2012 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
1. How does nutrition as a characteristic of living organisms differ in plants
and animals? (2 mars)

2. The diagram below represents a certain organisms collected by a student at the sea
shore.

(a) Name the class to which the organisms belongs. (1 Mk)

(b) Give three reasons for your answer in (a) above. (3 Mks)
3. The figure below is a fine structure of a generalized animal cell as seen under an
electron microscope.

(a) Name the parts labeled A and B. (2 Mks)

A ……………………………………
B ……………………………………
(b) How is the structure labeled B adapted to its function? (2 Mks)

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4. In an investigation, a student extracted three pieces of paw paw cylinders using a
cork borer. The cylinders were cut back top 50mm length and placed in a beaker
containing a solution. The results after 40 minutes were as shown in the table below.

Feature Result
Average length of cylinders (mm) 56 mm
Stiffness of cylinders Stiff
(a) Account for the results in the table above. (3 Mks)
(b) What would be a suitable control set-up for the investigation?
(2 Mks)

5. The table below shows results of a study of three plants C, D, and E growing in
different habitats.
Feature Plant C Plant D Plant E
Number of stomata on upper 4 20 6
surface of leaf per square area.
Number of stomata on lower 6 0 8
surface of leaf per square area
Thickness of leaf cuticle 9mm) 0.4 0.1 0.2
2
Surface area of roots (cm ) 2000 1000 1200

(a) Which one of the plants C, D, and E grows in an area of relatively low water
availability? (1 Mk)
(b) Explain your answer in (i) above. (3 Mks)

6. The diagram below represents part of the gaseous exchange system in human.

(a) Name the parts labeled F and G. (2 Mks)

F ……………………………………
G ………………………………….
(b) State one function of each of the parts labeled H and J. (2 Mks)
H ……………………………………
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 J …………………………………….

7. The diagram below represents a set-up that students used in an investigation.

(a) Name the physiological process that was being investigated.

(1 Mk)
(b) State the role of potassium hydroxide in flask K. (1 Mk)
(c) Account for the observation in boiling tube L and flask N.
(2 Mks)
L ……………………………………
N ………………………………….

8. What is the probability of a couple with blood group AB getting a child with blood
group AB? Show your working. (4 Mks)

9. State the importance of negative photoaxis to termites.

(1 Mk)

10. What is meant by the term irritability? (1 Mk)

11. (a) State two ways in which heart muscles are special.

(2 Mk)
(b) Name the muscles found in the following organs

(2 Mks)
Stomach …………………………….
Bone ……………………………………

12. (a) Name the part of a microscope used to bring an image of a specimen into sharp
focus. (1 Mk)
(b) Why is it recommended to keep the stage of the microscope dry?
(1 Mk)

13. State three factors that affect the rate of diffusion.

(3 Mks)
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14. (a) Name the type of respiration that is most efficient. (1 Mk)

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 (b) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above.

(1 Mk)

15. What name is given to a group of hormones that control the development of
secondary sexual characteristics in a human male? (1 Mk)

16. The diagram below represents an experimental set – up used by students to

investigate a certain process.

Flower Q produced seeds while P did not. Account for the

results. (3 Mks)

17. Name two substances that leave the foetal blood through the
placenta. (2 Mks)

18. Why are plants able to accumulate most of their waste products for
long. (1 Mk)

19. List four symptoms of diabetes mellitus. (4 Mks)

20. State three aspects that can be used to estimate growth in

seedlings. (3 Mks)

21. Name the process through which free atmospheric nitrogen is converted into
nitrates. (1 Mk)

22. State the importance of divergent evolution to

organisms. (2Mks)

23. Name the strengthening materials found in the following support

tissues: (2 Mks)
(a) collenchyma
(b) xylem
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24. State four characteristics of apical meristem cells.
(4 Mks)

25. State the role of the following hormones in the life cycle of
insects. (2Mks)
Ecdysone Hormone …………..…..
Juvenile hormone …………………

26. (a) State the theories of evolution proposed by the following scientists.

(2 Mks)
Charles Darwin …………………
Jean Baptiste de Lamarck ……
(b) State the evidence of evolution based on.
(2 Mks)
(i) cell organelles
(ii) fossils

27. What is the function of contractile vacuoles in amoeba?

(1 Mk)

28. State two differences between open and closed circulatory

systems. (2 Mks)

29.Name two nutrients that are absorbed without being digested by enzymes in
humans. (2 Mks)

30. Name the organelle that is involved in each of the

following. (2 Mks)
(a) Manufacture of lipids
(b) Formation of lysosomes

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 2012 BIOLOGY PAPER 2
SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. In a certain plant species which is normally green, a recessive gene to recolour (n)
causes the plants to be white in colour. Such plants die at an early age. In the
heterozygous state, the plants are pale green in colour but grow to maturity.
(a) Give a reason for the early death of the plants with the homozygous recessive
gene. (2 Mks)
(b) If a normal green plant was crossed with the pale green plant, what would be the
geneotype of the first filial generation (F1 generation)? Show your working.
(4 Mks)
(c) If heterozygous plants were self-[pollinated and the resulting seeds planted,
work out the proportion of their offspring that would grow to maturity.
(2 Mks)

2. The diagram below illustrates the structure of the kidney nephron.

(a) Name the part labeled E. (1 Mk)

(b) How is the part labeled F adapted to its function?
(4 Mks)

(c) State three physiological mechanisms of controlling the human body temperature
during a cold day. (3 Mks)

3. (a) In an investigation, equal amounts of water was placed in three test tubes labeled
G, H and J. Pondweeds of equal length were dropped in each test tube. The test
tubes were then placed in identical conditions of light and carbon (IV) oxide at
different temperatures for five minutes. After five minutes, the bubbles produced
in each test tube were counted for one minute. The results were as shown in the
table below.

Text tube Temperature (oc) Number of bubbles

G 20 28
H 35 42
J 55 10
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 (i) Name one requirement for this process that is not mentioned in the
investigation. (1 Mk)
(ii) Name the gas produced in this investigation. (1 Mk)
(iii) Account for the results in test tubes H and J. (2 Mks)
(b) State two ways in which the human intestinal villus is adapted to its function.
(4 Mks)

4. (a) The diagram below illustrates the arrangement of bones and muscles in the
human arm.

(i) Name the bones labeled K and L .(2 Mks)

K …………………………………
L …………………………………..

(ii) Explain how the upward movement of the lower arm is brought about by the
bones and muscles shown in the diagram above. (3 Mks)

(b) State three ways in which support is brought about in a leaf.

(3 Mks)

5. (a) Describe the process of inhalation (4 Mks)

(b) Explain the mechanism of stomatal opening. (4 Mks)

SECTION B (40 Mks)

Answer question 6 (Compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces
provided afterquestion 8.

6. The data provided below represent populations of a predator ad its prey over a fifty
years period.

Time in years Population in relative numbers

Population of P Population of Q
5 24500 17000
10 30000 20500
15 33500 26000
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 20 33500 30000
25 31000 33000
30 27000 32000
35 25000 30000
40 29000 27500
45 32500 28000
50 34000 28500

(a) (i) Using the same axis, draw graphs of the relative populations of P and Q
against time. (7 Mks)
(ii) With a reason, identify the curve that represents the prey. (2 Mks)
(iii) Account for the two populations between 25 and 32
years. (2 Mks)
(iv) Which years were the two populations equal. (2 Mks)
(v) Apart from predation, state three biotic factors that may have led to the
decline of the prey population. (3 Mks)
(b) Describe the hazards of air pollution by Sulphur (IV) Oxide.
(4 Mks)
7. Using a relevant example in each case, describe simple and conditional reflex
actions. (20 Mks)
8. (a) Using a relevant, describe how an allergic reaction occurs in a human
being. (10 Mks)
(b) Describe how environmental factors increase the rate of transpiration in terrestrial
plants. (10
Mks)

2012 PAPER 3 QUESTIONS

1. Below is a photograph showing a seedling during germination.

(a) With a reason, name the type of germination shown in the photograph.
(i) Type of germination (1 Mk)
(ii) Reason ………… (2 Mks)
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 (b) State three functions of the part labeled A in the germination of a seedling up
to the appearance of the first foliage leaves. (3 Mks)
(c) Account for the change in shape the seedling will undergo to
straighten. (6 Mks)

2. (a) You are provided with a specimen labeled D which has been grown on a
substrate.
(i) Name the specimen. (1 Mk)
(ii) What type of a sexual reproduction occurs in the specimen? (1 Mk)
(iii)Using a mounting pin, pick a few strands of specimen D and place them on
the white tile. Using a hand lens, observe the white tile. Using a hand lens,
observe the strands and make a labeled drawing
(3 Mks)

(b) The photograph below shows different parts of a flower.

(i) Name the class of the plant from which the photograph was taken.
(1 Mk)
(ii) Using observable features on the photograph, give three reasons for your
answer in (b) (i) above. (3 Mks)
(iii) Name the agent of pollination for the flower in the
photograph. (1 Mk)
(iv) State three observations on the photograph that support the answer in (b) (iii)
above. (3 Mks)
(v) Name the part labeled E on the photograph. (1 Mk)

3. You are provided with a potato, a 10 ml measuring cylinder, dilute hydrogen

peroxide solution and substances F(pH 4), G(pH 7) and H(PH9). Cut the potato and
remove a piece measuring 1 cm3 from it.

4. Cut the 1cm3 piece into my pieces and crush (macerate) them on a clean white tile
using a glass rod.
Divide the macerated potato into three equal portions for use in the procedure that
follows:
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i. Put 2 cm3 of substance F (pH4) into the 10 ml measuring cylinder.
Add one portion of the macerated potato into the measuring cylinder.
Read and record the volume of the mixture in the table provided
below. Add one drop of washing –up solution.
Add 1 cm3 o dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to the mixture and immediately
start a stop clock or watch. At the end of two minutes, read the mark to which
the foam rises.
Record the reading in the table provided.
Clean and rinse the measuring cylinder with distilled water.

ii. Put 2cm3 of substance G(Ph 7) into the measuring cylinder.

Add the second portion of the macerated potato.
Read and record the volume of the mixture in the
table. Add one drop of washing –up solution.
Add 1cm3 of dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to the mixture and immediately
start a stop clock or watch. At the end of two minutes, read the mark to which
the foam rises. Record the reading in the table.
Clean and rinse the measuring cylinder with distilled water.

iii. Put 2cm3 of substance H(Ph 9) Into the measuring cylinder.

Add the third portion of the macerated potato.
Read and record the volume of the mixture in the
table. Add one drop of washing –up solution.
Add 1cm3 of dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to the mixture and immediately
start a stop clock or watch. At the end of two minutes, read the mark to which
the foam rises.
Record the reading in the table.

F(pH4) G(Ph 7) H(Ph 9)

Volume of solution +
Portion of potato
Volume of solution +
Portion of potato +
foam
Volume of foam

(a) Using the data obtained in the table, calculate the volume of the foam produced
in each of the pH 4, pH7, and pH 9 substances. Record the volumes in the tale.

(b) Account for :

(i) The observation made when hydrogen peroxide was added to the potato
mixture. (3 Mks)

(ii) The difference in the volume of foam produced in pH 4 and pH 9 substances.

(2 Mks)
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 2012 KCSE MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1
1. – Plants have autotrophic mode of nutrition i.e make their own food from simple
inorganic compounds.
- Animals have heterotrophic mode of nutrition i.e obtain already made food from
plants and other animals.

2. (a) class crustacea

(b) – has two pairs of antennae
- Cephalothorax covered / protected by a carapace
- Head and thorax fused to form cephalothorax
- First pair of limbs modified for defence or holding prey.
- Have compound eyes.
- Have external gills
- Have five to twenty pairs of limbs

3. (a) A – nuclear pore / nucleopore

B – Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(b) - Interconnected channels / tubes in the cytoplasm that are continuous with
nuclear membrane to transport proteins made by ribosomes.
- Surface covered with ribosomes for protein synthesis.

4. (a) The cylinders were placed in a hypotonic solution i.e low solute concentration
than that of the cell sap. The cells absorbed water by osmosis until they become
turgid. Thus increase in cell size and firmness.
(b) Placing the cylinders in a juice extract of the pawpaw fruit/ isotonic solution.

5. (a) Plant C
(b) Number of stomata on upper surface of the leaf is lower as compared to the
lower surface to reduce water loss. Cuticle is thick to reduce water loss. The
roots have a large surface area in order to absorbed any available water.

6. (a) F – Bronchiole
G – external intercostal muscle
(b) H – sectret spleauric fluid that reduces friction during breathing.
J – Contracts and relaxes changing volume of thoracic cavity during breathing.

7. (a) Gaseous exchange

(b) to absorb carbon (iv) oxide from the air.
(c) L – lime water remained colourless as air from flask K did not have carbon (iv)
oxide.
N- Lime water turned to white precipitate. The cockroaches exhaled carbon (iv)
oxide which when bubble through lime water turns to white precipitate.

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8. 50% or ½

9. – Reduce dehydration.
- They move away from light so as not to be spotted by their predators.
10. Ability of a organism to sense and respond to external stimuli appropriately.
11. (a) - They do not experience fatigue
- They are myogenic i.e contractions are generated within the muscles.
- Have intercalated discs that connect fibres between cells
enhancing transmission of impulses.
(b) - Stomach – smooth muscles i.e longitudinal and circular
- bone – skeletal muscles / striated muscles

12. (a) Fine adjustment knob

(b) Microscopic organisms may build up / accumulated distorting the image
observed.
- Prevent refraction of light.

13. – Concentration gradient of diffusing particles

- Thickness of the membrane through which diffusion takes place.
- Size of the particles diffusing
- Temperature
- Surface area to volume ratio of the organisms / surface
14. (a) Aerobic respiration
(b) It produces a lot of energy compared to anaerobic respiration

15. Androgens

16. In flower Q cross pollination thus fertilization took place developing to seeds.
Flower P was covered by a polythene bag preventing cross pollination. Fertilization
did not take place thus seeds were not formed.
17. - Dissolved Carbon (iv) oxide
- Urea

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18. Most waste products are non-toxic and others are easily converted into non-toxic
forms and stored in plant tissues.

19. – Glucose appears in urine i.e glycosuria

- Loss of body weight
- Pass urine frequently and feel thirsty
- Chronic starvation
- Poor healing of wounds

20. – Height of seedlings

- Weight of seedlings
- Folliagei.e no of leaves sprouted over a period of time

21. Nitrogen fixation

22. – It reduces competition of the organisms for available resources e.g food and
space.
- The organisms are able to occupy new / various habitats
- Leads to formation of new species.

23. (a) Collenchyma – cellulose

(b) Xylem - Lignin

24. – Cells are small in size

- Cells lack vacuole
- Actively dividing cells
- Cell wall lacks cellulose
- Dense cytoplasm / central nucleus
25. – Ecdysone hormone – promotes to dissolving of the old exoskeleton and the
formation of a new one in insects / enhances metamorphosis and moulting.
- Juvenile hormone – inhibits moulting /metamorphic effects insects /
maintains larval characterisitics.

26. (a) – Charles Darwin

 Accumulation of variations over a period of time lead to emergence of a new
species.
 Variations occur by chance within an organisms.
 Favourable traits are passed on to offsprings

- Jean Baptiste de Larmarck

 Acquired characteristic are inherited due to use and disuse
(b) (i) cell organelles – comparative cell biology
(ii) Fossils – fossil records
27. Osmoregulation / remove excess water absorbed when it is in a hypotonic solution.

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28.28.
- Open circulatory system Closed circulatory system
- Transport fluid not restricted Transport fluid always restricted
in vessels
- Transport fluid is haemolymph Transport fluid is blood
- Present in invertebrates Present in vertebrate
- Fluid under low pressure Fluid under high pressure.

29. – Vitamins
- Mineral salts
- Water

30. (a) Smooth endosplasmic reticulum

(b) Golgi bodies

MARKING SCHEME PAPER 2

1. (a) The leaves do not have chlorophyll. They do not manufacture food thus no
development of tissues.
(b)

Fi Filial generation
NNNnNnNn 2 : Homozygous
green
2:

Heterozygous

(c)

16
 Possible
genotypes Of
offsprings
Therefore ¾ or 75% would grow to maturity.
2. (a) Glomerulus
(b) - Lining cells have mitochondria to provide energy for active reabsorption of
mineral salts (N+ , K+ , and Cl  iona)
- It is highly vascularized so that blood carries away the reabsorbed substances.
- Presence of microvilli thatfurther increase surface area for reabsorption.
- Blood flow is by counter – current to create a steep concentration gradient
of substances been reabsorbed.
- It is long increasing surface area for reabsorption of substances / mineral ions.

(c) – Vasoconstriction – reducing blood flow near the skin thus reducing heat loss
by radiation
- Reduced sweating heat loss by radiation convection and evaporation
- Erector pilli muscles contract making the hairs stand trapping a layer of air
that is a poor conductor of heat.
- Increased metabolism resulting in involuntary contractions like shivering.

3. (a) (i) presence of chlorophyll

(ii) Oxygen

(iii) H – The number of bubbles

were many. 350C is the optimum temperature for photosynthesis
J – Number of bubbles were few. At 550c most photosynthetic enzymes were
denatured thus reduced rate of photosynthesis.

(b) - Has a thin epithelium / wall to reduce distance of diffusion of absorbed food.
- Presence of many blood capillaries to carry away the absorbed food / create
steep concentration gradient
- Presence of microvilli that further increase surface area for absorption of
soluble food substances.
- Has lacteal that absorbs fatty acids and glycerol
- Has goblet cells that secrete mucus which lubricate food.

4. (a)
(i) K – Ulna
L – Humerus
(ii) The biceps muscles contract pulling radius and ulna upwards
- The triceps muscles relax allowing movement of the hinge joint at the
olecranon process, upwards.
(b) Presence of veins that have xylem vessels that have lignin.
- The cells of the Lamina are turgid thus firm
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- The leaf cells have cellulose on the cell walls that is rigid making the cells firm.

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5. (a) – External intercostal muscles contract
- Internal intercostal muscles relax
- Ribcage moves upward and outward
- Diaphragm contracts and flattens
- Volume in thoracic cavity increase while pressure decrease.
- Air enters into the lungs through the nostrils.

(b)
- During the day photosynthesis takes place in the guard cells producing glucose
that is osmotically active.
- Osmotic pressure in guard cells increases compared to surrounding epidermal
cells.
- Water is absorbed from the surrounding cells by osmosis into the guard cells
becoming turgid
- The thin outer wall bulges outward pulling the cytoplasm and thick inner wall,
opening the stoma

6. (a) (i) Graph showing Relative Population of organisms P and Q against time in years

(ii) Curve P
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 - The prey has to be more than the predator as it is providing food without been
depleted.
(iii) Their populations are decreasing. The predators increased in number feeding on
more prey reducing their number. Competition sets in within the predators and
the weak ones die off.
(iv) 23rd year and 39th year
(v) - Competition of resources
- Parasitism
- Symbiotic relationships
- Saprophytic activities
- Human activities
(b) – It mixes with rain water forming acid rain
- It is a respiratory poison causing respiratory tract illness
- Acid rain water distorts soil structure and kills soil organisms
- Corroded roof tops release heavy metals that poison animals.
- Acid rain water kill fish and aquatic plants.
- Causes leaching of mg2+, Ca2+ and Al3+ ions

7. Simple reflex action

- When an individual is pierced by a sharp objects, receptors on the skin pick the
stimulus then passed to the sensory neurone via a synapse.
- It send the impulse to the central nervous system via the dorsal root of the spinal
cord.
- The message is interpreted in the nervous system via the intermediate neurone.
The interpreted information is then passed to the motor neurone by a synapse
that passes the impulse to the effector muscles through the vental root of the
spinal cord.
- The muscles contract and bend withdrawing from the sharp object.
- Response is directly associated / related to the stimulus.

Conditional reflex action

- Response is unrelated to the stimulus
- When a sick is child is taken to the hospital, he is attended to by the doctor and
nurse dressed in white.
- The child may be injected and feels pain. If this happens several times the child
will associate white dressed people always inflict pain.
- If they happen to visit the butcher’s shop or church with white dressed attendant
or preacher, they will scream and run away although, the two are harmless.

8. (a) Allergic reactions are hypersensitive reaction of the body to an antigen that is
harmless. Example when an individual takes certain proteins e.g eggs, they are
digested and certain amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream.

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 The white blood cells secrete antibodies to counteract the antigens (amino acids).
An antigen - antibody reaction starts taking place. As a result histamine is produced
that causes inflammation of the cells.
This results to itchiness and swelling of body parts

(b) Increase in temperature – This increases the capacity of air to hold water vapour.
More water evaporates from the surface of the leaf increasing rate of transpiration.
- Low humidity – when there is less water vapor in the air there is high diffusion
gradient of water vapour thus increasing rate of transpiration.
High light intensity – This enhance opening of the stomata allowing more water
vapour to evaporate, increasing rate of transpiration
Strong air currents – when it is windy water vapour is blown away from the surface
of the leaves creating high diffusion gradient. This increase the rate of transpiration.
Low atmospheric pressure reduced atmospheric pressure increases the rate of
evaporation thus higher rate of transpiration.
More water available – plenty of water enhances high turgidity of the guard cells
causing the stomata to open, increasing the rate of transpiration

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 2012 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME
1. (a) (i) Epigeal germination
(ii) – cotyledons have thrust out of the surface of the soil first.
- Hypocotyl is elongated
(b) – Site of hydrolysis of the stored food materials in the seed.
- Site of respiration to provide energy for cell division and formation of new
tissues.
- Photosynthesis takes place in them before foliage leaves appear.
- Protection of embryo / plumule
(c) – Cotyledons (A) will separate exposing the plumule.
- Plumule develops forming the first foliage leaves.
- Cotyledons start to wither and shrivel
- Hypocotyl becomes stronger and straighten upwards.
- Light stimulates auxins to migrate to lower part of hypocotyle.
- High concentration of auxins stimulates faster growth than the upper part thus
faster elongation thus straightens.

2. (a) (i) Bread mould / Rhizopus

(ii) Spore formation
(iii) Spores

(b) (i) class dicotyledonae

(ii) Coloured leaf/brat is broad
- Five filaments
- Five petals
(iii) Insect(s)
(iv) Coloured bract and petals to attract the insects.
- Floral parts embedded in the perianth
- Stigma lower than the anthers and is firm
- Filaments and anthers are firmly held.
(v) Brat

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3. (a)
F(pH4) G(Ph 7) H(Ph 9)
Volume of solution 2.4 2.4 2.4
+
Portion of potato
Volume of solution 3.9 4.5 8.5
+Portion of potato + foam
Volume of foam 1cm3 3cm3 5cm3

(b) (i) The potato mixture has the enzyme catalase. It breaks down the hydrogen
peroxide into water and oxygen gas. The oxygen gas results in forming.
(ii) PH4 has low volume of foam. It is acidic and enzyme catalyse does not act
in acidic condition
- PH9 has high volume of foam. It is basic. The enzyme catalyse acts best in
slight alkaline condition.

2013 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
1. (a) What is meant by the term wilting? (1 mark)
(b) Explain how an increase in temperature affects the rate of active transport. (2
marks)

2. The diagram below represents a cell as seen under an electron microscope.

(a) Based on the diagram, state whether it represents an animal cell or a plant cell.
(1 mark)
(b)Give two reasons for you answer in 2 (a) above. (2 marks)
(c) Why is the palisade layer a tissue? (1 mark)

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3. (a) State two external features found in the class Mammalia only.
(2 marks)
(b) Name the taxonomic unit that comes immediately after a phylum
in classification.
(1 mark)

4. (a) State two roles of mucus in the stomach.

(2 marks)
(b) Explain how age determines a person’s energy requirements. (2 marks)

5. Describe how turgor pressure builds up. (3 marks)

6. Using a microscope, a student counted 55 cells of cross a field of view

whose diameter was 6000m. Calculate the average length of the cells.
Show your working. (2 marks)

7. Explain how the following forces contributes to the movement of water up

the xylem vessels:
(2 marks)
(a) Cohesion:
(b) Adhesion.

8. Construct a step in a dichotomous key using two leaves one with a serrated and
the other with a smoth margin. (2 marks)

9. State one way in which each of the following is structurally adapted to its function:
a. Neurone; (2 marks)
b. Mitochondrion. (2 marks)

10. How are lenticels adapted for gaseous exchange?

(2 marks)

11. State the advantage of possessing blood group AB. (1 mark)

12. (a) A student collected an organism and observed the following features:
simple eyes, four pairs of legs and two body parts.
1. State the class to which the organism belongs. (1 mark)
2. Give an example of an organism in this class. (1 mark)
(b) Name the kingdom to which plasmodium belongs. (1 mark)

13. State two characteristics of living organisms that are specific to plants.

(2 marks)
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14. Name the three end products of anaerobic respiration in plants.

(3 marks)

15. State two reasons why accumulation of lactic acid leads to an increase in heart beat.
(2 marks)

16. Name three mechanisms that ensure cross pollination takes place in
flowering plants.
(3 marks)

17. Name the flower part that produces gamete.

(1 mark)

18. How is the human sperm cell structurally specialized?

(2 marks)

19. State three factors in seeds that cause dormancy.

(3 marks)

20. Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection. (2 marks)

21. (a) Explain the role of continental drift in evolution. (3 marks)

(b) What is meant by the term organic evolution? (1 mark)

22. The diagram below illustrates a response by a certain plant.

25
(a) Name the type of response. (1 mark)
(b)Explain how the response illustrated above occurs. (3 marks)

26
23. The diagram below illustrates a defect in the eye.

Explain how the defect illustrated above can be corrected.

(2 marks)

24. Explain three protective functions of mammalian blood.

(3 marks)

25. State one adaptation of xylem vessels to their function.

(2 marks)

26. (a) What is meant by the term sex linked genes?

(1 mark)
(b) Name two sex linked traits in human beings. (2 marks)

27. (a) State two differences between complete and incomplete metamorphosis.

(2 marks)
(b) State the importance of moulting to an insect. (1 mark)

28. (a) State two features of a ball and socket joint.

