HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B

Answers to Exam practice

Answers to Exam practice

Chapter 16 Stimuli, receptors and responses

Multiple-choice questions (p.16-46)

1. A

2. A

3. B
Cone cells work well in day time with bright light. X1 is the yellow spot, where cone cells are
tightly packed and is the area of sharpest vision.

4. A

5. C

6. B
The yellow spot is packed with cone cells (photoreceptor Q), which are connected to neurones.

7. B

8. A

9. A

10. D

Short questions (p.16-48)

11. (a) The diameter of the pupil increased. (1)

(b) In low light intensity, the radial muscles of the iris contract and the circular muscles
relax. (1)
The pupil dilates to allow more light to enter the eye. (1)

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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12. (a) Second 2 to 4 (1)

(b)

Light rays from a nearby object (1)

Light rays intersect to form an image on the retina (1)

(c) The ciliary muscles relax. (1)

The tension in the suspensory ligaments increases. (1)
Therefore, the lens is pulled thinner.

13. HKDSEE Biology Paper 1 Section B Q1

14. (a) Hormones (auxins) from the coleoptile tip diffuses into the agar block, (1)
subsequently causing growth / cell elongation of the decapitated coleoptile. (1)

(b) There is a positive correlation between the time that the coleoptile tip was left on the agar
block and the growth of the coleoptile. (1)
With increased time, more hormones can diffuse into the agar block / more hormones are
available for cell elongation. (1)
The growth levels off as the agar block can only hold a limited amount of hormones /
there is a limit to how much a cell can elongate. (1)

(c) The agar blocks contain different amounts of hormones. / The quality of contact between
the agar block and the decapitated tip varies. / Hormones diffuse more readily in some
decapitated coleoptiles than others. / Some tips have more hormones than others. / There
is variation in coleoptiles (tips).
(or other reasonable answers) (1)

15. Set up an experimental group by placing some plants on a window sill / in a light-proof box
with a hole in one side / any method of one sided illumination of plants. (1)
Set up a control group of plants evenly illuminated from all sides (1)
to show that any growth response is due to unilateral light. (1)
Leave the two groups of plants for a certain period of time. (1)
The plants in the experimental group will have their shoots growing towards light. (1)
The plants in the control group will grow vertically straight up. (1)

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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Structured questions (p.16-51)

16. (a) (i) A: Pupil (1)
B: Cornea (1)

(ii) A dilates / becomes larger / becomes wider. (1)

(iii) Z on iris (1)

(b) Photoreceptors / light sensitive cells / rod cells and cone cells in the affected areas of the
retina are no longer connected to the optic nerve. (1)
These cells cannot send nerve impulses to the brain. (1)
Images falling on these cells cannot be detected / seen. (1)

(c) Cataracts block the passage of light rays through the lens. (1)
Light rays cannot be focused onto the retina properly, resulting in blurred vision. (1)
As the lens become less elastic, eye accommodation becomes impaired. (1)

17. (a) X: Iris (1)

Y: Retina (1)
Z: Optic nerve (1)

(b) The circular ciliary muscles contract. (1)

The tension in the suspensory ligaments decreases. (1)
The lens becomes more convex / thicker due to its elasticity (1)
and refracts light more. (1)

(c) (i) Axes correctly labelled with units (1)

Suitable scales used and at least half of the grid used (1)
Points plotted correctly (1)
Points joined into a smooth curve (1)

(ii) 15 cm (1)

(iii) 47 years

18. HKCEE Biology 2002 Paper 1 Q4(a)

19. HKDSEE Biology 2013 Paper 1 Section B Q7

20. (a) The cell wall becomes more flexible / is able to stretch; (1)
water enters the cell by osmosis to provide turgor pressure which causes the cell to
elongate. (1)

(b) (i) To prevent movement of auxins due to light (1)

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
Answers to Exam practice

(ii) As the concentration of auxins in the agar block increases, the angle of curvature
increases up to a maximum and then decreases. (1)
At low to medium auxin concentrations, the more auxins the greater degree of cell
elongation / greater number of cells elongating on the side of stem under the agar
block. (1)
At high levels, auxins start to become toxic / inhibit cell’s physiology. (1)

(c) (i) Growth in the stem is stimulated. (1)

