NSS Mastering Biology Ans 2 3rd Ed PDF

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Third Edition)
Book 2
Suggested answers to Exercise,

Reading to learn and Cross-topic
exercise
MS Word file is available in Teaching Resource Centre:
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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
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Ch 11 Cell cycle and division

Exercise
Section 11.1
Level 1 (p. 11-30)
1 A
Level 2 (p. 11-30)

2 A
Section 11.2
Level 1 (p. 11-30)
3 D
Level 2 (p. 11-30)

4 C
5 DSE Bio 2014 IB Q3
Level 3 (p. 11-31)

6 A 7 C
8 a Chromosomes are not visible in the cells at interphase. 1

b The relative time the cells spend in interphase:
85
× 24 hours
100
1
= 20.4 hours 1
-1-  Oxford University Press 2020

Book 2
c i Yes
The percentage of dividing cells in tissue X is much higher than that in tissue Y.
1
This means cells in tissue X are dividing more often than those in normal tissue.
1
ii Without DNA replication, cells cannot divide. 1
This stops the formation of new tumour cells. 1
Section 11.3
Level 1 (p. 11-32)
9 B
Level 2 (p. 11-32)

10 A
11 a Meiotic cell division 1

Homologous chromosomes paired up. 1
Crossing over has occurred between non-sister chromatids. 1
b Meiotic cell division reduces the chromosome number in the daughter cells to half. 1
The diploid number of chromosomes can be restored when the male gamete and the
female gamete fuse during fertilization. 1
This allows a species to preserve a constant number of chromosomes from generation
to generation. 1
12 DSE Bio Sample Paper IB Q4
Section 11.4
Level 1 (p. 11-33)
13 C 14 B
Level 2 (p. 11-33)

15 D 16 C 17 D 18 C
Level 3 (p. 11-34)

19 D

Book 2
Reading to learn (p. 11-35)

1 If homologous chromosomes fail to separate, the two members will go to the same
daughter cell, forming a diploid gamete. 1
2 The gamete-producing cells of a triploid plant contain three sets of chromosomes. 1
The chromosomes cannot pair up and separate during meiotic cell division. 1
3 Only mitotic cell division is involved in the development of the plants. 1
Cells produced by mitotic cell division are genetically identical to the parent cells. 1
 Ch 12 Reproduction in flowering plants

Exercise
Section 12.1
Level 1 (p. 12-34)
1 B
Section 12.2
Level 1 (p. 12-34)
2 A
3 Number of cells in the culture after 3 hours:

15 000 × 2(60 ÷ 45) × 3 1
4
= 15 000 × 2
= 240 000 1
Level 2 (p. 12-34)

4 B 5 A
6 a Structure Y 1
b i Food stored in fleshy scale leaf passes to a bud. 1
The bud develops into an aerial shoot. 1
The leaves carry out photosynthesis. 1
Food made by the leaves is transported down for formation of new bulb from the
lateral bud. 1
ii Mitotic cell division 1
Section 12.3
Level 1 (p. 12-35)

Book 2
7 D
8 D 1
C 1
B 1
Level 2 (p. 12-35)

9 D 10 B 11 D 12 D
13 C 14 A 15 A
17 CE Bio 2007 I Q8a
Level 3 (p. 12-37)

Section 12.4
Level 2 (p. 12-38)
19 C
Level 3 (p. 12-38)

20 a i To prevent self-pollination 1
ii To prevent unwanted pollination from other plants 1
b i The offspring derived from method X will give white flower. 1
Method X of reproduction involves only mitotic cell division, 1
which produces genetically identical offspring. 1
ii Method Y of reproduction involves gametes derived from meiotic cell division.
1
The random fertilization of gametes 1
produces genetically different offspring. 1
c Desirable characteristics can be retained in offspring. /
No external agents are needed. /
Allows rapid growth in population under favourable conditions. (any 2) 1×2
21 AL Bio 2010 II Q6a

Book 2
1 The desired characteristics of the parent plant, such as sweetness of the fruit, can be
retained. 1
This is because the scion that grows on the root stock is genetically identically to the
parent plant from which the scion is removed. 1
2 The root stock tree and the fruits formed on the tree have different genetic make-up. 1
Different kinds of fruits formed on the tree have different genetic make-up. 1
3 The gardener can harvest different kinds of fruits in different seasons. 1
(or other reasonable answers)
Ch 13 Reproduction in humans
Exercise
Section 13.1
Level 1 (p. 13-47)
1 B
Level 2 (p. 13-47)

2 B 3 A
4 a i Structure P 1
Structure Q 1
Structure R 1
ii The seminal fluid provides a medium from sperms to swim in. /
It contains sugars that act as an energy source for sperms. /
It contains mucus for lubrication. /
It is alkaline. It helps neutralize any acidic urine in the male’s urethra and acidic
secretions in the female’s vagina. (any 3) 1×3
b i Testis 1
ii This keeps the testes at 2–3 °C lower than the body temperature. 1
The lower temperature is optimal for sperm development. 1
Sections 13.2 and 13.3

