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INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. Write three major differences between plants and animals.

2. List the use of the energy obtained from the process of respiration.

3. State three characteristic similar in plants and animals.

(Section A)

4. Motor vehicles move, use energy and produce carbon dioxide and water. Similar

characteristics occur in living organisms yet motor vehicles are not classified as living.

List other characteristics of living things that do NOT occur in motor vehicles.
CLASSIFICATION I

INTRODUCTION

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1.

a) What is meant by the term binomial nomenclature? (1mk)

b) Give two reasons why classification is important (2mks)

2. Explain the following terms; (3mks)

a) Classification

b) Taxonomy

c) Binomial nomenclature

3.

a) State three characteristics of Monera that are not found in other kingdoms

(3mks)

b) Name the class to which a termite belongs (1mk)

4. Ascaris lumbricoides is an example of an endoparasite. The name Ascaris refer to

5. Blackjack (Bidens pilosa) belongs to the family compositae. What does pilosa stand for?

(1mk)

6. Define the term species. (1mk)

7. Distinguish between Taxonomy and taxon. (1mk)

THE CELL

PAST KCSE QUESTION ON THE TOPIC

1. Which organelle would be abundant in?

Skeletal muscle cell __________________

Palisade cell __________________

2. State the functions of the following organelles.

Lysosomes __________________

Golgi apparatus __________________

3. State the functions of the following organelles;

Goigi apparatus _______________

Ribosomes cell _______________

4. Name the organelles that perform each of the following functions in a cell.

Protein synthesis __________________

Transport cell secretions __________________

5. The diagram below represents a cell.

 a) Name the parts labeled x and y

X _______________

Y _______________

b) Suggest why the structures labeled x would be more on one side than the other

side.

6.

a) State the function of cristae in mitochondria (1mk)

b) The diagram below represents a cell organelle

(i) Name the part labeled Y (1mk)

(ii) State the function of the part labeled X (2 mks)

7.

a) What is the formula for calculating linear magnification of a specimen when

using a hand lens? (1mk)

 b) Give a reason why staining is necessary when preparing specimens for

observation under the microscope. (1mk)

8.

State three functions of Golgi apparatus. (3mks)

9. Name two structures found in plant cell but are absent in animals cell.

10. Write the role of the following parts of a microscope

i) Nerve cell

ii) Palisade cell

iii) Root hair cell

iv) Red blood cell

11. The diameter field of view of a light microscopic is 3.5mm. Plant cells lying of the

diameter are 10. Determine the size of one cell microns (1mm = 1000µm)

12. Define the following

i) Tissue

ii) Organ

iii) Organ system

CELL PHYSIOLOGY

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. The table below shows the concentration of some ions in pond water and in the cells sap

of an aquatic plant growing in the pond.

Ions Concentration in pond water (parts per million) Concentration in cell

sap (parts per million)

Sodium 50 30

Potassium 2 150

Calcium 1.5 1

Chloride 180 200

a) Name the processes by which the following ions could have been taken up by this

plant. (2mks)

i) Sodium ions

ii) Potassium ions

b) For each processes named in (a) (i) and (ii) above, state one condition necessary

for the process to take place. (2mks)

2. Explain how water in the soil enters the root hairs of a plant. (4mks)

3. Explain how drooping of leaves on a hot sunny day is advantageous to a plant.

(2mks)

4. a) What is diffusion? (2mks)

b) How do the following factors affect the rate of diffusion?

i) Diffusion gradient (1mk)

ii) Surface area to volume ratio (1mk)

iii) Temperature (1mk)

c) Outline 3 roles of active transport in the human body (2mks)

5. State the importance of osmosis in plants (3mks)

6. An experiment was set up as shown in the diagram below.

The set up was left for 30 minutes.

a) State the expected results. (1mk)

 b) Explain your answer in (a) above. (3mks)

7. Explain why plant cells do not burst when immersed in distilled water. (2mks)

8. Distinguish between diffusion and osmosis. (2mks)

9. Define the following terms in relation to a cell

a) Isotonic solution

b) Hypotonic solution

c) Hypertonic solution (3mks)

10. Addition of large amounts of salt to soil in which plants are growing kills the plants.

Explain (6mks)

11. Explain why

a) Red blood cells burst when placed in distilled water while plant cells remain

intact.

b) Fresh water protozoa like amoeba do not burst when placed in distilled water.

(2mks)
NUTRITION IN PLANTS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. An experiment was carried out to investigate the rate of reaction shown below.

Sucrose → Fructose + Glucose

For the products; fructose and glucose to be formed, it was found that substance K was to

be added and the temperature maintained at 370C. When another substance L was added,

the reaction slowed down and eventually stopped.

a) Suggest the identity of substances K and L. (2mks)

K ________________________

L ________________________

b) Other than temperature state three ways by which the rate of reaction could be

increased. (3mks)

c) Explain how substance L slowed down the reaction. (1mk)

2. State the role of light in the process of photosynthesis. (2mks)

Name one product of dark reaction in Photosynthesis (1mk)

3. State one effect of magnesium deficiency in green plants.

4. The graph below shows the effect of substrate concentration on the rate of enzyme

reaction.

a) Account for the shape of the graph between

 i) A and B (3mks)

ii) B and C (2mks)

b) How can the rate of reaction be increased after point B? (1mk)

c) State two factors that affect the rate of enzyme reaction. (2mks)

5. a) State the function of co-factors in cell metabolism. (1 mk)

b) Give one example of a metallic co-factor. (1 mk)

6. Name two mineral elements that are necessary in the synthesis of chlorophyll.

(2mks)

7. What is the role of the vascular bundles in plants nutrition? (3mks)

8. Describe what happens during the light stage of photosynthesis. (3mks)

9. Photosynthesis takes place in two stages. Name the part of the chloroplast where

i) Light stage occurs

ii)Dark stage occurs (2mks)

b) How is dark stage dependant on the light stage of photosynthesis? (2mks)

10. A solution of sugarcane was boiled with hydrochloric acid; sodium carbonate was heated

with Benedict’s solution. An orange precipitate was formed.

a) Why was the solution boiled with hydrochloric acid? (1mk)

b) To which class of carbohydrates does sugarcane belong?

c) Name the type of reaction that takes place when:

i) Simple sugars combine to form complex sugar. (1mk)

ii)A complex sugar is broken into simple sugar. (1mk)

d) State the form in which carbohydrates are stored in:

i) Plants
 ii)Animals (2mks)

11. i) Name structural units of lipids (1mk)

ii) State three important functions of lipids in living organisms. (3mks)

12. The diagram below shows an experiment carried out to investigate photosynthesis in a

potted plant which has been kept in the dark for 48 hours.

The setup was left in the sunshine for 6 hours. The leaf was tested for starch using iodine

solution at the end of the experiment.

a) What would be the colours of the regions of the leaf marked L. M and N?

(3mks)

b) What is the function of the sodium hydroxide pellets? (1mk)

NUTRITION IN ANIMALS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. a) Name the bacteria found in the root nodules of leguminous plant.

(1mk)

b) State the association of the bacteria named in a) above with the

leguminous plants. (1mk)

2. a) State the function of co-factors in cell metabolism.

b) Give one example of metallic co-factor.

3. Name the disease in humans that is cause by lack of vitamin C. (1mk)

4. Name a disease caused by lack of each of the following in human diet;

Vitamin D (1mk)

Iodine (1mk)

5. Explain how birds of prey are adapted to obtaining their food. (2mks)

6. Explain biological principles behind the preservation of meat by;

i) Salting

ii) Refrigeration

iii) Canning (3mks)

7. State one similarity and one difference between parasitic and predatory modes of

feeding (3mks)

8. In an investigation, the pancreatic duct of a mammal was blocked. It was found

that the blood sugar regulation remained normal while food digestion was

impaired. Explain these observations. (3mks)

9. Give a reason why lack of roughage in diet often leads to constipation.

10. a) What does the term digestion mean? (2mks)

b) Describe how the mammalian small intestine is adapted to its

function. (18mks)

11. State the role of vitamin C in humans. (2mks)

12. a) Distinguish between the terms homodont and heterodont. (1mk)

b) What is the function of carnasial teeth? (1mk)

c) A certain animal has no incisors, no canines, 6 premolars and 6

molars in its upper jaw, in the lower jaw there are 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6

premolars and 6 molars. Write its dental formula.

