Question 1

CALCULATOR

Which statement about eukaryotic cells is correct?

● A. Eukaryotic chromosomes are circular and the DNA is associated with histone proteins

● B. Eukaryotic cells have looped DNA molecules which are not associated with proteins in the nucleus

● C. Eukaryotic cells have linear DNA molecules associated with proteins

● D. Eukaryotic cells have linear DNA molecules that are not associated with histone proteins

Difficulty: EASY
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
The chromosomes of eukaryotes are linear, and the DNA is coiled around histone proteins (Choice C). Choice A is incorrect
because eukaryotic DNA molecules are not circular. Choice B is incorrect because eukaryotic cells do not have looped DNA in the
nucleus. Choice D is incorrect because the linear DNA molecules in eukaryotic cells are coiled around histone proteins

Question 2
CALCULATOR

Which are common features of bacterial cells?

● I. Have a single chromosome

● II. Have plasmids
● III. DNA associated with proteins
● A. I and II

● B. II only

● C. III only

● D. I, II and III

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A is correct because statements I and II are common features of bacterial cells. Archaeans, which are prokaryotes, have
DNA associated with histone proteins, but bacteria do not (statement III).

Question 3
CALCULATOR

What type of cell is shown in the image?

[Source: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia. (2016, March 1). Category: Electron Microscope Images. Wikimedia Commons.
Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Electron_microscopy.jpg Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. A eukaryotic cell because it contains mitochondria

● B. A prokaryotic cell because it has a plasma membrane

● C. A eukaryotic cell because it does not have a nucleus

● D. A prokaryotic cell because it contains ribosomes

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria but prokaryotic cells do not. Choice A is correct.

Choices B and D are incorrect as the cell is not prokaryotic; it has a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect because the cell has a nucleus.

Question 4
CALCULATOR

What provides evidence that all life on Earth evolved from the same population of cells?

● A. Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells.

● B. Both mitochondria and prokaryotes have a cell wall.

● C. Both eukaryotes and bacteria contain histones.

● D. The genetic code is universal.

Difficulty: EASY
D
Explanation‾Explanation:
All 64 codons of the genetic code are present in all organisms, apart from minor variations indicating that all life evolved from the
same original cells (Choice D).

Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells (Choice A) is incorrect as this is the endosymbiotic theory. Choice B is incorrect as
mitochondria do not have a cell wall. Choice C is incorrect as bacteria do not have histones.

Question 5
CALCULATOR

These photographs show the same section of a human retina. What is the reason for the difference between the two diagrams?

[Source: Nestl, A. (2012, January 17). File

AMD Super resolution Cremer.png - Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Opthalmology_AMD_Super_Resolution_Cremer.png Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. The photograph on the right was taken using an electron microscope.

● B. The photograph on the right is at a higher resolution.

● C. The photograph on the right is at a higher magnification.

● D. The photograph on the right shows the ultrastructure of the cells.

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
The resolution is the ability to distinguish between two objects. Choice B is correct.

Choices A and D are incorrect because a photograph taken using an electron microscope would allow the ultrastructure of the cells
(fine detail of cells, such as organelles) to be observed. Choice C is incorrect because these photographs are magnified at the
same power.

Question 6
CALCULATOR
Which of the following correctly describes the images produced by electron microscopes?

I. High resolution

II. High magnification

III. Coloured

● A. I only

● B. I and II only

● C. II and III only

● D. I, II and III

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Electron micrographs have high resolution (Statement I) and high magnification (Statement II) Choice B is therefore correct.

Electron micrographs are not coloured (Statement III). Choice A is incorrect as it only includes one correct statement. Choices C
and D are incorrect because they include Statement III.

Question 7
CALCULATOR

Paramecium produces enzymes that catalyse different chemical reactions taking place in the cytoplasm. What function of life is
demonstrated in this situation?

● A. Excretion

● B. Homeostasis

● C. Reproduction

● D. Metabolism

Difficulty: EASY
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A - Excretion is the removal of metabolic wastes from the organism. Paramecia expel waste products such as carbon
dioxide through the process of diffusion.

Choice B - Homeostasis pertains to the ability of living things to maintain a stable internal environment. Paramecia maintain a
stable internal condition by expelling excess water using the contractile vacuole.