(2 marks)
(b) Name the bones that allows the head to:
(i) Node;
(ii) Turn side ways. (2 marks)

29. State two functions of pelvic girdle in mammals.

(2 marks)

30. State two ways in which osmosis is significant to plants.

(2 marks)
27
 2013 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 2
SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. (a) The diagram below represents a plant in the division Bryophyta.

i. Name the parts labeled B and D.

B…………………………………..

D…………………………………..
ii. State one function for each of the parts labeled A and C. (2
marks) A……………………………………

C……………………………………

(b) The diagram below represents a member of the kingdom Animalia.

(i) Name the phylum to which the organism belongs. (1 mark)

(ii)Using observable features in the diagram, give three reasons for the answer in
b (i).
(3 marks)

2. The diagram below represents the human ear.

28
 (a) Name the parts labeled E, F and G. (3
marks) E
………………………………………….

F ………………………………………….

G ………………………………………….

(b) How is each of the following adapted to its function?

(i) External auditory meatus; (2 marks)
(ii) Ear ossicles. (2 marks)

(c) Name one defect of the human ear. (1 mark)

3. (a) Explain the importance of the following in photosynthesis:

a. Light;
b. Carbon (IV) oxide;
c. Chlorophyll.

(b)Name one appropriate food substance for each of the following enzymes:
(2 marks)
i. Ptyalin
ii. pepsin
(c) State the cause and two symptoms of Beri-
beri. Cause (1 mark)
Symptoms (2 marks)
(i) …………………………………………………
(ii)……………………………………………..

4. In an investigation, a variety of pea plants grown from seeds with smooth coats
were crossed with plants grown from seeds with wrinkled coats. All the seeds
obtained in the first filial (F1) generation had smooth seed coats.
(a) Using the letter R to represent the gene for smooth seed coat, work out
the genotype of the F1 generation. Show your working.
(3 marks)
29
 (b)If the F1 generation was selfed, determine the phenotypic ratio of the second
filial (F2) generation. Show your working. (3 marks)
(c) If the total number of seeds in the F2 generation was 14640, calculate the
number of seeds with wrinkled coats. Show your working. (2 marks)

5. The diagram below represents a mammalian pelvic girdle.

(a) How are the structures labeled H and J adapted to their function? (2 marks)

(i) H ……………………………………………..

(ii)J ………………………………………………
(b) State the function of obturator foramen.
(1 mark)
(c) (i) Name the bone that articulates with the pelvic girdle at acetabulum. (1 mark)
(ii) Name the type of joint formed by the acetabulum and the bone named in (c)
(i) above. (1 mark)
(d)Name the bone formed by the fusion of caudal vertebrae in human beings.
(1 mark)

SECTION B (40 marks)

Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question 8.

6. A scientist carried out an investigation to find out the population growth of mice
under laboratory conditions. Twenty young mice were placed in a cage. The
results obtained from the investigation were as show in the table below.

Time in 0 2 4 6 7 10 12 16 18
months
Number 20 20 65 115 310 455 450 145 160
of mice

(a) On the grid provided, draw a graph of the number of mice against time.(6 marks)

30
 (b) Account for the changes in mice population between
(i) 0 to 2 months (2 marks)
(ii) 2 to 6 months (2 marks)
(iii) 6 to 10 months (2 marks)
(iv) 10 to 12 months (2 marks)

(c) (i) Between which two months was the population change greatest?

(1 mark)
(ii)Calculate the rate of population change over the period in (c) (i) above.
(2 marks)
(d)What change in population would be expected if the investigation was
continued to the 19th month? (1 mark)
(e) To obtain the observed results state two variables that were kept constant
during the investigation. (2 marks)

7. (a) Describe the process of blood clotting in human beings. (10 marks)

(b) How are respiratory surfaces in mammals adapted to their functions?

(10 marks)

8. Describe the role of the following organs in excretion and homeostasis.

(10 marks)
(a) The liver (10 marks)

(b) The skin during hot environmental conditions. (10 marks)

31
 2013 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 3
5. (a) The photograph below shows the inner surface of the upper left side of the rib
cage.

(i) Name the bone covered by the fatty tissue labeled K. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain the role of the part labeled M in inhalation. (5 marks)

(b) The photograph below shows a mammalian vertebra.

(i) State the view of the vertebra presented. (1 mark)

(ii) Name and state one function of the part labeled
T. Name ………………………………………….

Function ………………………………………

(iii) How are the parts labeled S and V adapted to their functions? (4
marks) S ………………………………………………

V ……………………………………………….
32
 (c) The actual width of the vertebra below in cm is shown by a section of the ruler
in the photograph.

(i) Determine the width of the vertebra on the photograph.

(1 mark)
(ii) Calculate the magnification of this image. (2 marks)
(iii) Determine the actual length of the vertebra from point A to B. Show
your working. (2 marks)
6. You are provided with a food sample labeled solution C. Using the reagents
provided, carry out tests to indentify the food substances present in the
sample.

TEST FOR PROCEDURE OBSERVATION CONCLUSION

1. Reducing
Sugars

2. Non
reducing
Sugars

3. Proteins

33
3. Below are photograph showing some observable features of leaves.

Using the features in the order given below, construct a dichotomos key that can be
used to identify the specimens.
 Simple of compound leaves;
 Leaf venation;
 Leaf margin;
 Arrangement of leaves on the stem;
 Pinnate of trifoliate nature of leaves. (10 marks)

34
 2013 KCSE MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1
1. (a) A process where cells of a herbaceous plant are plasmolysed, the stems
droops and the leaves become limp.
(b) Increase in temperature upto optimum activate the carrier proteins increasing
rate pf active transport very high temperature denatures the protein carrier
reducing active transport.
2. (a) Animal cell
(b)  Nucleus is centralised
 The cells lack a cellulose cell wall
(c) It is made up of several functional palisade cells.
3. (a)  Presence of mammary glands
 Presence of hairs or far in their skin
(b)  Class
4. (a)  Lubricates the stomach lining/wall
 Reduces autodigestion
(b) Young people are actively growing; Requires a higher amount of energy as
compared to older people whose rate of cell division is slower.
5. When plant cell are kept in in a hypotonic solution, cells gains water by osmosis,

6. Size of cell = Diameter field of view

the vacuole swells exertina pressure on cell membrane against cell wall.

Total number of cell

= 6000m
55 = 109.09m
7. (a) In Cohesion similar molecules mainly water draws attraction this
enhance capillarity.
(b) In adhension the attraction between water molecules and the wall of the xylem
vessel allow upward movement of water.
8. 1 (a) Leaf margin smooth............................specimen X
(b) Leaf margin serrated........................specimen Y
9. (a) Neurone – has Schwann cells secretes the myelin sheath
 Myelin insulates the axon.
(b) Mitochondria – interior membrane has infoldings known as crista to increase
surface area for energy production.
 Matrix contains enzyme for respiratory reaction
10.Lenticels has raised pits to enhance gaseous
exchange. 11.Can receive blood from all blood groups.
12.(i) Arachnida (ii) Spider
(b) Protoctista
13.- Autotrophic in their mode of Nutrition
- Have a localized movement.
14.1 Carbon (iv) oxide
2. Ethanol
3. Energy as A.T. P
35
 15.(i) Increase blood rich in oxygen to supplied to respiring tissue
(ii)Accelerate breakdown of toxic lactic acid to carbon (iv) oxide and
water.
16.(i) Dichogamy i.e protandry and protogyny
(ii) Heterostyly
(iii) Dioey or
unisexuality 17.Anther and
Ovary.
18.- Has a flagella to propel the sperm though the capulatory organ.
- Presence of mitochondria to generate energy or mobility for swimming
accept Nucleus and centrioles.
19.- Immature embryo
- Hard seed coat testa
- Presence of growth inhibitors eg. Abscisic acid
- Lack of factors that enhance germination. i.e. water optimum temperature
and oxygen/ air.
20. An organisms adjust to prevailing environmental condition and survive to
reproductive maturity; it then passes the advantageous traits to its
offspring. Organisms with disadvantages traits are eliminated.
21.(a) Role of centinentral drift in evolution.
1. Brought about variation of diversity in flora and fauna.
2. It has leas to adaptive radiation
(b) Gradual change of organism from simple life forms to complex life forms
over along period of time.
22.(a) Thigmotropism
(b) Auxins migrates away from the point of contact, stimulating faster elongation on
the outside thus curvature around the hard surface.
23. Using concave lens or diverging lens; which diverges light rays before reaching
the eyelens focusing light rays to the retina.
24.- Phajocyte engwf pathogens
- Lysosome release lytic enzymes to destroy the pathogen
- Some clump the pathogens preventing spread of disease
- Some bind to the membrane reducening
multiplication. 25. Narrow lumen to enhance capillary
 Lignified to give mechanical support
26.(a) Genes associated to sex -
chromosome (b)- Haemophilia
- Colourblindness
27. (a)
Complete metamorphosis Incomplete metamorphosis
- Organisms goes through - Organism goes through three
four distinct stages. distinct stages.
- Laval and pupal does not - Nymph show resemblance
resemble the adult. with the adult.
36
 (b) Promotes growth in insect
28.(a) – Rounded head to articulates with the socket groove to articulates with the head.

37
 (b)(i) Atlas
(ii) Axis
29.- Provide a large surface area for attachment of hip muscles
- Permits flexibility to allow builds delivery of body.
- Distributes weight of the body.
- Permits articulation with the lower limbs allowing free
movement. 30.(1) Turgidity enhance support in plant stems and
leaves
(2) Allows opening and closing of stomata.
(3) Absorb water from the soil.

2013 MARKING SCHEME PAPER 2

1. (a) (i) B - seta
D - Rhizoid
(ii) A – Release spores
(c) Photosynthesis activity accept manufactures food for the
plant. (b)(i) Arthropoda
(ii) - Presence of jointed walking legs
- The body is segmented
- Bilateral body symmetry.
2. (a) E - Semi circular
canals F - Oval
window
G – Cochlea
(b)(i) External auditory meatus
Presence of hairs and cells with tops small insects and secrete wax respectively
Hallow for channel wave to the tympanic membrane.
(ii) Ear ossicles
Presence of muscles attached to prevent excessive vibrations which can
damage the labyrinth.
Arranged as levers to amplify and transmit vibrations to the oval window.
(c) - Tinnitus
Nerve or absolute deafness vertigo
3. (a) (i) Light generates chemical energy which splits water to hydrogen Atoms and
0xygen gas.
(ii) Carbon (iv) oxide reacts with hydrogen in the presence of enzymes
toform simple sugars.
(iii) Chlorophyll traps /absorbs light energy from sunlight.
(c) Ptyalin digest starch to maltose
Pepsin acts on proteins to
peptides
(d) Cause – lack of vitamin B1 or Thiamine
Symptoms – gastro intestinal
38
disturbances
- Musles weakness
- Wasting
- Paralyses

39
4. (a)

All are smooth seed coats mark

awarded at genotype, gamete and F1 generation.

(b)



(c) Wrinkled proportion is 1⁄4 or

Phenotypic ration F2 3 smooth seed coat: 1 wrinkled seed coat

1⁄ × 14640
25% 3660

14
3660 wrinkled seeds

5. H- Broad and flat to provide surface area for attachment of thigh muscles.
J – Presence of flexible cartillage which permits widening of female girdles during
partuition.
(b) Passage of blood vessels, nerves and muscles bundles.
(c) (i) Femur bone
(ii) Ball and socket joint
(iii) Coccyx
(d) The population rises steadily again
(e) Nutrient availability food
 Appropriate temperature
 Accept suitable environment condition
6. (a)
On the same axis plot graphs of temperature C against time in days
(7marks)

40
 (b) 0 to 2 months
3. The mice have not reach reproductive maturity thus the rate of population
growth is still constant.

(ii) 2 to 6 months
The mice have adapted to the environment; the rate of population growth increases
gradually
(iii)6 to 10 months
The population increased rapidly; all mice have reached reproductive maturity and
resources all also available in plenty.
(iv) 10 to 12 months
Growth of population is stunted or constant; organism are to old and cannot
reproduce; rate of death is equal to rate of birth.

4. Population growth rate = ∆S × 100

(c) (i) Between months 6 and 7

= 310 − 115 × 100

Intial

115

41
 = 195 × 100
115

= 169.56%

(d) Population would continue flactuating.

(e)  Amount of food supplied
2. Size of the cage/ space.

7. (a) When vessel in the skin breaks, blood oozes out; platelets releases
thrombokinase which neutralize effect of heparin and also activates conversion
of prothrombin to thrombin in the presence of calcium ions. Thrombin activates
conversion of soluble fibrinogen to in soluble fibrin which forms a meshwork
pattern of fibrins caclot around the damaged vessel preventing further loss of
Red blood cells.
(b) Respiratory surfaces are:
1. Moist to dissolve respiratory gases.
2. Highly vascularised for rapid uptake of respiratory gases.
3. Thin epithelial lining to reduce distance for diffusion of repiratory gases.
4. Numerous to increase surface area for diffusion of respiratory surfaces
5. A good ventilation system to enhance entry and exit of respiratory gases.

8. (a) LIVER IN EXCRETION AND HOMEOTASIS

 Detoxification kipfer cells destroys foreign materials while catalase
converts hydrogen peroxide (toxic) to harmless substances.
 Deamination – excess amino acids are not used up instead deaminated to urea
and expel out through the kidney.
 Regulation of plasma proteins – Haemoglobin is broken down to haem and
globin. Haem is used to form bile pigments i.e bilverdin and bilirubirin
 Thermoregulation; Its large size, high degree of metabolic reaction and
excellent supply of bood produces heat and transport it to various tissues
 Regulation of blood sugar with influence of pancreatic hormones insulin and
glusagon of excess glucose to glyoogen while glucagon stimulates conversion
of glycogen to glucose
 Inactivation of hormones and drugs to inactive compounds by products are
carried to the kidney and eliminated.

(b) The skin during hot environmental conditions

(i) Bood vessels vasodilate increase more blood flow near the surface of the
skin encouraging heat loss.
(ii)The erector pili muscles in the skin relaxies; lowering the hair, no air
is entrapped thus heat is dissipated to the environment.
(iii) The sweat glands in the skin secretes sweat which evaporates leaving
a cooling effect on the body.
(iv) Metabolic rate in the skin decreases thus lowering heat production.
42
2013 MARKING SCHEME PAPER 3
4. (a) (i) Scapula
(ii) M are the intercostals muscles; Internal intercestal muscles relaxes while
external intercostals muscles contract pulling the ribcage outwards
and upwards increasing volume at the lungs and subsequently
decreasing it pressure allow oxygen from the atmosphere to diffuse in.
(b) (i) Anterior view
(ii) Neural canal
- Passage of the spinal cord.
- Where relay neurons are found.
(iii) S – Neural spine is very long to increase surface area for
muscle attachment.
V - Wide centrum to withstand compression from other vertebral bones.

(ii) Mg = Image size

(c) (i) 4.6 cm

Actual length
= 4.6 = Mg × 0.47
9.8
(iii) Mg. = Image size
Actual size

0.47 = X
10.4
0.47 × 10.4 =
X X = 4.88
cm

5.
Test For Procedure Obervation Conclusion
1. Reducing Add Benedict’s Blue colour Reducing
sugars solution. Heat in a hot retained sugars
water bath. absent
2. Non – Add HCL and boil for Brown colour. Non -
reducing few minutes cool. reducing
sugars Add sodium hydrogen sugar
carbonate drop by drop present
until fizzing stops.
Add Benedict’s
solution. Heat in a hot
water bath.

43
3. Proteins Add sodium hydroxide Colour Proteins
solution. changes to present
Add copper (ii) sulphate. Purple

44
3. 1 (a) Simple leaf................................................go to 2
(b) Leaf compound......................................go to 4
2. (a) Leaf parallel veination...............commelinaceae
(b) Leaf network veined................................go to 3
3. (a) Leaf margin smooth.....................Nyntaginaceae
(b) Leaf margin serated...........................malvaceae
4. (a) Leaflets opposite arrangement..............go to 5
(b) Leaflets alternate arrangement … Bignoniceae
5. (a) Leaves trifoliate…
.....................................................................
compositae
(b) Leaves pinnate..............................papilionaceae

2014 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
1. State the importance of each of the following in living organisms?
(a) Nutrition. (1 mark)
(b)Excretion. (1 mark)

2. (a) What is meant by the term seed dormancy?

(1 mark)
(b) State three causes of seed dormancy?
(3 marks)

3. State two functions of the placenta in mammals. (2 marks)

4. The diagram below illustrates a growing pollen tube.

(a) Name the part labeled B. (1 marks)

(b) Explain the role of the parts labeled A. (2 marks)

5. The diagram below shows a set up for an experiment to demonstrate a

certain physiological process.

45
 (a) What nature of solution is represented by 20 sugar solution? (1 mark)
(b)Explain the observation made on the set up after one hour. (2 marks)

6. State three roles of auxins in a plant stem. (3 marks)

7. A student drew a 6cm long diagram of a plant flower. If the actual length of the
flower was 12cm, calculate the magnification of the drawing made by the
student. Show your working.
(2 marks)

8. Differentiate between phenotype and genotype as used in genetics. (1 mark)

9. State two functions of interverterbral discs in the mammalian sketleton. (2 marks)

10. (a) Explain two roles of diffusion in human beings. (4 marks)

(b) What is meant by each of the following terms?

(i) Crenated cell. (1 mark)
(ii) Flaccid cell. (1 mark)

11. State three differences between tactic and tropic responses. (3 marks)

Tactic Responses Tropic Responses

12. The diagram below represents a model used to demonstrate breathing in mammals.

46
 Name the mammalian structure represented by the parts labelled D and
E. (i) D....................................................(1 mark)
(ii) E ……………………………………. (1 mark)

6. State the observation made when the string is pulled downwards. (1 mark)
7. Explain the observation in (b) above. (2 marks)

13. State one function of each of the following parts of a mammalian eye:
(a) Eye lashes (1 mark)
(b) Lachrymal glands. (1 mark)
14. State three structural differences between DNA and RNA. (3 marks)
DNA RNA

(a) Which type of mammalian muscles is voluntary? (1 mark)

15.
(b) Distinguish between a tendon and a ligament. (1 mark)

The diagram below illustrates a nerve cell.

16.

(a) Name the type of nerve cell illustrated. (1 mark)

47
 (b)Give a reason for your answer in (a) above (1 mark)
(c) Identify the part labeled J (1 mark)
(d)State one function of each of the parts labeled G and
H. (i) G...................................................(1 mark)
(ii) H.........................................................(1 mark)

17. Give a reason why the image is not formed when light is focused on the blind spot.
(1 marks)

18. Explain why

(a) Mammalian testes are located to hang outsid the body (2 mark)
(b)Four months after fertilization, ovaries can be removed from a human
female, without terminating pregnancy. (2 marks)

19. Why is a burning charcoal stove in a poorly ventilated room likely to cause death
of the inhabitants? (3 marks)

20. State one function of each of the following cell organelles.

(a) Golgi bodies (1 mark)
(b) Lysosomes. (1 mark)

21. Name the type of skeleton that makes up each of the following animals:
(a) Locust (1 mark)
(b) Bird (1 mark)

22. (a) Name two vestigial structures in human beings. (2 marks)

(c) Why are some bacteria able to resist the effect of antibiotics? (2 mark)

23. Below is an illustration of a cross section of a plant root showing the transportation
of substances in the plant?

(c) Name the substances transported along the paths labeled K and L.
K................................................................(1 mark)
L................................................................. (1
48
m
a
r
k
)

49
 (d)Give a reason for your answer in L above. (1 mark)

24. The table provided shows the transportation of substances in the human body.

Substance Transported by blood

From To
Oxygen M Whole body
N Liver Kidneys
P Intestine Whole body

Name the substances represented by

M........................................................................(1 mark)
N.........................................................................(1 mark)
P.........................................................................(1 mark)
25. State two roles of luteinizing hormone in human reproduction.

(2 marks)

26. The table provided shows the concentration of sodium and iodine in sea water
and cell sap of a plant.

Sodium ion concentration Iodide ion concentration

Sea 250 35
water
Cell sap 100 550

(c) (i) Name the process through which the plant cells take up sodium ions.
(1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. (1 mark)

(d) If the plant was sprayed with a chemical that inhibits respiration:
iii. Which of the two ions uptake will be affected? (1 mark)
iv. Give a reason for your answer in (b) (i) above. (1 mark)

27. The diagram below shows the gaseous exchange system of a locust.

50
 (a) Name the structure labelled Q. (1 mark)
(b)State the function of the part labelled R. (1 mark)
(c) How is the part labelled S structurally adapted to its function? (2 marks)

2014 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 2

SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. (a) State four characteristics of fruits dispersed by animals.
(e) State two roles of each of the following hormones in menstruation:
(iii) Luteinsing hormone; (2 marks)
(iv) Oestrogen. (2 marks)

2. The diagram below illustrates the role played by red blood cells in the
transportation of carbon (IV) oxide.

(a) Other than the carbon (IV) oxide transportation in the red blood cells, name
the other form of carbon (IV) oxide transportation in humans.
(1 mark)
51
 (b)(i) Name substance F..............................(1 mark)
(ii)Name the enzyme marked G and state its role in the reaction.

(2 marks)
Enzyme ……………………………………….
Role ……………………………………………
(c) Explain why transportation of carbon (IV) oxide in red blood cells
is advantageous. (2 marks)
(d)Explain the role of calcium ions in blood clotting. (2 marks)

3. (a) Describe the mechanism of gaseous exchange in plants through the lenticels.
(3 marks)
(d) Explain each of the following:
iii. the tracheoles lack spiral bands of chitin; (3 marks)

iv. the floor of the mouth is lowered during inhalation in a bony fish. (2 marks)

4. (a) How is sex determined in man? (4 marks)

(b)(i) Differentiate between sickle cell anaemia and sick cell trait.
(2 marks)
(ii)Explain why people with sickle cell trait have an adaptive survival advantage
over normal individuals in malaria endemic regions. (2
marks)

5.The diagram below represents the transverse section of the spinal cord.

(a) Name the part labelled H. (1 mark)

(b)tate two functions of the fluid found in the part labelled J.
(2 marks)
(c) Give a reason for the colour of white matter. (1 mark)
(d)Name and give the function of the enzyme found at the part labelled K.
(1 mark)
(e) On the diagram, use an arrow to show the direction of impulse
transmission along the neurone labelled I. (1 mark)

52
SECTION B (40 marks)
Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question 8.

6. An experiment was done to determine the uptake of nitrogen from the soil by broad
bean seedlings. The experiment was done with one set of seedlings M grown in
the atmosphere enriched with carbon (IV) oxide and another set up of seedlings N
grown in the normal atmosphere.

The amount of nitrogen in each seedling was measured in milligrams at intervals of ten
days. The table below shows the results obtained.

Amount of Nitrogen in Milligrams

SET M 0 25 70 125 160 395 635 860 895 915
SET N 0 15 35 50 65 105 120 125 135 140
TIME (DAYS) 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105

(f) Using the same axis draw line graphs of nitrogen uptake by the two (M and
N) sets of broad bean seedlings against time. (8 marks)
(g) Determine the rate of uptake of nitrogen in Set M between 65 and 85 days.
(2 marks)
(h)(i) What is the relationship between carbon (IV) oxide concentration on the
air and nitrogen uptake? (1 mark)
(ii)Account for the relationship in (c)(i) above. (3 marks)

53
 (i) What would happen to the concentration of nitrogen in the seedlings in set M, if
after 75days the seedlings are transferred to a normal atmosphere. (1 mark)
(ii)Explain your answer in (d)(i) above. (2 marks)
(i) State three ways in which nitrogen fixation occurs. (3 marks)

7.(a) Explain how each of the following factors affects the rate of photosynthesis.
(i) temperature; (2 marks)
(ii) chlorophyll concentration. (2 marks)
(c) Describe the process of carbonhydrate digestion in human beings.

(16 marks)

8.(a) How does excretion take place in plants?

(4 marks)
(b) Describe the role of the human skin in homeostasis.

(16 marks)

2014 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 3

1. (a) You are provided with solutions labelled Q and R, a substance labelled D and a
delivery tube filled with a rubber bung/cork.
I Label solution Q as lime water.
II Label solution R as 10 sugar solution.
III Add substance D to the 10 sugar
solution.
IV Tightly close/plud the boiling tube with the rubber bung/cork fitted with
a delivery tube.
V Dip the other end of the delivery tube in the test tube containing lime water.
VI Put the boiling tube in the warm water bath at 40C and allow the set up
to stand as shown in the diagram below.
VII Observe the set up for about 15 minutes.

a. State the observation made in the lime water. (2 marks)

b. Explain the observations made in the lime water. (2 marks)
c. Name the physiological process that was being investigated. (1 mark)
d. Write a word equation for the physiological process investigated.
(1 mark)

46
 e. Why was the warm bath used in the experiment? (2 marks)

(d) Put a drop of the contents in the boiling tube on a microscope slide. Stain with
a drop of methylene blue and cover with a cover slip. Observe it under a light
microscope using low, medium and high power objective lenses.

(iv) Draw and label one of the structures observed under the high power
objective lens. (3 marks)
(v) State the magnification of your drawing.
(1 mark)
(vi) State the identify of substance D. (1 mark)

2. You are provided with specimens labelled E and F.

(d)(i) Name the sub – division to which the specimens belong. (1 mark)

(ii)Using observable features on the specimens, give two reasons for your
answer in (a) (i) above. (2 marks)
(e) State the differences between the
(i) Leaves of specimens E and F. (5 marks)
LEAF E LEAF F
(ii) Stems of specimens E and F. (2 marks)
STEM E STEM F
(f) Using observable features on the specimen, state the adaptation of the stem
of specimen E to its habitat. (4 marks)

3. The photograph below shows two (A and B) skeletal limbs of a certain mammal.

(a) (i) Which of the two (A and B) skeletons represents a forelimb? (1 mark)
(iv) State two features observable on the skeleton to confirm your answer in (a)
(i) above. (2 marks)

(b) Name the bones labelled J, K and M.

4
 J...................................................................(1 mark)
K.................................................................(1 mark)
M................................................................(1 mark)

(c) Which bone forms the second joint with bone labelled K?
(1 mark)
(d) Name the type of joint formed at the part labelled H and L.
(e) Apart from the bones, state the function of any two other components of a joint.
(4 mark)

Component Function
……………… ……. …………………….

