Question

1989 Paper 1 Question 4

4. With the aid of graphs, relate the events of the hum n menstrual cycle to changes in
hormone level.
(8 marks)

Ans

1989 Paper 2 Question 5(c)

5. (c) Explain TWO functional differences between the nervous and hormonal coordinating
systems.
(4 marks)

Ans

1990 Paper 1 Question 5

5. State precisely a source of each of the following hormones and give a brief account of
their functions :

(a) testosterone
(b) progesterone (6 marks)

Ans

1990 Paper 1 Question 8

8. The concentrations of glucose and two pancreatic hormones (A and B) in the blood of a
mammal were monitored before, during and after a normal carbohydrate-rich meal. The
following table shows the typical changes in the levels of blood glucose and these two
hormones during the experiment :
 Concentration in blood
Time (min) Glucose hormone A hormone B
(10 g / ml)
-5
(10 international units / ml)
-6
(10-12 g / ml)
60 minutes before meal 89 16 127
Meal 0 87 17 125
30 125 100 103
60 134 140 92
After meal 120 105 89 77
180 94 38 114
240 89 19 126
300 88 18 125

(a) Plot the above results in the form of a graph. (6 marks)

(b) How do the two hormones differ in their response to changes in blood glucose
level ? Name the two hormones. (2 marks)

(c) Draw a flow diagram to indicate the relationship between the increase in blood
glucose level and the secretion of hormones A and B. Indicate in your diagram, for
each hormone, its site of secretion and one major effect on the target tissues
concerned. (4 marks)

(d) If, instead of the carbohydrate meal, an equivalent amount of glucose is

administered directly into the bloodstream, how would this affect the observed
changes in blood glucose level ? Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)

(e) (i) In a similar experiment, the blood glucose was monitored as in the above
experiment. Three hours after the meal, the adrenal medulla of the animal
was briefly stimulated to secrete a large amount of an adrenomedullary
hormone, the effect of which disappeared within an hour. Sketch a curve in
your answer book based on the curve plotted in (a), but modified to show the
possible changes in blood glucose level after the stimulation. (3 marks)

(ii) Name this adrenomedullary hormone. What is the biological significance of

the change in blood glucose level caused by the secretion of this
adrenomedullary hormone ? (3 marks)

Ans
1991 Paper 1 Question 9
9. The autoradiographs below show freshly detached leaves of tobacco, each of which has
been treated with a spot of a radioactive amino acid. The regions circled by white dotted
lines show the areas where the radioactive amino acid was applied. The relative ages of
the leaves are shown. The left half of leaf C and the right half of leaf D were painted with
the plant hormone called kinetin.

(a) How does the movement of the amino acid differ between the young leaf A and the
mature leaf B ? Suggest a reason for this difference. (5 marks)

(b) Comparing leaves B and C, what is the effect of the kinetin on the movement of
the amino acid ?
(1 mark)

(c) Comparing leaves B and D, how does the kinetin affect the movement of the
amino acid ? (1 mark)

(d) Comparing leaf A with leaves B, C and D, suggest a possible role for kinetin in
cellular activities. Explain your answer. (3 marks)

(e) Suggest where, in whole plants, kinetin is most likely to be produced. (3 marks)

(f) Explain why, in this experiment, it is important to use freshly detached leaves
rather than detached leaves which have been stored for some time. (3 marks)

(g) Briefly describe the effects of kinetin on the growth and development of plants. (3
 marks)

(h) Suggest ONE commercial use for kinetin. (1 mark)

Ans

1992 Paper 2 Question 7

7. Discuss the roles of hormones in the life of flowering plants. (20 marks)

Ans

1993 Paper 1 Question 9

9. In an experiment to study the effect of plant hormones on the growth of pea seedlings,
etiolated pea seedlings were decapitated. The apical region of each epicotyl was
marked off into a 10 mm 'segment' as shown below :

The seedlings were then separated into 3 batches each of 120. Two of the batches were
treated with plant hormone A or B as shown in the table below.