Level 1 (p. 13-47)
5 D
6 a Structure Z is packed with mitochondria 1

which supply energy for the sperm to swim. 1
b Acrosome 1
It contains enzymes 1

Book 2
for penetration into the ovum during fertilization. 1
Level 2 (p. 13-48)

7 B
8 a Cell X: mitotic cell division 1

Cell Y: meiotic cell division 1
b Mitotic cell division involves one division, whereas meiotic cell division involves
two divisions. /
Mitotic cell division results in two daughter cells, whereas meiotic cell division
results in four daughter cells. /
Mitotic cell division results in diploid daughter cells, whereas meiotic cell division
results in haploid daughter cells. /
Mitotic cell division results in genetically identical daughter cells, whereas meiotic
cell division results in genetically different daughter cells. (any 2) 1×2
Section 13.4
Level 1 (p. 13-48)
9 C 10 A
Level 2 (p. 13-48)

11 C 12 B 13 B
Section 13.5
Level 1 (p. 13-49)
14 B 15 B
Level 2 (p. 13-49)

16 a Head 1
Tail 1
b i The head of the sperm is entering the ovum. 1
ii The sperm releases enzymes from its acrosome to digest a path through the jelly
coat of the ovum. /
The head of the sperm passes through the cell membrane and enters the
cytoplasm of the ovum. /
The nucleus of the sperm fuses with the nucleus of the ovum. (any 2) 1×2
c Oviduct 1
d Zygote 1
17 D

Book 2
Section 13.6
Level 1 (p. 13-50)
18 C 19 B 20 C 21 D
Level 2 (p. 13-51)

23 C
24 a i Amniotic fluid 1
ii It acts as a cushion to protect the foetus from mechanical injury. 1
b i The finger-like embryonic villi greatly increase the surface area for the
exchange of materials. /
The walls of the embryo’s capillaries and the embryonic villi are very thin. This
provides a short distance for the diffusion of materials. /
There are a lot of blood vessels which can carry materials away rapidly. Thus, a
steep concentration gradient of materials between the embryo’s blood and the
maternal blood is maintained. 1
ii Carbon dioxide / metabolic wastes 1
Level 3 (p. 13-51)

25 a i Embryo’s capillaries 1
ii Oxygen 1
Nutrients 1
(or other correct answers)
b
Direction of arrow 1
c i Maternal blood space 1

Book 2
ii The separation can avoid breakage of embryo’s blood vessels by the high blood
pressure of maternal blood, 1
avoid the clumping of blood and 1
prevent the entry of some pathogens or toxins into embryo’s blood. 1
d Maternal tissue:
wall of maternal blood space / maternal blood 1
Embryonic tissue:
embryo’s capillaries / embryo’s blood / embryonic villi 1
Section 13.7
Level 1 (p. 13-52)
26 D
Level 2 (p. 13-52)

27 B
Section 13.8
Level 1 (p. 13-52)
28 B
Section 13.9
Level 1 (p. 13-52)
29 C 30 B
Level 2 (p. 13-53)

31 D 32 D
33 CE Bio 2011 I Q4
34 a i Day 14 1
The sudden small rise in body temperature right after day 14 1
indicates that ovulation might have just occurred. 1
ii The chance of pregnancy is high. 1
Since ovulation might have occurred on day 14 1
and sperms could survive for up to five days in the female reproductive tract. 1
Fertilization might occur if sexual intercourse took place on day 12.
b This method fails to predict the fertile period before ovulation. 1
Moreover, body temperature may be affected by factors other than ovulation. 1
c Her secondary sexual characteristics will not be affected. 1

Book 2
This is because female sex hormones are still produced by the ovaries and transported
in blood to other parts of the body to exert their effects. 1
Level 3 (p. 13-54)

35 a i Forgetting to take the pills daily. 1
ii Using contraceptive pills to avoid pregnancy is reliable. 1
Yet, side effects may develop upon long term use. 1
b i Y = 2% 1
ii Condoms have no side effects. 1
They also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. 1
Section 13.10
Level 3 (p. 13-54)

1 The ovum and sperms cannot meet each other for fertilization to occur. 1
2 Ova fail to mature. /
Conditions in the uterus do not allow the implantation of an embryo. 1
3 Advantage:
Better chance of survival or implantation 1
Disadvantage:
Difficult to keep embryos alive for 2 more days in vitro 1
4 Multiple births are likely to occur in IVF. 1
 Ch 14 Growth and development

Exercise
Section 14.1
Level 1 (p. 14-33)
1 D
Section 14.2
Level 1 (p. 14-33)

Book 2
2 A 3 C
Level 2 (p. 14-33)

4 C
Section 14.3
Level 1 (p. 14-33)
5 a Water softens the seed coat and makes the cotyledons swell. This breaks the seed coat
so that the radicle can emerge. 1
Water activates the enzymes in the seed. The enzymes catalyse the conversion of
insoluble stored food into soluble food substances. 1
Water acts as a reactant in the hydrolysis of stored food. 1
Water acts as a medium for transporting soluble food substances to the growing
regions of the embryo. 1
b Warmth is necessary for the enzymes in the seeds to work efficiently. 1
At low temperatures, enzymes are inactive. 1
Level 2 (p. 14-33)

