A-LEVEL BIOLOGY
PAPER 1 PRACTICE
TEST QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
1. Describe how the structure of root hair cells enhances their ability to absorb
water and minerals from the soil.
Root hair cells are involved in the production of glucose.
Root hair cells have thick cell walls that prevent water loss.
Root hair cells contain chloroplasts that help in photosynthesis.
Root hair cells have elongated shapes that increase surface area,
allowing for more efficient absorption of water and minerals.
2. Describe how hydrogen bonds contribute to the properties of water and
their importance in biological systems.
Hydrogen bonds allow water to freeze at higher temperatures than
other substances.
Hydrogen bonds make water a poor solvent for ionic compounds.
Hydrogen bonds give water its unique properties, such as high
surface tension and solvent capabilities, which are essential for life.
Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the color of water.
3. A nasopharyngeal swab is taken from an asymptomatic volunteer in a
research study. The sample is tested for SARS-CoV-2 using an RT-PCR assay
(molecular test), as well as a serologic test that detects both IgM and IgG
antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The molecular test result is negative, while the
serologic test result is positive for both IgM and IgG. Which of the following
is most likely true regarding the volunteer's COVID-19 status?
the volunteer is now immune to SARS-CoV-2
the volunteer is actively infected with SARS-CoV-2
, the volunteer was previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 but is no
longer infected
4. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat SAR-CoV2 patients. Which
option BEST describes how these antibodies work?
They act by binding to SAR-CoV2 spike protein
They act by inhibiting viral replication
They act by altering the normal ACE/ACE2 receptor homeostasis
They act by binding to ACE-2 receptors on the target cells
5. If a plant's root cells were unable to maintain a higher concentration of
mineral ions than the soil, what would be the likely consequence for the
plant's health?
The plant would absorb excess water and become waterlogged.
The plant would increase its photosynthetic efficiency.
The plant would develop stronger root structures.
The plant would suffer from nutrient deficiencies and impaired
growth.
6. What is the definition of diastole in relation to the heart's function?
Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle
contracts and pumps blood out.
Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle
relaxes and the chambers fill with blood.
Diastole refers to the electrical activity of the heart during contraction.
Diastole is the period of time between heartbeats.
,7. Describe the significance of filtration at the arterial end of a capillary in the
context of nutrient delivery to tissues.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary prevents nutrients from
entering the tissues.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary allows nutrients and
oxygen to be delivered to tissues while removing waste products.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary is primarily responsible for
the absorption of water.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary only allows waste products
to exit the blood.
8. If a researcher wanted to improve the accuracy of sap flow rate
measurements, which method could they implement based on the limitations
discussed?
Using a larger variety of sap types for measurement.
Implementing controlled environmental conditions during the
measurement process.
Conducting the investigation at different times of the year without
control.
Relying solely on visual observations of sap flow.
9. Describe the purpose of using a t-test in the context of comparing sap flow
rates in plants.
A t-test is used to compare more than two groups at once.
A t-test is used to analyze the variance within a single sample.
A t-test is used to determine if there is a significant difference
between the sap flow rates during day and night.
, A t-test is used to assess the correlation between two variables.
10. What does a positive antibody test result indicate about a person's previous
exposure to SARS-CoV-2?
The person is currently infected with the virus.
The person has been exposed to the virus and has developed
antibodies against it.
The person has a severe case of COVID-19.
The person has never been exposed to the virus.
11. Describe how anatomical adaptations differ from physiological adaptations
in biology.
Anatomical adaptations are only found in plants, while physiological
adaptations are only found in animals.
Anatomical adaptations are related to behavior, while physiological
adaptations are related to reproduction.
Anatomical adaptations involve physical structures, while
physiological adaptations involve internal processes.
Anatomical adaptations are temporary, while physiological
adaptations are permanent.
12. What is the primary process that occurs at the arterial end of a capillary
related to fluid movement?