13. a) State two functions of bile juice in the digestion of food.

(2mks)

b) How does substrate concentration affects the rate of enzyme

action? (1mk)

14. Name the end-products of the light stage in photosynthesis. (2mks)

15. The diagram below represents a section through a human tooth.

 a) i) Name the type of tooth shown.

ii) Give a reason for your answer in (a) (i) above. (1mk)

b) State a factor that denatures enzymes. (1mk)

16. a) Name a fat soluble vitamin manufactured by the human body.

(1mk)

b) State two functions of potassium ions in the human body.

(2mks)

17. a) The action of ptyalin stops at the stomach. Explain. (1mk)

b) State a factor that denatures enzymes. (1mk)

c) Name the features that increase the surface area of small intestines.

(2mks)

18 Define the following terms (5mks)

a) Ingestion

b) Digestion

c) Absorption

d) Assimilation

e) Egestion
19 Explain the role of the following organs in the digestion of food in a mammal.

a) Salivary glands

b) Pancrease

c) Liver (3mks)

20 State any three functions of the mucus, which is secreted along the wall of the alimentary

canal. (3mks)

21. Explain why the digestion of starch stops after food enters the stomach. (3mks)

22. Give an account of the adaptation of a named herbivore to its mode of feeding.

(3mks)

23. What are the contents of gastric juice and what is their role in digestion. (6mks)

24. Liver damage leads to impaired digestion of fats . Explain the statement.

(3mks)

25. For each of the following nutrients give one example of a good source and one example of

its role in the body.

Nutrient Food source Role in the body

Vitamin A

Iron

Iodine

Vitamin D

Protein

(10mks)
TRANSPORT IN PLANTS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. In an experiment, a leafy shoot was set up in a photometer and kept in a dark

room for 2 hours. The set up was then transferred to a well-lit room for 2 hours.

a) What was the aim of this experiment? (1mk)

b) Explain the results which would be expected in each of the two

experiments conditions. (3mks)

2. Explain how drooping of leaves on a hot sunny day is advantageous to plant.

(2mks)

3. Explain how environmental factors affect the rate of transpiration in flowering

plants. (20mks)

4. The diagram below represents a transverse section of a young stem.

a) Name the parts labeled A and B (2mks)

A___________________
 B____________________

b) State the functions of the parts labeled C, D and E

C________________

D_______________

E_______________

c) List three differences between the section shown above and one

that would be obtained from the root of the same plant (3mks)

5. The diagram below represents the pathway of water from soil into the plant.

a) Name the structures labeled K and L

K_______________

L_______________ (2mks)

b) Explain how water from the soil reaches the structure labeled L.

(5mks)

c) Name the process by which mineral salts enter into the plant.

(1mk)

6. State two ways in which xylem are adapted to their function. (2mks)
7. What makes young herbaceous plant remain upright? (2mks)

8. The diagram below represents part of phloem tissue

a) Name the structures labeled R and S and a cell labeled T.

R ___________________

S ___________________

Cell T ___________________ (3mks)

b) State the function of the structure labeled S. (1mk)

c) Explain why xylem is a mechanical tissue (2mks)

9. Name the

a) Material that strengthens xylem tissue. (1mk)

b) Tissue that is removed when the bark of a dicotyledonous plant is ringed.

(1mk)

10. How are xylem vessels adapted for support? (1mk)

11. What is the role of vascular bundles in plant nutrition? (3mks)

12. a) Name two tissues which are thickened with lignin. (2mks)

b) How is support attained in herbaceous plant? (1mk)

13. The diagram below represents a transverse section through a plant organ.

a) From which plant organ was the section obtained? (1mk)

b) Give two reasons for your answer in (a) above. (2mks)

c) Name the parts labeled J, K and L (3mks)

J__________________________________

K_________________________________

L_________________________________

d) State two functions of the part labeled M. (2mks)

14. Describe how water moves from the soil to the leaves in a tree. (20mks)

15. State two ways in which the root hairs are adapted to their function.

(2mks)

16. The diagram below represents a plant tissue.

17. In an experiment to determine the effect of ringing on the concentration of sugar

in phloem, a ring of bark from the stem of a tree was cut and removed. The

amount of sugar in grammes per 16cm3 piece of bark above the ring was

measured over a 24 hour period. Sugar was also measure in the bark of a similar

stem of a tree which was not ringed. The results are shown in the table below
 Among of sugar in grammes per 16 cm3 piece of bark

Time of the day Normal stem Ringed stem

06 45 0.78 0.78

09 45 0.80 0.91

12 45 0.81 1.01

15 45 0.80 1.04

18 45 0.77 1.00

21 45 0.73 0.95

00 45 0.65 0.88

a) Using the same axes, plot a graph of the amount of sugar against time

(6mks)

b) At what time was the amount of sugar highest in the;

i) Ringed stem (1mk)

ii) Normal stem (1mk)

c) How much sugar would be in the rigged stem if it was measured at 03 45

hours. (2mks)

d) Give reasons why there was sugar in the stems of both trees at 06 45 hours.

(2mks)

e) Account for the shape of the graph for the tree with ringed stem between:

i) 06 45 hours and 15 45 hours (3mks)

ii) 15 45 hours and 00 45 hours (2mks)

 f) Other than sugars name two compounds that are translocated in phloem.

(2mks)

18. Explain why plants shed off their leaves. (2mks)

19. a) What is the importance of transpiration to plants?

b) Give adaptive features which enable a plant to reduce the loss of

water.
TRANSPORT IN ANIMALS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. People can die when they inhale gases from burning charcoal in poorly ventilated

rooms. What compound is formed in the human body that leads to such deaths?

(1mk)

2. Explain why blood from a donor whose blood group is A cannot be transfused

into a recipient whose blood group is B. (2mks)

3. State one difference between closed and open circulatory systems. (1mk)

4. a) Give an example of a phylum where all members have

i) Open circulatory system

ii) Closed circulatory system (2mks)

b) What are the advantages of the closed circulatory system over the

open circulatory system? (5mks)

5. Explain two ways in which mammalian erythrocytes (red blood cells) are adapted

to their function (2mks)

6. a) i) Name the blood vessels that link arterioles with venules.

(1mk)

ii) Explain four ways in which the vessels you named in (a)

above are suited to carrying out their functions. (4mks)

b) State two ways in which the composition of blood in the

pulmonary arterioles differ from that in the pulmonary venules.

(2mks)
7. Why would carboxyhaemoglobin lead to death? (2mks)

8. Explain how the red blood cells of mammals are adapted for efficient transport of

oxygen. (2mks)

9. The chart below is a summary of the blood clotting mechanism in man.

Name

i) The blood cells represented by X

ii) Metal ion represented by Y

iii) The end product of the mechanism represented Z

10. a) How can excess bleeding result in death? (2mks)

b) Name the process by which the human body naturally stops

bleeding. (1mk)

c) How can low blood volume be brought back to normal? (2mks)

11. a) Name one defect of the circulatory system in humans. (1mk)

b) State three functions of blood other than transport. (3mks)

12. a) What prevents blood in veins from flowing backwards? (1mk)

 b) State two ways in which the red blood cells are adapted to their

function. (2mks)

13. State one way by which HIV/AIDS is transmitted from mother to child.

(1mk)

14. Explain how the various components of blood are adapted for their function.

(20mks)

15. Distinguish between blood, plasma, serum, tissue fluid and lymph.

(10mks)

16. a) A patient whose blood group is A died shortly after receiving

blood from a person of blood group B. Explain the possible cause of

death of the patient. (2mks)

b) A person of blood group AB requires a transfusion.

i) Name the blood groups of the possible donors (2mks)

ii) Give reasons for your answer in (i) above. (2mks)

17. Differentiate between active immunity and passive immunity. (2mks)

18. Explain why a person can catch a cold several times in a year but only catches

measles once in his or her lifetime. (2mks)

19. Most carbon dioxide is transported from tissues to the lungs within the red blood

cells and not in the blood plasma. Give two advantages of this mode of transport.