6 B 7 D 8 A
9 AL Bio 2010 II Q6b
10 CE Bio 2010 I Q8b
Level 3 (p. 14-35)

11 B 12 B
13 a Species of seeds / Mass of seeds 1

b i To remove dissolved oxygen in the water. 1
ii High temperatures may denature the enzymes in the seeds needed for
germination. 1
c Seed R 1
It can obtain water under the oil layer and oxygen in the air. 1
Both water and oxygen are necessary for seed germination. 1
d Shoot 1
e i Structure Y contains food reserves for the growth of the plumule and the radicle
during germination. 1
ii The dry mass of structure Y decreases 1
- 10 -  Oxford University Press 2020

Book 2
as the food reserves in structure Y are broken down to release energy for growth
during germination. 1
Section 14.4
Level 1 (p. 14-36)
14 A
Level 2 (p. 14-36)

15 a i Tissue Z 1
ii Tissue Q is younger. 1
Both tissues P and Q are secondary xylem. 1
When Z (vascular cambium) divides, new cells are produced and differentiated
to form secondary xylem towards the inside of the stem. The outer layer Q is
newly formed. 1
b Three years old 1
There are three annual rings in the stem. 1
Level 3 (p. 14-36)

16 a The number of cells in the coleoptile decreases when the coleoptile is exposed to γ
radiation. 1
Yet, γ radiation has very little / no effect on the cell length. 1
b As γ radiation prevents cell division / formation of new cells, the height of the
coleoptiles with γ radiation did not increase as much as the coleoptiles without γ
radiation. 1
However, since cell elongation is not affected by γ radiation, the height of the
coleoptiles still increases. 1
c Cut out the tips of the coleoptiles with γ radiation and without γ radiation. Put them
on two microscopic slides separately. /
Add aceto-orcein stain to each of the coleoptile tips. /
Use needles or fine forceps to tear the tips into small pieces. Then cover the torn tips
with cover slips. /
Press the slides gently with the rubber end of a pencil. /
Warm the slides over a hot water bath to intensify the stain. /
Observe the slides under a microscope. Under a suitable field of view, count the
number of cells undergoing mitosis for each tip. /
Calculate and compare the percentage of cells undergoing mitosis of the two tips.
(any 6) 1×6
Section 14.5
Level 1 (p. 14-37)

Book 2
17 C 18 C
Level 2 (p. 14-37)

19 a Head-to-height ratio at birth
= 10 cm : 50 cm = 1 : 5 1
Head-to-height ratio at 18 years old
= 20 cm : 180 cm = 1 : 9 1
b The head-to-height ratio of the man at 18 years old is smaller than that at birth. 1
This is because the head grows rapidly at the early stage 1
and then it grows more slowly than the rest of the body. 1
20 Similarities:
Both annual plants and humans start growing from a single cell (zygote). 1
Growth of both annual plants and humans involves cell division. 1
In both annual plants and humans, different body parts grow at different rates. 1
Differences:
In annual plants, growth occurs in regions containing meristems only. 1
In humans, growth can occur in all parts of the body. 1
In annual plants, seeds remain dormant until favourable conditions exist. 1
In humans, embryos start growing right after fertilization. 1
Communication 3

1 The activities of the cell cannot be controlled. 1
2 Around 65 1
3 a The market for drugs against rare diseases is too small. 1
b Science is affected by social and cultural factors. 1
Cross-topic exercise 5
Multiple-choice questions (p. 14-40)
1 C 2 D 3 B 4 B
5 D 6 D 7 B 8 B
9 B 10 C 11 D 12 C
13 C 14 B 15 C 16 B
17 D
Short questions (p. 14-43)

Book 2
18 a i The ovum in the ovule at position Q was not fertilized. /

The zygote at position Q failed to develop into an embryo. 1
ii By ‘explosion’. 1
b Water is necessary for seed germination. 1
c i Seeds in tube Y did not germinate. 1
There is no oxygen in tube Y. Oxygen is necessary for seed germination. 1
ii No. Carbon dioxide is not necessary for seed germination. 1
Green leaves have not yet developed to carry out photosynthesis. 1
19 a Cells in layer Y (vascular cambium) undergo mitotic cell division to produce new
cells. 1
The new cells then differentiate to form secondary xylem (layer X) towards inside of
the stem. 1
b The stem of this plant has a large proportion of xylem. 1
This suggests that the plant is mainly supported by the rigidity of xylem. 1
20 a Add iodine solution to the tissue of part P. 1

The tissue turns blue black if starch is present. 1
b For vegetative propagation. 1
Allows the plant to survive under adverse conditions. 1
c Meristem 1
Some cells are undergoing mitotic cell division. 1
d X→Y→W→Z 1
21 a i Perform grease spot test on the extract of part X. 1

