Reproduction

HKALE 1989 Biology Paper 1

3. Distinguish between

(b) binary fission and fragmentation

ANS

HKALE 1989 Biology Paper 1

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

HKALE 1990 Biology Paper 2

2. (a) Discuss how the sexual reproduction of-flowering plants is adapted to

life on land. (5 marks)

(b) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and vegetative

(asexual) reproduction in flowering plants. (8 marks)
(c) Describe and explain the characteristics of fruits adapted to :

(i) wind dispersal

(ii) animal dispersal (5 marks)

(d) Explain why the dispersal of seeds is beneficial to a plant. (2 marks)

ANS
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper 1

6. State FOUR differences between the divisions of a somatic cell and of a germ cell to form daughter
cells. (4 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper 1

7. The following organisms can reproduce sexually :

Amoeba
Obelia
bread mould
moss

(a) Describe briefly how new individuals arise asexually in each case.

(b) What are the advantages of asexual reproduction over sexual reproduction ? (8 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1992 Biology Paper 3

13. Discuss recent medical advances in the treatment of human infertility. (20 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1993 Biology Paper 1

5. Outline the development of a dicotyledonous seed from a fertilized ovule.

(6 marks)
ANS
HKALE 1994 Biology Paper 1

2. Briefly describe two types of artificial vegetative propagation in flowering plants. (4 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1994 Biology Paper 1

3. Draw an annotated diagram of a sperm and show how its structure is related to its function. (6 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1994 Biology Paper 2

4. What are the requirements for sexual reproduction to be successful in flowering plants and
mammals ? Discuss the significance of sexual reproduction in living organisms. (20 marks)
ANS

HKALE 1996 Biology Paper2

1. (a) Compare and contrast the embryos of mammals and leguminous plants with respect to

(i) their protection, (6 marks)

(ii) the mechanisms leading to their separation from the parents at maturity. (7 marks)

(b) Describe the interaction of the nervous and the hormonal systems in a mother's body which
enables her to breast-feed her new-born baby. (7 marks)
ANS
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper 1

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

AL89P1A3

(b) Binary fission is an asexual way of reproduction in which one organism divides into two
(e.g. binary fission in bacteria),
1
whereas in fragmentation, one organism may give rise to several new individuals (e.g.
fragmentation in Spirogyra).

AL89P1A4

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 :

AL90P2A2

2. (a) No motile antherozoids / sperms so do not need free water for fertilisation. 1
Male gametes transferred inside resistant pollen. 1
Use of wind or animals for pollen transfer. 1
Ovules enclosed in ovary / carpels. 1
Embryo protected in seed. 1
(5)
(b) Sexual reproduction :
advantages genetic variation from random assortment and crossing over
during meiosis
1
wide dispersal of seeds
1
disadvantages dependent on successful pollination
1
 seed must carry own food store
1
Vegetative reproduction :
advantages more reliable as no need for pollination
1
offspring can get continued food supply from parent plant
1
disadvantages genetically same as parent
1
cannot spread far from parent
1

(8)
(c) Wind-dispersed fruits are dry and typically have some sort of extension of the pericarp
(e.g. wings, pappus) to increase air resistance and reduce the rate of fall.
1
Animal-dispersed fruits are fleshy (succulent) to attract and reward animals, while the
seed or seeds are protected by a tough covering (endocarp or seed coat) to prevent
damage during consumption of the fruit.
1
Colour of wind-dispersed fruits is typically brown (cryptic).
1
Animal-dispersed is typically brightly coloured.
1
Some fruits may develop hook-like structures or produce sticky secretions such that
they attach very easily onto the fur of animals.
1
(5)
(d) Dispersal of seeds
reduces overcrowding (intraspecific competition) 1)
enables colonization of new habitats 1) any 2
permits escape from species-specific pests and diseases 1)
(2)
AL91P1A6

6.
Division of Division of
somatic cell germ cell
No pairing Pairing of homologous chromosomes 1)
No crossing over Crossing over may occur 1)
Separation of sister chromatids Separation of homologous chromosomes 1)
during the first meiotic division
One division per cycle Two divisions per cycle 1) any 4
Two daughter cells Four daughter cells 1)
Number of chromosomes in daughter cells It is halved 1)
remains the same
Daughter cells are genetically the same as Daughter cells are genetically different from 1)
the parent cell the parent cell
Any other reasonable differences (4)