Growth in the root is inhibited. (1)

(ii) The optimum auxin concentration for growth in stems is higher than that for roots.(1)
This is consistent with the concentration gradient of auxins from the apical meristem
down through the plant. (1)

Essay (p.16-56)
21. Role of auxins:
• Auxins are produced in the apical meristems at shoot tips and root tips, and are
transported to the region of elongation where they affect growth. (1)
• Unilateral light causes auxins to be transported from the illuminated side to the shaded
side. (1)
• In the shoot, the high auxin concentration stimulates the cells on the shaded side to grow
faster than those on the illuminated side, (1)
and therefore the shoot bends towards the unilateral light. (1)
• In the root, the high auxin concentration inhibits growth of the shaded side, (1)
and therefore the root bends away from the unilateral light. (1)
Importance:
• Shoots are positively phototropic. This brings the leaves to face the light source to obtain
maximum amount of light for photosynthesis. (1)
• Roots are negatively phototropic. This enables the roots to grow downwards into the soil
for anchorage. (1)
Communication (max. 3)

Chapter 17 Coordination in humans

Multiple-choice questions (p.17-38)

1. D

2. A

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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3. C
X is a dendron; Y is an axon. Instead of sending out electrical impulses, Y releases
neurotransmitters to stimulate the next neurone or an effector.

4. A
The cerebellum controls voluntary actions.

5. A
P (the cerebrum) is associated with memory; Q (the cerebellum) coordinates activities of
tongue and mouth muscles during speech.

6. A
Z is the dorsal root / dorsal root ganglion; W is the ventral root. X is white matter which
consists mainly of nerve fibres; Y is grey matter which contains the cell bodies of neurones.

7. D
X is a motor neurone. Motor neurones usually have short dendrons and a long axon; the cell
body is irregular in shape. Y is a sensory neurone. Sensory neurones usually have a long
dendron and a short dendron. The cell body is oval-shaped.

8. C

9. C

10. C

11. D

Short questions (p.17-40)

12. HKALE Biology 2009 Paper 1 Q1

13. HKDSEE Biology 2016 Paper 1 Section B Q1

14. (a) To harbour more neurones (1)

(b) (i) Area A sends nerve impulses to (tongue and mouth) muscles to read out words. (1)

(ii) Area B processes information from Area C in relation to past experience / memory to
identify words. (1)

(iii) Area C receives nerve impulses from eyes / optic nerves to produce vision. (1)

(c) C  B  A (1)

(d) Medulla oblongata (1)

It acts as the reflex centre for some reflex actions / controls involuntary actions. (1)

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15. (a) A: Motor neurone (1)

B: Sensory neurone (1)

(b) Stretch / Tension in the muscle (1)

(c) The arrival of a nerve impulse the synaptic knob at the ending of the axon of neurone B
stimulates the synaptic knob to release neurotransmitters. (1)
The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft (1)
and bind to receptor sites on the dendron of neurone A, stimulating neurone A to generate
a nerve impulse. (1)

16. (a) B: Cerebellum (1)

C: Medulla oblongata (1)

(b) (i) An automatic / involuntary / stereotyped response (1)

Example with the stimulus described:
• Knee jerk reflex (1)
in response to a tap just below the knee cap (1) /
• Withdrawal reflex of the limb (1)
in response to touched by a sharp or hot object (1) /
• Pupil reflex (1)
in response to light shone into the eye (1)
(Any one set, 2)

(ii) (Left side of) the cerebrum (1)

Structured questions (p.17-42)

17. (a) (i) A: Dorsal root ganglion (1)
B: Central canal / Cerebrospinal fluid (1)
C: Ventral root (1)
D: Spinal nerve (1)

(ii) White matter is made of myelin sheath / lipid / phospholipid. (1)

Grey matter is made of cell bodies / nuclei. (1)

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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(b) (i)

1 mark for each neurone correctly labelled and in correct position, including position
of cell bodies (3)

(ii) A dendrite transmits nerve impulses towards the cell body / nucleus; (1)
an axon transmits away nerve impulses from the cell body / nucleus. (1)

18. (a) Response that is not under the control of the cerebrum / that occurs without thinking (1)

(b) Receptors detect heat and generate nerve impulses. (1)