The different batches were then allowed to grow in total darkness for 5 days. At daily
intervals, 20 'segments' from each batch were cut off and their mean length (L) and
W
mean fresh weight (W) determined. for each batch was also calculated. The
L
results are shown in the following table :

Control + Hormone A + Hormone B

 L W W L W W L W W
L L L
Day (mm) (mg) (mm) (mg) (mm) (mg)
(mg/mm) (mg/mm) (mg/mm)
0 10.0 20.5 2.05 10.0 21.0 2.10 10.0 21.5 2.15
1 10.2 21.0 2.06 10.3 27.5 2.67 12.5 25.0 2.00
2 10.8 21.5 1.99 10.9 42.5 3.90 15.5 36.0 2.32
3 11.0 22.0 2.00 11.2 60.0 5.36 22.0 49.5 2.25
4 11.5 22.0 1.91 11.4 69.5 6.10 29.5 59.0 2.00
5 11.4 22.5 1.97 11.3 60.5 5.35 30.0 60.0 2.00

(a) With reference to the data on mean length (L), what conclusions can be drawn ? (2
marks)

(b) What does the mean fresh weight of the 'segments' (W) tell you about the cell
volume of the seedlings ? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)
W
(c) Following your reasoning in part (b), what does mean ?
L
(2 marks)
W
(d) Plot a graph to show how changes with time for both the control and those
L
seedlings treated with hormone A. (4 marks)

(e) What conclusions can be drawn from the graph ? (2 marks)

(f) Name a plant hormone which may have characteristics similar to hormone B. (1
mark)

W
(g) Suggest a possible explanation for the decrease in on day 5 relative to that of
L
day 4 in the batch of seedlings treated with hormone A. (1 mark)

(h) Explain the reasons behind the following experimental procedures :

(i) decapitation of the pea seedlings

(ii) growing of seedlings in total darkness (4 marks)

Ans
1994 Paper 1 Question 12
12. (a) Juvenile fish are usually sexually undifferentiated within a certain period after
hatching. The sex of juvenile fish at this stage can be manipulated by the external
application of hormones.

An experiment was conducted using three different size groups (A, B and C) of
juvenile fish of the same species. The fish in each size group was then allocated to
10 tanks and fed with a diet containing various concentrations of hormone X for 30
days. At the end of the 30-day period, the proportion of males in each tank was
determined and plotted as shown in Figure 1.

Size group Initial size of fish (mm)

A 5 – 10
B 11 – 15
C 16 - 20

Figure 1
(i) With reference to Figure 1, describe the effects of hormone application in
inducing male fish in the 3 groups of juvenile fish. (5 marks)

(ii) Calculate the male to female ratio for the 3 groups at a hormone
 concentration of 30 mg kg-1 diet. What size of fish would you use to produce
male fish only with hormone treatment ? Explain your choice. (4 marks)

(iii) Name a hormone which could exert similar physiological effects to X. (1 mark)

(b) In another experiment, juvenile fish of the same species were cultured in three separate
tanks. Each tank contained the same number of fish. Tank 1 contained mixed sexes, tank 2
contained male fish only and tank 3 contained female fish only. They were cultured for a
period of 6 months before harvest. The following table shows the experimental data :

Tank 1 Tank 2 Tank 3

Start Harvest Start Harvest Start Harvest
Mean weight Male fish 5 95 5 110 － －
per fish / g Female fish 5 80 － － 5 85

In which tank was the greatest yield of fish obtained ? What is the ratio of the
mean weight per fish at harvest to the initial value in this tank ? (2 marks)

(c) Based on the information derived from the experiments described in (a) and (b),
what specific conditions would be required to maximize the yield of this species of
fish in aquaculture ? (3 marks)
(Total: 15 marks)

Ans

1995 Paper 1 Question 4(b)

4. Distinguish between

(b) the actions of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone in osmoregulation

Ans

1997 Paper 1 Question 9

9. The following graphs show the changes in the levels of hormones A, B, C and D in the
plasma during one menstrual cycle of a healthy woman. The changing hormone levels
also show the interaction of these four hormones which brings about events in the
menstrual cycle.