AL92P1A7

7. (a) asexual reproduction in

Amoeba when it reaches a certain size, it reproduces by
binary fission. 1
the nucleus divides by mitosis and the organism lengthens and
divides into two daughter cells.
Obelia the colonial hydroid reproduces by budding.
1
both types of polyps (feeding and reproductive) can be produced
by buds on the stem attached to the substratum.
Bread mould it produces numerous spores enclosed in sporangia borne on
erect sporangiophores
1
Moss fragments of leaves, stems and segments of the protonema can
all grow to form a moss thallus
1
(b) Advantages it does not involve another individual for reproduction 1
it is a method of rapid multiplication during favourable conditions
 (plenty of food / nutrients and plenty of space)
1
it enables the organism to colonize a new area and establish
itself rapidly
1
desirable genetic materials can be preserved 1
(8)

AL92P2A13

13. Female infertility :

Disorders of ovulation -
Various factors may Lead to irregular interval between successive ovulations or complete failure
of the release of ovum from the ovary.
The time of ovulation is associated with an increase of body temperature (luteal phase of the
menstrual cycle). Also, the cervical mucus increases at the time of ovulation. Measurement of
serum progesterone level (increases during ovulation) also helps to identify ovulation. Recently,
ultrasound examination of ovaries is used to monitor the time of ovulation (with increase in
follicular diameter). These indicate the ideal time of copulation.

Abnormal hormonal levels preclude ovulation. Administration of anti-oestrogen drugs (stimulate

the release of FSH and LH) can enhance the release of ovum. Progesterone also aids ovum
release.

Malfunction of the fallopian tube -

Difficulty in ovum pick-up or transport of the ovum or the fertilized gamete along the tube (may
due to tubular obstruction).
Radio-opaque dye is injected into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. In X-rays, the dye
should outline the cavity and will demonstrate any filling defects. The main treatment for tubular
obstruction is by surgical intervention.
Recent developments of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer have provided an excellent
alternative method of treatment for tubal damage. Oocytes harvested by micro-surgery are
fertilized in vitro and the zygote is transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation. This
technique can be used for both self-oocytes or donor-oocytes.

Abnormality of the uterine cavity -

Lesions of the uterine cavity may interfere with implantation and conception.
Pathological conditions are irreversible. In some cases, administration of hormone (e.g.
 oestrogen) may help the process of implantation.

Implication of surrogate mothers.

Male infertility :

Semen contents -
Abnormal volume may indicate androgen deficiency or abnormal male accessory gland function
or small testes. Sperm concentration and motility are good indications of male fertility. Treatment
is possible in only a small proportion of infertile males. Reducing the testicular temperature by
surgical operation on the veins of the spermatic cord may improve semen quality. Androgen
therapy may be effective but is not reliable.
Modern technique using chromosome analysis may identify the presence of abnormal karyotype,
e.g. XXY or XYY.

Abnormal hormonal levels -

Measurements of FSH level may differentiate between testicular damage and ductal obstructive
disease. Abnormal LH and testosterone levels may indicate a pituitary or hypothalamic disorder.
In some cases, hormone treatment may rectify the situation.

In cases when there is no prospect of improving the fertility of the male partner, donor insemination
may be explored. The establishment of frozen semen banks (i.e. donor sperm) may be an alternative.
(20)

AL93P1A5

5. After fertilization, the zygote undergoes mitotic divisions to form several cells.

One of the cells undergoes divisions to form the embryo

which eventually giving rise to radicle, 2 cotyledons and plumule.
1
The triple fusion nucleus undergoes mitosis to form the endosperm tissue. (which replaces
nucellus).
1
In endospermic seeds, endosperm is not disorganized but remains as a permanent part of
the seed to provide nutrients for further development 1)
OR )
any 1
 In non-endospermic seeds, the endosperm is gradually disorganized as nutrients are )
passed into the embryo and finally disappears. 1)
Integuments become testa.