Choice C - Reproduction is the biological process by which organisms produce offspring that are biologically similar to themselves.
Paramecia can reproduce sexually through meiosis and asexually through mitosis.

Choice D - Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions in organisms such as anabolic and catabolic reactions. Paramecia
produce enzymes that catalyse different catabolic and anabolic reactions in the cell.

Question 8
CALCULATOR
What do the two labelled organelles have in common?

[Source: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia. (2016, March 1). Category: Electron Microscope Images. Wikimedia Commons.
Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category
Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. They are surrounded by a single membrane

● B. They contain cristae

● C. They are surrounded by a double membrane

● D. They contain starch grains

Difficulty: EASY
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
X is pointing to the nucleus and Y is pointing to a mitochondrion. Choice A is incorrect as neither organelle has a single
membrane. Choice B is incorrect as only mitochondria contain cristae, the nucleus does not. Choice D is incorrect as neither the
nucleus or mitochondria contain starch grains.

Question 9
CALCULATOR

Which organelle has a double membrane?

● A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum

● B. Golgi apparatus

● C. Nucleus

● D. Vacuole

Difficulty: EASY
C
Explanation‾Explanation:
Choices A, B and D are incorrect as they all have a single membrane.

Question 10
CALCULATOR

Which row in the table correctly identifies structures which are present (✓✓) or absent (××) in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Structure Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells

A. 80S ribosomes ✓✓ ××

B. Plasma membrane ×× ✓✓

C. Nucleus ✓✓ ××

D. Mitochondria ×× ✓✓

Difficulty: EASY
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
Prokaryotic cells do not contain mitochondria but eukaryotic cells do. Choice D is correct.

Choice A is incorrect as eukaryotes (as well as Archae) contain 80S ribosomes. Choice B is incorrect as both eukaryotic and
prokaryotic cells contain a plasma membrane. Choice C is incorrect as eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus but prokaryotic cells do
not.

Question 11
CALCULATOR

Which structure found in a eukaryote has a double membrane?

● A. Golgi apparatus

● B. Mitochondrion

● C. Lysosome

● D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Organelles of a eukaryotic cell are enclosed by a single or double membrane. Double membrane-bound organelles include the
nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. So, a mitochondrion has a double membrane.

The Golgi apparatus (Choice A), lysosome (Choice C), and endoplasmic reticulum (Choice D) all have a single membrane.

Question 12
CALCULATOR
Magnification: 100 x Scale bar = 10 µm
[Source: Adapted from User: NEON. (2014). Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck Nies-2170 / Olympus IX71+DP72. Wikimedia Common.
Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Chlorella_vulgaris_NIES2170.jpg. Copyright by CC BY-SA
3.0]

Chlorella contains the molecule chlorophyll which makes it to appear green. What life function is exhibited in this example?

● A. Nutrition

● B. Reproduction

● C. Response

● D. Excretion

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A - Chlorella is capable of photosynthesis which makes it an autotroph. The main photosynthetic pigment is chlorophyll.
Therefore, Chlorella produces its own carbohydrates for nutrition.

Choice B - Chlorella reproduces asexually through cell division.

Choice C - Chlorella reacts to different factors in the environment such as light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. As each of these
variables changes, Chlorella responds in various ways.

Choice D - Chlorella releases oxygen as a product of photosynthesis.

Question 13
CALCULATOR
Which of the following statements are true about the structure of cells?

I. All cells contain cytoplasm enclosed by the plasma membrane.

II. The microscope was important in understanding the structure of the cell.

III. Prokaryotes do not have genetic material.

● A. I and II only

● B. II and III only

● C. I and III only

● D. I, II and III

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Statement I is true because all cells have cytoplasm enclosed by the plasma membrane.

Statement II is also true because the invention of the microscope made viewing structures within the cell easier.

Statement III is false because all cells have genetic material. Eukaryotic cells have their genetic material inside of the nucleus,
while prokaryotes have their genetic material in the nucleoid region.

Question 14
CALCULATOR

What do aseptate fungal hyphae, skeletal muscle, red blood cells, and phloem sieve tube elements have in common?