Nerve impulses are transmitted along the sensory neurone to the spinal cord. (1)
Within the spinal cord, nerve impulses are transmitted along the interneurone and the
motor neurone. (1)
Motor neurone stimulates the effector / biceps / arm muscle (1)
to contract. (1)

(c) Simple reflexes produce fast / automatic responses (1)

to protect the body from danger. (1)

19. (a) (i) (ii)

nucleus myelin sheath

(2)

(b) insulin (1)

pancreas (1)
glucagon (1)
negative (1)

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
Answers to Exam practice

(c)
Action Nervous system Hormonal systems

method of transmission impulses in neurone hormones in blood

speed of action fast slow

length of effect short long

(3)

20. HKDSEE Practice Paper Biology Paper 1 Section B Q12

Chapter 18 Movement in humans

Multiple-choice questions (p.18-33)

1. B

2. C

3. D
Structure S (bone) contains living cells which carry out respiration. It stores minerals such as
calcium and phosphate. It contains red bone marrow which produces blood cells.

4. D

5. B

6. B

7. C

Short questions (p.18-34)

8. HKALE Biology 2010 Paper 2 Q5(b)

9. HKDSEE Biology 2013 Paper 1 Section B Q2

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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10. (a) One bone in the upper part (1) /

Two bones in the lower part (1) /
The two lower bones are side by side (1) /
The two lower bones cross over each other (1) /
Long bones (compared to width) (1) /
Five digits (1) /
Many bones in hand/wrist and foot/ankle (1)
(Any three, 3)

(b) X allows movement in one plane / forwards and backwards / to bend and straighten the
arm. (1)

Y allows movement in many planes / all directions / to rotate the arm. (1)

11. (a)

Correct shape of the two muscles (2)

Correct labelling (2)

(b) They should remain still so that the pulling force generated by the contraction of the
biceps (1)
can be transmitted effectively by the tendon to the forearm. (1)

Structured questions (p.18-36)

12. (a) I, J, N, K (2)

(b) K (1)
Deficiency of vitamin D will lead to poor bone growth. (1)
As K is not strong enough, the body weight exerting on it will cause it to bend. (1)

(c) (i) Spinal cord (1)

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(ii) To allow bending of structure M (1)

(d) Provide a rigid framework to support the body weight / Protect internal organs / Store
minerals / Yellow bone marrow stores fat / Red bone marrow produces blood cells (1)

13. (a) (i) A (1)

When muscle A contracts, it becomes shortened and pulls the thumb towards the
middle finger. (1)

(ii) Antagonistic muscles work in pairs to move bones in opposite directions. (1)
While muscle A contracts to pull the thumb towards the other fingers, muscle B
contracts contract to pull the thumb away from the other fingers. (1)

(b) (i) Synovial membrane (1)

(ii) It serves as a lubricant to reduce friction between bones during movement. (1)
It supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage (structure Q). (1)

(iii) Cartilage (1)

(iv) Movement at the joint will become difficult / painful (1)

due to increased friction / pieces of uneven cartilage rubbing against each other. (1)

14. (a) The end surfaces of bones are covered by cartilage. (1)
The joint is enclosed by the synovial membrane (1)
which secretes the synovial fluid. (1)
Both the cartilage and the synovial fluid help reduce friction during movement. (1)

(b) B and C (1)

D and E (1)

(c) (i) A, B and D (1)

(ii) Sensory hair cells in the inner ear  auditory nerve  sensory area of the cerebrum
 association area of the cerebrum  motor area of the cerebrum  motor
neurones  leg muscles (3)

15. HKDSEE Biology 2015 Paper 1 Section B Q5

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Essay (p.18-38)
16. The ending of the axon of the motor neurone forms a neuromuscular junction with the muscle
fibre of the biceps. (1)
The arrival of the nerve impulse at the ending of the axon stimulates the release of
neurotransmitters from vesicles. (1)
The neurotransmitters diffuse across the cleft in the neuromuscular junction to the muscle fibre.
(1)
The neurotransmitters stimulate the muscle fibre to generate an electrical impulse. (1)
The electrical impulse spreads along the muscle fibre and makes the biceps to contract. (1)
The biceps is connected to the arm bones by tendons. (1)
The elbow joint acts as the fixed point / fulcrum and the forearm bone acts as the lever. (1)
The tendon transmits the pulling force generated by the contraction of the biceps to the bone of
the forearm. (1)
The triceps relaxes to allow the forearm to move upwards. (1)
Communication (max. 3)

Chapter 19 Homeostasis

Multiple-choice questions (p.19-19)

1. A

2. D

3. C
Insulin is a protein hormone. Cells specialized in the production of proteins tend to have a
larger amount of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), especially rough ER. Ribosomes on the rough
ER are responsible for protein synthesis. Protein synthesis requires energy from mitochondria.