The translucent spot disappears after being immersed in an organic solvent if
lipids are present. 1
ii Perform iodine test on the extract of part X. 1
The iodine solution turns blue black if starch is present. 1
b Amylase helps hydrolyse starch stored in part X into simple sugars. 1
The sugars are used in respiration to provide energy needed for germination and
formation of cellulose in cell walls of new cells. 1
Structured questions (p. 14-45)

23 a i

Book 2
Correct title 1
Correct plotting and joining of line 1
With labels and units 1
ii The stomatal density decreases with increasing lead concentration. 1
iii When the lead concentration increases, the number of stomata in the plant is
reduced. 1
With fewer stomata, less water is lost from the plant by transpiration. 1
b i Heat the seedlings in an oven at around 100 °C 1
to remove the water in the seedlings. 1
Weigh the seedlings. Repeat until a constant mass is obtained. 1
ii This is an accurate method to measure the amount of organic matter in an
organism. 1
24 a i Cells in X are dividing but those in Y are not. 1

X is the region containing the apical meristem. 1
The meristematic cells can divide by mitotic cell division. 1
ii To protect the root tip. 1
b Move the slide upwards 1
and to the right. 1
c i 6.4 hours 1

Book 2
ii 3.2 hours 1
25 a To show that a clear zone is formed in the starch agar in the presence of amylase. 1
b Water softens the seed coat and makes the cotyledons swell. This breaks the seed coat
so that the radicle can emerge. /
Water activates the enzymes in the seed. The enzymes catalyse the conversion of
insoluble stored food into soluble food substances. /
Water acts as a reactant in the hydrolysis of stored food. /
Water acts as a medium for transporting soluble food substances to the growing
regions of the embryo. (any 2) 1×2
c i Amylase catalyses the breakdown of starch into maltose. 1
As starch around the well of amylase solution was broken down, 1
the blue black colour of iodine solution in that area faded and a clear zone was
formed. 1
ii The mung beans in set-up Y had been soaked in warm water. Under such
condition, amylase in the mung beans was activated. 1
The activated amylase helped break down the starch in the agar, resulting in the
formation of clear zones around the mung beans. 1
The mung beans in set-up Z had been soaked in boiling water. The amylase in
the mung beans was denatured at high temperatures. 1
Therefore the starch in the agar was not broken down and no clear zones were
formed around the mung beans. 1
Essay (p. 14-48)

26 Both flowering plants and humans produce a large quantity of small male gametes. 1
The large quantity of male gametes increases the chance of successful fertilization. /
The small size of male gametes enhances its mobility and ease of gamete transfer. 1
The female gametes produced by both flowering plants and humans are fewer in number
and larger in size. Moreover, they are immobile and remain in the female reproductive
organs. 1
The larger female gametes contain more food reserve for the early development of the
embryo. /
Remaining in the female reproduction organs offers better protection to the female
gametes. 1
Gamete production in both flowering plants and humans involves meiotic cell division. 1
This increases genetic variations in the gametes through independent assortment of
chromosome and crossing over. 1
In both flowering plants and humans, embryo development takes place inside the body of
the female parent. 1
This provides better nourishment and protection to the embryo, increasing its survival rate.
1

Book 2
Communication 3
Ch 15 Detecting the environment

Exercise
Section 15.1
Level 1 (p. 15-49)
1 D 1
C 1
A 1
B 1
Section 15.2
Level 1 (p. 15-49)
2 D 3 C 4 C 5 C
6 A 7 C
Level 2 (p. 15-50)

8 A 9 B 10 A
11 a Cone cell 1
Cell X is in cone shape. 1
b i Choroid 1
It contains a black pigment that absorbs light. This reduces reflection of light
within the eye and thus helps form a sharp image. /
It is rich in capillaries which supply nutrients and oxygen to the retina and sclera
and remove wastes from them. 1
ii If layer P (retina) is detached from layer Q (choroid), some photoreceptors in the
retina cannot obtain enough oxygen and nutrients. 1
The photoreceptors die and can no longer generate nerve impulses when light
falls on them. This results in vision loss. 1
12 a i When a person walks out from a dark room into bright light, the circular muscles
of the iris contract 1
and the radial muscles relax. 1
As a result, part Y (pupil) constricts (i.e. becomes smaller). 1
ii To prevent the photoreceptors in the retina from being damaged by bright light.
1

Book 2
b Aged/weakened structure X (ciliary muscle) is not able to generate enough force for
contraction. 1
The tension in the suspensory ligament remains high. 1
Therefore, the lens cannot become thick enough 1
to focus light rays from a near object onto the retina. 1
13 a When the bus was approaching the bus stop, the ciliary muscles in the boy’s eyes
contracted. 1
The tension in the suspensory ligaments was reduced and the suspensory ligaments
became slackened. 1
The lens became thicker (more convex) and tried to focus the light rays from the
approaching bus onto the retina. 1
b Long sight 1
c
Diverging incident light rays and light rays focusing behind the retina (with arrow
sign) 1
Correct title 1
d Wearing convex lenses. 1
Level 3 (p. 15-51)