(2mks)

20. What is the importance of tissue fluid? (2mks)

GASEOUS EXCHANGE

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. Discuss how gaseous exchange occurs in

a) Terrestrial Insects (9mks)

b) Bony fish (11mks)

2. a) Explain how mammalian lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange.

(8mks)

b) Describe how carbon dioxide is produced by

i) Respiring muscle cells reaches the alveolar cavities in

mammalian lungs.

ii) Respiring mesophyll cells of flowering plants reaches the

atmosphere. (12 mks)

3. a) Describe the path taken by carbon dioxide released from the tissues

of an insect to the atmosphere.

b) Name two structures used for gaseous exchange in plants. (2mks)

4. Why are gills in fish highly vascularized? (1mk)

5. Describe the

a) Process of inhalation in mammals. (10 mks)

b) Mechanism of opening and closing of stomata (10 mks)

6. Name three sites where gaseous exchange takes place in terrestrial plants.

(3mks)

7. How is aerenchyma tissue adapted to its function? (2mks)

8. The diagram below represents a part of the rib cage.

 a) Name parts labeled W, Y and Z.

b) How does the part labeled Z facilitates breathing in? (1mk)

9. State two ways in which floating leaves of aquatic plants are adapted to gaseous

exchange. (2mks)

10. a) Name two structures for gaseous exchange in aquatic plants.

(2mks)

b) What is the effect of contraction of the diaphragm muscles during

breathing in mammals? (3mks)

11. The diagram below represents some gaseous exchange structures in humans.

a) Name the structure labeled K, L and M (3mks)

b) How is the structure labeled J suited to its functions? (3mks)

 c) Name the process by which inhaled air moves from the structure

labeled L into blood capillaries. (1mk)

d) Give the scientific name of the organism that causes tuberculosis in

humans. (1mk)

12 State three factors that make alveolus adapted to its function. (3mks)

13. Explain how the alveoli are ventilated.

14. Explain why water logging of the soil may lead to death in plants. (2mks)

15. Write three advantages of breathing through nose than through mouth.

(3mks)

16. State and explain ways the leaves are adapted for gaseous exchange

(4mks)

17. Name three gaseous constituents involved in gaseous exchange in plants.

(3mks)

18. Name three sites of gaseous exchange in frogs. (3mks)

19. Name the main site of gaseous exchange in

a) Mammals

b) Fish

c) Leaves

d) Amoeba (4mks)

20. Name the physiological process by which gas exchange takes place at the

respiratory surface in animals and plants (1mk)

RESPIRATION

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. The diagram below shows a set up that was used to demonstrate fermentation.

Glucose solution was boiled and oil added on top of it. The glucose solution was then allowed to

cool before adding the yeast suspension.

a) Why was the glucose solution boiled before adding the yeast

suspension? (1mk)

b) What was the importance of cooling the glucose solution before

adding the yeast suspension? (1mk)

c) What was the use of the oil in the experiment? (1mk)

d) What observation would be made in test tube B at the end of the

experiment (1mk)

e) Suggest a control for this experiment (1mk)

2. Give two reasons why accumulation of lactic acid during vigorous exercise lead

to an increase in heart beat. (2mks)

3. A process that occurs in plants is represented by the equation below.

C6H12O6 2C2 H5OH) + (2CO2) + Energy

 Glucose Ethanol Carbon Dioxide

a) Name the process (1mk)

b) State the economic importance of process name in (a) above.

(1mk)

4. Other than carbon dioxide, name the other products of anaerobic respiration in

plants. (2mks)

5. Name the substance which accumulates in muscles when respiration occurs with

insufficient oxygen. (1mk)

6. a) In what form is energy stored in muscles? (1mk)

b) State the economic importance of anaerobic respiration in plants.

(2mks)

7. State four ways in which respiratory surfaces are suited to their function.

(4mks)

8. a) A dog weighing 15.2kg requires 216kJ while a mouse weighing

50g requires 2736KJ per day. Explain. (2mks)

b) What is the end product of respiration in animals when there is

insufficient oxygen supply? (1mk)

9 a) Name the products of anaerobic respiration in:

i) Plants (1mk)

ii) Animals (1mk)

b) What is oxygen debt? (1mk)

10. 5C51H98O6 + 145O2 1 O2CO2 + 98 H2O + energy

The above equation shows an oxidation reaction of food substances.

 a) What do you understand by the term respiratory quotient? (1mk)

b) Determine respiratory quotient of the oxidation of food substance.

(2mks)

c) Identify the food substances. (1mk)

11 Write differences between aerobic respiration and photosynthesis. (4mks)

12. Below is a diagram of an organelle that is involved in aerobic respiration.

a) Name the organelle (1mk)

b) Name the parts labeled A, B, and C. (3mks)

c) What is the purpose of the folding labeled D? (1mk)

d) Give the chemical compound which is formed in the organelle and

forms the immediate source of energy.

EXCRETION AND HOMEOSTASIS

PAST K.C.S.E QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. In an investigation the pancreatic duct of a mammal was blocked. It was found that the

blood sugar regulation remained normal while food digestion was impaired. Explain

these observations. ( 2 marks)

2. (a) Explain why the body temperature of a healthy human being must rise up

to 390c on a humid day. (2 marks)

(b) In an experiment a piece of brain was removed from rat. It was found that

the rat had large fluctuations of body temperatures suggest the part of the brain

that had been removed. ( 1 mark)

3. (a) Explain why sweat accumulates on a person’s skin in a hot humid

Environment. (2 marks)

(b) Name the specific part of the brain that triggers sweating.

( 1 marks)

4. Explain why some desert animals excrete uric acid rather than ammonia.

(2 marks)

5. State the role of the following hormones in the body

(a) Insulin (3 marks)

(b) Antidiuretic Hormone (3 marks)

6. What osmoregulatory changes would take place in a marine amoeba if it was transferred

to a fresh water environment?

7. Name two components of blood that are not present in glomerular filtrate.

( 2 marks)
8. How would one find out from a sample of urine whether a person is suffering from

diabetes mellitus? (2 marks)

9. When is glycogen, which is stored in the liver, converted into glucose and released into

the blood? ( 2 marks)

10. A person was found to pass out large volumes of dilute urine frequently. Name the

(a) Diseases the person was suffering from (1 marks)

(b) Hormone that was deficient (1 mark)

11. State the importance of osmoregulation in organisms ( 2 marks)

12. What happens to excess fatty acids and glycerol in the body? (2 marks)

13. Give reasons for each of the following

(a) Constant body temperature is maintained in mammals ( 1 mark)

(b) Low blood sugar level is harmful to the body ( 2 marks)

14. The temperature of a person taken before during and after taking a cold bath. The results

are shown in the graph

(a) Explain why the temperature fell during the bath ( 2 marks)

(b) What changes appeared in the skin that enabled the body temperature to return to
 normal. (2 marks)

15. (a) Name the fluid that is produced by sebaceous glands (1 mark)

(b) What is the role of sweat on the human skin? ( 2 marks)

16. State the role of insulin in the human body? ( 1 mark)

17. Describe how the human kidney functions. ( 20 marks)

18. (a) What is the meaning of the following terms:

(i) Homeostasis ( 1 mark)

(ii) Osmoregulation ( 1 mark)

19. (a) Explain what happens to excess amino acids in the liver of humans.