(a) (i) Based on the changing hormone levels shown in the graphs, deduce the
effect of hormone A on hormones C and D from day 2 to day 11. During what
other time period(s) in the menstrual cycle is there a similar relationship
between these hormones ? (2 marks)

(ii) Immediately after day 12, the effect of hormone A on hormones C and D
 changes abruptly. From the graphs, read off the days when hormones A, C
and D reach their maximum levels. Using this information, deduce the effect
of hormone A on hormones C and D during this time period. Such an effect
brings about an important event in the menstrual cycle. What is this event ?
(3 marks)

(b) Hormone B is an important ingredient in contraceptive pills. What evidence from

the graphs supports this ? State the contraceptive principle involved. (3 marks)

(c) Menstruation is brought about by dramatic hormonal changes. Using information

from the graphs, describe these hormonal changes. (1 marks)

(d) Part of the hypothalamus of the woman was damaged in an accident. She told her
doctor that she had not menstruated for months. Her pregnancy test was negative
and her plasma levels of hormones C and D were found to be very low. Account for
her low levels of hormones C and D. What is the likely consequence of the
accident on the woman's chances of getting pregnant ?
(3 marks)
Total: 13 marks

Ans

Solution
1989 Paper 1 Question 4 Solution
4. One mark for each curve : 1
FSH 1
LH 1
oestrogen 1
progesterone 1
events occurring in the ovary 2
events occurring at the uterine lining 2
(8)
For example :

1989 Paper 2 Question 5(c)

5(c) Solution
5. (c)Nervous coordination is rapid while hormonal coordination is slow 1)
because nervous coordination involves rapid propagation of action
potentials along nerve fibres for signal transmission while in hormonal
 coordination it involves the secretion process of hormone and its
transportation in the blood to the site of action. 1)
Effect is more widespread in hormonal coordination but localized in
nervous coordination 1)
any 2
because only those innervated organs will be affected. 1)
pairs
Duration of effect is usually brief in nervous coordination while it is
usually long－lasting in hormonal coordination 1)
because the usual effectors in nervous coordination muscles and
glands, whereas hormones usually affect the metabolic activity of the
organs etc.
1)

(4)

1990 Paper 1 Question 5 Solution

5. (a) Testosterone
produced by the interstitial cells of the testis
1
Functions
2
－ control spermatogenesis in conjunction with FSH
－ stimulate development of male secondary sex characteristics
－ inhibit secretion of LH and FSH
(b) Progesterone
produced by ovarian follicles / corpus luteum in the ovary / by the
placenta in pregnant female
1

Functions
2
－ promote uterine / endometrial growth and development i.e.
concerned principally with preparing the uterus for
acceptance of a fertilized ovum
－ preparing the breasts for secretion of milk
－ inhibit the contractions of the uterus, and prevent the uterus
 from expelling a fertilized ovum that is trying to implant or a
foetus that is developing
－ inhibit secretion of LH and FSH

(6)

1990 Paper 1 Question 8 Solution

8. (a) Title of graph
1T
Properly drawn and fully labelled axes
2A
Correct plotting of the curves
2P
Give a key to / label each curve
1K
(N.B. Please refer to the graph drawn on the new page.)
 140

120

100

80

60

160

120

80

40

140

120

100

80
60 0 60 120 180 240 300

T im e ( m in )
m e a l

(b) The level of hormone A increases as the level of glucose in the blood increases.

The level of hormone- B decreases as the level of glucose in the blood increases.

Hormone A is insulin; hormone B is glucagon.
 1

(c) e.g Increase in blood

glucose

αcells pancreatic  βcells pancreatic 

islets islets

Decrease Increase glucose 

glucagon (B)  uptake in
secretion

Increase
insulin (A) 
secretion

Decrease release 
of glucose from (liver) muscle adipose 
liver and muscle  tissue
Look for ,the following points :

references to the sites of hormone secretion

1
(hormones and secretion sites should be correctly matched) effect of high
blood glucose on secretion of the hormones
1
stating the target tissues
1
effect of hormones on the target tissue
1

(4)
N.B. Deduct -  mark for NOT using a flow diagram

(d) The increase in blood glucose level is more rapid / much higher when
glucose is introduced intravenously than when carbohydrate is fed.
1
The latter depends on digestive and / subsequent absorptive processes
which may not be complete.
1
 (e) (i)
140

Concentration of glucose in blood

120

(10 g/ml)
100
-5

stimulation
80
60 0 60 120 180 240 300
Time (min)
meal
(1 mark for the increase of glucose level due to the stimulation
－ the amplitude and the shape of the curve of response are
unimportant for the marking purpose;
 mark for the rapid rise and slow fall in the blood glucose level;
 mark for the exact location of stimulation;
 mark for the duration of response due to the stimulation;
 mark for the labelling of axes)