……………………. …………………….

2014 KCSE MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1

1.(a) Nutrition is a means of obtaining energy, enhance repair and growth and for body
defence of the organism against diseases.
(c) Removing metabolic waste products prevents them from accumulating in the
body thus do not become toxic to body tissues.
2.(a) It is a state of relative inactivity during which growth slows down or stops
completely. Metabolic activities decrease to a point that only keeps the organism
alive.
(b)  Testa is impermaeable.
 Immature embryo that may be undergoing further development.
 Presence of germination inhibitors.
 Absence of conditions necessary for germination to take place. E.g. water,
air, light and warmth.
3. Acts as a barrier of direct mixing of blood or materials between foetus
and mother.
 Acts as a site of exchange of substances between the foetus and the mother.
 Site of secretion of progesterone hormone from fourth month of pregnancy, so
as to maintain the pregnancy.
 Helps in creating steep concentration gradient of diffusing materials by
counter current flow between material and foetal blood.
4.(a) Tube nucleus.
(b) One male nucler fuses with the egg cell forming diploid zygote. The other male
nucler fuses with the two polor nuclei forming triploid endosperm.
5.(a) Hypertonic solution
(b)  The level of solution in the thistle funnel increased. Water diffused from
the beaker to the 20 sugar solution by osmosis due to concentration
gradient.

4
 Water in the beaker changed colour. The ink molecules moved from the
thistle funnel to distilled water by diffusion due to concentration gradient.

4
6. Enhance primary growth
 Inhibit development of lateral buds.
 Stimulates growth of adventitious roots.
 Enhance secondary growth by initiating cell division of the cambium
into vascular tissues.
 Induce formation of callus tissues that cause healing of wounds when
associated with cytokinins.
7.Total = Length of drawing
Magnification Length of
specimen

= 6cm
12cm

= x 0.5

8. Phenotype is the outward appearance of the organism of a given characteristic while

genotype is the genetic make up of a gene that determines a characteristic.
9. Acts as a surface of articulation of the vertebrae.
 Absorb shock and reduce friction between the bones.
10.(a) Used in exchange of gases in the alveoli by oxygen diffusing into blood
capillaries and carbon (iv) oxide diffusing into alveoli from capillaries.
 End products of digestion diffuse into blood capillaries at the ileum.
 Metabolic waste products diffuse from the cells.
 Used in selective reabsorption of useful nutrient in nephron tubules.
(b) (i) Crenated cell – Animal cell placed in hypertonic solution. It loses water to the
surrounding solution by osmosis until it shrinks.
(ii)Flaccid cell – Plant cell placed in hypertopic solution. It loses water to
the surrounding solution by osmosis and becomes small in size.
11.
Tactic responses Tropic responses
 Locomotory response of whole organism  Growth response of
part organism
 Slow and more permanent  Fast and is temporary
 Influenced by specialised cells.  Influenced by
growth hormones
12.(a) (i) D - Ribs/intercostals muscles
(ii) E – Diaphragm
(b) Balloons become inflated /bigger
(c) The volume is increased reducing pressure. Air enters into the balloons
making them bigger / inflated.
13.(a) Eye lashes – Traps dust and small flying insects and prevent them from reaching
the eye.
(b) Lachrymal glands – secrete tears that moisturise the cornea and wash

5
away foreign particles from the eye.

5
14.
DNA RNA
 Has two strands  Has one strand.
 Has nitrogeneous base Thymine  Has nitrogeneous base uracil
 Has five – carbon sugar  Has five carbon sugar known
known deoxyribose ribose.

15.(a) Skeletal muscles/ striated muscles.

(b) Tendon is present between a bone and a muscle at the joint while ligament is
between a bone and another bone at the joint.
16.(a) Sensory neurone/sensory nerve cell.
(b)  Cell body is on the side of axon
 It has along dendron
(c) Schwann cell
(d) G - Transmits nerve impulses to the adjacent neuraone / nerve
cell. H – Insulates the axon / nerve fibre.
17. It does not have photo receptors / cells sensitive to light.
18.(a) Formation of sperms takes place at temperature lower that body temperature.
 To create more space of packing of seminiferous tubules and epididymis.
(b) The placenta is fully developed. It takes over secreting the hormone
progesterone that maintains pregnancy.
19. The charcoal burns in limited oxygen resulting to production of carbon (II) oxide.
When inhaled it combines with haemoglobin of red blood cells forming a stable
compound, carboxyhaemoglobin. It does not dissocrated thus prevent oxygen
transportation reading to suffocation.
20.(a) Packaging and transportion of substances
 Secretion of useful substances from the cell
 Site of production of lysosomes.
(b)  Destroy old and worn-out organelles and cells
 Destroy micro – organisms/
pathogens. 21.(a) Exoskeleton
(b) Endoskeleton 22.
(a) Tail and caecum.
(b) The continuous use of antibiotics makes the bacteria become adapted to their
presence or may mutate thus not affected by the.
23.(a) K – Glucose and amino acids/manufactured foods
L – Water and mineral salts.
(b) Water and mineral salts are absorbed from soil water by root hairs into the xylem
of the root.
24.M – Lungs /Alveoli
N – Urea
P – Final products of digestion/Glucose, mineral salts, amino acids.
25. Enhance release of mature ovum from Graafian follicle / ovulation.
 Causes development of remains of Grafian follicle into corpus Luteum.

5
  Stimulates secreation of progesterone by the
ovary. 26.(a) (i) Diffusion
(ii) Sea water has higher concentration of sodium ion than in cell sap of
the plant. They diffuse into the plant due to concentration gradient.
(iii) Lodide ions.
(iv) The sea water has low concentration of iodide ions that in the cell sap.
They are therefore absorbed by active transport. The process requires a lot
of energy.
27.(a) Valve of spiracle.
(b) Passage of air without collapsing
(c)  Lacks cuticle / thin walled to reduce distance of diffusion of gases.
 Highly divided / branched to increase surface area of diffusion of gases.
 The tips have a fluid to dissolves the diffusing gases.
 Penetrate to all body muscles for efficient exchange of gases.

2014 MARKING SCHEME PAPER 2

1. (a)  Some have undigestable seeds that are passed with faeces when eaten together
with the fruit.
 Some are brightly coloured and sweet scented to attract the animals.
 Some have hooks that stick on the fur or clothing of the animal then
dropped elsewhere.
 Some have flesh and juicy pericarp.
(b) (i) Stimulates secretion of progesterone by the ovary
 Enhance release of mature ovum from the Graafian follicle / ovulation.
 Causes development of the remains of Graafian follicle into corpus
luteum. (ii) Enhance healing of the uterine wall after menstruation
 Stimulates secreation of luteinising hormone.
2. (a) In form of weak carbonic acid by
plasma. (b)(i) Water
(ii)Enzyme – carbonic anhydrase
Role - enhance the reaction of water and carbon (IV) oxide to form
carbonic acid.
(c)  The hydrogen carbonate ions are alkaline thus control PH of body fluids.
 It combines with haemoglobin forming carbamino haemoglobin thus
prevents formation of carboxyhaemoglobin.
 Faster due to catalytic effect of carbonic anhydrase.
(d)  Influence conversion of inactive prothrombin into active thrombin.
 Neutralise heparin.
3. (a) Lenticels are loosely packed cells on the stem that are thin – walled. Oxygen gas
dissolves in the moisture on the surface of the cells. It diffuses into the cell due to
concentration gradient. Carbon (IV) oxide diffuses from the cells into the air due
to concentration gradients.

5
 (b)(i) It allows free diffusion of gases into the body tissues. Chitin is
impermeable to gases. Its absence makes them highly permeable thus
increase rate of gaseous exchange.
(ii) This increases the volume of the mouth cavity thus decrease the
pressure. Water containing oxygen rushes into the mouth due difference in
pressure.
4. (a)  By presence of genes located on specific pair of chromosomes called X
and Y.
 Females have homogametic XX while males have heterogametic XY. If an X
gene of the female fuses with X gene of the male, a female, XX is produced. If
an X gene of the female fuses with Y gene of the male, a male XY is
produced.
(b)(i) Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease in humans that have abnormal
haemoglobin that crystalise in low oxygen concentration.The red blood cells
have a crescant like shape.It is homozygotic with 100 defective. While
sickle cell trait is the heterozygotic state where the individual has 30 – 40
abnormal haemoglobin and the rest normal haemoglobin. They can pass the
disease.
(ii) The plastmodium vivax, malarial parasite, does not survive or multiply
in sickled red blood cells but it multiplies rapidly in normal red blood
cells.

5. (a) Cell body

(b)  It acts as a medium of exchange of nutrients, gases and wastes between blood
and the spinal cord.
 It cushions the spinal cord from shock. i.e. act as shock absorber.
(c) It mainly has the axons with myelin sheath dendrites. The fat present make
it have a shiny white appearance.
(d)  Name - cholinesterase/acety/ hydrolase.
 Function – It breaks down the neurotransmitter substance after stimulating
the post synaptic membrane known acetylcholine.
(e)(e)

5
 (a) On graph paper attached

(b) 860 – 395 = 465 = 23.25 Mg/ day.

85 – 65 20

(c) (i) High carbon (IV) oxide concentration increases nitrogen uptake.
(ii)Increased carbon (iv) oxide concentration increases the rate of
photosynthesis.
This increases rate of absorption water and dissolved mineral salts in the soil
water. The leaves grow faster and broader as more nitrogen is absorbed. More
amino acids are also formed.
(d)(i) Nitrogen concentration would remain constant.
Nitrogen has already been absorbed and uptake by plant still remain.
(e)  Free living bacteria in the soil convert nitrogen into nitrate that are
than absorbed by plants. E.g. azotobacte
 Symbiotic bacteria in root nodules convert nitrogen into nitrates then used
by plants. E.g. rhizobium.
 During lightening and thunder storms nitrogen combines with oxygen
and water forming nitric acid then into nitrates. They are absorbed by
plants.

5
6. (a) (i) At very low temperatures the rate of photosynthesis is low as photosynthetic
enzymes are inactive. They become active as temperature increases. Thus

5
 increasing photosynthesis. At 40 C the enzymes become denatured stopping
rate of photosynthesis.
(ii) Low chlorophyll concentration cause low rate of photosynthesis as
the concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis also increases.
(b)  In the mouth starch is chewed by mechanical digestion to increase
surface area for enzyme digestion.
 It mixes with saliva that moisturises it and combines with the enzyme
salivary amylase and provides an alkaline medium.
 It digests breaks down starch into maltose.
 It is then swallowed and goes to the stomach via the oesophagus
by peristalsis.
 Starch is not digested in the stomach due to acidic medium. It is only
churned into fluid – like chyme.
 The chyme then moves to the duodenum and mixes with bile and
pancreatic juice that has alkaline salts that neutralize the acidic condition.
 It mixes with pancreatic amylase that digests the remaining starch from
the mouth into maltose.
 It then moves into the ileum and mixes with intestinal juice that has
the enzymes.
 Maltase that digests maltose into glucose.
 Sucrase that digest sucrose into glucose and fructose.
 Lactase that digest lactose into glucose and galactose.

7. (a)  Guttation that removes excess water and dissolved wastes

through hydothodes.
 Exudation where wastes products are stored at the bark of the plants
then released in liquid form
 Deposition where some wastes are deposited in seeds, leaves and fruits
then drop off.
 Transpiration where excess water and dissolved wastes evaporate through
the stomata.
 Diffusion where gaseous wastes diffuse out of the leaves through stomata.
(b)  The skin is useful in thermoregulation by the following:
 When exposed to high temperatures; the erector pili muscles relax making
the hair follicles to lay flat. This encourages heat loss by radiation and
conduction.
 The blood capillaries dilate encouraging more blood flow to the skin
thus more heat lost by radiation and conduction.
 More sweat is secreted. As it evaporates the skin left colder due to convection.
 When exposed to low temperatures; the erector pill muscles contract
making the hair follicles raise. A layer of air is trapped that prevents heat
loss by radiation and conduction.

5
 Blood capillaries constrict and less blood flows to the skin. Heat is not lost
by radiation and conduction.
 Sweating does not take place thus heat is not lost by convection.
 The skin is useful in asmoregulation by the following.
 When more sweating takes place excess water is lost from the skin
increasing osmotic pressure in body tissues.
 Excess mineral salts may be lost during sweating lowering osmotic pressure
in body tissues.
 If sweating does not take place, water is conserved in the body
lowering osmotic pressure.
 When sweating does not take place, mineral salts are not lost thus
may increase osmotic pressure in body tissues.

5
 2014 MARKING SCHEME PAPER 3
1. (a) (i) It turns to white precipitate and Bubbles of a gas.
(ii) The sugar solution broke down in absence of oxygen producing carbon (iv)
oxide. It diffuses through the delivery tube and reacts with lime water
forming insoluble calcium carbonate.

Glucose → Ethanal + Carbon (iv) oxide

(iii) Anaerobic respiration
(iv)
(v) To create an optimum temperature for the anaerobic respiration /fermentation
to take place.
(b)(i)

(ii)Magnification = Eye – piece × objective

lens lens

X 400 = X 10 × X 40

OR

X 600 = X15 × X 40
(iii) Yeast cells / powder

2. (a) (i) Angiospermae

(ii)  They have broad leaves
 The leaves have veins thus have developed vascular bundles.

(b)(i)
LEAF E LEAF F
 Network veined  Parallel veined
 Surface is thorny  Surface is smooth
 Leaf blade is green  Leaf blade is purple
 The margin is dentate  The margin is smooth
 Shape is cordate  Shape is linear/lancaolate
 Has petiole  No petiole.

5
 (ii)
STEM E STEM F
 Thorny surface  Smooth but hairly surface
 Firm and rigid  Thick and succulent
 Green in colour  Purple in colour

(c)  Thorny surface to keep away predators.

 Has firm and rigid so as to resist strong air currents
 Scented to keep away predators.

3. (a) (i) A
(ii)  Presence of the shoulder blade / scapular.
 Presence of olecranon process with sigmoid notch in the two bones labeled J
(b) J – Radius
K–
Fzmur
M – Metatarsals

(c) Pelvic girdle

(d) H – Sliding or gliding
joint L – Hinge joint

Component Function
 Synovial fluid  Reduces friction between bones
 Ligaments  Holds once bone and the other
 Tendons  Hold the bone and the muscle
 Articular cartilage  Point of articulation of the bones

6
 2015 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS
BIOLOGY PAPER 1
1. State the importance of each of the following in living organisms?
(a) Nutrition. (1 mark)
(b)Excretion. (1 mark)

2. (a) What is meant by the term seed dormancy?

(1 mark)
(c) State three causes of seed dormancy?
(3 marks)

3. State two functions of the placenta in mammals. (2 marks)

4. The diagram below illustrates a growing pollen tube.

(c) Name the part labeled B. (1 marks)

(d) Explain the role of the parts labeled A. (2 marks)

5. The diagram below shows a set up for an experiment to demonstrate a

certain physiological process.

(c) What nature of solution is represented by 20 sugar solution? (1 mark)

6
 (d)Explain the observation made on the set up after one hour.
(2 marks)

6. State three roles of auxins in a plant stem.

(3 marks)

7. A student drew a 6cm long diagram of a plant flower. If the actual length of the
flower was 12cm, calculate the magnification of the drawing made by the
student. Show your working.
(2 marks)

8. Differentiate between phenotype and genotype as used in genetics. (1 mark)

9. State two functions of interverterbral discs in the mammalian sketleton. (2 marks)

10. (a) Explain two roles of diffusion in human beings. (4 marks)

(c) What is meant by each of the following terms?

(iii) Crenated cell. (1 mark)
(iv) Flaccid cell. (1 mark)

11. State three differences between tactic and tropic responses. (3 marks)

Tactic Responses Tropic Responses

12. The diagram below represents a model used to demonstrate breathing in mammals.

6
 8. Name the mammalian structure reprented by the parts labelled D and
E. (iii) D....................................................(1 mark)
(iv) E ……………………………………. (1 mark)

9. State the observation made when the string is pulled downwards. (1 mark)
10.Explain the observation in (b) above. (2 marks)

13. State one function of each of the following parts of a mammalian eye:
(c) Eye lashes (1 mark)
(d)Lachrymal glands. (1 mark)
14. State three structural differences between DNA and RNA.

(3 marks)
DNA RNA

15. (a) Which type of mammalian muscles is voluntary? (1 mark)

(c) Distinguish between a tendon and a ligament. (1 mark)

16. The diagram below illustrates a nerve cell.

(e) Name the type of nerve cell illustrated. (1 mark)

(f) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above (1 mark)
(g) Identify the part labeled J (1 mark)
(h)State one function of each of the parts labeled G and
H. (iii) G...................................................(1 mark)
(iv) H.........................................................(1 mark)

17. Give a reason why the image is not formed when light is focused on the blind spot.
(1 marks)

18. Explain why

6
 (c) Mammalian testes are located to hang outsid the body (2 mark)
(d)Four months after fertilization, ovaries can be removed from a human
female, without terminating pregnancy.(2 marks)

19. Why is a burning charcoal stove in a poorly ventilated room likely to cause death
of the inhabitants? (3 marks)

20. State one function of each of the following cell organelles.

(c) Golgi bodies (1 mark)
(d)Lysosomes. (1 mark)

21. Name the type of skeleton that makes up each of the following animals:
(c) Locust (1 mark)
(d)Bird (1 mark)

22. (a) Name two vestigial structures in human beings. (2 marks)

(d)Why are some bacteria able to resist the effect of antibiotics? (2 mark)

23. Below is an illustration of a cross section of a plant root showing the

transportation of substances in the plant?

(e) Name the substances transported along the paths labeled K and L.
K................................................................(1 mark)
L................................................................. (1
mark)

(f) Give a reason for your answer in L above. (1 mark)

24. The table provided shows the transportation of substances in the human body.

Substance Transported by blood

From To
6
Oxygen M Whole body

6
 N Liver Kidneys
P Intestine Whole body

Name the substances represented by

M........................................................................(1 mark)
N.........................................................................(1 mark)
P.........................................................................(1 mark)
25. State two roles of luteinizing hormone in human reproduction. (2 marks)

26. The table provided shows the concentration of sodium and iodine in sea water
and cell sap of a plant.

Sodium ion Iodide ion

concentration concentration
Sea 250 35
water
Cell sap 100 550

(e) (i) Name the process through which the plant cells take up sodium ions.
(1 mark)
(iii) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. (1 mark)

(f) If the plant was sprayed with a chemical that inhibits respiration:
v. Which of the two ions uptake will be affected? (1 mark)
vi. Give a reason for your answer in (b) (i) above. (1 mark)

27. The diagram below shows the gaseous exchange system of a locust.

(d)Name the structure labelled Q. (1 mark)

(e) State the function of the part labelled R. (1 mark)
(f) How is the part labelled S structurally adapted to its function? (2 marks)

6
 2015 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 2
SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. (a) State four characteristics of fruits dispersed by animals.
(f) State two roles of each of the following hormones in menstruation:
(v) Luteinsing hormone; (2 marks)
(vi) Oestrogen. (2 marks)

2. The diagram below illustrates the role played by red blood cells in the
transportation of carbon (IV) oxide.

(e) Other than the carbon (IV) oxide transportation in the red blood cells, name
the other form of carbon (IV) oxide transportation in humans.
(1 mark)
(f) (i) Name substance F..............................(1 mark)
(iii) Name the enzyme marked G and state its role in the reaction.

(2 marks)
Enzyme ……………………………………….
Role ……………………………………………
(g) Explain why transportation of carbon (IV) oxide in red blood cells
is advantageous. (2 marks)
(h)Explain the role of calcium ions in blood clotting. (2 marks)

3. (a) Describe the mechanism of gaseous exchange in plants through the lenticels.
(3 marks)
(e) Explain each of the following:
v. the tracheoles lack spiral bands of chitin; (3 marks)

vi. the floor of the mouth is lowered during inhalation in a bony fish. (2 marks)

4. (a) How is sex determined in man? (4 marks)

(c) (i) Differentiate between sickle cell anaemia and sick cell trait.
(2 marks)
6
 (iii) Explain why people with sickle cell trait have an adaptive
survival advantage over normal individuals in malaria endemic
regions.
(2 marks)

5. The diagram below represents the transverse section of the spinal cord.

(f) Name the part labelled H. (1 mark)

(g) tate two functions of the fluid found in the part labelled J.
(2 marks)
(h)Give a reason for the colour of white matter. (1 mark)
(i) Name and give the function of the enzyme found at the part labelled K.
(1 mark)
(j) On the diagram, use an arrow to show the direction of impulse
transmission along the neurone labelled I. (1 mark)

SECTION B (40 marks)

Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question 8.

6.An experiment was done to determine the uptake of nitrogen from the soil by broad
bean seedlings. The experiment was done with one set of seedlings M grown in
the atmosphere enriched with carbon (IV) oxide and another set up of seedlings N
grown in the normal atmosphere.

The amount of nitrogen in each seedling was measured in milligrams at intervals of ten
days. The table below shows the results obtained.

Amount of Nitrogen in Milligrams

SET M 0 25 70 125 160 395 635 860 895 915
SET N 0 15 35 50 65 105 120 125 135 140
TIME 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105
(DAYS)

6
 (j) Using the same axis draw line graphs of nitrogen uptake by the two (M and
N) sets of broad bean seedlings against time. (8 marks)
(k)Determine the rate of uptake of nitrogen in Set M between 65 and 85 days.
(2 marks)
(l) (i) What is the relationship between carbon (IV) oxide concentration on the
air and nitrogen uptake? (1 mark)
(iii) Account for the relationship in (c)(i) above. (3 marks)

(i) What would happen to the concentration of nitrogen in the seedlings in set M,
if after 75days the seedlings are transferred to a normal atmosphere. (1
mark)
(iii) Explain your answer in (d)(i) above. (2 marks)
(m) State three ways in which nitrogen fixation occurs.
(3 marks)

7.(a) Explain how each of the following factors affects the rate of photosynthesis.
(iii) temperature; (2 marks)
(iv) chlorophyll concentration. (2 marks)
(d) Describe the process of carbonhydrate digestion in human beings. (16 marks)

8.(a) How does excretion take place in plants? (4 marks)

(c) Describe the role of the human skin in homeostasis. (16 marks)

65
 2015 KCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 3
1. (a) You are provided with solutions labelled Q and R, a substance labelled D and a
delivery tube filled with a rubber bung/cork.
I Label solution Q as lime water.
II Label solution R as 10 sugar solution.
III Add substance D to the 10 sugar
solution.
IV Tightly close/plud the boiling tube with the rubber bung/cork fitted with
a delivery tube.
V Dip the other end of the delivery tube in the test tube containing lime water.
VI Put the boiling tube in the warm water bath at 40C and allow the set up
to stand as shown in the diagram below.
VII Observe the set up for about 15 minutes.

f. State the observation made in the lime wter. (2 marks)

g. Explain the observations made in the lime water. (2 marks)
h. Name the physiological process that was being investigated. (1 mark)
i. Write a word equation for the physiological process investigated.
(1 mark)
j. Why was the warm bath used in the experiment? (2 marks)

(e) Put a drop of the contents in the boiling tube on a microscope slide. Stain with a
drop of methylene blue and cover with a cover slip. Observe it under a light
microscope using low, medium and high power objective lenses.

(vii) Draw and label one of the structures observed under the high power
objective lens. (3 marks)
(viii) State the magnification of your drawing.
(1 mark)
(ix) State the identify of substance D. (1 mark)

2. You are provided with specimens labelled E and F.

(a) (i) Name the sub – division to which the specimens belong. (1 mark)

6
 (iii) Using observable features on the specimens, give two reasons for
your answer in (a) (i) above. (2 marks)
(b) State the differences between the
(iii) Leaves of specimens E and F. (5 marks)
LEAF E LEAF F
(iv) Stems of specimens E and F. (2 marks)
STEM E STEM F
(c) Using observable features on the specimen, state the adaptation of the stem
of specimen E to its habitat. (4 marks)

3. The photograph below shows two (A and B) skeletal limbs of a certain mammal.

(f) (i) Which of the two (A and B) skeletons represents a forelimb? (1 mark)
(v) State two features observable on the skeleton to confirm your answer in (a)
(i) above. (2 marks)

(g) Name the bones labelled J, K and M.

J...................................................................(1
mark)
K.................................................................(1 mark)
M................................................................(1 mark)

(h) Which bone forms the second joint with bone labelled K? (1 mark)
(i) Name the type of joint formed at the part labelled H and L.
(j) Apart from the bones, state the function of any two other components of a joint.
(4 mark)

Component Function
……………… ……. …………………….

……………………. …………………….