( 3 marks)

(b) Which portions of the human nephrons are only found in the cortex?

( 3 marks)

(c) (i) What would happen if a person produced less antidiuretic hormone?

( 1 mark)

(ii) What term is given to the condition described in (c) (i) above?

( 1 mark)

20. Define the following terms

(a) Excretion

(b) Secretion

(c) Egestion ( 3 marks)

21. Name the components of blood that do not enter the renal tubule in mammals
 (2 marks)

22. The table below shows the approximate percent concentration of various components in

blood plasma entering the kidney glomerular filtrate and urine of a healthy human being.

Component Plasma Glomerular Urine Filtrate

Water 90 90 94

Glucose 0.1 0.1 0

Amino Acids 0.05 0.05 0

Plasma proteins 8.0 0 0

Urea 0.03 0.03 2.0

In organic ions 0.72 0.72 1.5

(b) Name the process responsible for the formation of glomerular filtrate.

(c) What process is responsible for the absence of glucose and amino acids in urine?

(d) Explain why there are no plasma proteins in the glomerular filtrate

(e) Besides plasma proteins what other major component of blood is absent in the glomerular

filtrate.

(f) Why is the concentration of urea in urine much higher than its concentration in the

glomerular filtrate?

23. When the environmental temperature is very high, some animals urinate on their legs or

lick the sides of their body. How does this help in temperature regulation?

24. Fish are able to use more of their food intake for growth than mammals. Suggest an
 explanation for this.

25. Explain the term negative feedback

26. Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) Name the blood vessels labeled A, B and C.

(b) If the animals has recently fed on a diet which is rich in proteins and

carbohydrates in which of the vessels labeled A, B, and C would you expect to find the

highest concentration of:

(i) Glucose

(ii) Amino acids

(iii) Carbon (IV) oxide

(iv) Oxygen

(v) Urea

(c) During fasting, the level of blood glucose in vessels C may be higher than the level in

vessel B explain

FORM 3 WORK
CLASSIFICATION II

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. State two ways in which some fungi are harmful to man ( 2 marks)

2. The diagram below represents a fern

Name

(a) Parts labeled A and B ( 2 marks)

(b) The division which the plant belongs ( 1 mark)

3. An organism with an exoskeleton, segmented body, two pairs of legs per segment, a pair

of eyes and a pair of eyes and a pair of short antennae belongs to the phylum

( 1 mark)

4. When are two organisms considered to belong to the same species? ( 2 marks)

5. A student caught an animal which had the following characteristics;

- Body divided into two parts

- Simple eyes

- Eight legs

The animal belongs to the class ( 1 mark)

6. Below is a list of organisms, which belong to classes insecta, myriapoda and arachnida.

Tick, centipede, praying mantis, tsetse fly. Millipede and spider. Place the organisms in

their respective classes in the table below. Give reasons in each case.

Class Organisms Reasons

Insecta

Myriapoda

Arachnida

7. State two characteristics features of members of division bryophyte

( 2 marks)

8. State two ways in which some fungi are beneficial to humans ( 2 marks)

9. Other than having many features in common state the other characteristics of species

( 1 mark)

10. Beside the abdomen, name the other body part of members of arachnida

( 1 mark)

11. Name the phylum whose members possess notochord. ( 1 mark)

12. Name the class in the phylum arthropoda which has the largest number of individuals

( 1 mark)

13. To which class does an animal with two body parts and four pairs of legs belong?

( 1 mark)

14. (a) Name two organisms that cause food spoilage ( 2 marks)

(b) Name two methods of food preservation and for each state the biological

principal behind it. ( 2 marks)

15. (a) List two characteristics that mammals share with birds ( 2 marks)

(b) State two major characteristics that are unique to mammals ( 2 marks)

16. What two characteristics distinguish animals in phylum chordata? ( 2 marks)

17. The diagram below shows a plant

(a) Name the parts labeled A and B (2 marks)

(b) Name the division to which the plant belongs ( 1 mark)

(c) Which is the dominant generation of the plant in the diagram? (1 mark)

(d) State three characteristics of the organisms in the division named (b)

above?

18. What three characteristics are used to divide the arthropods into classes?

( 3 marks)

19. (a) Write two differences between algae and fungi ( 2 marks)

(b) Give the economic importance of algae ( 1 mark)

20. (a) What is alteration of generations? ( 3 marks)

(b) Name two divisions in plant kingdom that shows alternation of generation

( 2 marks)
21. (a) A millipede, grasshopper and crayfish all belong to phylum arthropoda.

Mention three major characteristics that they have in common. (3 marks)

(b) The specific name of Irish potato is solanum Tuberrasum

(i) Identify two errors that have been made when writing the name

(ii) What is the species name of Irish potato?

(c) An ecologist came across a plant with the following characteristics, green in

colour, non- flowering, compound leaves and sori on the underside of the leaflets.

State the probable division of the plant. ( 1 mark)

22. An organism with an exoskeleton, segmented body, two pairs of legs per segment, a pair

of eyes and a pair of short antennae belongs to the class ( 1 mark)

23. List the main characteristics that are used to sub- divide arthropods into classes

( 2 marks

24. Name the main method of reproduction among bacteria. ( 1 mark)

ECOLOGY

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. State how excessive use of pesticides may affect soil fertility

2. The graph below represents a population growth of a certain herbivore in a grassland

ecosystem over a period of time.

Suggest three factors that could have caused the population change between C and D

( 3 marks)

3. A biologist carried out a study to investigate the growth of a certain species of

herbivorous bony fish and the factors influencing plant and animal life in four lakes A,

B, C and D. The lakes were located in the same geographical area.

Two of the lakes A and B were found to contain hard water due to presence of high

content of calcium slats. The mean body length of 2 year old fish, amount of plant life

and invertebrates biomass in each lake were determines. The data was as shown in
Lakes Mean body length (cm) Type of Amount of Invertebrate biomass (g/cm3)

water plant life Insects Snails Crabs Worms

A 31.2 Hard 1050 11 300 10 180

B 28.6 Hard 950 72 100 9 90

C 18.4 Soft 1.2 97 0 2 20

D 16.3 Soft 0.5 99 0 1 10

(a) Describe the procedure that may have been used to determine the mean body

length of the fish ( 6 marks)

(b) What are the likely reasons for the difference in the mean body length of the fish

living in lakes A and D? ( 4 marks)

(c) Suggest one reason for the absence of snails in lakes C and D?

( 1 mark)

(d) (i) Name any six abiotic (physical) factors that are likely to influence

the plant and animal life in lake A. ( 3 marks)

(ii) Explain how each of the factors named in (i) may influence the plant and

animals life in Lake A. ( 6 marks)

4. During an ecological study of a lake a group of students recorded the following

observations.

(i) Planktonic crustaceans feed on planktonic algae

(ii) Small fish feed on planktonic crustaceans worms and insect larvae

(iii) Worms feed on insect larvae

 (iv) Bird species feeds on small fish planktonic crustaceans and worms

(v) Insect larvae feed on small fish

(a) From this record of observations construct a feed web (5 marks)

(b) From the food web you have constructed in (a) above isolate and write down a

food chain that ends with

(i) Bird species as a secondary consumer (1 mark)

(ii) Large fish as tertiary consumer (1 mark)

(c) The biomass of the producers in the lake was found to be greater than that of

primary consumers. Give an explanation for this observation? (1 mark)

(d) Using either the observations recorded by the students or the food web you have

constructed name (1 mark)

(i) Two organisms that compete for food in the lake. (2 marks)

(ii) The source of food the organisms in d (i) above compete for

( 1 mark)

(e) (i) State three ways by which many may interfere with this lake

ecosystem ( 3 marks)

(ii) Explain how each of the ways you have states may affect life in the

lake? ( 6 marks)
5. In an investigation, a student collected two plants A and B. Plant A had hairy leaves and

epidermis. Leaves of plant B

(i) Plant A ( 1 mark)

(ii) Plant B ( 1 mark)

6. An investigation was carried out between 1964 and 1973 to study the changes of fish

population in a certain small lake. Four species of fish A, B, C and D were found to live

in this lake. In 1965 a factory was built near the lake and was found to discharge hot

water into the lake raising the average temperature from 250C to 300C. In 1967 sewage

and industrial waste from a nearby town was diverted into the lake was stopped. The fish

population during the period of investigation is shown in the table below.