● A. The cells are large

● B. They all have no cell wall

● C. They all lack a nucleus

● D. They are all exceptions to the cell theory

Difficulty: EASY
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice D is correct because all of these cells are exceptions to the cell theory. Choice A is incorrect because only fungal hyphae
and skeletal muscle cells are larger than most cells. Choice B is incorrect because fungal hyphae do have cell walls. Choice C is
incorrect because red blood cells are the only cell type in this list with no nucleus.

Question 15
CALCULATOR

Which of the following is not a function of the Golgi apparatus?

● A. Protein synthesis

● B. Protein packaging into vesicles

 ● C. Protein modification

● D. Lipid packaging into vesicles

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Ribosomes carry out protein synthesis, not the Golgi apparatus. Choice A is correct. Choices B, C and D are incorrect as they are
all functions of the Golgi apparatus.

Question 16
CALCULATOR

Which row in the table correctly identifies structures which are present (✓) or absent (✕) in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Structure Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells

A. 70S Ribosomes in Cytoplasm ✓ ✕

B. Cell Wall ✕ ✓

C. Mitochondria ✓ ✕

D. Naked DNA ✕ ✓

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Prokaryotic cells contain 70S ribosomes in their cytoplasm, while eukaryotic cells have 80s cytoplasmic ribosomes, so Choice A is
correct.

Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotes have a cell wall, but not all eukaryotes do. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotes do not contain
membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, but eukaryotes do. *Choice D is incorrect, as prokaryotic cells have naked
DNA, whereas eukaryotic cells contain DNA within a nuclear membrane.

Question 17
CALCULATOR

Below is a micrograph of a bacterium, Marinomonas arctica, which is found in Arctic sea ice.

[Source: Gulf of Alaska Seamounts expedition, 2019. Marinomonas arctica.jpg. Wikimedia. Retrieved, September 25th 2023, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Marinomonas_arctica.jpg. Copyright under Public Domain]

Which row contains features of prokaryotic cells such as Marinomonas arctica?

 Ribosomes Cell wall DNA associated with proteins

A. 80S Yes No

B. 80S Yes Yes

C. 70S No No

D. 70S Yes No

Difficulty: EASY
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice D is correct because bacteria are prokaryotes, and prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes and a cell wall; they do not have
proteins associated with the DNA. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotes do not have 80S ribosomes. Choice B is incorrect
because prokaryotes do not have 80S ribosomes or proteins associated with DNA. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotes do
have cell walls.

Question 18
CALCULATOR

Which statement(s) is/are not true of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells?

● I. Prokaryotic cells have a compartmentalised structure.

● II. Only eukaryotic cells have a Golgi apparatus.

● III. Only eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles.

● A. II only

● B. I only

● C. II and III only

● D. I, II and III

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Statement I is not true as it is eukaryotic cells which are compartmentalised, not prokaryotic cells, and so Choice B is the correct
answer.

Statement II is true, as prokaryotic cells do not have a Golgi apparatus and statement III is true as prokaryotic cells do not have
membrane bound organelles. Choices A, C and D are incorrect as they all include either Statement II, Statement III or both.

Question 19
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 6]

The image below is a micrograph of blood.

Magnification: 800x
[Source: Adapted from Berkshire Community College Bioscience Image Library. (2018). Connective Tissue: Human Blood
Leukocyte Survey. Flickr. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/146824358@N03/26921278147. Copyright
free]

1. Identify the part of the cells labelled A and B. [2]

2. Outline why blood is classified as a tissue. [1]

3. State where the stem cells needed to produce red blood cells are located. [1]

4. Progenitor cells are produced by dividing stem cells. These cells will eventually differentiate even further. Blood cells have
a common progenitor cell. Describe the process that happens to these progenitor cells. [2]

Difficulty: EASY
Question 20
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 4]

The micrograph below shows E. coli cells.

[Source: Adapted from Highton, P., 1968. E.coli image.jpeg. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 29th January 2023 from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File
.coli_image.jpg. Copyright under Creative CommonsCC0 1.0]
 1. Identify the structure labelled I in the micrograph. [1]

2. If the magnification of the image is x36,000 and the length of cell II in the image is 54 mm, calculate the actual length of
cell II in micrometres (µm). [2]

3. State one feature, other than the structure labelled I, that can be used to identify the cells in this micrograph as prokaryotic
cells. [1]

Difficulty: EASY

Question 21
CALCULATOR
Which structure is found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

● A. Lysosome

● B. Ribosome

● C. Golgi apparatus

● D. Nucleoid

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Unlike eukaryotes, prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. However, like eukaryotes, prokaryotes contain
ribosomes, a non-membrane-bound organelle required for protein synthesis. So, ribosomes are found in both prokaryotes and
eukaryotes.