14 B
15 a Area C is the blind spot (i.e. the region of the retina where the optic nerve leaves the
eyeball). 1
There are no photoreceptors in the blind spot. 1
b Area A is the yellow spot. 1
There is a high density of cone cells, but no rod cells. 1
As cone cells work best in bright light, points of light on area A can be detected under
high light intensity only. 1
c The patient might blink. / looked in a wrong direction. 1

Book 2
16 CE Bio 2010 I Q5
Section 15.3
Level 1 (p. 15-53)
17 A 18 D
Level 2 (p. 15-54)

21 B 22 D 23 C
Level 3 (p. 15-54)

Section 15.4
Level 1 (p. 15-54)
25 D 26 A 27 C
28 a i The response of coleoptiles to light is easy to observe. 1

Coleoptiles grow rapidly. 1
ii In darkness, the coleoptile grew straight. This ensures any directional growth
observed is caused by subsequent light exposure. 1
b i Auxins are produced at the coleoptile tip. 1
Under unilateral light, auxins move from the illuminated side to the shaded side
of the coleoptile. 1
The high auxin concentration on the shaded side promotes growth there. So, the
coleoptile bends towards light. 1
ii This enables leaves to reach a position where they can obtain the maximum
amount of light for photosynthesis. 1
29 D
Level 2 (p. 15-55)

30 C 31 A 32 D
33 a i To prevent the lateral transport of auxins. 1

Book 2
ii In set-up X, the coleoptile tip was exposed to uniform light. In set-up Y, the
lateral transport of auxins was prevented by the mica plate though the coleoptile
was exposed to unilateral light. 1
Under such conditions, the auxins in the coleoptile tips and hence the agar
blocks in both set-ups were distributed evenly. 1
As a result, the illuminated side and the shaded side of the decapitated
coleoptiles grew at the same rate and no bending occurred. 1
In set-up Z, the coleoptile tip was exposed to unilateral light. This caused auxins
to move from the illuminated side of the tip to the shaded side. Thus the agar
block on the right contained more auxins than that on the left. 1
As a result, under the action of auxins, the right side of the decapitated coleoptile
grew more rapidly than the left side. The coleoptile bends to the left. 1
b i
Correct drawing 1
Correct labels 1
ii Since the right side of the root receives more auxins than the left side 1
and a high concentration of auxins inhibits root growth, 1
the right side of the root grows more slowly, causing the root to bend towards
the right. 1
Level 3 (p. 15-57)

35 C 36 B
37 a i 1 ppm 1
ii 1 to 103 ppm 1
−4
b i An auxin concentration of 10 ppm causes equal elongation of the shoot tips
and root tips. 1
ii An auxin concentration of 103 ppm causes elongation of the shoot tips, 1

Book 2
but has no effect on the elongation of root tips. 1

1 The vision becomes blurred. 1
2 Cornea 1
3 An artificial lens cannot change its curvature 1
to adjust the degree of refraction of light. 1
4 Possible arguments:
The experiments may cause pain and suffering to the animals. 1
However, they are necessary for the safety of the new eye drops. 1
The eye drops can benefit millions of people and even animals suffering from cataracts. 1
Ch 16 Coordination in humans
Exercise
Section 16.2
Level 1 (p. 16-32)
1 B
2 a i Myelin sheath 1
ii Layer P insulates the nerve fibres, thus preventing the transmission of nerve
impulses to the surroundings. 1
It speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses. 1
b The speed of nerve impulse transmission of nerve fibre X is higher than that of nerve
fibre Y. 1
This is because nerve fibre X is myelinated but nerve fibre Y is not. 1
3 AL Bio 2009 I Q1
Level 2 (p. 16-32)

4 B 5 C
6 a From neurone P to neurone Q. 1

Vesicles containing neurotransmitter are present in the ending of neurone P only. 1
Neurotransmitter released from neurone P diffuses to neurone Q and stimulates it to
generate a nerve impulse. 1

Book 2
b i Mitochondrion 1
ii To provide sufficient energy for the production of neurotransmitter. 1
Section 16.3
Level 1 (p. 16-33)
7 B
Level 2 (p. 16-33)

8 A
9 B 1
D 1
A 1
Section 16.4
Level 1 (p. 16-34)
10 D
Level 2 (p. 16-34)

11 B 12 A
13 a i Reflex arc 1
ii It helps producing fast responses to protect the body from further damage. 1
b At first, when a nerve impulse arrives at the synaptic knob, neurotransmitter
contained in the synaptic vesicles is released. 1
Then, the neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft 1
and binds to the specific receptors on the membrane of the next neurone. 1
Finally, the dendron or cell body of the next neurone is stimulated to generate a nerve
impulse. 1
c Structure:
Y (motor neurone) has very short dendrons while Z (sensory neurone) has a long
dendron. /
Y has a long axon while Z has a short axon. 1
Function:
Y transmits nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the effectors while Z
transmits nerve impulses from the receptors to the central nervous system. 1
d The nerve impulses are transmitted to the brain via another nervous pathway. 1
As this pathway is longer than the reflex arc and involves more synapses, Mary felt
pain after withdrawing her hand. 1