Fish species Fish populations during the period

1964 1966 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973

A 6102 223 26 106 660 4071 7512

B 208 30 11 22 63 311 405

C 36 100 0 0 0 0 0

D 4521 272 23 27 79 400 617

(a) (i) In which year were the fish populations lowest?

(ii) State the factors that might have caused the lowest fish populations during the

year you have stated in (a) (i) above ( 3 marks)

(iii) Explain how each factor you have stated in (a) (ii) above could have brought

about the changes in fish populations (11 marks)

(b) (i) What is the difference in the rate of population recovery of species A and

D? (1 mark)
 (ii) Suggest two biological factors that could have led to this difference

(2 marks)

(c) (i) State a method that might have been used to estimate the fish population

in the lake ( 1 mark)

(ii) State one disadvantage of the method you have stated in (c) (i) above

( 1 mark)

7. Industrial wastes may contain metallic pollutants. State how such pollutants may

indirectly reach and accumulate in the human body if the wastes were dumped into

rivers.

8. State three measures that can betaken to control infection of man by protozoan parasites

( 3 marks)

9. The chart below shows a feeding relationship in a certain ecosystem

Green plants Hawks

(a) Construct two food chains ending with a tertiary consumer in each case (2 marks)
(b) Which organisms has the largest variety of predators in the food web? (1 mark)

(c) Name secondary consumers in the food web ( 2 marks)

(d) Suggest three ways in which the ecosystem would be affected if there was prolonged

drought ( 3 marks)

10. To estimate the population size of crabs in a certain lagoon, traps were laid at random.

400 crabs were caught, marked and released back into the lagoon. Four days later, traps

were laid again and 374 crabs were caught. Out of the 374 crabs, 80 were found to have

been marked.

(a) Calculate the population size of the crabs in the lagoon using the formula below

N=nxM

Where

N= Total population of crabs in the lagoon

n= Total number of crabs in the second catch

M= Number marked crabs during the first catch

M= Number of marked crabs in the second catch. ( 2 marks)

(b) State two assumptions that were made during the investigation ( 2 marks)

(b) What is the name given to this method of estimating the population size?

( 1 mark)

11. The figure below represents a feeding relationship in an ecosystem

 Termites

Gazelles Leopards

(a) Write down the food chains in which the guinea fowls are secondary consumers

( 1 mark)

(b) What would be the short term effects on the eco- system of lions invaded the area?

( 3 marks)

(c) Name the organisms through which energy from the sun enters the food web.

( 1 mark)

12. The diagram below represents a simplified nitrogen cycle

(a) Name the organisms that causes processes E and J ( 2 marks)

(b) Name the processes represented by F and H (2 marks)

(c) Name the group of organisms represented by c (i)

13. (a) Distinguish between a community and a population (2 marks)

(b) Describe how a population of grasshopper in a given area can be estimated

(5 marks)

14. Explain how the various activities of man have caused pollution of air ( 20 marks)

15. Explain how birds of prey are adapted to obtaining their food ( 2 marks)

16. (a) Name the crop infested by phytophthora infestants and the disease it

causes

Crop -

Disease -

(b) State four control measures against the diseases ( 4 marks)

17. Explain why the carrying capacity for wild animals is higher than for cattle in a given

piece of land ( 2 marks)

18. (a) What is meant by

(i) Autecology ( 1 mark)

(ii) Synecology ( 1 mark)

(b) The number and distribution of stomata on three different leaves are shown in

the table below

 Leaf Number of stomata

Upper epidermis Lower Epidermis

A 300 0

B 150 200

C 02 13

Suggest the possible habitat of the plants from which the leaves were obtained.

( 3 marks)

Leaf Habitat

A ____________________

B ____________________

C ____________________

(c) State the modification found in the stomata of leaf C

19. After an ecological study of feeding relationships students constructed the food web

below
 Large birds

Bird J Bird K Bird L Bird M Bird N

Small fish Mussels Snails

Zooplankton
Algae Green plants

(a) Name the process through which energy from the sun is incorporated into the food web

( 1 mark)

(b) State the mode of feeding of the birds in the food web (1 mark)

(c) Name two ecosystem in which the organisms in the food web live( 2 marks)

(d) From the information in the food web construct a food chain with the large bird as a

quarter – nary consumer ( 1 mark)

(e) What would happen to the organisms in the food web if bird N migrated?

(f) Not all energy from one trophic level is available to the next level. Explain

( 3 marks)

(g) (i) Two organisms, which display a role in the ecosystems, are not included

in the food web. Name them. ( 1 mark)

(ii) State the role played by the organisms named g (i) above. (1 mark)
(h) (i) State three human activities that would affect the ecosystems ( 3 marks)

(ii) How would the activities stated in h (i) above affect the ecosystems?

( 3 marks)

20. How is aerenchyma tissue adapted to its functions? ( 2 marks)

21. Explain how abiotic factors affect plants ( 20 marks)

22. What is the importance of the following in an ecosystem? ( 3 marks)

(a) Decomposers

(b) Predation

23. Chart below represents a simplified nitrogen cycle

What is represented by X, Y and Z? ( 3 marks)

24.

(a) Distinguish between pyramid of numbers and pyramid of Biomass

( 2 marks)

(b) Give three reasons for loss of energy from one trophic level to another in a food

chain. ( 3 marks)

(c) Describe how the belt transect can be used in estimating the population of a shrub

in a grassland ( 2 marks)

25.

(a) Distinguish between population and community ( 2 marks)

(b) Name a method that could be used to estimate the population size of the

following organisms

(i) Fish in a pond ( 1 mark)

(ii) Black jack in a garden ( 1 mark)

26.

State two ways in which schistosoma species is adapted to parasitic mode of life
27.

Describe causes and methods of controlling water pollution ( 20 marks)

28. (a) What is biological control of population growth? ( 2 marks)

(b) Describe one example where biological control has been used successfully

( 2 marks)

(c) Explain why the number of predators in nay ecosystem is less than the number of

their prey ( 1 mark)

29. Suggest reasons to account for the following observations.

(b) Antelopes are more commonly found in open grassland while giraffe while

giraffes are commonly found in wooded areas. ( 2 marks)

(b) In the savannah there is a wider variety of herbivores in wooded areas than in

open grassland ( 1 mark)

(c) Removal of predators for an herbivore may in the long run lead to a decrease in

its population

30. Explain why primary productivity decreases with depth in aquatic environments.

( 2 marks)

31. The following is a simplified drawing of nitrogen cycle.

 (a) Identify the compound named A ( 1 mark)

(b) Name the processes

X _________________

Y _________________

Z _________________

(c) In what form is nitrogen found in plants and animals?

32. An investigation was carried out to study the type of food eaten by birds found in forest

and savannah in a certain area. The table below compares the feeding habitats of the

birds found in a closed forest area and an open dry savannah of the area.

Diet Percentage of birds

 Forest Savannah

Insects only 60 50

Vertebrates 10 10

Seeds 5 20

Fruits 25 10

Other plant materials 5 5

Number 120 60

(a) Work out the difference in the number of bird species the feed on:

(i) Fruits found in forest and savannah ( 2 marks)

(ii) Seed found in forest and savannah ( 2 marks)

(b) State two factors that may cause this difference in (a) above ( 2 marks)

(c) In another investigation two vertebrate species from the savannah were counted and

recorded on monthly basis as shown below.