6
 2015 KCSE MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1
1. (a) Nutrition is a means of obtaining energy, enhance repair and growth and for
body defense of the organism against diseases.
(d) Removing metabolic waste products prevents them from accumulating in the
body thus do not become toxic to body tissues.
2. (a) It is a state of relative inactivity during which growth slows down or stops
completely. Metabolic activities decrease to a point that only keeps the
organism alive.
(c)  Testa is impermeable.
 Immature embryo that may be undergoing further development.
 Presence of germination inhibitors.
 Absence of conditions necessary for germination to take place. E.g. water,
air, light and warmth.
3.  Acts as a barrier of direct mixing of blood or materials between foetus
and mother.
 Acts as a site of exchange of substances between the foetus and the mother.
 Site of secretion of progesterone hormone from fourth month of pregnancy, so
as to maintain the pregnancy.
 Helps in creating steep concentration gradient of diffusing materials by
counter current flow between material and foetal blood.
4. (a) Tube nucleus.
(c) One male nucler fuses with the egg cell forming diploid zygote. The other male
nucler fuses with the two polor nuclei forming triploid endosperm.
5. (a) Hypertonic solution
(c)  The level of solution in the thistle funnel increased. Water diffused from
the beaker to the 20 sugar solution by osmosis due to concentration
gradient.
 Water in the beaker changed colour. The ink molecules moved from the
thistle funnel to distilled water by diffusion due to concentration gradient.
6.  Enhance primary growth
 Inhibit development of lateral buds.
 Stimulates growth of adventitious roots.
 Enhance secondary growth by initiating cell division of the cambium
into vascular tissues.
 Induce formation of callus tissues that cause healing of wounds when
associated with cytokinins.
7. Total = Length of drawing
Magnification Length of
specimen

= 6cm
12cm

6
= x 0.5

6
8. Phenotype is the outward appearance of the organism of a given characteristic
while genotype is the genetic make up of a gene that determines a characteristic.
9.  Acts as a surface of articulation of the vertebrae.
 Absorb shock and reduce friction between the bones.
10. (a) Used in exchange of gases in the alveoli by oxygen diffusing into
blood capillaries and carbon (iv) oxide diffusing into alveoli from
capillaries.
 End products of digestion diffuse into blood capillaries at the ileum.
 Metabolic waste products diffuse from the cells.
 Used in selective reabsorption of useful nutrient in nephron tubules.
(c) (i) Crenated cell – Animal cell placed in hypertonic solution. It loses water to the
surrounding solution by osmosis until it shrinks.
(iii) Flaccid cell – Plant cell placed in hypertopic solution. It loses water to
the surrounding solution by osmosis and becomes small in size.
11.
Tactic responses Tropic responses
 Locomotory response  Growth response of part organism
of whole organism
 Slow and more permanent  Fast and is temporary
 Influenced by  Influenced by growth hormones
specialised cells.
12. (a) (i) D - Ribs/intercostals muscles
(iii) E – Diaphragm
(d) Balloons become inflated /bigger
(e) The volume is increased reducing pressure. Air enters into the balloons
making them bigger / inflated.
13. (a) Eye lashes – Traps dust and small flying insects and prevent them from reaching
the eye.
(c) Lachrymal glands – secrete tears that moisturise the cornea and wash away
foreign particles from the eye.
14.
DNA RNA
 Has two strands  Has one strand.
 Has nitrogeneous base Thymine  Has nitrogeneous
base uracil
 Has five – carbon sugar  Has five carbon sugar
known deoxyribose known ribose.

15. (a) Skeletal muscles/ striated muscles.

(c) Tendon is present between a bone and a muscle at the joint while ligament is
between a bone and another bone at the joint.
16. (a) Sensory neurone/sensory nerve cell.
(e)  Cell body is on the side of axon
 It has along dendron
7
(f) Schwann cell

7
 (g) G - Transmits nerve impulses to the adjacent neuraone / nerve
cell. H – Insulates the axon / nerve fibre.
17. It does not have photo receptors / cells sensitive to light.
18. (a)  Formation of sperms takes place at temperature lower that body temperature.
 To create more space of packing of seminiferous tubules and epididymis.
(c) The placenta is fully developed. It takes over secreting the hormone
progesterone that maintains pregnancy.
19. The charcoal burns in limited oxygen resulting to production of carbon (II)
oxide. When inhaled it combines with haemoglobin of red blood cells forming a
stable compound, carboxyhaemoglobin. It does not dissocrated thus prevent
oxygen transportation reading to suffocation.
20. (a)  Packaging and transportion of substances
 Secretion of useful substances from the cell
 Site of production of lysosomes.
(c)  Destroy old and worn-out organelles and cells
 Destroy micro – organisms/ pathogens.
21. (a) Exoskeleton
(c) Endoskeleton
22. (a) Tail and caecum.
(c) The continuous use of antibiotics makes the bacteria become adapted to their
presence or may mutate thus not affected by the.
23. (a) K – Glucose and amino acids/manufactured foods
L – Water and mineral salts.
(c) Water and mineral salts are absorbed from soil water by root hairs into the xylem
of the root.
24. M – Lungs
/Alveoli N – Urea
P – Final products of digestion/Glucose, mineral salts, amino acids.
25.  Enhance release of mature ovum from Graafian follicle / ovulation.
 Causes development of remains of Grafian follicle into corpus Luteum.
 Stimulates secreation of progesterone by the ovary.
26. (a) (i) Diffusion
(v) Sea water has higher concentration of sodium ion than in cell sap of
the plant. They diffuse into the plant due to concentration gradient.
(vi) Lodide ions.
(vii) The sea water has low concentration of iodide ions that in the cell sap.
They are therefore absorbed by active transport. The process requires a lot
of energy.
27. (a) Valve of spiracle.
(d) Passage of air without collapsing
(e)  Lacks cuticle / thin walled to reduce distance of diffusion of gases.
 Highly divided / branched to increase surface area of diffusion of gases.
 The tips have a fluid to dissolves the diffusing gases.
 Penetrate to all body muscles for efficient exchange of gases.
7
 2015 MARKING SCHEME PAPER 2
1. (a) Some have undigestable seeds that are passed with faeces when eaten together
with the fruit.
 Some are brightly coloured and sweet scented to attract the animals.
 Some have hooks that stick on the fur or clothing of the animal then
dropped elsewhere.
 Some have flesh and juicy pericarp.
(c) (i) Stimulates secretion of progesterone by the ovary
 Enhance release of mature ovum from the Graafian follicle / ovulation.
 Causes development of the remains of Graafian follicle into corpus luteum.
(iii)  Enhance healing of the uterine wall after menstruation
 Stimulates secreation of luteinising hormone.
2. (a) In form of weak carbonic acid by plasma.
(e) (i) Water
(iii) Enzyme – carbonic anhydrase
Role - enhance the reaction of water and carbon (IV) oxide to form
carbonic acid.
(f)  The hydrogen carbonate ions are alkaline thus control PH of body fluids.
 It combines with haemoglobin forming carbamino haemoglobin thus
prevents formation of carboxyhaemoglobin.
 Faster due to catalytic effect of carbonic anhydrase.
(g)  Influence conversion of inactive prothrombin into active thrombin.
 Neutralise heparin.
3. (a) Lenticels are loosely packed cells on the stem that are thin – walled.
Oxygen gas dissolves in the moisture on the surface of the cells. It diffuses into
the cell due to concentration gradient. Carbon (IV) oxide diffuses from the cells
into the air due to concentration gradients.
(c) (i) It allows free diffusion of gases into the body tissues. Chitin is impermeable
to gases. Its absence makes them highly permeable thus increase rate of
gaseous exchange.
(iii) This increases the volume of the mouth cavity thus decrease the
pressure. Water containing oxygen rushes into the mouth due difference in
pressure.
4.(a) By presence of genes located on specific pair of chromosomes called X and
Y.
 Females have homogametic XX while males have heterogametic XY. If an X
gene of the female fuses with X gene of the male, a female, XX is produced. If
an X gene of the female fuses with Y gene of the male, a male XY is
produced.
(c) (i) Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease in humans that have abnormal
haemoglobin that crystalise in low oxygen concentration.The red blood cells
have a crescant like shape.It is homozygotic with 100 defective. While
sickle cell trait is the heterozygotic state where the individual has 30 – 40
abnormal haemoglobin and the rest normal haemoglobin. They can pass the
7
disease.

7
 (iii) The plastmodium vivax, malarial parasite, does not survive or multiply
in sickled red blood cells but it multiplies rapidly in normal red blood
cells.

5.(a) Cell body

(f)  It acts as a medium of exchange of nutrients, gases and wastes between blood
and the spinal cord.
 It cushions the spinal cord from shock. i.e. act as shock absorber.
(g) It mainly has the axons with myelin sheath dendrites. The fat present make
it have a shiny white appearance.
(h)  Name - cholinesterase/acety/ hydrolase.
 Function – It breaks down the neurotransmitter substance after stimulating
the post synaptic membrane known acetylcholine.
(i)(i)

(a) On graph paper attached

7
 (f) 860 – 395 = 465 = 23.25 Mg/ day.
85 – 65 20

(g)(i) High carbon (IV) oxide concentration increases nitrogen uptake.

(iii) Increased carbon (iv) oxide concentration increases the rate of
photosynthesis. This increases rate of absorption water and dissolved
mineral salts in the soil water. The leaves grow faster and broader as more
nitrogen is absorbed. More amino acids are also formed.
(h)(i) Nitrogen concentration would remain constant.
Nitrogen has already been absorbed and uptake by plant still remain.
(i)  Free living bacteria in the soil convert nitrogen into nitrate that are
than absorbed by plants. E.g. azotobacte
 Symbiotic bacteria in root nodules convert nitrogen into nitrates then used
by plants. E.g. rhizobium.
 During lightening and thunder storms nitrogen combines with oxygen
and water forming nitric acid then into nitrates. They are absorbed by
plants.

7.(a) (i) At very low temperatures the rate of photosynthesis is low as photosynthetic
enzymes are inactive. They become active as temperature increases. Thus
increasing photosynthesis. At 40 C the enzymes become denatured stopping
rate of photosynthesis.
(iii) Low chlorophyll concentration cause low rate of photosynthesis as
the concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis also increases.
(c)  In the mouth starch is chewed by mechanical digestion to increase
surface area for enzyme digestion.
 It mixes with saliva that moisturises it and combines with the enzyme
salivary amylase and provides an alkaline medium.
 It digests breaks down starch into maltose.
 It is then swallowed and goes to the stomach via the oesophagus
by peristalsis.
 Starch is not digested in the stomach due to acidic medium. It is only
churned into fluid – like chyme.
 The chyme then moves to the duodenum and mixes with bile and
pancreatic juice that has alkaline salts that neutralize the acidic condition.
 It mixes with pancreatic amylase that digests the remaining starch from
the mouth into maltose.
 It then moves into the ileum and mixes with intestinal juice that has
the enzymes.
 Maltase that digests maltose into glucose.
 Sucrase that digest sucrose into glucose and fructose.
 Lactase that digest lactose into glucose and galactose.

8.(a) Guttation that removes excess water and dissolved wastes

through hydothodes.
7
  Exudation where wastes products are stored at the bark of the plants
then released in liquid form
 Deposition where some wastes are deposited in seeds, leaves and fruits
then drop off.
 Transpiration where excess water and dissolved wastes evaporate through
the stomata.
 Diffusion where gaseous wastes diffuse out of the leaves through stomata.
(c)  The skin is useful in thermoregulation by the following:
 When exposed to high temperatures; the erector pili muscles relax making
the hair follicles to lay flat. This encourages heat loss by radiation and
conduction.
 The blood capillaries dilate encouraging more blood flow to the skin
thus more heat lost by radiation and conduction.
 More sweat is secreted. As it evaporates the skin left colder due to convection.
 When exposed to low temperatures; the erector pill muscles contract
making the hair follicles raise. A layer of air is trapped that prevents heat
loss by radiation and conduction.
 Blood capillaries constrict and less blood flows to the skin. Heat is not lost
by radiation and conduction.
 Sweating does not take place thus heat is not lost by convection.
 The skin is useful in asmoregulation by the following.
 When more sweating takes place excess water is lost from the skin
increasing osmotic pressure in body tissues.
 Excess mineral salts may be lost during sweating lowering osmotic pressure
in body tissues.
 If sweating does not take place, water is conserved in the body
lowering osmotic pressure.
 When sweating does not take place, mineral salts are not lost thus
may increase osmotic pressure in body tissues.

7
 2015
MARKING SCHEME PAPER 3
1. (a) (i) It turns to white precipitate and Bubbles of a gas.
(vi) The sugar solution broke down in absence of oxygen producing carbon
(iv) oxide. It diffuses through the delivery tube and reacts with lime water
forming insoluble calcium carbonate.

(viii) Glucose → Ethanal + Carbon (iv) oxide

(vii) Anaerobic respiration

(ix) To create an optimum temperature for the anaerobic respiration

/fermentation to take place.

(c) (i)

(iv) Magnification = Eye – piece × objective

lens lens

X 400 = X 10 × X 40

OR

X 600 = X15 × X 40

(v) Yeast cells / powder

2. (a) (i) Angiospermae

(iii)  They have broad leaves

 The leaves have veins thus have developed vascular bundles.

(d)(i)
LEAF E LEAF F
 Network veined  Parallel veined
 Surface is thorny  Surface is smooth

7
 Leaf blade is green  Leaf blade is purple
 The margin is dentate  The margin is smooth
 Shape is cordate  Shape is linear/lancaolate
 Has petiole  No petiole.

(iii)
STEM E STEM F
 Thorny surface  Smooth but hairly surface
 Firm and rigid  Thick and succulent
 Green in colour  Purple in colour

(e)  Thorny surface to keep away predators.

 Has firm and rigid so as to resist strong air currents
 Scented to keep away predators.

3. (a) (i) A
(iii)  Presence of the shoulder blade / scapular.
 Presence of olecranon process with sigmoid notch in the two bones labeled J
(e) J –
Radius K
– Fzmur
M – Metatarsals

(f) Pelvic girdle

(g) H – Sliding or gliding
joint L – Hinge joint

Component Function
 Synovial fluid  Reduces friction between bones
 Ligaments  Holds once bone and the other
 Tendons  Hold the bone and the muscle
 Articular cartilage  Point of articulation of the bones

7
 2015 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS
BIOLOGY PAPER 1

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. (a) What is meant by the term binomial nomenclature? (1 mark)
(b) State two guidelines that should be followed when typing scientific names.
(2 marks)

2. During a lesson, students observed the structure of bat, cat and human forelimbs to
deterimine their evolutionary relationship.
(a) State the name given to the structure of the limbs observed by the students. (1
mark)
(b) Name the type of evolution illustrated by the structure of the limbs observed.
(1 mark)
(c) What evidence of evolution is illustrated by the limbs? (1 mark)
(d) State the significance of the type of evolution illustrated by the limbs. (1
mark)
3. An individual is of blood group B positive.
(a) Name the antigens in the individual’s blood (2 marks)
(b) Give the reason why the individual cannot receive blood from a blood group A
donor. (2 marks)
4. Colour blindness is a sex linked trait controlled by a recessive gene b. If a mother
is a carrier and the father is normal, what is the chance that their son will be colour
blind? Show your working. (4 marks)
5. (a) State two advantages of using a coverslip when preparing a specimen for
observation under a light microscope.(2 marks)
(b) How is the low power objective lens manipulated to focus a specimen for
observation under a light microscope? (2
marks)
6. Students set up an experiment as illustrated below.

8
 (a) Name the physiological process that resulted in the observations made after 30
minutes. (1 mark)
(b) State the importance of the physiological process investigated in plants.
(1 mark)
(c) Explain the observations made after 30 minutes. (2 marks)
7. How is guard cell structurally adapted for gaseous exchange?
(4 marks)
8. (a) Name the organism that:
(i) causes malaria; (1 mark)
(ii) transmits malaria. (1 mark)
(b) State two control measures for malaria.
(1 mark)
9. The diagram below shows an experimental set up to investigate a certain
physiological process in plants.

(a) State the aim of the experiment. (1 mark)

(b) State the role of the the following in the experiment. (1 mark)
(i) potassium hydroxide; (1 mark)
(ii) aluminium foil (1 mark)
(c) Account for the expected colour change in tube F. (2 marks)
10. The diagram below illustrates the skulls of adult human and chimpanzee.

8
 (a) State one difference between the two skulls in the following structures.

Structure Chimpanzee Human

skull Skull
(i) Parietal
bones
(ii) Mandible
(iii) Browridge

(b) State the significance of the evolution observed on the parietal bone in the
chimpanzee and human skulls. (1 mark)
11. Name two structures used for gaseous exchange in plants.
(2 mark)
12. (a) What is meant by each of the following:
(i) Pyramid of biomass? (1 mark)
(ii) Pyramid of numbers? (1 mark)
(b) During an ecological visit to the Savanna Grassland, students were able to see
lions, antelopes, vultures and pastoralists grazing their cattle. Construct a food
chain with four consumer levels to illustrate the energy flow in the ecosystem.
(2 marks)
13. State three differences between the end products of mitosis and meiosis. (3
marks) Mitosis Meiosis

14. (a) Name two types of involuntary muscles in mammals. (2 marks)

(b) State the location of each of the muscles named in (a) above. (2 marks)
15. The photomicropgraphs below show the various stages of cell division in a certain
plant.

8
 (a) (i) Name the type of cell division illustrated. (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (a) (i) above. (1 mark)
(b) (i) Name the stage of cell division labeled K. (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (b) (i) above. (1 mark)
16. State four structural differences between millipedes and centipedes.
(4 marks)
Millipedes Centipedes

17. (a) How is a human stomach adapted to:-

(i) Protein digestion? (2 marks)
(ii) Churning? (2 marks)
(b) What happens to the glucose synthesized during photosynthesis?

(2 marks)
18. The diagram below shows an experimental set – up to investigate the conditions
necessary for germination. Test tube P was placed in a refrigerator while Q was
left at room temperature. The set – ups were observed regularly for two weeks but
no germination occurred. (1 mark)

Explain the observations in P and Q.

P (2 marks)
Q (3 marks)
19. (a) Using the axes provided below, sketch a curve to illustrate the growth pattern
observed in the phylum Arthropoda.

8
 (b) Explain the growth pattern observed in arthropods. (3 marks)
20. Below are components of a simple reflex pathway.
 Interneurone;
 Muscle;
 Motor neurone;
 Sensory neurone;
 Central nervous stystem.

List the components in their proper sequence during the transmission of a nerve
impulse. (3 marks)

BIOLOGY PAPER 2
SECTION A (40 marks)
Answer all the questions in this section in the spaced provided
1. The diagram below illustrates a blood capillary surrounding a structure for
gaseous exchange in human being.

(1 mark)
(a) Name the gaseous exchange structure. (1 mark)
8
 (b) Identify the gases labeled Y and Z.
(1 marks)
Y (1 mark)
Z (1 mark)
(c) How does the gas labeled Y reach the inside of the blood capillary? (3 mark)
(d) How does cigarette smoking lead to lung cancer? (2 mark)
2. The diagram below illustrates the structure of the female part of a flower.

(1 mark)
(a) Name the part labeled W. (1 mark)
(b)Describe what happens when the pllen tube enters the structure labeled V.
(5 marks)
(c) What do the structures labeled R and T develop into after fertilization?
R (1 mark)
T (1 mark)
3. (a) What is meant by the term genetics? (1 mark)
(b) State two examples of discontinuous variation. (2 marks)
(c) A female with sickle cell trait marries a normal man. The allele for sickle cell
is Hbs and the normal allele is HbA. Determine the probability that their first
born will have the sickle cell trait. Show your working.(5 mark)
4. In an experiment to investigate a factor affecting photonsyunthesis, a potted
plant which had been kept in the dark overnight was treated as shown in the
diagram below and exposed to light.

8
 (a) Why was the potted plant kept in the dark overnight? (1 mark)
(b) Which factor was being investigated in the experiment? (1 mark)
(c) (i) Which test did the students perform to confirm photosynthesis in the leaves
labeled P and Q? (1 mark)
(ii) State the results obtained in the leaves labeled P and
Q. P (1 mark)
Q (1 mark)
(iii) Explain the results obtained in the leaves labeled P and Q. (1
mark) P (1 mark)
Q (1 mark)
(d) What was the pupose of leaf Q in the experiment? (1 mark)
5. In an experiment to investigate a plant response, the set up shown in the
diagram below was used.

(a) Name the type of response that was being investigated. (1 mark)
(b) If the Klinostat was not rotating:
(i) state the observations that would be made on the seedlings after three days;
(1 mark)
(ii) explain the observations in (b) (i) above. (3 mark)
(c) If the experiment was repeated with the Klinostat rotating:

8
 (i) state the observation that was made on the seedlings after three days;
(1 mark)
(ii) give a reason for the observation made on the seedlings. (1 mark)

SECTION B (40 marks)

Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided after
question 8.
6. The graph below shows the relative numbers of three main species of organisms
in a pond.

Giving a reason for your answer, which of the species is a:-

(i) Producer? (1 mark)
Reason (1 mark)
(ii) Secondary consumer? (1 mark)
Reason (1 mark)
(b) State the depths at which each of the populations labeled L, M and N is at
its optimum.
L (1 mark)
N (1 mark)
M (1 mark)

8
 (c) (i) Which method may have been used to determine the population of
organisms labeled N in the pond? (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (c) (i) above. (1 mark)
(iii) State the assumptions made when using the method in (c) (i) above.
(4 mark)
(d) State two reasons why primary productivity in the pond decreases with depth.
(2 mark)
(e) Explain the ecological importance of fungi to plants.
(2 mark)
(f) Why is flooding likely to lead to cholera outbreak? (3 mark)
7. Explain the various ways in which seeds and fruits are adapted to dispersal.
(20 mark)
8. How is a mammalian heart structurally adapted to its functions?
(20 mark)

BIOLOGY PAPER 3
1. Using the pictures of animals provided below, complete the construction of the
dichotomous key by filling the blank spaces.

Eagle Fish

Earthworm Tortoise

8
 Starfish Octopus

Spider Frog

1. (a) Animals with a backbone.................go to 2

(b) Animals without a backbone………
2. (a) Animals with wings…….…………..
(b) Animals without wings……….……
3. (a) Animals which live in water all the time………….
(b) Animals which live in water sometimes…
4. (a) Animals with scales………………
(b) Animals without scales…..………
5. (a) Animals with legs………….
(b) Animals without legs.............go to 7
6. (a) Animals with six legs.................Butterfly
(b) Animals with eight legs………
7. (a) Animals with a shell.................snail
(b) Animals without a shell………
8. (a) Animals with a jelly – like body….
(b) Animals without a jelly – like body ……
9. (a) Animals with a segmented body….
(b) Animals without a segmented body ……

8
2. Below are pictures of three mammalian vertebrae.

H
(a) Identify the type of vertebra
labeled:- (1 mark)
F G (1 mark)
H (1 mark)

(b) Label five parts of the vertebral labeled H. (5 marks)

(c) Name the articular facets labeled K and
L. K (1 mark)
L (1 mark)
(d) How does each of the parts of a vertebra enable a mammalian skeleton to carry
out its vunctions? (4 mark)
3. You are provided with a 250ml beaker, four test tubes, solutions labeled D and E,
iodine and Benedict’s solutions.
Half fill the beaker with the hot water provided to create a hot water bath.
(I) Label the four test tubes as follows:
(i) test tube 1, D+Iodine
(ii) test tube 2, D+E+Iodine
(iii) test tube 3, D|+Benedict’s solution
(iv) test tube 4, D+E+Benedict’s solution

9
(II) Put 1cm3 of solution D in each of the four test tubes.

9
 (III) To the D+Iodine test tube, add one drop of iodine solution dn shake to mix.
(IV) To the D+E+Iodine test tube, add 1cm3 of solution E and two drops of iodine
solution. Shake to mix.
(V) To the D+Benedict’s solution test tube, add 1cm3 of Benedict’s solution and
shake to mix.
(VI) To the D+E+Benedict’s solution, add 1cm3 of solution E and 1cm3 of
Benedict’s solution. Shake to mix.
(VII) Observe the changes in each of the four test tubes.
(VIII) Put all the four test tubes in the hot water bath and observe carefully for about
five minutes.
(a) Record the observations and conculusion fro each of the four test tubes in the
table below. (8 marks)
N TEST TUBE OBSERVATION CONCLUSION
O
1 D+Iodine
2 D+E+Iodine
3 D+Benedicts
solution
4 D+E+Benedicts’s
solution
(b) What was the role of each of the following in the experiment?
(i) Solution E (1 mark)
(ii) hot water bath. (1 mark)
(c) Give the identity of E in human beings. (1 mark)
(d) Explain the observations made on the reagents tested with Benedict’s solution.
(1 mark)

9
 2015 KCSE BIOLOGY MARKING SCHEME
PAPER 1 MARKING SCHEME
1. (a) It is a system of naming organisms by giving them two scientific names.
(b)  The generic name stats with capital letter while specific name starts with
small letter.
 The names are underlined separately.

2. (a) Pentadactyl limbs / homologous structures.

(b) Divergent evolution / Adaptive radiation.
(c) Comparative anatomy.
(d) Enables the organisms to inhabit new habitat, reducing competition for space.

3. (a)  Antigen B
 Rhesus antigens
(b)  The individual has antibodies a. They correspond with the donor’s antigen A
causing agglutination / clotting of blood in vessels leading to death.

4. Parent’s Carrier X
Normal Phenotype Mother
Father

½ or 50%

5. (a)  Drains the excess water / fluid from the specimen.

 Removes / emit any air bubbles trapped.
 Specimen is pressed / placed firmly on the microscope slip for easy viewing.
(b)  The learner selects the objective lens from the revolving nose piece with the
lowest magnification. It is rotated in order to click in position and is aligned
with opening on the stage.
 The coarse adjustment knob is turned so as to bring the specimen’s image
into sharp focus while viewing through the eye piece.

6. (a) Osmosis
(b)  Enhances absorption of water by the plant through root hairs.
93
  Controls opening and closing of stomata.
 Movement of water molecules from root hair to xylem vessel through
cortex of the root.
 Used in feeding in insectivorous plants.
 Supporting the stem to be upright when cells are turgid.
(c)  The osmotic pressure in the thistle funnels was higher than that in the beaker
due to high concentration of sucrose solution. The concentration gradient
enhances water molecules to move into the thistle funnel through the semi –
permeable membrane by osmosis, increasing level of water.

7.  The inner membrane is thick and non – elastic while the outer membrane is thin
and elastic.
 It forms a bean – shape and they are two leaving an opening between them
known as stoma.
 When the cell is turgid, the thin outer membrane bulges outward pulling
contracts of the cell outward together with the inner membrane. Stoma opens
allowing gases into and out of the leaf.
 When the cell is flaccid, the outer membrane moves inward pushing contents
of the cell inward together with the inner membrane. Stoma closes.

8. (a) (i) Plasmodium spp.

(ii) Female anopheles mosquito
(b)  Draining stagnant water
 Clearing / cutting tall grass and bushes near residential areas.
 Sleeping under treated mosquito net.
 Use of insecticide to kill mosquitoes.
 Pools of water are sprayed with oil or insecticide to kill the mosquito larvae.
9. (a) To show that carbon (IV) oxide is produced by plants, during respiration.
(b) (i) Absorb carbon (IV) oxide from the air.
(ii) Prevent light from reaching the plant thus photosynthesis does not take place.
(c) The calcium hydroxide solution remained colourless. The carbon (IV) oxide
of the air was absorbed by the potassium hydroxide solution forming
potassium carbonate.