Lysosomes (Choice A) and the Golgi apparatus (Choice C) are only found in eukaryotes. The nucleoid (Choice D) is only found in
prokaryotes.

Question 22
CALCULATOR

What is the actual width of the cell in this image?

[Source: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia (2006, March 1). File: Electron Microscope Siemens, 1960.jpg - wikimedia
commons. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Electron_microscope_Siemens,_1960.jpg Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. 4μm

● B. 40μm

● C. 400μm

● D. 4000μm

Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
The scale bar is shown to be 5μm in width, which is represented by 0.5cm on the ruler. The ruler indicates a total cell width of 4cm.
Therefore, 8 scale bar widths will fit within the cell. Actual cell width = 8 ×× 5μm = 40μm.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 23
CALCULATOR

Mesophyll cells are found in plants. Plant cells have unique characteristics that distinguish them from any other cell type.

[Source: Adapted from Zhang, N., Zhang, L., Zhao, L., Ren, Y., Cui, D., Chen, J., ... & Chen, F. (2017). iTRAQ and virus-induced
gene silencing revealed three proteins involved in the cold response in bread wheat. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-16.Retrieved March
27, 2022. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5548720/. Copyright under CC by 4.0]

In the micrograph above, one of the cell parts is labelled X. What is the name of this structure?

● A. Chloroplast

● B. Central vacuole

● C. Cell wall

● D. Starch granule

Difficulty: EASY
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice C - The cell wall is the outermost layer of plant cells just outside the plasma membrane.

Chloroplasts (Choice A) are membrane-bound oval-shaped organelles (labelled Ch in the image) that are responsible for
photosynthesis.

The central vacuole (Choice B) is located in the centre of the cell, not towards the outside. It is evident in the micrograph provided
by the white, empty space in the middle of the cell.

Starch granules (Choice D) are structures consisting of starch. Their function is to store starch which is produced during
photosynthesis. Starch granules are not visible in the micrgraph above.
Question 24
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 6]

The micrograph shows a transverse section through a leaf.

[Source
from Berkshire Community College Bioscience Image Library,2018. Angiosperm Morphology Mesophyll Arrangement in Ligustrum
(36198182664).jpg. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 29th January 2023 from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Angiosperm_Morphology_Mesophyll_Arrangement_in_Ligustrum_(36198182664).jpg.Copy
right under Creative Commons CC0 1.0]

1. Identify an adaptation of this leaf for its function. [1]

2. Identify the cell organelle that is found in particularly high numbers in the palisade mesophyll cells. [1]

This micrograph shows a transverse section through a pancreatic acinar cell. Acinar cells are found in the exocrine tissue of the
pancreas.
[Source: Adapted from Howard, L., 2006. Pancreatic acinar cells.jpg. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 29th January 2023 from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=pancreatic+cells&title=Special
&go=Go&type=image&haslicense=unrestricted. Copyright under Public Domain]

1. Explain how the structure of this cell is related to the function of the synthesis of proteins for release from the cell.
[2]

2. State why an electron microscope is needed to view the ultrastructure of the acinar cells. [2]

Difficulty: EASY
Question 25
CALCULATOR

Which row correctly describes the DNA and chromosomes of bacterial cells?

Shape DNA with proteins Number of chromosomes

A. Looped Yes More than one

B. Linear Yes More than one

C. Looped No One

D. Linear No One

Difficulty: EASY
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
Eubacteria have a single chromosome that is composed of DNA and is not associated with proteins (choice C). Choice A is
incorrect because the DNA of prokaryotes is not associated with proteins and because prokaryotes only have one chromosome.
Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotes do not have linear DNA, their DNA is not associated with proteins and they do not have
more than one chromosome. Choice D is incorrect because prokaryotic chromosomes are not linear.