Book 2
Level 3 (p. 16-34)

14 a 2 cm ms–1 1
b As fewer synapses are involved in cranial reflex than in spinal reflex, 1
there are fewer synaptic delays and the speed of nerve impulse transmission is higher.
1
15 a i The intervertebral disc of individual I is in position while that of individual II is
slipped. 1
Improper posture / Sports injuries / Degeneration may be a cause of the slip of
the intervertebral disc. 1
ii The slipped intervertebral disc presses against the spinal nerve. 1
The nerve sends nerve impulses to the brain, which produces the sensation of
pain. 1
b The spinal cord is the reflex centre for the knee jerk reflex. 1
If the spinal cord is damaged, the knee jerk reflex may stop. 1
Section 16.5
Level 1 (p. 16-35)
16 D 17 D 18 A 19 A
20 A
23 CE Bio 2008 I Q2
Level 2 (p. 16-36)

24 A 25 A
26 a Cerebrospinal fluid 1
It acts as a shock absorber. /
It provides mechanical support to the brain. /
It provides nutrients and oxygen to the neurones and removes wastes from them.
(any 2) 1×2
b The surface of the cerebrum is highly folded. 1
This helps increase its capacity, enabling it to hold more neurones in a limited space.
1
c i The grey matter is located in the outer part of the cerebrum. 1
It consists mainly of the cell bodies of neurones. 1
The white matter is located in the inner part of the cerebrum. 1

Book 2
It consists of nerve fibres only. 1

ii No 1
In the medulla oblongata, the grey matter is located in the inner part while the
white matter is located in the outer part. 1
Level 3 (p. 16-37)

27 a Part X (cerebrum) controls voluntary actions while part Y (medulla oblongata)
controls many involuntary actions. 1
b Part X 1
c i Death may result 1
because part Y controls many vital involuntary actions including breathing and
heart beat. 1
ii Body parts below the cut would be paralyzed 1
because nerve impulses from the cerebrum could not be transmitted down to the
body parts below the cut. 1
Section 16.6
Level 1 (p. 16-37)
28 C
Level 2 (p. 16-37)

29 C
Level 3 (p. 16-38)

30 A 31 C
Section 16.7
Level 1 (p. 16-38)
32 A
Level 2 (p. 16-38)

33 B
Level 3 (p. 16-38)

34 C
35 Differences between nervous coordination and hormonal coordination:

Nervous coordination involves the nervous system, whereas hormonal coordination
involves the endocrine system. /

Book 2
Nervous coordination involves both electrical (nerve impulses) and chemical

(neurotransmitters) messages, whereas hormonal coordination involves chemical message
(hormones) only. /
The message is transmitted along neurones in nervous coordination, whereas the message
is transmitted along bloodstream in hormonal coordination. /
The speed of transmission is fast in nervous coordination, whereas it is slow in hormonal
coordination. /
The area of response is localized in nervous coordination, whereas it is widespread in
hormonal coordination. /
The duration of effects is short-lived in nervous coordination, whereas it is usually
long-lasting in hormonal coordination. (any 4) 1×4
How nervous coordination and hormonal coordination enable humans to respond to
changes properly:
In nervous coordination, the electrical nature of nerve impulse transmission enables the
body to give rapid responses to the changing conditions of the surroundings. 1
The localized response of nervous coordination enables specific body parts to cope with
the situation. 1
The long-lasting effect in hormonal coordination enables the body to control long-term
processes such as growth, development and reproduction. 1
Communication 3

1 Nerve impulses from the brain cannot be transmitted to the muscles to bring about
movement. 1
Moreover, neurones in the spinal cord cannot regenerate. 1
2 Motor area of the cerebrum 1
3 Regain sensation of the lower body 1
 Ch 17 Movement in humans
Exercise
Section 17.1
Level 1 (p. 17-30)
1 A
2 A 1
C 1
B 1

Book 2
Level 2 (p. 17-30)

3 A
Section 17.2
Level 1 (p. 17-30)
4 B
Section 17.3
Level 1 (p. 17-30)
5 D
Level 2 (p. 17-31)

6 a i Hinge joint 1
ii Knee joint 1
b i Structures Y and Z 2
ii In the joints affected by osteoarthritis, structure Y (cartilage) that covers the end
surfaces of the bones wears away. 1
The bones rub against each other during movement, causing pain. 1
7 AL Bio 2010 II Q5b
Level 3 (p. 17-31)

8 a The left knee 1
At the left knee, the gap between the femur and the tibia is narrower. 1
The bones are more likely to rub against each other during movement, causing pain.
1
b It allows movement of bones in one plane only. 1
c i Cartilage / fibrous capsule / synovial membrane / synovial fluid is present in a
natural knee but absent in an artificial knee.
(any 2 or other correct answers) 1×2
ii The metal and plastic components of the artificial knee may wear out after used
for several years. 1
Section 17.5
Level 1 (p. 17-31)
9 A