10. (a)
Structure Chimpanzee skull Human skull
(i) Parietal bones Short / small and Large and curved
slightly curved downwards
backwards
(ii) Mandible Large and prolonged Small and upto middle
backwards of the skull of skull
(iii) Brow ridge Raised above the eye socket Curved inward towards
the eye socket
(b) The parietal bone of chimpanzee is smaller as it has lower brain capacity while
that of the human is large as it has higher brain capacity thus more intelligent.

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11.  Stomata
 Lenticels
 Pneumotophores.

12. (a) (i) It is a representation of the gradual change in dry mass of organisms from
one tropic level to the next in a food chain.
(ii)It is a representation of gradual change of the number of organisms from
one tropic level to the next in a food chain.

(b) GrassCattleAntelopesLionsvultures

13. .
Mitosis Meiosis
 Only two daughter cells are formed  Four daughter cells are formed.
 Chromosomal / composition remains  Chromosomal composition if
the same as that of mother cell. half that of the mother cell.
 Body cell / somatic cell formed.  Sex cell or gamete formed.

14. (a)  Smooth muscles

 Cardiac muscles.

(b)  Digestive tract / reproductive tract / blood vessels / respiratory tract / urinary
tract / skin dermis.
 Heart

15. (a) (i) Mitosis

(ii)  Only two daughter cells are formed.
 Sister chromatids are the ones that separate.
(b) (i) Metaphase
(ii) The chromosomes are aligned along the equator of cytoplasm of cell.
16.16.
Millipedes Centipedes
 Cylindrical body.  Flattened body.
 Two pairs of legs on each body segment.  One pair of legs on each body
 Mouth part has mandibles. segment.
 More than twenty body segments.  Mouth part have poison claws.
 15 – 20 body segments.

17. (a)
(i)  The walls have gastric glands that secretes gastric juice which contain
dilute hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen and rennin.

95
  The dilute hydrochloric acid activates pepsinogen to pepsin that digests /
breakdown proteins to peptides. Rennin converts soluble caseinogens into
insoluble casein the digested by pepsin.
(ii) The walls have longitudinal and circular muscles that contract and relax
mixing up the food with the gastric juice.
(b)  It is first converted into starch and stored in the leaf cells as granules.
 Later it is converted into sucrose that is soluble in water and transported /
translocated to other parts of the plant including storage organs. It is
converted back to starch.
 Some glucose is used by plant cell for respiration to generate energy for growth.

18.  P – the temperature was very low and the enzymes in the seeds were inactive.
No metabolic process took place.
 Q – There was no oxygen / air available to the seeds. Boiling the water
removed any air dissolved in the water and oil prevented reqbsorption. No
metabolic process took place.

19. (a)

(b)  Growth (increase in body size) only occurs when the organisms sheds off the
exoskeleton during moulting.
 The body expands before a new cuticle is formed and hardens.
 Growth takes place in a series of steps between nymph and adult stage and
in some the larval stage. They have intermittent growth graph.

20.  Pain receptor

 Sensory neurone
 Central nervous system
 Interneurone
 Motor neurone
 Muscle

96
2015 PAPER 2 MARKING SCHEME
1. (a) Alveolus
(b) Y – Oxygen
Z – Carbon (IV) oxide
(c) - The gas first dissolves in the water layer on the lining of the alveolus.
There is higher concentration of the gas in the alveolar space than in the
blood capillaries.
- It therefore diffuses across the alveolar wall and then the capillary wall, into
the red blood cells.
(d) - Cigarette smoke has particles that become deposited in the alveoli that is
elastic. The particles break down the walls of the air sacs making them
inelastic and development of abnormal cells.

2. (a) Ovary
(b) - It bursts open releasing the two male nuclei.
- One of the male nucleus fuses with the two structures labeled R
forming triploid primary endosperm.
- The remaining male nucleus fuses with the nucleus above synergids / Egg
cell forming diploid zygote.
(c) R – Endosperm
T - Seed coat / tegumen
3. (a) It is the study of inheritance and variations in living organisms.
(b)  Gender / sex of individuals.
 Tongue rolling
 Blood groups
 Finger prints
 Hair on ear pinna / nose

(c) Parent’s Sickle cell X Normal

Phenotype trait female
Male

½ or 50%

4. (a) To destarch to remove starch from the leaves.

(b) Carbon (IV) oxide is used in photosynthesis.
(c) (i) Starch test
(ii) P – Starch was absent
97
 Q – Starch was present
(iii) P – Photosynthesis did not take place as carbon (IV) oxide was absent
thus starch absent.
Q – Photosynthesis took place as carbon (IV0 oxide was present thus
presence of starch.
(d) It is the control experiment.

5. (a) Geotropism.
(b) (i)  The shoot curves vertically upwards.
 The root curves downwards.
(ii)  The growth hormone, zuxins, migrate and accumulate on the lower part of
shoot and root.
 In the shoot more growth takes place on lower part but no growth on
upper part, bending upwards.
 In the root growth is inhibited on lower part but growth takes place on
upper part, bending downwards.
(c) (i) Both shoot and root would grow horizontally straight.
(ii) There would be even distribution of the growth hormone auxins.

6. (a) (i)  Species M

 They are highest in population in low depth with more light penetration
of photosynthesis.
(ii)  Species N
 The population increases at maximum population of species L
/primary consumes, and the population is controlled by that of L.
(b) L - 1.10 – 1.15
metres M – 0.75
metres
N – 2.00 metres

(c) (i) Capture and recapture method.

(ii)  Organisms in a pond are highly mobile like fish and small sized
(iii)  The mark soes not altar the behavior of the organism.
 Rhe marked organisms mix freely with the other organisms.
 The organisms do not migrate into or out of the area.
 The marking does not harm the organism.
(d)  Increase in depth reduces light penetration thus less photosynthesis.
 Less concentration of carbon (IV) oxide with increase in depth decrease
rate of photosynthesis.
(e)  Mycorrhiza form a symbiotic relationship with some plants. They help
in absorption of mineral salts for the plant while they obtain food from
the plant.
 Or they cause disease to the plants e.g. phytophthora infestans
cause tomato blight and coffee berry rot.

98
 (f)  Pit latrines and septic tanks may become flooded causing overflow of
human refuse of sewage.
 Water contaminated with vibro cholera may be consumed directly or used
to clean vegetables and fruits, without proper treatment causes cholera
outbreak.

7.  Animals dispersed seeds and fruits have:

- Hooks or spines that cling onto the animals fur or clothing then dropped off at
a different place.
- Brightly coloured and sweet scented paricarp to attract animals that feed on
then, discarding seeds at a different place.
- Juicy and freshy mesocarp that is eaten by the animals but undigestible seeds
that are discarded with faeces at a distant place.
- Sticky cover of seeds and are carried by feet of birds to a new place.
- Ability to grow in different habitats thus propagated by man in farming activities.
 Wind dispersed seeds and fruits have:
- Small size and light so that they are easily blown by wind to a new are.
- Wing – like structures that create large surface area against which they are
blown by wing to new places.
- Parachute – like hairs to enhance buoyancy thus easily carried by wing to
distant places.
- Hair – like structures that project to increase surface area for the seed to be
blown by wind to different place.
 Water dispersed seeds and fruits are:
- Light so that they are easily carried by water to new areas.
- Outer covering of seeds is impermeable to water so that they do not rot or are
not destroyed by water.
- Some have air spaces in them to increase buoyancy so that the float on water
and taken to new areas.
 Self explosive mechanism seeds and fruits dispersed have:
- Line of weakness on the pods / fruit wall that bursts open and project seeds out
of the fruit with force.
- The fruit wll dries and shrivels. Fibres of the pericarp shrink, setting up tension.
 Censor mechanism seeds and fruits dispersed have:
- Ovaries that have dry capsules that open partially at the top exposing the seeds.
- Capsules are located at the end of long stalks which when shaken by wind,
the seeds are released.
8. - The mammalian heart is made up of four chambers, two auricles and two
ventricles. The walls of auricles are thein as they only receive blood while
ventricular walls are thick as they pump blood out of the heart.
- The right side of the heart is separated from the left side by a muscle known
as septum. It prevents mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
- The right side of the heart receives blood from the vena cava that is
deosygenated and pumps it to the lungs via pulmonary artery. The ventricular
walls are thin as blood is pumped at low pressure.
99
 - The left side of the heart receives blood from the pulmonary vein that is
oxygenated and pumps it to all body parts via the aorta. The ventricular walls
are thick to pump blood at high pressure to body parts.
- Between the auricles and ventricles are cuspid valves that prevent back flow
of blood from ventricles to auricles. The valves are supported by tendons.
- At the botton of aorta and pulmonary artery there are semi – lunar valves
that prevent back flow of blood from the blood vessels to the ventricles.
- The heart is made of specialized muscles, cardiac muscles that inter
connected fibres. They allow contraction and relaxation to spread throughout
the organ.
- The muscles are myoganic i.e. contraction and relaxation starts from the
muscles themselves not nervous system.
- The cardiac muscles do not experience fatigue thus pump / contract
throughout the life span.
- The heart muscles nourished with nutrients and oxygen by coronary artery
while coronary vein carries away the waste products and carbon (IV) oxide.
- The heart is covered by a transparent membrane pericardium, that
secretes pericardial fluid which reduces friction during pumping.
- The pericardium controls over dilation of the heart during pumping and keeps it
in position.

2015 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME

Q1.
1. (a) Animals with a back bone--------------------go to 2
(b) Animals without a back bone---------------go to 5
2. (a) Animals with wings-------------------------------Eagle
(b) Animals without wings-------------------------go to 3
3. (a) Animals which live in water all the time-------fish
(b) Animals which live in water sometimes---go to 4
4. (a) Animals with scales----------------------------Tortoise
(b) Animals without scales-----------------------------Frog
5. (a) Animals with legs----------------------------go to 6
(b) Animals without legs----------------------------go to 7
6. (a) Animals with six legs--------------------------Butterfly
(b) Animals with eight legs--------------------------Spider
7. (a) Animals with a shell-------------------------------Snail
(b) Animals without a shell-------------------------go to 8
8. (a) Animals with a jelly – like body-------------go to 9
(b) Animals without jelly – jelly like body----Star fish
9. (a) Animals with segmented body---------Earthworm
(b) Animals without segmented body----------octopus

Q2. (a) F – Cervical vertebrae

(b) G – Thoracic vertebrae
(c) H – Lumbar vertebrae
10
 (b) On next paper
(c) K –
Tuberculum L –
Capitulum
(d)  Neural canal is an opening through which spinal cord passes.
 Centrum is a solid structure that supports the weight of vertebra and
provides rigidity of the skeleton / vertebral column.

 Transverse processes are lateral projections that offer surface for muscle
attachment and ligament to enhance movement.
 Has the neural spine is a dorsal projection that provides surface for
muscle attachement.
 They have articular facets for attachment articulation to the adjacent vertebrae
and bones.
 The neural arch protects the neural
canal. 3. (a)
No Test Tube Observation Conclusion
1 D+Iodine Colour turns to blue - black Starch present
2 D+E+Iodine The blue – black colour fades Starch absent or Races of
starch
3 D+Benedict’s Blue colour os Reducing sugars absent
Solution solution remains
4 D+E+Benedict’s Colour turns from blue to Reducing sugars present
Solution green yellow then orange

(b) (i) Breaks down / hydrolyse starch / poly saccharide into reducing sugars
/ monosaccaride.
(ii) Create optimum temperature for enzyme activity.
(c) Amylase
(d) In test tube, the reducing sagars were absent. When enzyme is added to the
starch, it is hydrolysed to reducing sugars thus presence of reducing
sugars.

10
 2016 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTION

BIOLOGY PAPER 1

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. (a) State two ways in which the muscles of the mammalian heart are special. (2
marks)
(b) Name the type of muscles found in the following organs:
(2
marks)
Stomach
Bone
2. Why are the plants able to accumulate most of their waste products for long?
(2 marks)
3. State the importance of tactic responses among members of Kingdom Protista.
(2 marks)
4. (a) Name one defect of the circulatory system in humans. (1 mark)
(b) State three functions of blood other than transport. (3 marks )
5. State the economic importance of anaerobic respiration in plants. (1 mark)
6. Explain continental drift as evidence of evolution. (3 marks)
7. Explain how the following prevent self pollination.
(i) Protandry (1 mark)
(ii) Self-sterility (1 mark)
8. State three functions of Golgi apparatus (3 mks)
9. (a) Name two structures of gaseous exchange in aquatic plants. (2 marks)
(b) What is the effect of contraction of the diaphragm muscles during breathing in
mammals? (3 marks)
10.(a) State two disadvantages of sexual reproduction in animals.

(2 marks)
(b) State two functions of placenta. (1 mark)
11. Name two benefits that a parasite derives from its host.
(2 marks)
12. Other than using a quadrat give two methods that can be used to estimate the
population of grass. (2 marks)
13. (a) State two factors that affect enzymatic activities.

(2 marks)
(b) Explain how one of the factors stated in (a) above affects enzymatic activities.
(1 mark)
14. Give three factors that determine the amount of energy a human being require in a
day. (3 marks)
15. (a) What is seed dormancy? (1 mark)
(b) Name a growth inhibitor in seeds. (1 mark)
16. State one use of each of the following excretory products of

10
 plants. ((i) Colchicine (1 mark)
(ii) Papain (1 mark)
17. State the name given to the study of:-

10
 (i) the cell (1 mark)
(ii) Micro-organisms (1 mark)
18. Distinguish between haemolysis and plasmolysis.
(2 marks)
19. Explain why it is not advisable to be in a poorly ventilated room with a
burning charcoal stove. (3 marks)
20. State three factors that contribute to the deceleration phase in the population curve
of an organism. (3 marks)
21. The figure below illustrates a food web in a certain ecosystem.

From the food web:

(a) Draw the shortest food chain (1 mark)
(b) Identify the organism with the highest:
(i) number of predators (1 mark)
(ii) biomass (1 mark)
22. State three characteristics of the class Crustacea.
(3 marks)
23. (a) Name one salivary gland in humans. (1 mark)
(b) State two functions of saliva. (2 marks)
24. How does nutrition as a characteristic of living organisms differ in plants and
animals? (2 marks)
25. Distinguish between diffusion and osmosis.
(2 marks)
26. State the functions of the following parts of a microscope. (2 marks)
(a) Objective lens
(b) Diaphragm
27. (a) What is single circulatory system? (1 mark) (b) Name an organism which has a
single circulatory system. (2 marks)
(c) Name the opening to the chamber of the heart of an insect.
(1 mark)
28. The diagram below shows a transverse section of a plant organ.
(a) Name the plant organ from which the section was obtained. (1 mark)
(b) (i) Name the class to which the organism from which section was
obtained belongs. (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in b(i) above. (1 mark)
29. (a) State a characteristic that is common to all cervical vertebrae. (1 mark)
(b) (Name two tissues in plants that provide mechanical support. (2 marks)
30. State two advantages of hybrid vigour. (2 marks)
10
2016 BIOLOGY PAPER
2 SECTION A (40 marks)
Answer all the questions in this section in the spaced provided
1. 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 found in the vessels named in
(b) (i) above. (2 marks)
(c) Name two features that enable the structure labeled P to carry out its function.
(2 marks)
(d) State the role of the part labeled R.(1 mark)
2. (a) How is sex determined in man? (4 marks)
(b) (i) Differentiate between sickle cell anaemia and sickle cell trait.
(2 marks)
(ii) Explain why people with sickle cell trait have an adaption survival advantage
over normal individuals in malaria endemic regions.
(2 marks)
3. The diagram below represents bones at a joint found in the hind limb of a mammal.

(a) Name the bones labeled X, Y and Z. (3 marks)

(b) (i) Name the substance found in the place labeled W. (1 mark)

10
 (ii) State the function of the substance named in (b) (i) above. (1 mark)
(c) Name the structure that joins bones together at the joint.
(1 mark)
(d)State the difference between ball and socket joint and the one illustrated in
the diagram above. (1 mark)
(e) Name the structure at the elbow that performs the same function as the patella.
(1 mark)
4. The diagram below represents some gaseous exchange structures in humans.

(a) Name the structures labeled K, L and M.(3 marks)

(b) How is the structure labeled J suited to its function? (3 marks)
(c) Name the process by which inhaled air moves from the structure labeled L
into blood capillaries. (1 mk)
(d) Give the scientific name of the organism that causes tuberculosis in humans.
(1 mark)
5. A freshly obtained dandelion stem measuring 5cm long was split lengthwise to
obtain two similar pieces. The pieces were placed in two different solutions of
different concentrations in petri dishes (L1 and L2) for 20 minutes. The appearance
after 20 minutes is as shown.

(a) Account for the appearance of the pieces in solutions L1 and L2. (1 mark)
(b)State the significance of the biological process involved in the experiment.
(2 marks)

10
SECTION B (40 marks)
Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided after
question 8.
6. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of temperature on the rate
of reaction catalysed by an enzyme. The results are shown in the table below.
Temperature (0C) Rate of reaction
in mg of products
per unit time
5 0.2
10 0.5
15 0.8
20 1.1
25 1.5
30 2.1
35 3.0
40 3.7
45 3.4
50 3.4
55 2.1
60 1.1

(a) on the grid provided plot the rate of reaction against temperature.
(6 marks)

(b)When was the rate of reaction 2.6 mg of product per unit time?
(2 marks)
(c) Account for the shape of the graph between:

10
 (i) 50C and 400C. (2 marks)
0 0
(ii) 45 C and 60 C. (2 marks)
(d) Other than temperature name two ways in which the rate of reaction
between 50C and 400C could be increased. (2 marks)
(e) (i) Name one digestive enzyme in the human body which works best in acidic
condition. (1 mark)
(ii) How is the acidic condition for the enzyme named in (e) (i) above attained?
(2 marks)
(f) The acidic condition in (e) (ii) above is later neutralized.
(i) Where does the neutralization take place? (1
mark) (ii)Name the substance responsible for the neutralization? (1
mark)
7. Using a relevant example in each case, describe simple and conditional
reflex actions. (20 marks)
8. Describe how the mammalian heart is structurally adapted to its function.
(20 marks)

2016 BIOLOGY PAPER 3

4. Your are provided with specimen G.
(a) (i) Cut off the petiole, about 1.5cm from the end where the leaf attaches to the
stem.
(ii) Carefully make several thin cross sections through the piece obtained in (a) (i)
above, using a sharp razor blade or scalpel.
(iii) Put the sections obtained in water on a Petri dish.
(iv) Mount the thinnest section(s) on a glass slide, add a drop of iodine solution
provided.
(v) Observe the section(s) using a hand lens, then draw a labeled diagram of the
section observed. (3 marks)
(b) Account for the following features of specimen G.
(i) Extensive network of veins (1 mark)
(ii) Tough leaf blade (1 mark)
(iii) Strong and extended petiole (1 mark)
(c) State with reasons, the class of plants from which the specimen was
obtained. Class, reasons.
(d) Explain why the following procedures were necessary during the preparation
of sections for observation.
(i) Putting the sections in water on a Petri dish
(1 mark)
(ii) using a sharp scapel/razor blade (1 mark)
(iii) adding iodine solution to the section(1 mark)
(iv) Cutting very thin sections. (1 mark)
Animals which live in water sometimes…
2. Study the photograph of some animals in a certain ecosystem and answer the
questions that follow.

10
 (a) State the type of biotic relationship (1 mark)
(b) (i) identify which of the two animals, E and F, will have the least biomas?

(1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (b) (i) above. (2 marks)
(c) Explain the concept of “Survival for the fittest” in relation to the organisms
illustrated in the photograph. (3 marks)
(d) Explain three visible survival adaptive features for the organisms illustrated
in the photograph. (6 marks)
3. The photograph below illustrates a procedure carried out to study gaseous
exchange structures in a certain organism.

(a) Identify two dissecting tools being used in the procedure illustrated. (2 marks)
(b) (i) Name the class of the animal in use.
(1 mark)
(ii) State any two visible characteristics from the photograph to support your
answer in (b) (i) above. (2 marks)
(c) Name the part of the organism labeled H and state its function. (2 marks)
(d) (i) Draw a gaseous exchange structure under study and on it, label the site for
gaseous exchange. (2 marks)
(ii) How is the part labeled in (d) (i) adapted to efficient gaseous exchange?

(3 marks)

10
 2016 KCSE BIOLOGY MARKING SCHEME
PAPER 1 MARKING SCHEME
1. (a) They are interconnected due to presence of intercalated discs. Contractions
spread. It is a system of naming organisms by giving them two scientific
names.
 They do not experience fatigue.
 Contractions originate from the muscles themselves. Thus myogenic.
(b) Stomach – smooth muscles/non striated muscles.
Bone – striated muscles/skeletal muscles.
2.  Their metabolic processes are slow and not complex. Waste products formed
are non-toxic to the plants.
3.  Positive photataxis make algae move toward source of light to
increase photosynthesis.
 Negative chemotaxis makes the protozoa move away from poisonous chemicals.
 It is a survival response where organisms move towards favourable
conditions and away from adverse condition.
4. (a)  High blood pressure/hypertension
 Thrombosis
 Arteriosclerosis
 Varicose veins
(b)  Regulate osmotic pressure of body fluids
 Distribution of heat in body/ thermoregulation.
 Regulate PHvalue of body fluids.
 Body defense
 Prevent excess bleeding
5.  Ethanol is formed that is used in alcoholic beverages.
 Production of silage used as an animal feed.
 Cane sugar produce gasohol that is mixed with petrol to run machinery.
6. – originally the earth was one large land mass known as pangea. Animals moved
and interbred freely.
- The land split into the current continents that have drifted/moved away from
each other isolating the organisms.
- They become adapted to the new climatic condition and evolve resulting to a
new organism that may not interbreed with that of different continent.
7. (a) (i) The male part of the flower/pistil matures and release pollen grains
before stigma/female part of the same flower has matured.
(ii) Pollen grains from anther cannot germinate in the stigma of the same flower.
8.  Site of manufacture of lysosomes
 Secretion and packaging of glycol ptoreins.
 Secretion of useful substances out of the cell.
9. (a)  Pneumatophores/breathing roots.
 Cuticle of leaves and stem
 Aerenchyma tissues.

11
 (b) Volume of thoracic cavity increase. Pressure decrease compared to that of
the atmosphere. Air rush into the lungs from atmosphere through nostrils.
10. (a)  Undesirable characteristics may be passed from parents to offsprings.
 Few offsptrings are produced.
 It involves both male and female organisms.
(b)  Secrete hormone progesterone to maintain pregnancy in first four months.
 Acts as a barrier to prevent mixing of maternal and foetal blood.
 Site of diffusion substance from maternal blood and foetal blood.
11.  Nuitrients
 Shelter
12.  Line transect
 Belt transect
13. (a)  Temperature change of substrate.
 Substrate’s PH value
 Enzyme concentration
 Inhibitors
(b)  Temperature – in low temperature enzymes are inactive. In very high
temperature enzymes are denature. Therefore optimum temperature should be
used.
 PH value – Enzymes act either in acidic alkaline/basic or neutral medium.
 Enzyme concentration – As concentration increase, the enzyme
activity increase with a lot of substrate.
 Substrate concentration – When concentration increase, enzyme
activity increase as long as enzymes are present.
 Inhibitors – They slow down or stop enzyme activity if they are present.

14.  Age of individual.

 Sex/gender
 Occupation
 Health of body
 Body size
 Presence of hormones e.g. adrenaline.
15. (a) A state when the seed has minimal metabolic activities, thus cannot
germinate even with suitable conditions.
(b) Abscisic acid.
16. (a)  Encourage polyploidy.
(b)  Tenderise/soften meat.
17. (a) Cytology
(b) microbiology.
18.  Haemolysis – Animal cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. It absorbs
water from the surrounding by osmosis until it bursts.
 Plasmolysis – Plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. It loses water to the
surrounding by osmosis until cytoplasm withdraws from cell membrane.

11
19.  There is insufficient supply of oxygen. Charcoal burns producing carbon (II)
oxide.
 It combines with haemoglobin in red blood cells forming
stable carboxyhaemoglobin.
 It prevents transportation of oxygen leading to suffocation thus death.
 Body defense
 Prevent excess bleeding
20.  Competition of available resources.
 Overcrowding
 Accumulation of harmful waste products.
21. (a) Grass  Grasshopper  Lizard
(b) (i) Chicken
(ii) Grass
22.  Body divided into two parts, cephalothorax and abdomen
 Have more than ten pairs of appendage.
 Have two pairs of antenaea
 Cephalothorax covered with protective carapace.
23. (a)  Parotid glands
 sublingual glands
 Submaxillary or submandibular glands.
(b)  Has mucus that lubricate food
 Has water to soften food
 Has enzyme salivary amylase that digest/breakdown starch into maltose.
24.  Plants manufacture/make their own food from simple compounds but
animals obtain already manufactured food.
25.  Diffusion involves movement of particles from one region to the other.
 Osmosis involves movement of water molecules across a semi-
permeable membrane.
26. (a) Objective lens – Bring image into focus and magnify it.
(b) Diaphragm – Regulate light entering the stage from the mirror.
27. (a) Blood is pumped from the heart once to the oxygenating site then to
body tissues before it flows back to the heart.
(b) Fish
(c) Ostium

28. (a)Stem
(b) (i) Monocotyledonae
(ii)  Vascular bundles are scattered throughout the cortex.
 Cambium is absent.
29. (a)  Have vertebraterial canals
 Broad transverse processes
 Short neural spine
 Wide neural canal
(b)  Sclerenchyma tissue

11
  Collenchyma tissue
 Xylem vessels
 Parenchyma tissue
30.  Enhance increase productivity 1 yield.
 Higher resistance to diseases and drought
 Better and early maturing organisms.