Question 26
CALCULATOR

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes that can perform photosynthesis. Which structural feature is common to both cyanobacteria and
plant cells?

● A. Chloroplast

● B. Cell wall

● C. Pili

● D. Mitochondria
Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Prokaryotes are one of the earliest organisms to have evolved the process of photosynthesis. Plant cells are eukaryotes that can
also perform photosynthesis, but they evolved after prokaryotes. Some of the features that distinguish prokaryotes from plant cells
(which are eukaryotes) are membrane-bound organelles such as chloroplasts (Choice A) and mitochondria (Choice D) which are
present in plant cells but absent in prokaryotes. According to the endosymbiotic theory, cyanobacteria evolved into chloroplasts
during the early evolutionary process of eukaryotic cells.

Pili are found in prokaryotes but not in plant cells (Choice C). Even though the composition of the cell wall in prokaryotes is different
(made of a peptidoglycan polymer) from the cell wall in plant cells (made up of cellulose), the presence of the cell wall is a common
feature found in both prokaryotes and plant cells (Choice B).

Question 27
CALCULATOR

Which part of the cell is labelled with the letter P?

[Source: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia. (2016, March 1). Category: Electron Microscope Images. Wikimedia Commons.
Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Electron_microscopy.jpg. Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. Vacuole

● B. Lysosome

● C. Nucleoid

● D. Nucleus

Difficulty: EASY
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A is incorrect, as the photo shows an animal cell, which can contain smaller, single membraned vacuoles, but the nucleus
is much larger. Choice B is incorrect as lysosomes are smaller and have a single membrane. Choice C is incorrect as nucleoids
are only present in prokaryotes and are not membrane bound.
Question 28
CALCULATOR

The electron micrograph below shows a cell of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Which of the labelled structures maintains the cell’s
shape and protects the cell from lysing during osmosis?

[Source: Blokesch, M. & Schoolnik, G.K. (2007). Serogroup Conversion of Vibrio cholerae in Aquatic Reservoirs. PLoS Pathog 3(6):
e81. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0030081.Copyright under CC BY 4.0]
Difficulty: EASY
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
The cell membrane of prokaryotes is surrounded by a rigid cell wall. The cell wall provides shape and structure to the organism. It
also prevents the cell from bursting when the cell takes up water through osmosis. The cell wall is located between the cell
membrane and the capsule, a sticky outer layer of polysaccharide. The cell wall is shown in the image below.

Question 29
CALCULATOR

Which organelle is the site of protein synthesis?

A. B.
 C. D.

[Source A: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia. (2016, March 1). Category: Electron Microscope Images. Wikimedia Commons.
Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Electron_microscopy.jpg Copyright under CC BY 3.0.
Source B: Adapted from: Openstax. (2016, May 18). File:0313 endoplasmic reticulum B en.png - Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia
commons. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:0313_Endoplasmic_Reticulum_b_en.png
Copyright under CC BY 3.0.
Source C: and3k, & caper437. (2009, June 25). File: chloroplast in leaf of anemone sp Tem 85000x.png - Wikimedia Commons.
Wikimedia commons. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File
.png Copyright under CC BY 3.0
Source D: Murphy, F. (2016, August 10). Free picture: Thin, section, ebola, virus. PIXNIO. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from
https://pixnio.com/science/microscopy-images/ebola-hemorrhagic-fever-virus/thin-section-containing-the-ebola-virus Copyright free]
Difficulty: EASY
B
Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice B is correct because it shows the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which has bound ribosomes that synthesise proteins.

Choice A shows the nucleus which contains the genetic information and controls the activity of the cell. Choice C shows a
chloroplast, the site of photosynthesis. Choice D indicates the golgi apparatus which packages and transports proteins.

Question 30
CALCULATOR

What feature distinguishes fungal hyphae and striated muscle from the two cell types shown in the images?

[Source: Adapted from CNX OpenStax. (2016, May 27). File

04 00 00.jpg. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Figure_04_00_00.jpg
Copyright under CC by 3.0]

● A. They are multinucleate.

● B. They only have one nucleus.

● C. They have unusually large cells that contain only one nucleus.

● D. They contain mitochondria.