 Year Month Species A Species B

1998 July 96 240

1998 August 79 590

1998 September 75 900

1998 October 87 750

1998 November - 230

1998 December 99 80

1998 January 129 200

1998 February 96 330

1998 March 99 300

1998 April 79 320

1998 May 135 90

1998 June 104 450

(i) Which species show more fluctuation in numbers? ( 1 mark)

(ii) Suggest an explanation of this ( 3 marks)

(d) Suggest two ways by which the savannah environment can be destroyed and how

it can be conserved ( 4 marks)

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. At what stage of mitosis do chromosomes replicate to form daughter chromatid?

( 1 mark)

2. Fill in the blank spaces in the statement below

After fertilization of an ovule _________ develops into a testa and _________ develops

into a testa and _____________ develops into endosperm. ( 2 marks)

3. State the difference between the composition of maternal blood entering the placenta and

material blood leaving the placenta ( 3 marks)

4. After four months of pregnancy the ovaries of a woman can be removed without

terminating pregnancy. However during the first four months of pregnancy the ovaries

must remain intact if pregnancy is to be maintained. Explain these observations

( 3 marks)

5. Name two mechanisms that prevent self pollination in flowers that have both male and

female parts ( 2 marks)

6. State three characteristics that ensure cross pollination takes place in flowering plants

( 3 marks)

7. Give a reason why it is necessary for frogs to lay many eggs ( 1 mark)

8. A flower was found to have the following characteristics

- Inconspicuous petals

- Long feathery stigma

- Small light pollen grains

(a) What is the likely agent of pollination of the flower? ( 1 mark)

 (b) What is the significance of the long feathery stigma in the flower ( 1 mark)

9. State two ways by which the human Immuno Deficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted other

than sexual intercourse? ( 2 marks)

10. Explain why sexual reproduction is important in organisms ( 3 marks)

11. State two disadvantages of self- pollination ( 2 marks)

12. The chart below shows the number of chromosomes before and after cell division and

fertilization in a mammal.

2n 2n
z z
n n n n

2n

n n

(a) What type of cell division takes place at Z? ( 1 mark)

(b) Where in the body of a female does process Z occur? ( 1 mark)

(c) On the chart indicate the position of parent and gametes ( 2 marks)

13. (a) What is meant by the terms

(i) Epigynous flower ( 1 mark)

(ii) Staminate flower (1 mark)

(b) How are the male parts of wind- pollinated flowers adapted to their function?

( 4 marks)

14. Name the part of a flower that developed into:

(a) Seed ( 1 mark)

 (b) Fruit ( 1 mark)

15. (a) State two processes which occur during anaphase of mitosis ( 2 marks)

(b) What is the significance of meiosis? (2 marks)

16. (a) Explain how the following prevents self- pollination:

(i) Protoandry ( 1 mark)

(ii) Self- sterility ( 1 mark)

(b) Give three advantages of cross- pollination ( 3 marks)

17. The diagram below represents a human foetus in a uterus

(a) Name the part labeled S ( 1 mark)

(b) (i) Name the types of blood vessels found in the structure labeled Q

( 2 marks)

(ii) State the difference in composition of blood in the vessels named (b) (i) above

( 2 marks)

(c) Name two features that enable the structure labeled P carry out its function

( 2 mark)

(d) State the role of the part labeled R ( 1 mark)

18. The diagram below represents a stage during cell division

(a) (i) Identify the stage of cell division ( 1 mark)

(ii) Give three reasons for your answer (a) (i) above ( 2 marks)

(b) Name the structure labeled M ( 1 mark)

19. State two disadvantages of sexual reproduction in animals ( 2 marks)

20.

(a) What is meant by the following terms?

(i) Protandry ( 1 mark)

(ii) Self- sterility ( 1 mark)

(b) The diagram below shows a stage during fertilization in plant

 (i) Name the parts labeled Q, R, and S ( 3 marks)

(ii) State two functions of the pollen tube ( 2 marks)

(c) On the diagram, label the micropyle ( 1 mark)

21. (a) Describe how insect pollinated flowers are adopted to pollination

( 6 marks)

(b) Describe the role of each of the following hormones in the human menstrual

cycle.

(i) Oestrogen

(ii) Progesterone

(iii) Luteinizing hormone ( 3 marks)

22. Describe the role of hormones in the human menstrual cycle (20 marks)

23. What part does the placenta play in the

(i) Nutrition of the embryo

(ii) Protection of the embryo ( 4 marks)

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

PAST KCSE QUESTION ON THE TOPIC

1. Explain why several auxiliary buds sprout when a terminal bud in a young tree is

removed.

2. Account for loss in dry weight of cotyledons in a germinating bean seed.

3. What is the effect of gibberellins on shoots of plants?

4. A student set up an experiment as shown in the diagram below

The set up was left at room temperature for a week

(a) What was the aim of the experiment?

(b) What would be the expected results at the end of the experiment?

5. State two advantages of metamorphosis to the life of insects

6. During germination and early growth, the dry weight of endosperm decreases while that

of the embryo increases. Explain

7. In an experiment, a group of student set up four glass jars as shown in the diagram below

jar A, B and C were maintained at 250C for 7 days. While Jar D was maintained at 00 c

for the same period of time.

(a) What was this set up supposed to investigate?

(b) Why was pyrogallic acid included in glass jar A?

(c) Explain why glass jar C and D were included in the experiment

(d) What result would you expect in glass jar A and B at the end of the experiment?

(e) State two artificial ways of breaking seed dormancy

8. Removal of the apical bud from the shrub is a practice that results in the development of

the lateral buds which later from the branches.

(a) Give reasons for the development of the lateral braches after the removal of the apical

bud

(b) Suggest one application of this practice

(c) What is the importance of this practice?

9. In an experiment some germination seeds were placed in large airtight flask and left for

four days

(a) Suggest the expected changes in the composition of gases in the flask on the fifth day

(b) Give four reasons for your answer in (a) above

(c) Name two factors that cause dormancy in seeds

10. (a) Distinguish between epigeal and hypogeal germination ( 1 mark)

(b) Why is oxygen necessary in the germination of seeds? ( 2 marks)

11. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of hormones on growth of lateral
 buds of three pea plants

The shoots were treated as follows:

Shoot A- Apical bud was removed

Shoot B – Apical bud was removed and gibberellic acid placed on the cut shoot

Shoot C- Apical bud was left intact.

The length of the branches developing from the lateral buds were determines at regular

intervals

The results obtained are as shown in the table below

Time (days) Length of branches in mm

Shoot A Shoot B Shoot C

0 3 3 3

2 10 12 3

4 28 48 8

6 50 90 14

8 80 120 20

10 118 152 26

(a) Using the same axes, draw graphs to show the length of branches against time

( 8 marks)

(b) (i) What was the length of the branch in shoot B on the 7th day? ( 1 mark)

(ii) What would be the expected length of the branch developing from shoot A on the

11th day? ( 1 mark)

(c) Account for the results obtained in the experiment ( 6 marks)

(d) Why was shoot C included in the experiment? ( 1 mark)

 (e) What is the importance of gibberallic acid in agriculture? ( 1 mark)

(f) State two physiological processes that are brought about by the application of gibberellic

acid on plants. ( 2 marks)

12. (a) State tow environmental conditions that can cause seed dormancy

(b) Name the part of a bean seed that elongates to bring about epigeal germination

( 1 mark)

13. (a) “True growth is not simply an increase in size” State four different ways in which

true may be defined.

(b) State two external factors, which influence growth in plants and describe one

effect of each.

(c) Fill in the spaces in the following table, which refers to hormones involved in

growth processes.

Name hormone Site of hormone production Effect

Thyroid gland

Maturation of Graafin follicles

Auxins

Gibberellins

14. Seedling from 100g of maize seed was grown in the dark for 10 days. The seedlings

were then analyzed and compared with 100g of ingeminated maize. The following results

were obtained.

Dry mass of ingeminated Dry mass of seedling after

 seeds 10 days

Cellulose 2g 5g

Starch 63g 9g

Other organic 13g 27g

Material Ash 2g 4g

Total dry mass 80g 45g

(a) Why is dry mass used for comparison?