(ii) Stimulation of the adrenal medulla results in its secretion of

epinephrlne (or adrenaline) into the blood.
Under natural situation, epinephrine is secreted in emergency
conditions in which survival is threatened (such as prolonged
fasting);
1
and in which there is a need for rapid mobilization of fuel or
substrates (glucose) for body responses (flight or fight).
1
(3)

1991 Paper 1 Question 9 Solution

9. (a) Young leaf A
－ amino acid remains in the applied region / little movement away
from the point of application
1
Mature leaf B
 － amino acid moves out from the applied region to other parts of the
leaf and out of the leaf via the veins and midrib.
1
Reason :
－ the young leaf is developing and undergoes active cell division and
requires an import of amino acids for protein synthesis /
construction of new cellular structures, therefore there is no excess
amino acid for export to other areas
2
－ whereas in the mature leaf, it is no longer growing (anabolism =
catabolism) and so excess amino acid is transported to other
"sink" areas
1

(5)

(b) Kinetin promotes / stimulates the movement of amino acid towards

regions where kinetin is present in a higher concentration.
(1)

(c) Kinetin inhibits the movement of amino acids away from regions where
Kinetin is present in a higher concentration .
(1)

(d) Kinetin is likely to be responsible for the maintenance or stimulation of

cell division / normal cellular activity / protein synthesis
1
because leaf D has the same pattern of radioactivity as that of leaf A
1
whose cells are actively growing / engaged in protein synthesis
1

(3)

(e) shoot apices 1)

root apices 1)
buds 1)
any 3
cambia 1)
young leaves 1)
 (3)
(f) because translocation of amino acids via the phloem
1
is an energy consuming process
1
thus, the synthetic machinery of the cells must be in good condition
otherwise they won’t take up the extra amino acids for protein synthesis
even under the influence of the Kinetin
1
or other reasonable explanations
(3)

(g) － promote cell division in apical meristem and cambium 1)

－ inhibit primary root growth / promote lateral root growth 1)
－ promote fruit growth 1)
－ promote lateral bud growth 1)
any 3
－ delay leaf senescence 1)
－ break bud / seed dormancy 1)

(3)

(h) － prolong the “shelf” life of fresh leaf crops e.g. cabbage, lettuce 1)
－ keep flowers fresh 1)
any 1
－ break seed dormancy 1)
(1)

1992 Paper 2 Question 7 Solution

7. Roles of hormones in the life of flowering plants

(a) Seed dormancy :

－ low IAA and GA breaks seed dormancy
2
－ otherwise no growth can occur

(b) Germination :
5
 － synthesis of -amylase and other enzymes takes place in the outer
layers of the endosperm in response to GA secreted by the
embryo
－ the amylase digests and mobilizes the food reserves
－ cells in the embryo grow to form the plumule and radicle under the
stimulation of hormones
－ the plumule exhibits negative geotropism whereas the radicle
exhibits positive geotropism; such tropic responses are also
controlled by plant hormones

(c) Growth and differentiation :

12
－ in the meristem, IAA and GA stimulate cell division, differentiation
and elongation
－ stem elongation in the internodes is controlled by hormones
－ cambial activities where new xylem and phloem elements are
formed are also controlled by hormones; this results in radial
growth
－ apical dominance - suppression of lateral / axillary buds
－ leaf senescence and abscission and controlled by hormones
－ root growth, elongation and formation of laterlal roots are
controlled by hormones
－ role of hormones in effecting the various tropic movements in
plants

(d) Reprodcution :
2
－ seed / fruit formation is controlled by IAA and GA
－ maturation of fruit and finally fruit drop are also controlled by IAA
A statement of the degree in which the life of a green plant is
affected by its hormones.
1
max. 20

1993 Paper 1 Question 9 Solution

9. (a) Hormone A did not show any appreciable effect on the elongation of pea epicotyl.
1
 Hormone B had a stimulatory effect on the elongation of pea epicotyl.
1

(b) In darkness, seedlings rely only on food reserve for growth,

1
any increase in fresh weight must be due to absorption of water
1
That means, the mean fresh weight (W) is directly proportional
1
to the cell volume of the seedlings which results in an increase in cell volume
1

W volume
(c) α this ratio indicates the degree of cell expansion relative
L length
to that of elongation. The greater the ratio, the cells expand more in
diameter than elongate in length.
2