Difficulty: EASY
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Fungal hyphae and striated muscle are both exceptions to the cell theory as they are much larger than typical cells and are
multinucleate. Choice B is incorrect as the diagrams depict onion epidermis cells and mast cells, which each contain one nucleus.
Choice C is incorrect as both fungal hyphae and striated muscles contain multiple nuclei. Choice D is incorrect as fungal hyphae,
striated muscle AND the cells in the diagram all contain mitochondria.

Question 31
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 10]

The photomicrograph below shows a cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus.

[Source: Adapted from Gonzalez, R., & Kerfeld, C. (2022, June 13). Synechococcus elongates. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 19,
2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synechococcus_elongatus Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

1. State whether the cell shown in the photomicrograph is eukaryotic or prokaryotic. Give a reason for your answer.
[2]

2. State two features found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures. [2]

3. Identify the type of microscope which was used to produce the microphotograph above. Give a reason for your
answer. [2]

4. Describe the function of X. [2]

2. Compare and contrast the structure of the Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. [2]

Difficulty: EASY
Question 32
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 8]

Below is a diagram of a motor neuron. Neurons are the longest cells in the human body.
[©Revision Village 2023. Created with BioRender.com]

1. Explain the factors that limit cell size in humans. [4]

Below is a diagram of a Paramecium, a unicellular organism.

[©Revision Village 2023]

2. Explain how life functions are performed by Paramecium. [4]

Difficulty: EASY
Question 33
CALCULATOR

Which statements about unicellular and multicellular organisms are correct?

Unicellular organisms Multicellular organisms

A. They only reproduce asexually Contains differentiated cells

 B. Consist of only one cell All cellular processes are carried out by one organelle

C. Can reproduce sexually They have emergent properties

D. Contains differentiated cells Can reproduce sexually

Difficulty: EASY
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A is incorrect, as not all unicellular organisms reproduce asexually. Choice B is incorrect, as both unicellular and
multicellular organisms contain multiple organelles that carry out different functions. Choice D is incorrect, because unicellular
organisms do not contain more than one cell, and so do not contain multiple differentiated cells.

Question 34
CALCULATOR

The following electron micrograph shows part of an exocrine pancreas cell. Which of the labelled structures is responsible for the
production of vesicles for exocytosis?

[Source: Adapted from Howard, L. (n.d.). File: Pancreatic cells - TEM.jpg. Wikipedia. Retrieved January, 3, 2023, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Pancreatic_cells_-_TEM.jpg. Copyright under Public Domain]
Difficulty: MEDIUM
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
The Golgi apparatus produces vesicles that contain substances destined for exocytosis from the cell. The Golgi apparatus is
composed of stacks of flattened pouches called cisternae. These appear in a micrograph as the stacked, flattened discs indicated
by Choice C.
[Source: Adapted from Howard, L. (n.d.). File: Pancreatic cells - TEM.jpg. Wikipedia. Retrieved January, 3, 2023, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Pancreatic_cells_-_TEM.jpg. Copyright under Public Domain]

Question 35
CALCULATOR

Which list of cell organelles has a role in protein synthesis and modification?

● A. Nucleus, ribosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum

● B. Nucleus, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus

● C. Nucleus, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus

● D. Nucleus, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles

Difficulty: MEDIUM
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice B is correct because DNA in the nucleus has genes, the ribosomes assemble amino acids into polypeptides, and these
polypeptides then enter the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum where they are folded and modified, and the Golgi apparatus
processes proteins. Choice A and choice C are incorrect because the smooth endoplasmic reticulum produces lipids, it does not
produce proteins. Choice D is incorrect because vacuoles do not have a role in protein synthesis and release.

Question 36
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 6]

All organisms contain genetic material. The type, quantity and location of genetic material differ between kingdoms and species.

1. State if the cell shown in the image is a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. Give a reason for your answer. [1]
[Source: Adapted from Ruiz (16th January 2007). File: Prokaryote cell diagram international.svg. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved
18th May 2022 from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Prokaryote_cell_diagram_international.svg. Copyright-free]

2. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA. [2]

3. Outline Cairns' technique for measuring the length of prokaryotic DNA. [3]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 37
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 8]

1. Outline the steps in calculating the magnification of a micrograph. [4]

2. Describe the steps taken to focus on a specimen using the 40x objective lens of a light microscope. [4]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 38
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 8]

The micrograph below shows Cyanobacteria, which contain chlorophyll.