2016 PAPER 2 MARKING SCHEME

1. (a) Chorion
(b) (i)  Umbilical artery –
 Umbilical vein.
(ii)  Umbilical artery – Has deoxygenated blood and waste products from
foetus.
 Umbilical vein – Has oxygenated blood and nutrients from placenta.
(c) - Thin lining/epithelium to reduce distance over which diffusion of
substances take place.
- Has hair-like villi that increase surface area over which diffusion takes place.
- Highly vascularised to create steep concentration gradient of substances.
(d) - Creates aquatic medium for foetus.
- Cushions the developing foetus.
2. (a) It is controlled by a pair of sex chromosomes, either homogametic XX in
female or heterogametic SY in male.
 If the X gamete from female fuses with X gamete from the male, a
female offspring is produced.
 If they X gamete from female fuses with Y gamete from the male, a
male offspring is produced.
(b)(i) - Sickle cell anaemia – A genetic mutation in which red blood cells have
crescent shape and haemoglobin is defective. It is expressed in homozygous
state.
- Sickle cell trait – An individual has a gene that may cause sickle cell
anaemia but in heterozygous state. However red blood cells a mixture of
normal cells and crescent cells.
(ii) - Plasmodium parasite does not attack the defective haemoglobin.
Individuals with sickle cell anaemia therefore don’t suffer from malaria.
3. (a) X – Femur
Y – Tibia
Z – Fibula
(b) (i)  Synovial fluid.
(ii) Cushions/reduce friction between bones at the joint during movement.
(c) Ligament
(d)  Ball and socket joint – Has one bone with a depression/cavity into which
the round head of the other bone fits.
 It allows 3600 rotation of the bones at the joint.

11
  One illustrated (Hinge joint) – one bone has smooth condyles into
which depressions of the other bone fit in.
 It allows 1800 rotation of the bones at the joint.
(e) Olecranon process.
4. (a) K – Pleural cavity
L – Alveolus
M – Rib
bone
(b)  C-shaped cartilage make them remain open to allow free flow of gases.
 Inner lining has hair-like villi that propel micro-organisms and mucus
towards glottis.
 There are secretory cells that produce mucus that trap fine dust and
micro- organisms in inhaled air.
(c) Diffusion.
(d) Mycobacterium tuberculosis

5.(a) L – The cut part enlarged compared to the epidermis. The split stem was placed
in hypotonic solution.
- Cells of the cut region were exposed to the hypotonic solution that had
lower cosmotic pressure to that of cell sap.
- Cells absorbed water by osmosis and became turgid, enlarging them.
L2 – The cut part shrunk compared to that of the epidermis. The split stem was
placed in hypertonic solution.
- Cells lost water to the surrounding by osmosis and became
flaccid/Plasmolysed reducing size of cells.
(b)  It is used to support herbeceuous plants to remain upright, when the cells
remain turgid.
 Used in opening and closing of stomata.
 Used in absorption of water in plants by the root hairs.
 Insectivorous plants use the process for feeding.

11
 (b) 32.5mg/unit time ± 0.5.
6.(a)

(c) (i) The rate of reaction increases steadily.

 Increasing temperature activates the enzymes, increasing the rate of reaction.
 At 400C, this is the optimum temperature.
(ii)  The rate of reaction decreases steadily.
 The enzymes become denatured by the high temperatures. The
enzyme activity ceases/stops.
(d)  Suitable PH value.
 Increasing substrate concentration.
 Increasing enzyme concentration.
(e) (i) Pepsin
 Renin
(ii) The gastric glands on the lining of stomach walls secrete gastric juice that has
dilute hydrochloric acid.
(f) (i) In duodenum
(ii) Alkaline salts of calcium

11
7. Simple reflex action is a specific single and automatic response to a
particular stimulus. It does not depend on learning. Example:
- If an individual touches a hot object, het receptors in the skin of fingers,
are stimulated, generating a nerve impulse.
- A nerve impulse is transmitted to the central nervous system via the dorsal
root of the spinal cord.
- Synapses are sent to the relay neurone in central nervous system. It
is interpreted.
- The impulse is then transmitted to motor neurone via the synapse. It is then
transmitted to muscles of the arm by motor neurone via ventral root. Hand
withdraws from the hot object.
- Conditional reflex action is an automatic response to unrelated stimulus. It is
learnt from past experience.
- Ivan Parlov did experiment using dogs. He rang a bell then produced food for
the dogs. At the time dogs salivated due to sight of food. It was continued for
some time.
- He then stopped producing food but rang the bell. The dogs salivated on hearing
the bell as they associated it to the production of food.
- He continued ringing the bell but not producing food. Dogs stopped responding.
- However he started producing food on ringing the bell. Dogs responded by
salivating. Conditional reflex action has to be reinforced and repeated
continually.
8. - The skin has two main layers, epidermis and dermis.
- Epidermis is composed of:
- Cornified layer that is made of dead cells.
 Prevents entry of micro-organisms to inner cell
 It reduces excess loss of water from the cells.
 Protects inner tissues from mechanical injury.
 Granular layer that is made of living cells.
 They give rise to cornified layer cells that shed off.
 Malpighian layer made of actively dividing cells.
- Dermis is composed of:
- Sweat glands that has the following functions.
 waster products from skin cells accumulate forming sweat. They are
transport to surface via sweat duct.
 sweat has water. When it evaporates, it leaves the skin surface cooler thus
thermoregulation.
- Blood capillaries that:
 nourish the skin cells.
 help in losing excess heat thus cooling the body.
- Hair follicles and erector pilli muscles.
 The erector pilli muscles contract when skin is exposed to cold. Hair follicles
straighten trapping air preventing heat loss.

11
  Erector pilli muscles relax when exposed to heat. Hairs lie flat on skin surface
encouraging heat loss.
- Nerve ending that increase sensitivity of the skin cells.
- Sebaceous glands secrete sebum that
 moisturize the skin
 Act as antiseptic, killing micro-organisms.
- Adipose fat layer that is a thick fat layer. It insulates the skin against heat loss ats
fat is a poor conductor of heat.

2016 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME

1. (a)

(b) (i) They transport water from lamina and manufactured food to midrib.
(ii) Has thick cuticle that prevent water loss by evaporation.
(iii) It supports the leaf in position for photosynthesis.
(c)  Class dicotyledonae
 Reasons.
- Network venation
- Broad leaf
- Petiole present
(d) (i) To maintain turgidity of the cells
(ii) To avoid damaging many tissues
(iii) To distinguish different parts of the tissue
(iv) To allow light to penetrate through the section/tissue.
2.
(a) Predator – prey relationship/predation.
(b) (i) F
(ii) It obtains its energy/food form plants/producers. Little energy has been lost
due to metabolic processes.
(c) Animal E moves swiftly/quickly on sand than animal F. it has strong muscles
and will therefore easily poison or venom. F has no defense mechanism.
(d)  Dry scaly skin – it is impermeable to water. This reduce water loss
by evaporation.
 Streamlined body – move more easily through the surface.
 Built and strong muscles – they contract
and relax enhancing movement.

11
 3.
(a)  Forcepts
 Scapel
 Dissecting tray.
(b) (i)  Class pisces.
(ii)  Presence of fins for locomotion.
 Presence of gills for gaseous exchange.
 Presence of scales to cover animal.
(c)  Name – Operculum/Operculum flap.
 Function – protects the delicate gills from mechanical damage.

(d) (i)

(ii)  Has thin wall to reduce distance of diffusion of gases.

 Long and closely arranged to increase surface area for diffusion of gases.
 Has many blood capillaries/Highly vascularised to create steep
concentration gradient of the gases.

11
 2017 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS
BIOLOGY PAPER 1

1. Below is an illustration of apparatus strategically positioned to trap organisms.

(a) Name the apparatus (1 mk)

(b) State the function of the part labeled E. (1mk)
2. Below are diagrams of cell organelle obtained from different organs of an animal.

(i) For each organelle state an organ in the urinary system where it is likely to
be found.
F, G (2 mks)
(ii) Give a reason for your answers in (a)(i) above. (2 mks)
(a) Name the part of the chloroplast where the following reactions occur:
(i) Carborn (IV)oxide fixation(1
mk) (ii)Photolysis (1 mk)
3. During a practical investigation of food tests, students were provided with
the following reagents.
Benedict’s solution
Sodium hydrogen
carbonate Dilute
hydrochloric acid
(a) Identify the food substance the students were to test (1 mk)
(b) State the role of dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate
during the experiment.
(i) Dilute hydrochloric acid (1 mk)
(ii)Sodium hydrogen carbonate (1
11
mk)

12
4. In an experiment on respiration, a mouse was observed to have inhaled 200cm3
of oxygen and exhaled 199.75cm3 of carbon (IV) oxide in ten minutes.
(a) Calculate the respiratory quotient for the activity in the experiment. (2 mks)
(b) Identify the possible food substance consumed by the mouse. (1 mk)
(c) State the fate of the excess food named in (b) above in the human body.
(2 mks)
5. The photograph illustrates a housefly at various stages of its development.

(a) (i) On the photograph, name the stages of the life cycle.
(1 mk)
(i) Using arrows, link the stages of the life cycle in the correct
order. (1 mk)
(b) (i) State two differences between the life cycles of a housefly and that of
a cockroach. (2 mks)
(ii) State one advantage of the life cycle of a cockroach to itself.
(1 mk)
6. Name two enzymes in the human digestive system which are secreted in an
inactive form.
(2 mks)
7. The diagram below represents a state in the division of a cell.

With a reason, identify the organism from which the cell was obtained. (2 mks)
8. Explain why short distance runners breath quickly and deeply at the end of a
race. (2 mks)
9. (a) State the function of a mirror in a light microscope. (1 mk)

12
 (b)Give one reason why the coarse adjustment knob should not be used to lower
the high power objective. (1 mk)
10.(a) State the effect of movement of the diaphragm muscles during inhalation
in mammals. (3 mks)
(b)State two structural adaptations of leaves that maximize efficiency in
gaseous exchange. (2 mks)
11. The set up below illustrates a certain physiological process.

(a) (i) Name the physiological process. (1 mk)

(ii) Give two examples of the process named in (a) (i) above in plants. (2 mks)
(b) State two ways by which the movement of dye molecules in the set up
would be slowed down. (2 mks)
12. Explain the survival values of the following tropic responses to plants.
(a) Geotropism (2 mks)
(b) Phototropism (1 mk)
13. Name the causative agent for Tuberculosis.(1 mk)
14.The photograph below illustrates a germinating
seedling.

(a) Name the type of germination illustrated in the photograph. (1 mk)

(b) Explain the function of each of the parts labeled G and H (2 mks)

15. Explain the physiological process responsible for keeping young

seedlings upright.(3 mks)
16. The following are text messages on a cellphone that represent gene mutation.
Intended message Actual message
I I hate meat I ate meat
II This is my team This is my mate

12
(a) Identify the type of gene mutation represented in each case. (1 mk)

12
 (b) State Mendel’s First Law. (1 mk)
(c) State two disadvantages of genetically modified plant products.
(2 mks)
17. How is the surface area increased in the mammalian small intestines? (2
mks) 18.Below are diagrams representing developmental stages of three different
vertebrates

Fish Chicken human

(a) State the evidence of evolution illustrated by the vertebrates in the
diagram. (1 mk)
(b) Suggest why the structure labeled J has been retained throughout the
evolution of fish. (2 mks)
(c) State two major advantages evolution has given humans over most of
the other animals. (2 mks)
19. The table below shows the percentage concentration of certain substances in
blood plasma, glomerular filtrate and urine in a human being at a particular time.
Percentage concentration
Substance Blood Glomerular Urine
plasma filtrate
Glucose 0.023 0.02 0.00
Water 92.70 92.70 96.08
Protein 5.69 0.0 0.0
Urea 0.087 0.098 2.6
(a) Explain the likely impact on the composition of urine in case of the following
(i) Vigorous physical exercises (2 mks)
(ii) A meal rich in proteins (2 mks)
(b) Name the processes responsible for
(i) Presence of glucose in the glomerular filtrate. (1 mk)
(ii) Absence of glucose in urine. (1 mk)

12
20. State three methods of fossil formation.
(3 mks)
21. The photograph below represents a leaf obtained from a certain plant.

Account for the observations made if the leaf was tested for starch. (3
mks) 22.State two ways by which plants manage their solid wastes. (2 mks)
23.The diagram below represents a set up during an experiment.

(a) (i) What was the experiment investigating? (1 mk)

(ii) State the likely identity for substance K. (1 mk)
(iii) Explain your answer in (a) (ii) above. (1 mk)
(b) Account for the observations made in flask 2. (2 mks)

12
 2017 KCSE PAPER 2
1. The diagram below represents a nucleus.

(a) (i) Name the structures labeled E and F. (2 marks)

(ii) State the function of F (1 mk)
(iii) With reference to the nucleus, state one difference between an animal and
a bacterial cell. (1 mk)
(b) Name the plant cell organelle:
(i) that stores chlorophyll (1 mk)
(ii) responsible for intracellular digestion.(1 mk)
(c) State two main functions of the vacuole in the amoeba.
(2 mks)

2. The table below shows variations in the form carbon (IV) oxide is transported in
the blood at rest and during physical exercise.
Carbon (IV) oxide transport in blood plasma at rest and during exercise.
Form of transport Rest (Mol/l) Exercise
(Mol/l
Dissolved carbon (IV) oxide
Bicarbonate ion 0.52 0.97
Carbon (IV) oxide in plasma 12.34 13.68

0.26 0.16
Total carbon (IV) oxide in plasma
13.12 14.81
pH of blood 7.42 7.09
(a) Explain why more carbon (IV) oxide is transported in the form of
bicarbonate ion.(2 mks)
(b) Account for the high total plasma content of carbon (IV) oxide during
exercises. (3 mks)
(c) State how one’s involvement in the exercises affects blood pH.
(2 mks)

12
 (d) Name the protein responsible for the transport of carbon (IV) oxide in the
blood. (1 mk)

3. The diagram below illustrates the appearance of a plant cell after it had been put in
a certain solution.

(a) Explain the appearance of the cell at the end of the treatment. (3 mks)
(b) Explain the results obtained if a red blood cell is subjected to the
same treatment.(3 mks)
(c) Explain why transfusion with distilled water is not recommended for
a dehydrated patient.
(2 mks)
4. (a) Explain how the sex of a male child is determined in human beings.
(2 mks)
(b) (i) Define the term diploidy. (1 mk)
(ii)Name the type of cell division that gives rise to diploid
cells. (1 mk)
(iii) Name the type of cells in which the process named in (b) (ii) above occurs.
(1 mk)
(iv) State the significance of diploidy. (2 mks)
(c) Name the hormone responsible for the development of secondary
sexual characteristics in human males. (1 mk)

5. In beans, the gene for purple colour is dominant over the gene for white colour. A
pure breeding bean plant with purple colour was crossed with a heterozygous
bean plant.
(a) using the letter P to represent the gene for purple colour, work out the
genotypic ratio of the offspring. (5 mks)
(b) State two advantages of using genetically modified varieties in bean farming.
(2 mks)
(c) State how in-breeding leads to reduced hybrid vigour.
(1 mk)

12
 Section B
Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question 8.
6. In an investigation, two potted plants G and H belonging to the same species
were exposed to increasing light intensities at different temperatures, 30 0C and
200C respectively. The rate of photosynthesis was measured for each plant and
results recorded as shown in the table below:
Light intensity (in arbitrary
units) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Rate of photosynthesis for 0 84 148 196 232 260 284 296
0
plant G at 30 C
Rate of photosynthesis 0 72 115 148 170 186 204 216
0
for plant H at 20 C
(a) On the same axis, plot graphs of rate of photosynthesis against light intensity
for plants.
(8 mks)

(b) State the aim of the investigation. (1 mk)

(c) Account for the difference in the rate of photosynthesis in the two plants
(3 mks)
12
(d) Account for the difference in the rate of photosynthesis in the two plants
between the following light intensities:
(i) 1 – 4 units (2 mks)
(ii) 4 – 8 units. (2 mks)
(e) (i) Predict the rate of photosynthesis at light intensity of 16 units.

(1 mk)
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (e) (i) above.
(1 mk)
(f) State one internal and one external factor that could be limiting the
investigation. (2 mks)
7. Explain the importance of protecting the forest ecosystem with the reference to
the following(20mks)
(a) climate change
(b) biodiversity
(c) biotechnology
(d) water conservation
(e) pollution
8. Describe how the mammalian eye is structurally adapted to its
function. (20 mks)

2017 PAPER 3
1. You are provided with the following materials and reagents.
– A straight portion of raw banana, labeled D
– Two petri dishes
– A scalpel/sharp razor blade
– Two beakers containing liquids, E and F
– A measuring cylinder
– A stopwatch/access to a wall clock
– Means of labeling.
(i) Label the two petri dishes, E and F
(ii) Place 30cm3 of liquid E into petri dish E and 30cm3 of liquid F into petri dish F
(iii) Using the scalpel, prepare four thin, straight, flat strips from the raw
banana peel.
(iv) Each strip should measure about 4cm by 2mm as illustrated below.

Note: To get a straight, flat, thin strip, remove the banana flesh leaving only the peel.
(v) Immerse two strips in petri dish E and the other two in petri dish F and leave
the set ups undisturbed for 10 minutes.
(a) (i) State your observations is petri dishes E and F after 10 minutes.

12
(2 mks)

13
 (ii) Account for the observations made in (a) (i) above. Petri dish E and F
(5 mks)
(b) Describe the nature of liquids E and F in relation to the sap in the banana
peel used in the experiment. E & F (2 mks)
(c) With reference to the observations made, compare the nature of the outer
and inner surfaces of the banana peel. (1 mk)
(d) (i) Name the cell structure responsible for the observations made in
this experiment.(1 mk)
(ii) Explain how the cell structure named in (d) (i) above works to bring about
the observations made. (2 mks)
2. You are provided with the following materials and
reagents. Three test tubes on a rack
Dilute egg albumen
(access to) Sodium hydroxide solution with a dropper
Solution P
Two droppers
Three 10ml measuring cylinders.
A stop watch/access to a wall clock
Access to a water bath maintained at 500C to 600C.
(i) Label the test tubes A, B, and C
(ii) Put 2 cm3 of egg albumen into each of the test tubes A, B and C
(iii) Add 1 cm3 of solution P in each of the test tubes.
(iv) Into test tube A, add two drops of sodium hydroxide
(v) Into test tube B, add two drops of hydrochloric acid
(vi) Into test tube C, add 2 drops of water
(vii) Place all the three test tubes in the water bath for 10 minutes.
(a) (i) State the observations made in test tubes A and B.

(2 mks)
(ii)Account for the observations made in a(i) above.

(6 mks)
(b) Explain why the investigation was carried out at the specified temperature
range. (1 mk)
(d) State the purpose of test tube C. (1 mk)
(e) (i) With a reason, identify solution P. (2 mks)
(ii) Name the likely part of the human alimentary canal where the process in
this experiment occurs. (1mk)
(iii) Give a reason for your answer in e (ii) above.
(1 mk)
You are provided with specimens labeled H and K. Specimen H is a complete
plant while J is a portion of a different plant. Observe the specimens and answer
the questions that follow.
(a) state three observable differences between the leaves of specimen H and K.
(3 mks)
(b) (i) Explain three ways in which the stem of specimen H adapts to plant
13
for maximum photosynthesis. (3 mks)

13
 (ii) Explain three ways in which the plant from which specimen K was obtained
is adapted for survival in its habitat. (3 mks)
(c) Explain the consequence of adding liquid F used in question 1 to the soil
in which specimen H is growing. (2 mks)
(d) State two ecological importance of specimen K in an ecosystem. (2 mks)

2017 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME

1. (a) Pooter
(b) Filters dirt preventing it from entering into sunction tube.
2. (a) (i) F – Kidney; sphincter
muscles (ii)G – Ureter; urinary
bladder.
(b) (i) Stroma
(ii) Granum/Grana
3. (a) Non – reducing sugar
(b) (i) Hydrolysis/breakdown of disaccharide/nonreducing sugar to
monosaccharide/reducing sugar.
(ii) Neutrolise excess/unused dilute hydrochloric acid.

𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 (𝐼𝑉)𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑

4. (a) Respiratory quotient =

𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑

199.75𝑐𝑚3
R.Q = 200𝑐𝑚3

̃
R.Q – 1.0
R.Q = 0.99875

(b) Carbohydrate
(c) – converted into glycogen for future use.
- Converted into neutral fats the stored over vital organs and underneath
the skin.
5. (a) (i) pupa, eggs, larvae, adults

(ii)

(b) (i)
Housefly Cockroach
Have four stages Have three stages
of development of development
Eggs laid about Eggs laid about 10
100 to 150 – 15
Larvae feed on Nymphs feed on
decaying fatty foods.
matter
13
(ii) The eggs and nymphs are in dark cracks thus protected from predators.

13
6. - Pepsin.
- Trypsin
7. – Animal
- Cell wall is absent and the daughter cells have spherical shape.
8. Anaerobic respiration occurs during the race forming lactic acid, that accumulate
in muscles. Breathing increase to take up more oxygen to oxidize the lactic acid
into carbon (IV) oxide, water and energy.
9. (a) Reflect light ray from the source to the object.
(b) It moves the objective lens very fast and crushes the glass slide.
10.(a) When the muscles contract, they flatten-The volume in the thoracic cavity
increase while the pressure decreases compared to the atmospheric pressure. Air
enters into the cavity via the nostrils.
(b) – Have stomata on both surfaces to increase diffusion of gases.
- spongy mesophyll cells are loosely packed to enhance diffusion of gases.
- Leaves are broad and thin to increase the rate of diffusion of gases.
11.(a) (i) Diffusion
(ii) – Gaseous exchange – uptake of carbon (IV) oxide during photosynthesis.
– Translocation – transport of manufactured food from leaves to other parts of
the plant.
– - Removal of carbon (IV) oxide removed respiration at night.
(b) – Reducing the temperature.
- Reducing the diffusion gradient.
12.(a) Geotropism – shoot grows upward to absorb sunlight. - Root grows towards
the soil to absorb water.
(b) Phototropism – Shoot grows towards source of light to increase
photosynthesis. 13.Mycrobacterium tuberculosis
14.(a) Epigeal germination
(b) G – straightens plumule exposing foliage leaves
sunlight. H – They are the first photosynthesizing
structure.
15.The roots absorb water from the soil. It is then transported to the stem. The
cortex cells become turgid. They become tightly packed and rigid. The stem
retains the upright/erect posture.
16.(a) I – Deletion
II – Inversion
(b) Characteristics of organisms are determined by a pair of genes only one
member of the gene pair can be carried in a gamete.
(c) – cause allergic reactions
- have low nutritional value
- produce toxins that cause diseases.
- Reduces variability among organisms.
17. – Highly coiled increasing surface area.
- have villi and microvilli that increase the surface area.
18.(a) Comparative embryology
(b) It is in phylum chordate like other vertabrates. They all have a common
ancestry.
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 (c) – Have well developed brain.
- Have an erect posture
19.(a) (i) Water in the urine would decrease. More sweating would take place
thus more reabsorption of water of water in the kidneys.
(ii) Urea would increase in the urine.
(b) (i) ultrafiltration
(ii) Reabsorption.
20. – Semi decomposition of remains.
- Freezing organisms when they die.
- Imprinting and moulding on rock.
- Ambering by been preserved on sticky gum.
21. The dark/green parts turn to blue black colour while the white parts turn yellow on
adding iodine solution. Photosynthesis only takes place in presence of
chlorophyll.
22. – Deposition in seeds, fruits and leaves.
- Exudation by been store on bark of plant.
23.(a) (i) Ants thrive in moist/humid condition to dry
condition. (ii)Anhydrous calcium chloride/anhydrous
calcium oxide.
(iii) The cobalt (II) chloride paper remained blue i.e. dry as the
water vapour/moisture was absorbed by the drying agent.
(b) There are more ants at the end of the experiment as flask 2 has moist conditions.
Humid condition prevents dessication/drying.

2017 PAPER 2
1. (a) (i) E – Nucleoulus
F – Nulcear pore
(ii) Allows movement of substances in and out of the nucleus and cytoplasm.
(iii) Animal cell has nuclear membrane whle the bacterial cell lacks the
nuclear membrane.
(b) (i) Chloroplast
(ii) Lysosome
(c) – Regulate osmotic pressure/osmoregulation
- prevent the amoeba from in hypotonic solution.
2. (a) The enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, speeds up convertion of carbon (IV) oxide
into carbonic acid in the red blood cells. Carbonic acid then dissociates into
bicarbonate ions.
(b) The rate of respiration increases, thus breakdown of glucose into carbon
(IV) oxide and water. Carbon (IV) oxide concentration increase.
(c) Carbon (IV) oxide release in slightly acidic. The Ph value of blood therefore
decrease.
(d) Red blood cell/ haemoglobin

3. (a) The plant cell is turgid. It was placed in a hypotonic solution and absorbed water
by osmosis as cell sap of vacuole had high osmotic pressure. It therefore become
firm and rigid. Cell wall prevents it from bursting.
13
(b) The red blood cell would burst. It absorbs water by osmosis. It increases in size.
Due to absence of the cell wall, it bursts/haemolysed.

13
 (c) Distilled water is hypotonic to the body fluids. The osmotic pressure would be
lowered affecting body activities.
4. (a) When the X-chromosome from the mother fuses with Y chromosome from
the father they form XY.
(b) (i)Existence of chromosomes in pairs.
(ii) Mitosis
(iii) Somatic cells/body cells
(iv) The alleles/pair of genes display the best characteristic from both parents
in the offspring.

5. (a)

(b) – increase in productivity/yield.

- crops become resistant to pests.
- crops mature faster.
(c) The genetic composition of the off springs is similar to that of the parents. There
is no variation, thus bad traits may be inherited.

13
 Section B

6. (a)
(b) To show that the rate of photosynthesis increase as light intensity and
temperature increase.
(c) Plant H had lower rate of photosynthesis than plant G. At 200C, the enzymes are
not very active. At 300C, it is the optimum temperature for enzyme activity thus
high rate of photosynthesis.
(d) (i) Rate of photosynthesis of plant G is higher than that of plant H. it increases
steadily. Enzyme in plant G are more activated than in plant H.