(d) Refer to the graph shown below :

－ title of graph

－ properly drawn and fully labelled x and y axes
1
－ the 2 curves correctly plotted
2
－ the 2 curves labelled or keyed

 8
A graph showing the effect of hormones A on of the epicotyls with time
W
L
6

+ H o rm o n e A

W
L 4
(m g / m m )

C o n t ro l

T im e ( d a y )

(e) － hormone A enhances cell expansion as reflected by the increasing

W
of the pea “segments”
L
1
－ The enhancement in cell expansion appears to be proportional to
the days of treatment with hormone A until the maximal effect
achieved on day 4.
1

(f) hormone B - IAA (indoleacetic acid) / GA (Gibberellins)

1

(g) On day 5, the seedlings may start to die off because prolonged
treatment of plant hormone may become inhibitory to growth / the
hormone loses its potency after 4 days / water content decreases.
1

(h) (i) to remove endogenous plant hormones in the apical meristem so

that their effect on plant growth could not be mixed up with the
exogenously applied hormone.
2
(ii) － seedlings could grow vertically to facilitate measurement of
length
－ to facilitate elongation
 2
(20)

1994 Paper 1 Question 12 Solution

12. (a) (i) Between 5 - 20 mg kg -1 diet, there is an increase () in the
proportion of male fish for group A and B produced as the hormone
dosage is increased ().
1
(If curves A and B are described separately : award 1 mark for
each.
If descriptions do not specify and quantitative values then award 
mark per curve described.)

For groups A & B, the maximum production of male () fish occurs
over the range of 20 - 40 mg kg -1 () diet, with 100% male fish
production for group A () and between 70 - 74% for group B ().
(These appear to be the optimal dosage for all-male fish
production.)
2

At values greater than 40 mg kg -1 diet, there is a decrease in

number of male fish produced () for both group A and B but this
decrease for group a is more than that of group B ().
1

For group C, different dosages of hormone applied does not cause

much variation in male fish () production which remains at about
50% ().
1
(5)

(ii) Size group M : F ratio

A 100 : 0 ()
B 19 : 6 ()
C 12 : 13 () 1
(Fractions accepted)
 Size group similar to that of A with an initial size of 5-10 (mm) or
size group A would be used to produce all males.

Hormone treatment on fish with smallest initial size is most
effective in changing their sex to males as compared with the sex
ratios calculated for B and C.

This may be because fishes are not yet sexually differentiated (1)
at smaller initial size, thus they are more responsive () to sex
induction by hormone.
1
(4)
(iii) Androgens / testosterone. (male sex hormone  mark only, no mark
for spelling mistake)
1

(b) Tank 2 using all males produced the highest yield in mean weight.
1
ratio of mean weight per fish at harvest to initial is 22 : 1
1

(c) start with juvenile fish with initial size of 5-10 mm

1
feed these fish with correct dosage of androgen () (e.g. 20 – 40 mg per
kg diet) for 30 days ()
1
culture them in all male fish tanks.
1
(3)
(Total : 15 marks)

1995 Paper 1 Question 4(b) Solution

4. (b)ADH increases permeability to water () in * distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct.
() Aldosterone stimulates reabsorption of sodium () in distal convoluted tubule /
collecting duct () of kidney nephron.
1997 Paper 1 Question 9 Solution
9. (a) (i) As A increase () in level, this causes a decrease in the levels of C
() and D () Day 15 to 22 () , show similar interaction.
(2)

(ii) A reaches max. on day 13 (1)

C and D reach max. on day 14 ( mark for C,  mark for D)
The peak of hormone A occurs before the peak of hormones C and
D () thus high level of A causes a sharp rise in the levels of C and
D ().
(3)

Event : *ovulation () (*no mark for spelling mistake)

(b) From day 15 to day 22, hormone B shows an increase while hormones
C (1) and D (1) show a decrease. This inhibits follicular growth () and
ovulation crease (), thus no conception can take place.
(3)

(c) A sharp decline () in the levels / minimum levels of A and B (1) just
before menstruation () .
(max. 1)

(d) Hypothalamic damage probably resulted in a damage of the area

secreting a hormone (1) / releasing factor that initiates / causes the
secretion of C () and D () from the pituitary.
(3)

The woman cannot get / has a very low chance of getting pregnant (1).
(Total : 13 marks)