[Source: Adapted from Thompson L. and Whatson N. (2007, January 1). Cyanobacteria. Wikipedia. Retrieved on September 6,
2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanobacteria#. Copyright under CCO]

1. Using your knowledge and the micrograph, state two features that would indicate that this is a bacterium. [2]
 2. Outline the structural differences between animal and plant cells. [3]

3. Explain how light energy is used in photosynthesis to carry out anabolic reactions. [3]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 39
CALCULATOR

Which of the following structures are not found in either animal or fungal cells?

● A. Mitochondria

● B. Vacuoles

● C. Plastids

● D. Centrioles

Difficulty: MEDIUM
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice C is correct because plastids, for example, chloroplasts, are not found in animal or fungal cells. Choice A is incorrect
because all eukaryotic cells have mitochondria. Choice B is incorrect because all eukaryotic cells have vacuoles. Choice D is
incorrect because centrioles are found in animal cells but are not found in most plant cells, and since they are present in one of the
two, they cannot be the correct answer.

Question 40
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 6]

The diagram below shows a cell.

[Source: Adapted from Gonzalez, R., & Kerfeld, C. (2022, June 13). Synechococcus elongatus. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 19,
2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synechococcus_elongatus Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

1. Deduce with a reason, what type of cell this is. [1]

2. Calculate the magnification of the cell. [1]

3. Outline two functions of life carried out by the cell in the diagram. [2]

4. State the type of microscope used to produce the image. [1]

5. Explain your choice of microscope for part (i). [1]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 41
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 10]

The micrograph shows an image of a plant cell taken with a light microscope.

[Source: Adapted from CNX OpenStax. (2016, May 27). File

04 00 00new.jpg. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved June 14, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Figure_04_00_00new.jpg . Copyright free]
 1. Calculate the magnification of the image, showing your work. [2]

2. Label, with the letter N, a nucleus in the image. [1]

3. The image was taken using a light microscope. State how you deduce this from the image. [1]

4. Draw and label a diagram to show how the same type of plant cell shown in the micrograph would appear when examined
with an electron microscope. [3]

5. State two differences that would be seen when looking at an electron micrograph of a bacterium cell compared to this plant
cell. [2]

6. At first, the student who took this image could not see the cell when focusing the microscope. Suggest what may have
caused this problem. [1]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 42
NO CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 16]

1. Outline the different uses of karyograms. [3]

2. Distinguish between cells with haploid and diploid nuclei. [4]

3. Compare and contrast different types of chromosomes. [8]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 43
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 16]

1. Outline the features of cells that do not conform to the cell theory. [3]

2. Use named species to explain how unicellular organisms carry out processes of life. [4]

3. Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. [8]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 44
CALCULATOR

Palisade mesophyll cells produce and release large amounts of carbohydrates. Which characteristics would you expect to observe
in such cells?

● A. A high density of mitochondria and a large central vacuole.

● B. A high density of chloroplasts and an extensive Golgi apparatus.

● C. A high density of chloroplasts and a large central vacuole.

● D. A high density of mitochondria and an extensive Golgi apparatus.

Difficulty: MEDIUM
C

Explanation‾Explanation:
Palisade mesophyll cells are cells in the leaves of plants that produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis. Since photosynthesis
takes place within chloroplasts, these cells contain a high density of chloroplasts They also contain a large central vacuole, which
occupies the space at the center of the cell and helps maintain the turgor pressure in the cell. The position of the central vacuole
ensures the chloroplasts will be pushed near the edges of the cell, where they can receive light. Additionally, the vacuole acts as a
storage reservoir for water and other nutrients needed for photosynthesis.

Choice A and Choice D are incorrect because mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, during which carbohydrates are
broken down to produce ATP. Choice D is also incorrect as the Golgi apparatus packages proteins, not carbohydrates, for export,
so Choice B is also incorrect.

Question 45
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 16]

1. Outline one way unicellular organisms can carry out each of nutrition, movement and excretion. [3]

2. Draw a single mitochondrion, and annotate it to outline the role of four labelled structures. [5]
 3. Compare and contrast the structure of E. coli and a palisade mesophyll cell. [7]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 46
CALCULATOR

[Maximum mark: 4]

The diagram below shows a cell.