13
(ii) The rate of photosynthesis is at the decelerating rate. As more light is increased
the rate of photosynthesis many not increase due to the maximum absorption of
light by chloroplasts.
(e) (i) It would be slightly above the rate at 8 units.
(ii) The number of chloroplasts present may not take up more light than it is possible
for them. It therefore remain constant.
(f) Internal factor – Chlorophyll concentration
- Enzyme inhibitors.
External factor – Water availability
- concentration of carbon (IV) oxide.
7. (a) climate change
– Earth temperatures have increased due to increase in carbon (IV) oxide in the
atmosphere. It creates a blanket of warm air that has resulted in melting of snow
at the polar regions.
– Trees absorb the excess carbon (IV) oxide and use it for photosynthesis
thus control the global warming.
(b) biodiversity
– It is the variety and variability of life on earth. When the forests are protected
even the simplest forms of plants and animals will not have interrupted
habitat. The food chains and food webs will be sustained thus the population
of all organisms in the ecosystem.
(c) biotechnology
– It is the use of living system and organisms to develop new products.
– It has been used to make some medicine for animals, agricultural/farm
products and scientific research
– In the forests, there are a variety of plants that may be used.
(d) water conservation
– Trees in the forests control strong air currents. A lot of transpiration also take
place resulting in formation of clouds thus rain.
– In the forests, water seeps gently into the ground as vegetation breaks the
fall. The groundwater in turn feeds rivers, lakes and wells.
(e) pollution
– Trees in the forests absorb carbon (IV) oxide produced when coal
and hydrocarbons are burnt in industries. This controls the air
pollution.
8. – It is an organ that perceives light and helps an animal to distinguish objects in
its immediate environment.
– It is located in a socket called orbit and the front of the skull.
– Externally the eye is protected by a fat layer that acts as a shock absorber.
– A raised portion of skin is above the eyeball has thick hair that prevents entry
of sweat and dust to the eye.
– There are lachrymal or tear glands that secrete a watery fluid to clean the eye.
– Lateral rectus muscles move the eye sideways while superior and inferior
rectus muscles move the eye upwards and downwards.
– Internally the eye has:
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  Cornea that is a transparent layer covering the eyeball. It allows light into
the eye and refract the light rays to the lens.
 Conjunctiva is a thin transparent layer before the cornea that protects it.
 Aqueous humour is a fluid filled cavity between the cornea and the lens. It
refracts light to the lens.
 Pupil is a small opening between iris that regulate the amount entering the eye.
 Iris has circular and radial muscles and contains melanin. It regulates the size of
the pupil. It also gives the eye its colour.
 Choroid and sclera are the outer layers at the back of the eye that protect
inner parts of the eye and maintain its shape.
 Ciliary bodies and ciliary muscles that alter the shape of the lens depending
on the light rays entering the eye.
 Lenses that are transparent, biconvex and elastic structures that refract right to
the retina.
 Vitreous humour is a fluid filled cavity that gives the eyeball its shape
and refracts light to the retina.
 Retina/forea centralis that has light sensitive cells, rods and cones.
 Rods are sensitive to low light intensity and detect black and white light.
 Cones are sensitive to high light intensity and coloured light.
 Black spot is at the back of the eye where the optic nerve leaves the retina to
the brain and blood vessels emerge to nourish the eye.

2017 PAPER 3
1. (i) Petri dish E
– Increased in size
– Became firm and rigid
– It bends outwards of the white
part. Petri dish F
– Reduced in size
– Became loose and soft
– It bends inwards of the white
part. (ii) Petri dish E
– Solution E is hypotonic i.e. the cell sap of the banana cells has higher
osmotic pressure that solution E. the cells absorb water by osmosis and
become turgid.
Petri dish F
– Solution F is hypertonic. i.e the cell sap of the banana cells has lower
osmotic pressure than solution F. the cells lose water by osmosis and
become flaccid.
(b) E – It is hypotonic. The cell sap of banana cells has higher osmotic pressure than
solution E.
F – It I hypertonic. The cell sap of banana cells has lower osmotic pressure than
solution F.

14
 (c) – Outer membrane is impermeable to the solutions. The inner membrane
is permeable to the solutions.
(d) (i) Cellulose/cell wall
(ii) When the plant cell is turgid, the cell wall creates an inward wall pressure
against turgor pressure. The cells become firm but do not burst.
2. (a) Test tube A
(i) The mixture/content turned into a thick white coagulation/precipitate.
Test tube B
- The mixture/content turned colourless solution.
(ii) Test tube A
The mixture/egg albumen was not acted on by solution P. substance P does
not act in alkaline/basic condition.
Test tube B
The mixture/egg albumen was acted on by solution P. Substance P acts
in acidic condition.
(b) To create optimum temperature for substance P to act.
(c) It is a control experiment
(d)(i) Enzyme pepsin. It digests/breakdown protein in egg albumen in acidic
condition.
(ii) Stomach
(iii) Proteins are digested in the stomach by enzyme pepsin in acidic
condition 3. (a)
Specimen H Specimen K
Broad leaves Narrow leaves
Network veined Parallel veined
Serated margin Smooth margin
Epidermal hairs absent Epidermal hairs present
Has petiole Has sheath
(b) (i) – Epidermal cells have chlorophyll to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
– Cells lack cuticle thus permeable to carbon (IV) oxide used
for photosynthesis.
– Elongated increasing surface area for photosynthesis and absorption of carbon
(IV) oxide.
(ii) – Narrow leaves that reduce water lose/transpiration.
– The internodes have roots/rhizomes to allow continuity of growth even
when cut.
– Have ariel leaves/foliage that are fed on by predators leaving the stem.
(c) It would wither off and die. The soil water would be hypernotic to the cell sap of
roots of K. The cells would lose water, making them flaccid then die off.

14
 2018 KCSE BIOLOGY QUESTIONS

BIOLOGY PAPER 1
1. (a) Name the cell organelle found in abundance in the white blood cells.
(1 mark)
(b) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. (1 mark)
2. State two observable features that place a millipede into its Class. (2 marks)
3. Which sets of teeth would be used in chewing sugarcane for maximum extraction
of sap? (2 marks)
4. A group of form two students placed a fresh leaf in warm water. They observed
that air bubbles formed on the surface of the leaf.
(a) What biological process were they investigating? (1 mark)
(b)Name the structure from which the air bubbles were coming from. (1 mark)
(c) Explain the distribution of the structure named in (b) above on the surfaces of
a land plant. (2 marks)
5. State why it is importance for plants to lose water to the atmosphere.
(3 marks)
6. The diagram below illustrates tissues fluid and cells surrounding a capillary.

(1 mark)
(i) Give two ways by which fluid G is different from tissue fluid. (2 marks)
7. (a) Define respiration. (1 mark)
(b) State three activities in the human digestion system that depend on respiration.
(3 marks)
8. State three ways in which blood capillaries are structurally adapted to
their functions. (3 marks)
9. The diagram below represents an organ in a bony fish.

14
 (a) Name the organ (1 mark)
(b) Describe how air in water reach the capillaries inside structure L. (3 marks)
10. Name two products of respiration in plants. (2 marks)
11. (a) State one homeostatic role of the human skin. (1 mark)
(b) Name three structures of skin essential for its homeostatic function. (3 marks)
12. Explain why the nephron is long and convoluted. (3 marks)
13. State two limitations of using a quadrat to estimate the population of organisms.
(2 marks)
14. The diagram below illustrates a germinating seedling.

(a) Name the type of germination illustrated in the diagram. (1 mark)

(b) Describe how the type of germination named in (a) above is brought about.
(3 marks)
15. Explain why a bony fish dies shortly after being removed from water. (4 marks)
16. Name the bones that articulate to form a ball and socket joint at the hip.
(2 marks)
17. Explain the role of carbonic anhydrate in red blood cells. (3 marks)
18. A tall, light skinned lady with pimples on her face long hair and limps
(a) List two features which the lady has that are due to inheritance (2 marks)
(b)Explain why most recessive genes are expresses phenotypically in male
offspring of human. (3 marks)
19. The diagram below illustrate some forms of beaks in birds.

14
 (a) Which diagram represents the beak from which the others are likely to
have evolved? (1 mark)
(b)Explain your answer in (a) above. (3 marks)
20. (a) Define the term analogue structures. (1 mark)
(b) Give two illustrations of analogous structures in mammals. (2 mark)
21. State two ways in which plants with weak stems obtain mechanical support.
(2 marks)
22. What does the term evolution mean?(1 mark)
23. State two characteristics of living things illustrated in the photograph below.
(2 mark)

24. Explain why a camel has a longer nephron than a whale. (3 marks)
25. Desert kangaroo rats spends most of their time in underground burrows.
(a) Name this type of behavioral activity. (1 mark)
(b)Explain the significance of this behavior to the organism. (3 marks)
26. State two advantages terrestrial animals have in excreting urea as their
main nitrogenous waste products. (2 mark)
27. Below is a graphical representation of how basal metabolic rates compare in
various animals.

14
 From the graph, explain why the mouse has a higher breathing rate than
the elephant. (3 marks)

2018 BIOLOGY PAPER 2

Answer all the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. The diagram below illustrates a section of the mammalian kidney.

(a) Name the structure labeled E and F.

E.........................................................(1
mark)
F….....................................................(1 mark)
(b)Explain the process that take place in the regions labeled G and
H. Region G (3 marks)
Region H (3 marks)
2. Below is a graphical representation of students’ height in a classroom.

14
 (a) Name the type of curve illustrated. (1 mark)
(b)(i) State the type of variation represented by the curve. (1 mark)
(ii) State two meiotic process that lead to variation among organisms.
(2 mark)
(iii) Explain the role of variation in organisms. (2 marks)
(c) Explain the need for genetic counseling in present day health facilities.

(2 marks)
3. The amount of blood flowing through certain parts in the mammalian body at
different activity levels was measured and result tabulated as shown in the
table below.

(a) Account for:

(i) The high blood-flow through the cardiac and skeletal muscles
during strenuous exercises. (4 marks)
(ii) The results obtained for the alimentary canal at rest. (2 marks)
(b)Name two waste materials excreted by both the skin and the kidneys. (2 marks)

4. The diagram below illustrates the arrangement of bones in a human arm.

14
(a) Name:
(i) The type of joints formed at point H and
M. H...........................................(1 mark)
M………………………… (1 mark)
(ii) Bone G (1 mark)

(b)Name bone J and state how it is adapted to its

functions. Name: ……………………………
(1 mark) Adaptation…………………… (3 mark)

(c) State one function difference between a tendon and a ligament. (1 mark)

5. The photograph below represents a plant in a certain division.

(a) (i) Name the Division to which the plant belongs. (1 mark)
(ii)With reference to the photograph, state three observation features of the
Division named in a (i) above. (3 marks)

(b) Name the parts labeled N and P. (1

mark)
N......................................................(1 mark)
P.......................................................(1 mark)

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(c) Explain how the part labeled Q is adapted to its functions. (2 marks)

14
 SECTION B (40 MKS)
Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question8.
6. The effect of auxin concentration on growth response of two parts of a plant, X
and Y was investigated over a period of time. The resulted were tabulated as
shown in the table below.

(a) On the same axis, draw line graphs of the effect on growth of the parts, X and Y
(percentage inhibition or stimulation) against the concentration. (8
marks)

(b) With reasons, name the two parts of the plants, X and
Y. X………………………………… (1 mark)
Reason…………………………… (1 mark)
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 X…………………………………… (1 mark)
Reason…………………………… (1 mark)

(c) From the graph identify:

(i) The point at which the percentage stimulation was the same for both X and Y.
(1 mark)
(ii) The optimum concentration of auxins required for part Y (1 mark)

(d) State three ways in which the effects of auxins on plants is applied in
flower farming.
(3 marks)
(e) Distinguish between simple and conditioned reflex action. (3 marks)

7. (a) Describe the mode of reproduction in a named fungus. (5 marks)

(b) Describe the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle. (15 marks)

8. Describe what happens to a meal rich in proteins along the alimentary canal
from ingestion to egestion. (20 marks)

2018 BIOLOGY PAPER 3

1. The photographs below represent three mammalian bones, labeled E, F and G.

(a) With reasons identify the bones.

Bones Identity Reasons(S)

E ………………… ……….………………
(3 mark)
F ……………… ……………………….
(2 mark)
G ………………… ………………………
(2 mark)
(b) Name the joints formed at the anterior and posterior ends of F.
Anterior end …………………………… (1 mark)
Posterior end ………………………..… (1 mark)
(c) State the types of movement facilitated by the joint at the anterior end
specimen labeled F. (1 mark)
15
 (d) (i) Name the substance found inside the living tissue of the specimen
represented in photograph F. (1 mark)
(ii)State the function of the substance named in (d) (i) above. (1 mark)
(e) (i) Name the muscle bundle usually attached onto the front of the
specimen represented in photograph F. (1 mark)
(ii)State the function of the muscle bundle names in (e)(1)above (1 mark)
2. Below is a photograph of a blood smear from a normal individual. The
arrangement is arbitrary and the number of blood elements is greater than what
would normally occur in an actual microscopic field.

(a) (i) Name the blood elements labeled J, K and L. (3

marks) J ……………………………………
K ……………………………………
L ……………………………………

(ii)State one function of each of the elements named in (a) (i) above.
(3 marks)
J …………………………………
K ……………………………………
L ……………………………………
(b) The photograph below is of a section of the human intestines of a
patient suffering from a common parasitic disease.
15
 (i) Name the disease. (1 mark)
(ii) Name the parasite that cause the disease in (b) (i) above. (1 mark)
(iii) State two control measures for the disease. (2 marks)
(iv) State the effects of having the parts labeled G in the patient’s intestines.
(2 marks)

3. You are provided with a specimen labeled H. With the aid of a hand lens,
examine the external features of the specimen.
(a) (i) What part of a plant is specimen H? (1 mark)
(ii)Give two reasons for your answer in (a) (i) above. (2 mark)
(b) Open up specimen H longitudinally.
Use a hand lens to observe the internal structures of specimen H.
(i) Draw and label the internal cut surface and associated structures of specimen H.
(5 marks)
(ii) Explain how you would determine the magnification of the drawing in (b)
(i) above.
(2 marks)
(iii) State the mode of dispersal for seeds of specimen H. (1 mark)
(iv) Explain how seeds of specimen H are dispersed through the mode stated
in (b)(iii) above. (3 mark)

15
MARKING SCHEME 2018 PAPER 1
1. (a) Lysosome
(b) Has lytic enzymes that digest/breakdown micro-organism when engulfed.
2.  Cylindrical body
 Many segments
 Each segment has two pairs of legs/appendages.
3.  Premolars teeth
 Molar teeth
4. (a) Gaseous exchange
(b) Stomata
(c) Lower surface of a leaf has more stomata than upper surface. This
prevents excess loss of water from the leaf, conserving it.
5.  The leaves are cooled during hot weather
 Dissolved waste products evaporate together with the water
 Creates a suction force hence absorption and distribution of water and
mineral salts to the plants.
 Maintain a transpiration stream in the plant.
6. (i) Plasma
(ii)  Fluid G has high concentration of glucose and amino acids while tissue
fluid has less.
 Fluid G has low carbon (iv) oxide concentration while tissue fluid has
higher concentration.
 Fluid G has less waste products while tissue fluid has more.
 Fluid G has blood proteins while tissues fluid has no blood proteins.
7. (a) Breakdown of food to produce energy in body cells.
(b)  Mastication /chewing food
 Digestion / breakdown of food
 Peristalsis
 Absorption of soluble food products by active transport
8.  Thin epithelium that reduces distances of diffusion of dissolves substances.
 Narrow lumen creating high pressure of blood enhancing ultra-filtration.
 Highly branched increasing surface area for diffusion of dissolved substances.
 The walls have pores through which dissolved diffuse/pass.
9. (a) The gill
(b) The water has high oxygen concentration than blood in capillaries. As water
flows over the structure L, dissolved oxygen diffuses from the water through the
walls of L into the blood capillaries. There is counter-current flow of water and
blood creating steep concentration gradient.
10. Carbon (iv) oxide
 Ethanol
 Energy
 Water
11.(a) Temperature regulation / thermoregulation
(b)  Thermo receptors
15
  Erector pili muscles
 Blood capillaries
12.  They are long to increase surface area for re absorption of essential substances.
 They are convoluted to slow down flow of the glomerular filtrate giving
enough time for re absorption.
 The convoluted section increases surface area for re absorption of the
nutrients. 13. Only used to estimate small sized plants population.
 Only used to estimate the small animals that are very slow moving
population. 14.(a) Epigeal germination
(b) The hypocotyls grows very fast and thrusts the cotyledons out of the soil
surface. The cotyledons are heavy and cause the fragile hypocotyls to bend
downwards.
15. The bony fish obtain oxygen dissolved in water. When out of water, oxygen of the
air cannot diffuse into blood capillaries of gill filaments. It suffocates and dies as
no oxygen reaches muscles.
16. Femur and pelvic girdle
17.  It is an enzyme in the red blood cells that enhance carbon (iv) oxide from
body cells to combine with water forming carbonic acid.
 It then splits into hydrogen and hydrogen carbonate ions.
18. (a)

Height Skin
colour
(b) They are heterogametic having X and Y chromosomes. The Y chromosome is
short and carries few genes. X chromosome carries many genes from the mother
that may be recessive. Thus expressed.
19.(a) Beak M
(b) The original beak has a definite shape and structure. Beak N became modified
to feeding on fleash while beak P became modified to feeding on nectar from
flowers.
20.(a) Structures from different origins that have been modified to perform same
function.
(b) Tail in cow (herbivore) dog (carnivore), pig (omnivore)
(c) Teeth in herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
(d) Eyes in herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
21.  Some have tendrils or spines that hold onto other plants.
 Epiphytes have the slender stem twining on other plants.
22. It is gradual development of a move complex organism from a simpler ancestor
over a period of time.
23.  Reproduction
 Movement and locomotion
 Irritability
24.  Camel is a desert mammal long nephron
 Increase surface area for reabsorption of water hence conserving it.
 Whale is fresh water mammal short nephron reduce re absorption of water
15
 hence lost in urine.
25.(a) Aestivation

15
 (b) Helps them to conserve water and energy as they are limited and they have
high surface area to volume ratio.
26.  It is soluble in water hence removed in solution form.
 It does not require a lot of water to be excreted.
27. Mouse has higher surface area to volume ratio than the elephant. Mouse
breaths faster as it has higher metabolic rate than the elephant to obtain the
oxygen necessary.

2018 PAPER TWO MARKIGNG SCHEME

1. (a) E – Glomerulus
F – Renal arteriole
(b) Region G – ultra filtration of soluble substances from glomerulus into
Bowman’s capsule. Reabsorption of the glucose, amino acids and water back
into the blood stream.
Region H – reabsorption of water and mineral salts into the blood stream
and remove of urea or urine to the pelvis.
2. (a) Normal distribution curve
(b)(i) Continuous variation
(ii) Crossing over during prophase I of cell division.
Non-disjunction when homologous chromosomes fail to separate in
anaphase I.
(iii) Organisms with suitable variations are better adapted to the
environment and survive better, than those with unsuitable variations.
(c) It helps explain genetic disorders in the society.
Helps in solving paternity disputes with the knowledge of blood groups.
3. (a) (i) Anaerobic respiration starts taking place in the muscles producing lactic
acid. It is toxic to the muscles. The high blood flow transports it to the liver so
that it is broken down to carbon (iv) oxide and water.
(ii)There is high blood flow as absorption of final products of digestion
takes place in the ileum into the blood stream.
(b) Minerals salts
(c) Urea / uric acid
(d) Excess water
4. (a) (i) H – ball and socket
joint M – gliding / sliding
joint
(ii) Clavicle / collar bone
(b) Name – scapula
 Adaptations. Apex has glenoid cavity for articulation with the head
of humerus
 Has a spine on outer surface for muscle attachment.
 Acromion articulates with clavicle
 Metacromion articulates with sternum
(c) A tendon attaches the skeletal muscle to the bone while a ligament attaches

15
one bone to the other at the joint.

15
5. (a) (i) Division Bryophyta
(ii) Body not well differentiated into leaves, stems
 Root like structures known as rhizoids
 Reproduce by spore formation
 Sporophyte borne on the gametophyte
(b) N –
capsule P
– seta
(c) Thin walled and lack cuticle for easy absorption of water and mineral salts
Highly branched increasing surface area for attachment to supporting
surface.

6. (a)

(b) Part x – root

Reason – high concentration of auxins inhibits growth of the root

15
Part Y – shoot
Reason – slightly high concentration of auxins stimulate growth of the shoot.

16
 (c) (i) 32.5%,± 0.5
(ii)Part / million
(d)  Propagation of cut stem by formation of adventitious roots than transplanted
 When tips are cut more branches develop increasing yield/development of
more flowers
 Cutting tips eases picking of flowers
(e)  Simple reflex action is a single and specific automatic response to a
stimulus that does not depend on learning.
 Conditioned reflex action is an automatic response to unrelated stimulus and
is learnt from past experience.

7. (a) Reproduction in rhizophus

 When a spore lands on suitable substrate it develops forming a filamentious
structure, hyphae. Rhizoids anchor it to the substrate while vertical
structures, sporangiophore develop.
 At the tips a swelling, sporangium, forms where the spores develop. When
mature the sporangium raptures releasing the spores that are blown by
wind.
Reproduction in yeast
 When a gram of yeast is placed in suitable substrate, the cells reproduce
by budding.
 The nucleus divide into two and cytoplasm. However before it detaches/breaks
from the mother cell, the daughter cell divides forming a chain of cells
attached to each other.
(b)On the first day of the cycle pituitary gland in the brain secretes the follicle
stimulating hormone
 It enhances development of a new Graafian follicle and stimulates the ovary
to secrete the hormone oestrogen
 Oestrogen is secreted on fourth day of the cycle and enhances healing of
the uterine wall and maturation of the Graafian follicle.
 It stimulates the pituitary gland to realese the luitanising hormone on
the forteenth day
 Luitenising hormone enhances on the release of the mature ovum
and reorganization of the remains of Graafian follicle into corpus
luteum.
 It stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete the progesterone hormone.
 The hormone progesterone enhances vascularisation of uterine walls
into endometrium and inhibits secretion of follicle stimulating and
luitenising hormones.
 On the twenty second day of the cycle corpus luteum disintegrates thus
reducing concentration disintegrates thus reducing concentration of the
hormone progesterone.
 On twenty eighth day endometrium breaks down resulting in loss of
blood through the birth canal, marking the start of a new cycle.
8. The meal is ingested into the mouth.

16
 It is chewed /masticated to increase surface area for enzyme activity and
easy swallowing.
 The tongue mixes food with saliva from salivary glands that moistens the
food and lubricates it.
 It manipulates the chewed and unchewed food than rolls it into bolus which
is pushed to the pharynx to be swallowed.
 It enters into a tube which is pushed to the pharynx to be swallowed
 It enters into a tube, oesophagus that pushes bolus down to the stomach
by wave-like contradiction and relaxation of its walls, peristalsis.
 The bolus enters into the stomach through cardiac sphincter. It mixes
with gastric juice from gastric glands on the stomach walls.
 It is churnled into a semi-solid and dilute hydrochloric acid that breaks long
poly peptides into shorter chains, creates acidic medium for enzyme activity and
activates in active pepsinogen to pepsin.
 Pepsin digests/breaks down proteins into peptides
 Chyme mixes with mucus to lubricate it and prevent auto digestion. It leaves
the stomach through the phyrovic sphincter to the duodenum.
 In the duodenum the chyme mixes with pancreatic juice from the pancreas
through pancreatic duct. It has alkaline salts that creates alkaline medium
for enzymes activity.
 The enzyme enterokinase activates trypsinogen to trypsin that
digests/breakdown remain proteins from the stomach into
peptides
 It then moves to the ileum and mixes with Succus entericus from intestinal
walls. It has the enzyme peptidase that digests the peptides into amino acids
that are absorbed into the blood stream through the villi.
 Fibre present in the protein are not digested and move on to the colon.
Water present is absorbed into the blood stream.
 It forms a semi solid material that is stored in the rectum temporarily
than removed from the body through the anus.

16
2018 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME
1. (a)
BONE IDENITY REASON(S)
E Scapula  Triangular shaped blade
 Glenoid cavity for articulation with humerus
 Spine on outer surface
 Acromion and metacromion for articulation with
clavicle and sternum respectively.
F Humerus  Trochlear groove
 Greater and lesser tuberosity
 Olecranon fossa
G Ulna and  Two fused bones
radius  Projection known as olecranon process
 Depression known as sigmoid notch

(b) Anterior end – ball and socket joint.

Posterior end – hinge joint

(c) Allows movement in all direction i.e.

3600 (d)(i) Red bone marrow

(ii) Site of manufacturer of the red blood cells

(e)
(i) Biceps / flexor muscles
(ii) They contract bending the arm and relax straightening the arm.

2.
(i) J – Red blood cell
(a) K – White blood cell
L – Blood platelest
(ii) J – Transport oxygen form lungs to body tissues.
(iii) Destroy disease causing organism.
(iv) Enhance blood clotting when exposed to air.

(b)
(i) Cholera
(ii)Vibro
cholerae
(iii)  Boiling drinking water and cooking food properly.
 Covering food after cooking.
 Washing fruits and vegetables with treated water
 Proper disposal of human refuse and sewage treatment before release
into water bodies

16
 Isolating and treating patients using antibiotics.

16
 (iv)  Hinder free flow of food that may result in constipation
 Hinder absorption of final products of digestion hence easily lost
together with faeces.

3. (a) (i) Fruit

(ii) Has two scar i.e. attachment to withered style and flower stalk
(iii) Ovolues / seeds embedeed in the fruit

wall. (b)(i)

(ii) Measure the length of the diagram than measure the length of the specimen.
Divide length of the diagram with length of the specimen.
(iii) Self explosive mechanism
(iv) When the fruit wall dries up, the fibres in the pericarp shrink and set up tension.
(v) Fruit wall splits along the lines of weakness by force, throwing out the seeds
at some distances.

16
 KCSE – YEAR 2019 BIOLOGY PAPER 1
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.
1. Name the characteristic of living organisms illustrated by each of the
activities described below:
a. Dressing heavily (1 mark)
b. Bursting of the sporangium in the Rhisopus sp (1 mark)
2.
a. Besides venation, state two other external characteristics of leaves that can
be used to classify plants. (2 marks)
b. Explain why the bat is classified as a mammal yet it flies (2 marks)
3. The diagram below illustrates a specialised cell obtained from a certain tissue.

a. Name the cell. 1 mark)

b. State two ways in which the cell is structurally adapted to its function.
(2 marks)
4. In investigating a certain physiological process, students set up the apparatus
as shown below and made the observations after 30 minutes as illustrated.