Book 2
Level 2 (p. 17-32)

12 C 13 D 14 D 15 B
16 D 17 B
Level 3 (p. 17-33)

18 a i Joint X: Hinge joint 1
Joint Y: Ball-and-socket joint 1
ii Joint X (hinge joint) allows movement of bones in one plane only. 1
Joint Y (ball-and-socket joint) allows movement of bones in many planes /
almost all directions. 1
b i Muscles Q and R 2
ii It would become difficult to bend the limb at the ankle joint. 1
Section 17.6
Level 1 (p. 17-33)
19 C
20 a When nerve impulses arrive at the endings of neurone P, vesicles at the endings
release neurotransmitter. 1
The neurotransmitter diffuses across the cleft in the neuromuscular junction and
binds to the special receptors on the membrane of the muscle fibre. 1
The muscle fibre is stimulated to generate an electrical impulse. The impulse spreads
along the muscle fibre and triggers muscle contraction. 1
b The pulling force produced by muscle contraction could not be transmitted
effectively to the bones. 1
It would become difficult to bend the limb at the knee joint. 1
Level 2 (p. 17-33)

21 D
Level 3 (p. 17-34)

23 a Neurotransmitter 1
b As the receptors on the muscle is blocked, neurotransmitter from neurone X cannot
bind to them. 1
Therefore the muscle fibre fails to generate electrical impulses 1

Book 2
to trigger muscle contraction. 1

c Taking drugs to remove the substances that block the receptors on the muscle fibres.
1

1 This reduces the chance of transplant rejection. 1
2 Less blood loss / smaller surgical scar / less post-operative pain / less risk of infection /
shorter recovery time
(any 2 or other correct answers) 1×2
3 Ligaments are much more elastic than tendons. 1
Thus the tendon graft limits the flexibility of the knee joint. 1
4 Exercise promotes blood circulation / helps muscles regain strength / there is a need to
stretch the tendon graft gradually. 1
Ch 18 Homeostasis
Exercise
Section 18.1
Level 1 (p. 18-18)
1 B 2 C
3 C 1
B 1
D 1
Section 18.2
Level 1 (p. 18-18)
4 C
5 a decrease 1
b pancreas 1
c glucagon 1
d insulin 1
e blood 1

Book 2
f glycogen 1
g glucose 1
6 DSE IS 2013 I Q2a, b
Level 2 (p. 18-19)

7 A 8 A
9 a To ensure the changes in blood glucose level during the study was due to the glucose
intake only. 1
b
(8.2 − 5.1)
× 100% = 60.8%
5.1
1
c The blood insulin level changed in the same way as the blood glucose level. 1
The blood insulin level reached its peak just after the peak of the blood glucose level.
1
d The raised blood glucose level was detected by chemoreceptors in the pancreas, and
the pancreas produces more insulin. 1
Insulin stimulated liver cells and muscle cells to convert more glucose into glycogen
/ stimulates body cells to consume more glucose for respiration. 1
The blood glucose level decreased and returned to the initial level. 1
e
Correct shape of curve 2
10 DSE IS 2012 I Q9

Book 2
12 a The initial blood glucose level of the diabetic was higher than that of the
non-diabetic. /
The increase in the blood glucose level of the diabetic was faster than that of the
non-diabetic. /
The peak of the blood glucose level of the diabetic was higher than that of the
non-diabetic. /
After the peak, the blood glucose level of the diabetic remained high for a longer time
than that of the non-diabetic. /
The blood glucose level of the diabetic did not return to the initial level by 210
minutes, whereas that of the non-diabetic returned to the initial level by 210 minutes.
(any 4) 1×4
b Despite an increase in blood insulin level of the diabetic, the blood glucose level
remained high. 1
This suggested that the pancreas of the diabetic can produce enough insulin, 1
but his / her body cells are insensitive to insulin. Thus, the diabetic has
non-insulin-dependent diabetes. 1
Level 3 (p. 18-21)

13 In the negative feedback mechanism, a change in the level of a parameter results in a
response which has an opposite effect on the change. 1
The response brings the level of the parameter closer to the set point. 1
An increase in blood glucose level (e.g. after a meal) is detected by chemoreceptors in the
pancreas, and the pancreas produces more insulin and less glucagon. 1
Insulin stimulates liver cells to convert more glucose into glycogen for storage / stimulates
body cells to consume more glucose for respiration. 1
As more glucose is taken up from the blood, the blood glucose level decreases and returns
to normal (the set point). 1
A decrease in blood glucose level (e.g. during fasting or after exercise) is detected by
chemoreceptors in the pancreas, and the pancreas produces less insulin and more
glucagon. 1
Glucagon stimulates liver cells to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then
released into the blood. 1
As a result, the blood glucose level increases and returns to normal (the set point). 1
Communication 3

1 It takes time for glucose in the blood to diffuse into the tissue fluid. 1
Glucose in tissue fluid is continuously taken up by body cells. 1