[Source: Adapted from Gonzalez, R., & Kerfeld, C. (2022, June 13). Synechococcus elongatus. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 19,
2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synechococcus_elongatus Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

1. Compare and contrast the structure of a mictochondrion with the structure of the cell shown in the diagram. [2]

2. Explain why the cell in the diagram is structurally similar to a mitochondrion.[2]

Difficulty: MEDIUM
Question 47
CALCULATOR

What is the correct magnification of this image?

[Source: Adapted from Itayba, Hebrew Wikipedia (2006, March 1). File
Microscope Siemens, 1960.jpg - wikimedia commons. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Electron_microscope_Siemens,_1960.jpg Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. 1000 x

● B. 100 x
 ● C. 0.1 x

● D. 10000 x

Difficulty: MEDIUM
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
Magnification is calculated using the equation image size divided by actual size. Both numbers must be the same units. The image
size of the magnification bar is 5 mm, or 5000 µm, the actual size of the magnification bar is 5 µm. 5000 µm ÷ 5 µm = 1000 x.
Choice A is correct.

Choices B, C and D are incorrect.

Question 48
CALCULATOR

The electron micrograph shows a prokaryotic cell, Cyclotella litoralis. What is the actual diameter of the cell in this image?

[Source: Adapted from FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. (2011, June 7). Cyclotella litoralis (scanning electron micrograph).
Flickr. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwc/5808259556 Copyright under CC BY 3.0]

● A. 3.5 cm

● B. 350 µm

● C. 3500 mm

● D. 35 µm

Difficulty: MEDIUM
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
The diameter of the cell is the total length, along the widest part of the cell; 3.5 cm. When the scale bar, which represents 10 µm, is
measured, it is shown to be 1 cm long in the image. 3.5 multiplied by 10 is 35 µm. Choice D is correct.

Choices A, B and C are incorrect.

Question 49
CALCULATOR

The electron micrograph shows a sarcomere, the smallest functional unit of striated muscle tissue. What is the actual length
between the two Z lines?

[Source: Adapted from Loison, O., Weitkunat , M., Kaya-Çopur , A., Nascimento Alves, C., Matzat , T., & Spletter , M. L. (2018).
Category: sarcomeres. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category
Copyright under CC BY 3.0][Ruler tool, cm]

● A. 10 µm

● B. 1 mm

● C. 1 cm

● D. 1 µm

Difficulty: MEDIUM
D

Explanation‾Explanation:
The length between the two Z lines is 4.5 cm, which is equivalent to 45000 µm. Actual length is calculated using the equation;
image size divided by magnification. 45000 µm ÷ 45000 x = 1 µm. Choice D is correct.

Choices A, B and C are incorrect.

Question 50
CALCULATOR

Which organelle is formed by a vesicle derived from the cell membrane?

● A. Food vacuole

● B. Ribosome

● C. Golgi apparatus

● D. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Difficulty: HARD
A

Explanation‾Explanation:
When a cell takes in material through endocytosis, it produces a vesicle derived from the cell membrane, which is how a food
vacuole is formed.
Ribosomes are involved in translation (Choice B), the golgi apparatus sorts, packages and modifies proteins (Choice C) and the
smooth endoplasmic reticulum, among other functions, synthesizes lipids (Choice D).

Question 51
CALCULATOR

The giant algae Acetabularia can be a model organism for studying the biology of a plant cell. Which characteristics of Acetabularia
make it a good model organism?

● A. Both, Acetabularia cells and plant cells, do not have a cell wall.

● B. Acetabularia is composed of one large cell.

● C. Acetabularia is composed of many large cells.

● D. Acetabularia contains a pigment which makes its structures easily visualised.

Difficulty: HARD
B

Explanation‾Explanation:
Choice A – Acetabularia has cell walls made of the polysaccharide mannan and plants have cell walls made of cellulose.

Choice B - Acetabularia is composed of one large cell which makes it easier to view using a microscope and study cellular
processes.

Choice C – Acetabularia is composed of only one large cell.

Choice D – Acetabularia does not contain a pigment that makes its structures easier to view than plant cells.