(b) How would one ensure that the drying process had been completed

(c) Account for the decrease in the total dry mass of the seedlings

(d) Why did the seedling contain more cellulose than the underminated seeds?

(e) What is the most likely source of the carbon used to form this new cellulose?
GENETICS

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON TOPICS

1. The figure below is a structural diagram of a portion from a nucleic acid strand.

--- S --- P --- S --- P --- S --- P --- S

C G U C

(a) Giving a reason, name the nucleic acid to which the portion belongs.

( 2 marks)

Name _________________________

Reason _________________________

(b) Write down the sequence of bases of a complimentary strand to that shown above

( 1 mark)

2. State two structural differences between ribonucleic acid ( RNA) and

deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) ( 2 marks)

3. Name a disorder of human blood that is caused by mutation ( 1 mark)

4. State the function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule ( 1 mark)

5. Give a reason why it is only mutation in genes of gametes that influence

evolution ( 2 marks)

6. In an experiment, red flower were crossed with plants with white flower. All the

plants in the F1 generation had pink flowers.

(a) Give a reason for the appearance of pink flower in the F1

generation ( 1 mark)
 (b) If the plants from F1 generation were selfed, state the phenotype ratio of

the F2 generation ( 2 marks)

7. State two characteristics that researchers select in breading programmes.

( 2 marks)

8. Give an example of sex- linked trait in humans on; ( 2 marks)

Y chromosome __________________

X chromosome __________________

9. In an experiment, a variety of garden peas having a smooth seed oat was crossed

with a variety with a wrinkled seed coat. All the seeds obtained in the F1 had a

smooth seed coat. The F1 generation was selfed. The total number of F2

generation was 7324.

(a) Using appropriate letter symbols, work out the genotype of the F1

generation. ( 4 marks)

(b) From the information above, work out the following for the F2 generation

(i) Genotype ratio ( 2 marks)

(ii) Phenotype ratio ( 1 mark)

(iii) Wrinkled number ( 1 mark)

10. In a certain plant species, some individual plant may have white, red or pink

flower. In an experiment a plant with white parent plant were pure lines. All the

plants from F1 generation were pink. Using letter R to represent the gene for red

colour and letter W for white colour;

(a) Work out the genotype of F1 generation ( 3 marks)

(b) If the plants from F1 generation were selfed, what would be the
 phenotypic ratio of the F2 generation? ( 3 marks)

(c) What is the genetic explanation for the absence of plants with red and

white in the flower F1 generation? ( 2 marks)

11. In a breeding experiment, plants with red flower were crossed. They produced

123 plants with red flowers and 41 with white flowers.

(a) Identify the recessive character. Give a reason

(b) What were the genotypes of the parent plants that give rise to the plants with

red and white flowers?

(c) If the white flowers were selfed, what would be the genotypes of their

offspring?

12. (a) Name two disorders in humans caused by gene mutation

( 2 marks)

(b) Describe the following chromosomal mutations

(i) Inversion ( 2 marks)

(ii) Translocation

(c) In mice the allele for black fur is dominant to the allele for brown fur.

What percentage offspring would have brown fur from a cross between

heterozygous black mice and brown mice? Show your working. Use letter

B to represent the allele for black colour.

( 4 marks)

13. (a) What is meant by the term allele? ( 1 mark)

(b) Explain how the following occur during gene mutation

(i) Deletion ( 1 mark)

 (ii) Inversion ( 1 mark)

(c) What is a test- cross? ( 1 mark)

14. In maize the gene for purple colour is dominant to the gene for white colour. A

pure breeding maize plant with purple grains was crossed with a heterozygous

plant.

(a) (i) Using letter G to represent the gene for purple colour, work out

the genotypic ratio of the offspring ( 5 marks)

(ii) State the phenotype of the offspring ( 1 mark)

(b) What is genetic engineering? ( 1 mark)

15. Define the following terms as used in genetics.

(i) Alleles

(ii) Genotype

(iii) Phenotype

16. A farmer mated his dark red cow with a white bull. The cow gave birth to a light

red calf

(a) State why the calf is light red and not dark red or white

(b) If a light red bull is mated with a dark red cow, work out using appropriate

letter symbols the probability of getting a light offspring

17. (a) What is meant by linked genes?

(b) (i) In fruit flies (Drosophila) the gene for red eyes ® is dominant over

the one for white – eye (r). If a true breeding white – eyed male, all the

offspring will be red eyed. However, if a true – breeding white- eyed

 female is mated with a true- breeding red- eyed male, all the female

offspring will be red – eyed. Explain this apparent contradiction.

(ii) Work out the ratio of the expected phenotypes if a red- eyed

female offspring from the cross- described in (i) above is mated with red-

eyed males.

18. (a) Explain the term variation with reference to the study of genetics.

(b) Using relevant examples distinguish between discontinuous variation and

continuous variation

(c) What is the importance of genetic variation?

(d) Describe one example where genetic variations has helped a species to

survive

19. The diagram below shows the base sequence of part of a nucleic acid stand.

Observe it and answer the questions that follow

G T T A G C T G A

(a) What do the letters G, T , C and A represent?

(b) Giving your reasons state whether it is part of DNA or an RNA strand.

(c) Show the complementary DNA strand

(d) Show the complimentary RNA strand

20. In human couples the sex of a baby is determined by the man. Explain this

statement.
EVOLUTION

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON TOPICS

1. State the difference between Lamarckian and Darwinian theories of evolution

2. Two populations of the same species of birds were separated over a long period of time

by an ocean. Both populations initially fed on insects only. Later it was observed that one

population fed entirely on fruits and seeds. Although insect were available. Name this

type of evolutionary change.

3. Explain why Lamarck’s theory of evolution is not accepted by biologists today

4. State three pieces of evidence that support the theory of evolution. ( 3 marks)

5. state two advantages of natural selection to organisms ( 2 marks)

6. Give a reason why each of the following is important in the study of evolution

(i) Fossils records

(ii) Comparative anatomy

7. Describe how natural selection brings about adaptation of a species to its environment

( 6 marks)

8. Explain how the process of evolution may result to the formation of new species

9. What is meant by

(a) organic evolution ( 1 mark)

(b) continental drift ( 1 mark)

10. Explain continental drift as an evidence of evolution ( 3 marks)

11. (a) What is a test- cross? ( 2 marks)

(b) Give a reason why organisms become resistant to drugs ( 1 mark)

12. Distinguish between the following terms

(a) Homologous structures

(b) Analogous structures ( 4 marks)

13. (a) What is meant by natural selection?

(b) Explain the role played by mutation in evolution ( 5 marks)

14. Define the following terms

(a) Hybrid

(b) Hybrid vigour

15. The peppered moth exists in two varieties, which are genetically controlled. The dark

variety is found predominantly in industrial cities and the white variety is found

predominantly in rural areas. Explain how this pattern of distribution supports the theory

of evolution by natural selection ( 6 marks)

16. Explain what is meant by the following concepts

(a) Special creation (2 marks)

(b) Organic evolution (2 marks)

RECEPTION, RESPONSE AND CO-ORDINATION

PAST KCSE QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC

1. State one structural and one functional differences between motor and sensory neurons

Structural differences

Functional differences ( 2 marks)

2. The table below shows two mammalian hormones. For each hormone, state the site of

production and its function in the body.

Hormone Site of production Function

Oestrogen

Aldosterone

3.