Book 2
2 The insulin stimulates liver cells and muscle cells to convert more glucose into glycogen
1
and stimulates body cells to consume more glucose for respiration. 1
As more glucose is taken up from the blood, the blood glucose level decreases. 1
3 Negative feedback mechanism is involved. 1
A change in blood glucose level away from the normal range will result in the delivery of
an appropriate amount of insulin to oppose the change. 1
Cross-topic exercise 6
Multiple-choice questions (p. 18-24)
1 A 2 D 3 A 4 D
5 B 6 D 7 C 8 A
9 B 10 B 11 D 12 B
13 A
Short questions (p. 18-26)

14 a Cerebellum 1
b It controls her breathing / heart beat. 1
c Muscles Q and R 2
d Ligaments hold the bones in position /
prevent dislocation during movement. 1
15 a Auxins are produced at the shoot tip. 1

Under unilateral light, auxins move from the illuminated side to the shaded side of the
shoot. 1
The shaded side has a higher auxin concentration and it grows more rapidly. Thus,
the seedling bends towards the light. 1
b Both serve as chemical messengers. /
Both are important for the regulation of body processes. /
Both move away from the site of production. /
They exert their effects on specific target organs or tissues. /
They usually have long-lasting effects. (any 3) 1×3
16 a The circular muscles of her iris contracted and the radial muscles relaxed. 1
As a result, her pupil constricted. 1
b Sensory neurone 1
c Constriction of the pupil does not involve the cerebrum while putting on the
sunglasses involves the cerebrum. 1
Constriction of the pupil is inborn while putting on the sunglasses is a learned action.
1

Book 2
Constriction of the pupil is faster while putting on the sunglasses is slower. 1
Structured questions (p. 18-27)

17 a i Joint P: ball-and-socket joint 1
Joint R: hinge joint 1
ii Joint P allows movement in many planes. 1
Joint R allows movement in only one plane. 1
b The intercostal muscles contract. 1
This causes the rib cage formed by bone Q to move upwards and outwards. 1
This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and hence the volume of the lungs.
1
The air pressure in the lungs decreases and becomes lower than the atmospheric
pressure. 1
Hence, air rushes into the lungs.
c i The legs become bent. 1
ii Children should consume food rich in calcium 1
and vitamin D. 1
This can harden their bones and keep the bones strong. 1
18 a Photoreceptors on the retina were stimulated. 1

They generated nerve impulses 1
which travelled along the optic nerve 1
to the visual centre in the cerebrum for interpretation. 1
b The ciliary muscles contracted. 1
This reduced the tension in the suspensory ligaments. 1
Hence, the lens became more convex / thicker to refract light more so the light rays
from the nearby football were focused onto the retina. 1
c His pancreas produced more glucagon and less insulin. 1
Glucagon stimulated his liver cells and muscle cells to convert stored glycogen into
glucose. 1
The glucose was released into the blood, and his glucose level increased and returned
to normal. 1
19 a Fluid mosaic model 1

The cell membrane is described as ‘fluid’ because the phospholipid molecules can
move laterally. 1
It is described as ‘mosaic’ because the protein molecules are interspersed among the
phospholipid molecules in a mosaic pattern. 1
b i Component Q: channel protein 1
Component R: phospholipid bilayer 1

Book 2
ii The phospholipid bilayer is permeable to lipid-soluble / small non-polar

substances. 1
Ions and small polar molecules can only move across the cell membrane via
membrane proteins. 1
Large molecules cannot move across the membrane. 1
c i Liver cells 1
Muscle cells 1
ii The target cells will not take up more glucose from the blood. 1
Therefore, the blood glucose level will be higher than normal. 1
Essay (p.18-28)
20 Contrast the characteristics of phototropism in plants and reflex action in humans:
Phototropism is initiated by external stimuli only, whereas reflex actions may be initiated
by internal or external stimuli. /
Phototropism involves unilateral stimuli only, whereas reflex actions may or may not
involve unilateral stimuli. /
Phototropism involves chemical messengers (auxins), whereas reflex actions involve
electrochemical signals (nerve impulses and neurotransmitters). /
Phototropism results in directional responses, whereas reflex actions mostly result in
non-directional responses. /
Phototropism gives slower responses, whereas reflex actions give immediate responses. /
Phototropism gives growth responses, whereas reflex actions give non-growth responses.
(any 4) 1×4
Significance:
Shoots grow towards unilateral light, i.e. positively phototropic. This enables the leaves to
reach a position where they can obtain the maximum amount of light for photosynthesis.
1
Roots grow away from unilateral light, i.e. negatively phototropic. This enables the roots
to anchor to the soil for support. 1
Reflex actions help protect humans from danger.
Blinking helps prevent foreign objects from entering and damaging our eyes. / Pupil reflex
helps protect our eyes from strong light. / Coughing reflex helps prevent foreign objects
from obstructing our respiratory tract. /
Reflex actions help bring about reactions to perform body functions.
Knee jerk reflex helps maintain body posture and balance. / Dilation of pupil in dim light
allows more light to enter the eye. 2
Communication 3

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New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Third Edition)

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