Whole seed undergoes drying out and becomes dormant.
1
(6)

AL94P1A2

2. Name type and describe (any 2, 2 marks each)

Cutting
detached vegetative part / example (shoot, left) of plant,
bears bud / contains food reserve
which form roots and shoots / whole plant under suitable conditions.
(2)

Grafting
choice of good root system for stock
choice of favourable quality for upper part / scion
(OR for the two points above :
parts of two separate woodly plants are jointed ())
such that their conducting and meristematic tissues unite and growth follows as for one
plant
(2)
 Cloning
Cells or tissues from the plant parts
are cultured in a suitable medium / under aseptic condition,
the cells will divide / develop into whole plants which are identical with the parent
(2)

Layering
Part of shoot of a plant
Is stimulated by wet soil / moisture
To growth adventitious roots from bud, turning the shoot part into an independent plant.
(2)

AL94P1A3

3. Diagram : clear and accurate 1

Annotations : (1 mark each for correct structure-function) 4
Labels : head, neck, middle piece. 1
(any 2, h mark each, not to repeat annotated structures below)
( mark deducted for each spelling mistake an structure)
(6)
 (Deduct 1 mark from description if not in annotated form)

AL94P2A4

4. requirement of 2 sexes : 1
mammals - dioecious flowering plant-hermaphrodite, some dioecious

gamete production :
meiosis to half chromosome number 1

Both plants and animals require synchrony of reproductive conditions so that mating
can occur when gametes are ready to be fertilized.
2

transfer of gamete : 3
in mammals ability to find mate
genitalia, copulation
 mobility of sperms
in flowering plants pollinating agents (air, insects) 2
growth of pollen tube

development of zygote and nourishment by parent : 3

in mammals possession of uterus
development of placenta to nourish the foetus
synchrony of development by hormones
in flowering plants hormone (auxin) promotes seed and fruit development 1

birth for mammal hormone controlled contraction of uterine wall 1

seed protect embryo

provides nourishment
max. (15)
Significance :
produce variation :
new combination of genes 1
(crossing over, random assortment, random union of gametes) 1
hybrid vigour 1
new phenotypes may be better adapted to changing environmental conditions 1
provide raw material for natural selection / speciation / evolution 1
max. (5)

AL96P2A1

1. (a) (i) Similarity

- Both within parent's body (1).
- In mammals, embryo is enclosed by embryonic membranes (), uterine wall
() and abdominal wall () of the mother. (Accept if taken as difference)
- In legumes, embryo is enclosed by ovule wall () / testa and ovary wall () /
fruit wall. (Accept if taken as difference)
(3)

Difference
Marks to be given only when the 2 are compared

Legumes Mammals
- Protective layers (ovule wall, - No such change 1
 ovary wall) become tough, dry
(testa and fruit wall) and
resistant.
- No such protection - Further protecton by the amniotic
fluid () : (any 2 functions,
mark each) absorb shick,
stabilize the temperature, 1
prevent desiccation.
- No such behaviour - Mother moves away from
danger. 1
(Max . 6)
(ii) Similarity
Both involve mechanical force for the progeny to detach from the parent (1),
1

Difference

Marks to be given only when the 2 are compared

 Legumes Mammals
Mechanical force involves Mechanical force generated by
explosive / dehiscence muscular contraction of the
mechanism where the fruit wall uterus and abdominal wall to
splits to liberate the seeds (1). expel the foetus (1).This is co-
ordinated by the nervous and 4
hormonal systems (1). Oxytocin
is secreted by mother and
foetus which stimulates uterine
contraction (1).
Dehiscence depends on Usually independent of
humidity of the environment. environmental condition. 1
Embryo does not participate in Foetus participates in birth by
the mechanical liberation of the stretching the uterine wall / 1
seed from the parent. pressing its head on the cervix.
No conscious effort by parent. Conscious effort is provided by
the mother to provide a pushing 1
force to expel the foetus.
(max . 7)
(b) Stimulation of the nipple area by suckling (1), generates sensory impulses to the
*hypothalamus (1). This results in the release () of *oxytocin () and *prolactin () from
the *pituitary (). Oxytocin causes the mammary ducts / smooth muscle of mammary
gland to contract () and milk to eject from the mammary gland (). Prolactin stimulates
milk production in the mammary gland ().
5
Continual suckling of the nipple () provides sensory stimulation to result in sustained
production of prolactin from the pituitary (1).
1
(7)
* Deduct mark for wrong spelling
(Total : 20 marks)

AL97P1A9

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)