Filtration
Osmosis
Reabsorption
Diffusion
PAPER 1 PRACTICE
TEST QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
1. Describe how the structure of root hair cells enhances their ability to absorb
water and minerals from the soil.
Root hair cells are involved in the production of glucose.
Root hair cells have thick cell walls that prevent water loss.
Root hair cells contain chloroplasts that help in photosynthesis.
Root hair cells have elongated shapes that increase surface area,
allowing for more efficient absorption of water and minerals.
2. Describe how hydrogen bonds contribute to the properties of water and
their importance in biological systems.
Hydrogen bonds allow water to freeze at higher temperatures than
other substances.
Hydrogen bonds make water a poor solvent for ionic compounds.
Hydrogen bonds give water its unique properties, such as high
surface tension and solvent capabilities, which are essential for life.
Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the color of water.
3. A nasopharyngeal swab is taken from an asymptomatic volunteer in a
research study. The sample is tested for SARS-CoV-2 using an RT-PCR assay
(molecular test), as well as a serologic test that detects both IgM and IgG
antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The molecular test result is negative, while the
serologic test result is positive for both IgM and IgG. Which of the following
is most likely true regarding the volunteer's COVID-19 status?
the volunteer is now immune to SARS-CoV-2
the volunteer is actively infected with SARS-CoV-2
, the volunteer was previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 but is no
longer infected
4. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat SAR-CoV2 patients. Which
option BEST describes how these antibodies work?
They act by binding to SAR-CoV2 spike protein
They act by inhibiting viral replication
They act by altering the normal ACE/ACE2 receptor homeostasis
They act by binding to ACE-2 receptors on the target cells
5. If a plant's root cells were unable to maintain a higher concentration of
mineral ions than the soil, what would be the likely consequence for the
plant's health?
The plant would absorb excess water and become waterlogged.
The plant would increase its photosynthetic efficiency.
The plant would develop stronger root structures.
The plant would suffer from nutrient deficiencies and impaired
growth.
6. What is the definition of diastole in relation to the heart's function?
Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle
contracts and pumps blood out.
Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle
relaxes and the chambers fill with blood.
Diastole refers to the electrical activity of the heart during contraction.
Diastole is the period of time between heartbeats.
,7. Describe the significance of filtration at the arterial end of a capillary in the
context of nutrient delivery to tissues.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary prevents nutrients from
entering the tissues.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary allows nutrients and
oxygen to be delivered to tissues while removing waste products.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary is primarily responsible for
the absorption of water.
Filtration at the arterial end of a capillary only allows waste products
to exit the blood.
8. If a researcher wanted to improve the accuracy of sap flow rate
measurements, which method could they implement based on the limitations
discussed?
Using a larger variety of sap types for measurement.
Implementing controlled environmental conditions during the
measurement process.
Conducting the investigation at different times of the year without
control.
Relying solely on visual observations of sap flow.
9. Describe the purpose of using a t-test in the context of comparing sap flow
rates in plants.
A t-test is used to compare more than two groups at once.
A t-test is used to analyze the variance within a single sample.
A t-test is used to determine if there is a significant difference
between the sap flow rates during day and night.
, A t-test is used to assess the correlation between two variables.
10. What does a positive antibody test result indicate about a person's previous
exposure to SARS-CoV-2?
The person is currently infected with the virus.
The person has been exposed to the virus and has developed
antibodies against it.
The person has a severe case of COVID-19.
The person has never been exposed to the virus.
11. Describe how anatomical adaptations differ from physiological adaptations
in biology.
Anatomical adaptations are only found in plants, while physiological
adaptations are only found in animals.
Anatomical adaptations are related to behavior, while physiological
adaptations are related to reproduction.
Anatomical adaptations involve physical structures, while
physiological adaptations involve internal processes.
Anatomical adaptations are temporary, while physiological
adaptations are permanent.
12. What is the primary process that occurs at the arterial end of a capillary
related to fluid movement?
Filtration
Osmosis
Reabsorption
Diffusion
