by the pancreas. Liver cells converted stored glycogen to glucose. 1 The
glucose was released to the blood. As a result, the blood glucose level returned to
normal. 1
3 Answers vary with Ss.
Against:
Experiments on dogs cause their suffering and death. 2
OR
For:
We need to balance the harm done on a few animals against the benefits of millions of
diabetics all over the world. 2

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