(i) With an arrow, indicate on the diagram the direction of the impulse through the

neurone ( 1 mark)

(ii) State the functions of parts labeled P and Q ( 2 marks)

4. (a) How are structures of the human eye adapted to their functions ( 14 marks)

(b) State three defects of the eye and how each can be corrected ( 6 marks)
5. State the changes that occur in a nerve axon to produce an action potential

( 3 marks)

6. In an accident a victim suffered brain injury. Consequently he had loss of memory.

Which part of the brain was damaged? ( 1 mark)

7. The diagram below shows surface view of a human brain

(a) Name the parts labeled B and C ( 2 marks)

(b) State three functions of the part labeled A ( 3 marks)

(c) State what would happen if the part labeled B was damaged. ( 1 mark)

8. What is the function of the following cells in the retina of the human eye?

(2 marks)

(a) Cones

(b) Rods

9. (a) State the functions of the following parts of the mammalian ear

(i) Tympanic membrane ( 3 marks)

(ii) Eustachian tube ( 1 mark)

(iii) Ear ossicles ( 2 marks)

 (b) Describe how semi- circular canals perform their functions ( 2 marks)

10. State the importance of tactic response among some members of Kingdom Protista?

( 1 mark)

(a) What name is given to response to contact with surface exhibited by

tendrils and climbing stems in plants? ( 1 mark)

(b) State three biological importances of tropisms to plants (3 marks)

11. The diagram below represents a reflex arc in human

(a) Name the parts labeled X and Y ( 2 marks)

X __________________________

Y __________________________

(b) Name the substance that is responsible for the transmission of an impulse across

the synapse ( 1 mark)

12. (a) State the function of the ciliary muscles in the human eye. (1 mark)

(b) State two functional differences between the rods and cones in the human eye
 ( 2 marks)

13. State the function of each of the following parts of human ear ( 4 marks)

(a) Ear ossicles

(b) Cochlea

(c) Semi- circular canals

(d) Eustachian tube

14. (a) Where in the human body are relay neurons found? ( 1 mark)

(b) The diagram below represents a neurone

(i) Name the neurone ( 1 mark)

(ii) Name the parts labeled P and Q ( 2 marks)

15. (a) Name the hormone that is responsible for apical dominance ( 1 mark)

(b) What is thigmotropism? ( 1 mark)

16. Describe the structure and functions of the various parts of the human ear

( 20 marks)

17. Nocturnal animals such as the owl are capable of seeing fairly well at night

What two retinal adaptations have made this possible? ( 2 marks)

18. State two functions of the human ear? ( 2 marks)

19. State four differences between co- ordination of the human eye’s internal response to

light and that of tropic movement of the flowering plant in response to light.

( 4 marks)
20. The figure below shows a stem of a plant growing round a tree trunk

(i) What is the name of the response, which causes the twisted growth?

( 1 mark)

(ii) Explain how the twisting process is accomplished ( 2 marks)

(iii) Identify the state of leaves if the plant is autotrophic ( 2 marks)

21. Euglena is positively phototactic. Of what biological significance is this characteristics?

( 1 mark)

22. State the function of acetylcholine ( 2 marks)

23. Where in the human body is the relay neurone located? ( 1 mark)

24. State three effects of nicotine to human health ( 3 marks)

25. state the part of the eye involved in

(i) Colour vision

(ii) Maintaining shape of the eyeball

(iii) Change in diameter of the lens

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

1. (a) K - Facet for articulation, with the next vertebra

L - Transverse process for attachment of muscles

(b) Cervical or neck region

2.

- Skeletal muscles have actin and myosin which facilitate concentration and

relaxation.

- High density of mitochondria to provide energy for contraction.

- Elongated fibres to allow change in length

3. (i) Ball and socket joint

(ii) Biceps (flexor muscles) relax triceps (extensor muscles) contract.

1.

Biceps Gut muscles

(i) Striated Un- striated

(ii) Multinucleated Un- nucleated

(iii) Long fibre Short fibred

cylindrical Spindle shaped

2. (a) Femur

(b) Ball and socket joint

3.

a. Attachment of powerful back muscles

b. Maintain posture

c. Maintain flexibility of vertebral column

4. (a)

a. Hydrostatic

b. Exoskeleton

c. Endoskeleton

(b) Cervical vertebrae

- Presence of vertebraterial canal for passage of vertebral artery. Atlas had (broad)

surfaces, for articulation with condyles of skull to permit nodding

- Axis has adontoid process/ projection Centrum to permit rotary/ turning. Act as a

pivot for atlas.

- Branched/ forked/ short and broad transverse processes for attachment of neck

muscles

- Presence of zygopophysis for articulation between vertebrae

- Has short reduced neural spine for attachment of neck muscles. Has wide neural

canal for passage of spinal cord and protect it.

Lumbar

- Broad / long neural spine for attachment of powerful back muscles.

- Large and well developed transverse processes for attachment of muscles

- Has metamorphosis and hypothesis for muscle attachment. Large thick

centrum for support.

- Prezygopophysis and post zygopophysis present for articulation between

vertebrae

Sacral vertebrae
 - Interior has well developed transverse processes which are fused to the

pelvic girdle.

- Vertebrae fused for strength transmit weight of the stationary animal to

the rest of the body

- Sacrum has a broad base/ short neural spine for attachment of back

muscles

5.

(a) Ulna

(b) Radius

(c) Humerus

6.

(a) Inter- vertebral discs/ Fibro cartilage

(b) Absorb shock and reduce friction between the bones

7. Side walls have deposition of lignin to strengthen them

8.

(a) Y- Femur

Y- Tibia

Z- Fibula

(b) (i) Synovial fluid

(ii) Absorb shock/ reduce friction between joints

(c) Ligament

(d) Ball and socket – allow movement in all direction

Hinge joint- Allow movement in one plane only

 (e) Sigmoid notch

9.

(a) Have short neural spines

(b) - Xylem tissues

- Collenchymas tissues

- Sclerenchyma tissues

- Parenchyma tissues

10. (a)

Type of muscle Where found

(i) Skeletal Attached bones and skeleton

(ii) Smooth Walls of tubular structures

(iii) Cardiac Heart muscles

(b) Ball and socket joint – allows movement in all directions i.e 3600

Hinge joint- Allows movement only on one plane i.e 1800

(c) It is a slippery fluid that lubricates the joints reducing friction during

movement.

(d) - Prevents drying out of organism

- Controls size of the organism

- Provides protection against microbial infections and mechanical injury.

11.

a. Support and protects inner delicate tissues

b. Prevents excessive loss of water from body tissues

 c. Provides surfaces for muscle attachment.

12.

(a) Dorsal fin – Prevented rolling or yawing

(b) Pectoral and pelvic fins- used for steering and prevent pitching

(c) Caudal fin – steering and forward propulsion

13.

a. Contract spontaneously and do not fatigue.

b. Innervated by the autonomic nervous system

c. Contractions are initiated from within the muscles

d. Thy are myogenic

14. (a)

c) Femur – Articulates with acetabulum

Sacrum – articulates with ilium

15. Tendons – Tissues between muscles and bone in a joint

Ligaments – Tissues between bone and another bone in a joint

16. They are muscles that contract while the others relax e.g triceps and biceps muscles.

17. (a)

- Xylem vessels
 - Collenchyma

- Sclerenchyma

(b) Xylem- lignified on the side walls

Collenchyma – thickened by deposition of cellulose and pectic compounds

Sclerenchyma – lignified on the cell walls.

18. (a) - Immovable joints

- Synovial (movable) joints)

- Glinding/ sliding joints

(b) - Immovable joint – Cranium / skull

- Synovial joint – between limbs

- Glinding / sliding joint- vertebral column

19. - Turgidity of the parenchyma cells

- Presence of collenchyma tissues

20. Skeletal muscle

a. Attached to the skeleton

b. They are striated/ fibres that allow contractions

c. Presence of mitochondria to provide energy for contractions

d. Have antagonistic contractions to enhance movement

Cardiac muscle

a. They are the heart muscles

 b. Highly connective tissues to allow harmonious contraction

c. They do not fatigue

d. Ends are intercalated to transmit impulses throughout the heart

Smooth muscle

a. Walls of tubular organs

b. Capable contracting slowly

c. Innervated by autonomic nervous

d. System/ involuntary movement