ZIMSEC O-Level Biology Paper 1 June 2020 Question Paper

ZIMBABWE SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL <br> General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level

**BIOLOGY**<br>**PAPER 1 Multiple Choice**

**JUNE 2020 SESSION**

1 hour

Additional materials:

Multiple Choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser

Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

Mathematical tables/ Electronic calculator (optional)

TIME 1 hour

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.

Write your name, Centre number and candidate number on the answer sheet in the spaces provided unless this has already been done for you.

There are forty questions in this paper. Answer all questions. For each question, there are four possible answers, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) and \(\mathbf{D}\). Choose the one you consider correct and record your choice in soft pencil on the separate answer sheet.

Read very carefully the instructions on the answer sheet.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Each correct answer will score one mark. A mark will not be deducted for a wrong answer. Any rough working should be done in this booklet.

Question 1

In case of a fire in the laboratory, learners should

A run out of the laboratory.

B shout to warn others.

C use windows as exits.

D leave in a single file.

Question 2

The diagrams show some warning symbols used in a laboratory. Which symbol, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), warns of hot surfaces?

Question 3

The branch of Biology associated with brewing is

A botany.

B biotechnology.

C cytology.

D zoology.

Question 4

The diagram shows the structure of a monossacharide.

The monossacharide is

A galactose.

B fructose.

C glucose.

D lactose.

Question 5

Which is not a use of water in living organisms?

A catalyst

B habitat

C reagent

D solvent

Question 6

Animals store carbohydrates in the form of

A starch.

B sucrose.

C glucose.

D glycogen.

Question 7

Which part of a plant cell is freely permeable?

A cell wall

B cell membrane

C cytoplasm

D vacuole

Question 8

The diagram shows a sperm cell.

Which part, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), produces the most energy?

Question 9

Which statement about enzymes is not true?

A enzymes are protein in nature

B enzymes are substrate specific

C enzymes work best at optimum temperatures

D enzymes are broken down after the reaction

Question 10

Some plant stems are negatively geotropic. This means they grow

A towards gravity.

B towards light.

C away from gravity.

D away from light.

Question 11

The diagram is a summary of the fate of products of photosynthesis.

X represents

A glycogen.

B glycerol.

C glucagon.

D glucose.

Question 12

The leaves of a plant were exposed to radioactive carbon dioxide during daylight. Which part of the stem, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), would contain radioactive carbon?

Question 13

After fertilisation in plants, the ovary

A remains unchanged.

B becomes the seed.

C becomes the fruit.

D shrivels and falls.

Question 14

Which mineral deficiency causes chlorosis in plants?

A manganese

B nitrogen

C phosphorus

D potassium

Question 15

Which condition would cause a plant to wilt most rapidly?

A low humidity

B low light intensity

C low temperature

D low wind speed

Question 16

The diagram shows a section of a dicotyledonous seed. Which part, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), develops into the root?

Question 17

The role of rennin in digestion is to

A emulsify fats.

B neutralise acids.

C destroy bacteria.

D clot milk protein.

Question 18

The diagram shows a summary of carbohydrate metabolism.

Which hormone is responsible for regulating process \(\mathbf{X}\) ?

A insulin

B glycagon

C thyroxine

D adrenaline

Question 19

The diagram shows the human female reproductive system. In which part, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), does fertilisation occur?

Question 20

The kidney is not responsible for

A urine formation.

B urea formation.

C pH regulation.

D reabsorption.

Question 21

The diagram illustrates the human circulatory system.

The arrows labelled \(\mathbf{V}\) and \(\mathbf{W}\) represent the

A aorta and vena cava respectively.

B vena cava and aorta respectively.

C pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein respectively.

D pulmonary vein and pulmonary artery respectively.

Question 22

The graphs show change in blood glucose concentration against time. Which graph, \(\mathbf{A}, \mathbf{B}, \mathbf{C}\) or \(\mathbf{D}\), is likely to represent an individual suffering from diabetes mellitus?

Question 23

Which component of blood forms clots?

A red blood cells

B white blood cells

C platelets

D plasma

Question 24

The diagram shows the bones and muscles of the forearm.

What happens to muscles \(\mathbf{X}\) and \(\mathbf{Y}\) when the arm is raised?

A \(\mathbf{X}\) relaxes and \(\mathbf{Y}\) contracts.

B \(\mathbf{X}\) contracts and \(\mathbf{Y}\) relaxes.

C \(\mathbf{X}\) contracts and \(\mathbf{Y}\) contracts.

D \(\mathbf{X}\) relaxes and \(\mathbf{Y}\) relaxes.

Question 25

Which one is not a characteristic of viruses?

A they are motile

B they reproduce

C they have DNA

D they have flagella

Question 26

What is the percentage of the homozygous recessive offspring from a cross involving two heterozygotes?

A \(25 \%\)

B 50\%

C \(75 \%\)

D 100\%

Question 27

Which human characteristic is affected by the environment?

A tongue rolling

B earlobes

C height

D sex

Question 28

Statement 1 and 2 describe organism \(\mathbf{X}\).

1. Reproduces asexually by means of spores. 2. Cell wall contains chitin.

To which kingdom does \(\mathbf{X}\) belong?

A protista