4. D

5. A

6. A

Short questions (p.19-20)

7. (a) (i) Midday meal (1)
because she had the lowest dose of insulin injected after this meal. (1)

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(ii) She underestimated the amount of glucose / sugar / carbohydrates in the meal (1)
and injected too little insulin. (1)

(b) Insulin stimulates liver cells to converts glucose to glycogen for storage (1)
and stimulates body cells to take up more glucose from the blood for respiration. (1)

8. HKALE Biology 2008 Paper 1 Q7

Structured questions (p.19-21)

9. (a) (i) 130 – 90 = 40 mg/100 cm3 (1)

(ii) 200 – 135 = 65 mg/100 cm3 (1)

(b) In person A (the healthy person), the initial rise in blood glucose level stimulates the
secretion of insulin (1)
by the pancreas, (1)
while there is no / less insulin secretion in person B (the diabetic). (1)
Insulin stimulates the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver / uptake of glucose
by body cells, (1)
so the increase in blood glucose level in person A is smaller.

(c) (i) From minute 36 to 180 (1)

(ii) Dip the test end of a piece of glucose test strip into the urine sample. (1)
The presence of glucose will cause a colour change. (1)

10. (a) From hour 0.5 to 1.5, the increase in blood glucose level (1)
stimulates the pancreas (1)
to secrete more insulin. (1)
The increased insulin level lowers the blood glucose level. (1)
From hour 1.5 to 3, a decrease in blood glucose level (1)
causes the pancreas to secrete less insulin. (1)

(b) (i) Glucagon (1)

(ii) Glucagon stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen in the liver into glucose (1)
which is further released into the bloodstream. (1)

(iii) This provides more glucose for respiration of muscle cells (1)
to release more energy for muscle contraction during exercise. (1)

11. HKDSEE Biology 2018 Paper 1 Section B Q7

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HKDSE BIOLOGY: Connecting Concepts Book 2B
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12. (a) To show that yoghurt on its own does not affect blood glucose levels (1)
and that any difference between group A (the control group) and group B (the
experimental group) is due to effect of the inhibitor. (1)

(b) To keep the glucose (or carbohydrates) intake similar since different food contains
different amounts of glucose (or carbohydrates). (1)
Some food may contain substances that affect the inhibitor. (1)

(c) With the inhibitor of amylase, less / no starch is digested to glucose. (1)
Therefore, less glucose is absorbed into the blood. (1)

(d) The sample size is small / only 30 mice were used; (1)
the results may not be representative / reliable. (1)
OR
The investigation was not long enough / only lasted 20 days; (1)
longer-term effects are not known. (1)
OR
The fall in blood glucose level in group B mice was small; (1)
differences may be due to chance. (1)
(Any one set, 2)

Essay (p.19-24)
13. Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism. (1) /
It usually involves a negative feedback mechanism, (1) /
in which a change in the internal environment leads to a response that reverses the change. (1) /
When the blood glucose level is above normal, the pancreas detects the change and (1) /
secretes more insulin (and less glucagon) into the blood. (1) /
Insulin stimulates the liver cells to convert excess glucose to glycogen for storage. (1) /
Insulin also stimulates body cells to take up more glucose from the blood for respiration. (1) /
As a result, the blood glucose level decreases and return to normal. (1) /
When the blood glucose level is below normal, the pancreas detects the change and (1) /
secretes more glucagon (and less insulin) into the blood. (1) /
Glucagon stimulates liver cells to convert glycogen to glucose. (1) /
The glucose is released to the blood and the blood glucose level increases back to normal. (1)
(max. 9)
Communication (max. 3)

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