Beginning End
a. Name the physiological process being invested. (1mark)
b. Account for the observation made at the end of the experiment. (3 marks)
c. State the likely identity of G (1 mark)
5. Explain why significantly increasing the blood pH slows down the rate of
selective reabsorption of materials in the kidney tubules. (3 marks)
a. Name the respiratory structure in the amoeba (1 mark)
b. Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. (1 mark)
6. Distinguish between chemical and mechanical digestion. (1 mark)
7. State the role of each of the following in the mammalian respiratory system:
a. mucus. (2 marks)
b. cartilage rings. (1 mark)
c. epiglottis. (1 mark)
8. Below is photograph of Brassica oleracea, Sukuma wiki leaf.

16
 a. State two observable features that adapt the leaf to gaseous exchange (2 marks)
b. Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and aerobic respiration
within the leaf. (2 marks)
9. In an investigation, students set up the apparatus below in the laboratory and
made observations after 72 hours.

a. Explain how inclusion of the following components would affect the mouse
in the experiment:
i. light (2 marks)
ii. Sodium hydroxide solution (2 marks)
b. State why students preferred to use a bell jar and not a tin box in the
experiment: (1 mark)
10. Explain each of the following physiological observations.
a. Sportsmen release little, concentrated urine at the end of a strenuous exercise:
(3 marks)
b. a rabbit has a higher oxygen demand than a camel: (3 marks)
11. While investigating a certain metabolic process in plants, students set up
the apparatus as shown below in a classroom and monitored it for 48 hours.

16
 a. Identify the metabolic process under investigation. (1 mark)
b. Account for the observations made in the test tube at the end of
the investigation. (2 marks)
12. A female human being was found to have an extra sex chromosome in her cells.
a. Give the total number of chromosomes in the female individual's
cells. (1 mark)
b. Explain the possible cause of this condition. (2 marks)
c. State two physical characteristics observed in the female individual with such
a condition. (2 marks)
13.13.
a. Explain why fossil records as evidence of organic evolution are
usually incomplete. (3 marks)
b. Name the evidence of organic evolution exhibited by occurrence of
similar amino acid molecules in a range of organisms. (1 mark)
14.14.
a. Distinguish between guttation and transpiration. (1 mark)
b. State the significance of transpiration to a plant. (2 marks)
15. State two benefits of mutation in living organisms. (2marks)
16. Below are photographs of two dogs

Explain the possible reason for the difference in the length of their fur.
(2marks)
17. Name the type of tooth in carnivores mainly used for piercing and killing of
preys. (1 mark)
18. Below is a diagram of the human digestive system.

16
 a. Label with Y on the diagram where enzyme amylase is produced. (2 marks)
b. Besides the digestive role, explain one other function of the part labelled H
(2 marks)
19. State how each of the following features enhance efficient movement of fish
in water.
a. Scale. (1 mark)
b. Body shape (1 mark)
20. Make a diagram of a simple, bilobed leaf with a serrated margin (3 marks)

21. The chart below illustrates how respiratory gases are transported in the
human blood.
a. Identify gas Q. (1 mark)
b. Explain the advantage oxyhaemoglobin has over carboxyhaemoglobin.

(2 marks)
22. State three homeostatic roles of the liver. (3
marks) 23.
a. Plasmodium vivax and plasmodium ovale are transmitted by a mosquito.
State with a reason whether the two organisms can interbreed. (2 marks)
b. Explain the evolutionary basis for the ever changing drugs for
malaria treatment. (2 marks)
24. State one characteristic of muscles responsible for each of the following:
a. Peristaltic movement. (1 marks)
b. Movement of limbs. (1 mark)

16
 2019 BIOLOGY PAPER 2
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. In an experiment to investigate the effect of sodium chloride on the growth rate

in a spinach seedling, seeds were treated with different concentrations of
sodium chloride. The results are we recorded in the table below.
Concentration of Percentage of Mean root length
sodium chloride spinach seeds which (mm)
(mol/l) started to grow roots
0.00 99.98 17.70
0.06 98.20 15.60
0.12 92.0 10.20
0.18 54.0 7.60

c. From the results in the table above, explain the effect of increasing the
concentation of sodium chloride. (3
marks)
d. Apart from a ruler, state two other equipment one would need to determine
the rate of growth in the roots.(2 marks)
e. With a reason, state one other part of the seedling the students would focus on
to determine the effect of sodium chloride on growth. (3 marks)
f. State the likely effect on the seedling of increasing the concentration of
sodium chloride to 2.20 mol/l (1 mark)
2. The table below shows result of blood cell counts per of blood from a sample
mm
of people living at different altitudes.

Red blood cell 4.8 5.3 6.7 7.6 8.47 9.82

(x104)
White blood 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
cell (x104)
Altitude (metres) 750 1,500 2,250 3,000 4,500 4,500

c. Explain the relationship between.

i. red blood cells count and the altitude; (3 marks)
ii. white blood cells count and the altitude. (3 marks)
d. Explain why chances of nose-bleeding increase with altitude in humans.(2mks)
3.
c. State one importance of irritability to living organisms. (1 mark)
d. In an experiment, students treated seedlings as illustrated below.

17
 i. Account for the observations made in seedling I; (3 marks)
ii. Explain the similarity in the end results made in seedling II and III. (2 marks)
iii. State the likely treatment that would make seedlings II and III respond
like seedling I. (2 marks)
4. In cats, the gene for fur colour is sex-linked. Letter G represents the gene for
ginger fur colour while letter B represents the gene for black fur colour in a
given cat species. These genes are codominant. Heterozygous females have
ginger and black patches of fur and their phenotype is described as tortoise-shell.
a. With reference to the information given above, what is meant by the
term codominance? (1 mark)
b. Explain why male cats with a tortoise-shell phenotype do not usually occur.
(1mark)
c. A tortoise-shell female was crossed with a black male. Determine the
genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring. (5 marks)
5. A person accidentally touches a hot pan and responds as illustrated in the
diagram below.

c. Explain how the response illustrated above occurs. (6 marks)

d. Explain how auxins are utilised as selective weed killers in agriculture.
(2 marks)

Section B (40 marks)

Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided after
question 8.

17
6. The table below shows the rate of product formation for two enzymes, H and J over
a range of pH values:
pH 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0
Rate of product 34.5 40.5 33.5 15.0 - - - - - -
formation for
enzyme H (mg/hr)
Rate of product - - - 15.0 20.0 30.0 40.5 23.5 11.0 6.0
formation for
enzyme J (mg/hr)

d. On the same axis, plot graphs of the rate of product formation against pH.
(8 mks)

17
 e. Account for the rate of product formation for enzymes H between.
i. pH 1.0 and 3.0 (3 marks)
ii. pH 3.0 and 7.0 (3 marks)
f. From the graph, determine:
i. the pH value at which the rate of product formation of the two enzymes was
the same (1 mark)
ii. the value of the rate of product formation for enzymes H and J at the pH
value stated in (c)(i) above (1 mark)
iii. the optimum pH value for enzymes J (1 mark)
g. State one variable that may lead to the change in the optimum rate of product-
formation of the two enzymes. (1 mark)
h. Suggest with a reason, the likely part of the human alimentary canal where
enzyme H would be found. (2 marks
7. Giving examples, describe the following interactions among organisms. (20
marks)
a. predator-prey
b. symbiosis
c. parasitism
8. Explain the effect of increased physical activity on the following organ
systems.
(20 marks)
a. heart
b. lungs
c. kidneys
d. skin

17
2019 BIOLOGY PAPER 3
1. You are provided with specimens F and G, obtained from different plant
species. Observe them together with photographs E and H and answer the
questions that follow.
Note: Do not destroy specimens F and G as you will need them for question 2.

(a)
i. State how plants represented by specimen F and photographs E and H
protect themselves.
Specimen F (1 mark)
Photograph E (1
mark)
Photograph H (1 mark)
ii. State the likely habitat of each of the plants in (a) (i), giving a reason in each
case Specimen F (2 marks)
Habit .................................
Reason..................................
Photograph E (2 marks)
Habit ..................................
Reason..................................
Photograph H (2 marks)
Habit .....................................
Reason................................
b. Examine the leaves of specimen G.
i. Describe two observable features of these leaves that help the plant
conserve water. (2 marks)
ii. Besides leaf structure, explain two mechanisms that help the plant in (b)
(i) above not to dry up during the dry season. (2 marks)
2. You are provided with specimens labelled J and K in addition of F and G
and photographs E and H (used in question 1).

1. Follow the dichotomous key below to identify E, F,G,H,J and K.

 Leaf margin smooth....................Go to 2
17
 Leaf margin serrated/rugged.........Go to 3

17
 2.
a) Leaf parellel-veined.................................. K
b) Leaf net-veined or veins not showing............................ Go to 4
3.
a) Leaf with thorny edges...............................................H
b) Leaf edges not thorny............................. Go to 5
4.
a) Leaf large.....................................G
b) Leaf tiny.....................................E
5.
a) Leaf on thorny stem................................. F
b) Leaf not on stem..........................J
Fill the table below, indicating the steps used to identify the leaves of each specimen
or photograph.
Leaf Steps followed
E
F
G
H
J
K
e.
i. Besides leaf features found in the dichotomous key above, stat two other
features that can be used to identify leaves (2 marks)
ii. State the complementary characteristics that define the leaf features stated in (b)
(i) (2 marks)
c. The habit of a plant in its environment is referred to as being a tree, shrub or
herb, depending on its height
Suggest the habits of the plants from which specimen F and photograph H were
obtained (2 marks)
f. You are provided with specimens L and M which are types of teeth from the same
mammal. Observe these specimens together with photographs N and P and answer
the questions that follow.
a.
iv. With a reason in each case, name the type of tooth represented by specimen
L and M
Specimen L (2 marks)
Name: .....................................................
Reason ..................................................
Specimen M (2 marks)
Name: ....................................................

17
 Reason .................................................
v. Draw and label specimen L. (2 marks)
vi. State two functional differences between specimens L and M. (2 marks)
b. State the diet of the mammals from which photographs N and P below were
obtained giving a reason in each case.

i. Photograph N (2 mark)
Diet...........................................
Reason..................................
ii. Photograph P (2 mark)
Diet......................................
Reason................................
c.
i.
Name the joint labelled K on photograph
P. (1mark)
Explain two features of the joint name in (c) (i) above that makes it adapt to its
function (2 marks)

MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1 2019

1.
a.) Irritability
b.) Reproduction
2.
a)
 Type of leaves
 Arrangement of the leaves
 Texture of lamina
 Type of margin
 Shape of leaf
b)
 Has mammary glands
 Body is covered with fur
3.
a) Motor neurene / motor nerve cell

17
 b)
 Has dendrites that receive nerve impulses from the central nervous system.
 Body cell extended into axon to transmit the nerve impulse
 Has nodes of Ranvier that speed up flow / transmission of the nerve impulses

4.
a) Osmosis
b) Solution E was hypertonic while solution F is hypotonic. The high osmotic
pressure in solution E absorbed water molecules from solution F through structure
G
c) Visking tube
5. Some substances are selectiv fully reabsorbed by active transport. It requires
energy and respiratory enzymes are involved. They are sensitive to high PH value
changes hence reducing respiration slowing down carriers.
6.
a) Mitochondria in cyptoplasm
b) Mitochondria are organelles involved in respiration that take place in cytoplasm.
7. Chemical digestion is the breakdown of food substances into soluble substances
by enzymes for absorption.
Mechanical digestion is the breakdown in large food substances into smaller particles
for enzymes activity.
8. (a)
 Trap fine dust and micro-organisms in breathed in air
 Lubricate lungs during inhalation and
exhalation. (b)
 Support trachea and bronchi in position, preventing them from collapsing
when there is no air.
9.
a)
 Broad lamina that increase surface area
 leaf veins hold lamina in position for exchange of gases.
 The leaf veins transport gases in and out of lamina increasing their
concentration gradient
10.
a)
i. The potted plant photosynthesise in presence of light releasing oxygen gas that
is breathed in by the mouse for respiration
ii. It absorbs carbon(IV) oxide breathed out by the mouse hence reducing
its concentration.
(b) A bell jar is made of glass that is transparent allowing light to penetrate. A tin box is
opaque and no light passes through.

17
11.

17
 a) During strenuous exercises they sweat alot increasing osmotic pressure in body
tissues pituitary gland secretes vasopressin / Anti-diuretic hormone hence more
reabsorption of water into blood stream from kidney tubules.
b) A rabbit has high surface area to volume ratio than a camel. It therefore loses more
heat. More oxygen is taken up to generate energy to compensate for heat lost.
12.
a) Photosynthesis
b) The leaves perform photosynthesis in the inverted funnel in presence of sunlight.
Oxygen gas is produced. It has no effect on limewater hence remained
colourless.
13.
a) 47
b) During anaphase I of meiosis, the homologous chromosomes failed to separate.
They eventually become more in one cell while the other cell has less
chromosomes.
c) Some secondary sexual characterists are more prominent.
d) Individuals are sterile as have underdeveloped
genetals. 14.
a)
 Some structures /fossils are completely destroyed hence missing links
between generations.
 Some fossils are distorted during sedimentation hence do not give
actual structural evolution.
 During estimating the age of the fossil accurate dates are not obtained.
b) Comparative anatomy
15.
a) Guttation - removal of water from a leaf through hydathodes in form of droplets.
 Transpiration - removal of water form a leaf through stomata in form of
water vapour.
b)
 cools the plant/leaves in hot weather
 Removal of waste products dissolved in the water
 creates a suction force from stem and roots hence a transpiration stream.
 Enhance absorption and distribution of mineral salts into the plant.
 Removes excess water from aquatic plants.
16.
 Some bacteria become more resistant to certain chemicals e.g drugs
 In non disjunction polyploidy emergence in plants resulting in increasing
yield and drought and disease resistant breed.
17. The dog with long fur lives in a cold environment and is small sized. It tends to
lose more heat to the surrounding compared to the dog with short fur. The body is
therefore covered with more fur to reduce heat loss by radiation.
18
18. Canine tooth

18
19.1
9.
a)
 Dark shaded structure in the mouth.
 Structure labeled H
b)
It secretes the hormone insulin by the is less of langerhans when blood sugar is
high reducing it. When blood sugar level is high glucagon is secreted reducing the
blood sugar.
20.20.
a) They overlap facing backwards and have secretion of slippery fluid reducing friction
b) They have streamlined shape that eases movement of fish in water by
pushing through over.

21.21.
a) Carbon (ii)
oxide b)
 Oxyhaemoglobin is an unstable compound that easily breaks down / dissociate in
low oxygen gas concentration allowing haemoglobin to combine with other
gases.
 Carboxyhaemoglobin is a stable compound that does not dissociate
thus preventing haemoglobin to combine with other gases.
22.22.
 Blood sugar level regulation
 Temperature regulation
 Haemoglobin /R.B.C / Blood regulation
 Blood proteins regulation.
 Vitamins A, B and D
regulation. 23.23.
a) They do not interbreed. They belong to different species
b) Due to continued exposure of the parasites to the chemical drug, a few
mutate forming a resistant parasite. The mutants interbreed resulting in
malaria drug resistant parasites hence has to be changed.
24.24.
a)  The contractions are not voluntary.
 Do not fatigue quickly
 They are smooth having mucus secreting cells.
18
 b)
 The contractions are voluntary
 They are striated hence firm and do not break during contraction.

2019 PAPER 2 MARKING SCHEME

1.
a.) As the sodium chloride concentration increases the osmotic pressure of surrounding
medium increases reducing concentration of auxins at the root tips. This inhibits
growth of roots and are short. Auxins diffuse to surrounding solution.
b.)
 String or thread
 water proof-ink
 clock or watch
c.) shoot. Auxins are found in high concentration at the tips thus affect length of shoot
and development of lateral buds.
d.) No seeds would start growing roots and have minimal root length.
2.
a)
i. Red blood cells increases as altitude increases. In higher altitude there is low
atmospheric pressure. There is less oxygen concentration hence a buildup of
red blood cell to absorb the oxygen.
ii. White blood cells count does not change as they are only involved in
destroying micro-organisms that is not affected by altitude.
b) Due to decreased atmospheric pressure, compared to body pressure, the
delicate blood vessels in nasal cavity burst.
3.
a)
 Enables animals to move from predators and adverse conditions.
 Enables plants to perform pollination, photosynthesis by phototropism
 organisms respond appropriately to changes in the environment.
b)
i. At the tip of the shoot there are auxins that are sensitive to light. They migrate
to the non-illuminated and enhance more growth, bending the shoot towards
light.
ii. Covering the tip or cutting the shoot removes auxins. The shoots therefore do
not respond to unidirectional light.
iii.iii.
 seedling II can be covered with an agar having culture with auxins
 Seedling III the opaque cap is removed exposing the tip.
4.
18
 a) There is no gene that is dominant over the other. Both gene for ginger fur and
for black fur display their effect if present.
b) The male cats have only one sex chromosome linked to fur colour genes. The
other sex chromosome does not have other genes.
c) Parents Tortoise shell Black male
phenotype female

 phenotypes of offspring
i. black furred female
ii. Tortoise shell female
iii. Ginger furred male
iv. Black furred male
 genotypes of offspring
i. homozygous black furred female
ii. heterozygous tortoise shell female
iii. heterozygous ginger male
iv. heterozygous black male
5.
a) The heat is sensed by the nerve ending at the finger tips. A nerve impulse is
transmitted to the central nervous system by the sensory neurone via the dorsal roof
of the reflex arc. It is interplated and the impulse is passed to the motor neurone by
synaptic knob. The nerve impulse is transmitted to the arm muscles by motor
neurone via the ventral root of the reflex arc, withdrawing the arm from the hot
pan.
b) Broad leaved plants or weeds are highly sensitive to high concentration of
auxins. Their growth is distorted and inhibited thus dice off.
6.

18
(a)

b)
i. It increases upto pH of 2.0 then start decreasing. Enzyme H acts best in
strong acidic medium hence high product formation rate but decrease as
acidity decreases.
ii. It decreases steadily to zero. Enzymes H does not act in weak acidic
medium hence no product formation.
c)
i. 4.0
ii. 15.0 mg/hr
iii. 7.0
d)
 Temperature
 substrate concentration
 Enzyme concentration

18
 e)
 Stomach
 The gastric glands in the stomach walls secretes gastric juice that has
dilute hydrochloric acid that is a strong acid
7.
a)
 A predator is the carnivorous animal that feed on other animals known as prey.
 predators control population of prey. likewise, prey control population of predators.
 In savannah grassland cheetahs feed on gazelles. when the population of
gazelle’s increase, there is plenty of food for the cheetahs and they increase in
numbers.
 The cheetahs feed on the gazelles decreasing their number. consequently,
the cheetahs decrease as there are less gazelles to feed on.
 With fewer cheetahs the remaining gazelles, increase in number.
 The cycle is repeated over and over again having a relative average number
of cheetahs and gazelles in the grassland.
b)
 symbiosis is an association between tow organisms of different species where
both acquire mutual benefit.
 Rhizobium, a nitrogen fixing bacteria, is found in root nodules of leguminous plants.
 The bacteria convert gaseous nitrogen in the soil into ammonia that is
then converted into amino acids in the rood nodules.
 Both the bacteria and plant utilize the amino acids for protein formation.
 Bacteria obtains shelter and receives carbohydrates from the plant that are
made during photosynthesis.
 Parasitism is the association whereby one organism, parasite, obtains food
and shelter from another organism, the host.
 Parasite gains fully in the association while the host hoses. Parasites may
cause diseases to the host or deprive the host nutrients.
 Ascaris lumbricodes is a round worm found in small intestines of humans.
They suck digested food in the alimentary canal.
 They may cause perforation of the intestines and blockage of pancreatic
and bileducts.
 They cause discomfort to the host and body weakness.

8.
a)
 Heart beat increases.
 more oxygen is used up in muscles hence more need to be transported
by increasing blood flow.

18
  Lactic acid is also produced that is toxic to muscle cell. Increased blood flow
in the muscles transports the lactic acid to the liver where it is oxidized into
non- toxic form.
b)
 Lung breath faster more oxygen transported in the skeletal muscles to
increase respiration hence energy production.
 As a result of respiration, carbon(iv)oxide is produced that increases the
breathe rate.
c)
 There is increased reabsorption of water in the nephron tubules into the
blood capilaries
 This is because the body tissues have high osmotic pressure due to
increased sweating form the skin.
 Little and concentrated urine is produced.
d)
 The sweat glands produce/secrete more sweat that contains water. It is
then transported to surface of the skin via the sweat duct.
 Evaporation of sweat carries with it latent heat of vaporization cooling the skin.

2019 PAPER 3 MARKING SCHEME

1. a) i.
 Specimen F
 Has thorns / spines on the stem
 Photograph E
 Secrete an irritating liquid / fluid to causes swelling
 Photograph H
 Has spines/thorns on the margin of the leaves.
ii.
 Specimen F
Habitat moderate rainfall condition
Reason - Has broad and thin
leaves.
 Photograph E
Habit - Semi arid condition
Reason - The leaves are reduced into spines. Stems are storage organs.
 Photograph H
Habit - Semi arid or arid condition
b.) Reason Has thick succulent leaves that store water
i.
 Has shiny upper cuticle that reduces cuticle transpiration as it is water proof

18
  Has narrow and linear shape that reduces surface area for transpiration
ii.
 The leaves droop reducing surface area exposed to sunlight, hence
less transpiration
 Absorbs little water after dewing through superficial roots near soil surface.
2.
a) Leaf steps followed
E 1a, 2b, 4b
F 1b, 3b, 5a
G 1a, 2b, 4a
H 1b, 3a
J 1b, 3b, 5b
K 1a, 2a
b)
iv.i
v  Texture of cuticle
.  Shape of the leaf
 Thickness of leaves

 Smooth and shiny cuticle and hairly cuticle

v.  Broad leaves and narrow/linear leaves
 Thin leaves and thick succulent leaves

c)
Specimen F - shrub
Photograph H -
Herb.
3. (a)
i. Specimen L Name
- incisor tooth
Reason - chisel - shape edge
- one root
- sharp edge
Specimen M
Name - Molar tooth
Reason - Broad crown with cusps
- Has three roots

18
 ii.i
ii.
Specimen L Specimen M
Biting the food Crushing food / grinding
Cutting food Chewing food

b) Photograph N
Diet – vegetation/ grass / plant materials. Accept; vegetation (herbivore)
Reason - Absence of upper incisors
- Presence of diastema and absence of cannine teeth.
Photograph P
Diet - meat/flesh
Reason - prominent canine teeth
- presence of carnassial teeth
c)
i. sulture
ii. explain two features of the joined named in (c) (i) above that makes it adapt to
its function.
 Bones interlock forming strong joints that form a hard cranium / skull that
protect the delicate brain.
 Immovable / fixed joint / tightly holding bones in place to protect the brain.
 Bones interlock / fits into each other forming / making strong joints to protect the
(delicate brain)

18
KCSE BIOLOGY 2020 PAPER 1
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.
1. Name the taxonomic grouping that contains individuals with most similarities.
(1 mark)

2. Name the characteristic of living organisms shown by each of the following:

(a) budding in yeast;

(b) enlargement of the eye pupil in dim light.

3. Explain why there is no grass in most dense forests.

4. State one structural difference between a cell wall and a cell membrane.

5. The diagram below shows an organism in a certain Kingdom.

(a) Name the Kingdom to which the organism belongs. (l mark)

(b) State the mode of nutrition for the organism. (t mark)

(c) (i) Name the part labelled E. (t mark)

(ii) State two functions the part labelled E (2 marks)

6. State the importance of a u ell developed blood capillary network in the alveoli.(l mark)

7. Name the genetic disorder in humans that is characterised by inability of blood to clot.
(1 mark)

8. (a) Sketch a graph on the axis below showing how temperature affects the rate of

19
 diffusion. (1 mal

Rate of diffusion
(b) Account for the shape of the sketch made in (a) above. (2 marks)

9. (a)Explain why plants have lower respiratory rates compared to animals. (l mark)

(b) State two situations in plants when the rate of respiration rises more than normal.
(2 marks)

10. Explain why most plants growing in water-logged areas die before attaining maturity.

(3 marks)

The diagram below shows the plan of a pentadactyl limb.

Humerus

L
K

Thumb

Name the bones labelled K and L.

19
 K (1 mark)

L (1 mark)

12. With reference to germination explain:

a) the meaning of the term imbibition; (l mark)

b) why the dry mass of the endosperm decreases while that of the
embryo increases.
(2 marks)
13. State two characteristic features used to classify members of Class Coniferales.
(2 marks)

14. The graph below represents a growth curve in a certain phylum.

(a) Name the type of growth curve shown. (1 mark)

(b) Name the Phylum where member show the type of growth curve illustrated.
(1 mark)
15. (a) State two limitations of using fossil records in retracing evolutionary history
of living organisms. (2 marks)

(b) Describe cell biology as an evidence of organic

evolution.
(3 marks)

16. The illustration below shows a summary of the main phases of the human
menstrual cycle.

19
a)Name the process that takes place around the 14th day. (1 mark)

(b) Name two hormones produced at the follicular phase. (2 marks)

c) Under which two conditions would the cycle be interrupted? (2 marks)

17. State two reasons why blood reaching the glomerulus is always under high pressure.
(2 marks)

18. During a clinical laboratory test, some sugar was detected in an individual's sample
of urine.
Name:
(a) the hormone that was deficient in the patient; (1 mark)

(b) the gland that produces the hormone named in (a) above;(1 mark

(c) the disease the individual was likely to be suffering from. (1 mark)
19. The graph below illustrates the effect of pH on certain protein-digesting enzymes, S
and T

PH Value
(a) Name enzymes S and T.
S (1 mark)
T (1 mark)
(b) (i) Name the part of the alimentary canal where enzyme T is likely to
be found- (1 mark)

19
 (ii) Explain your answer in b(i) above. (2 marks)

20. Explain the biological significance of completing a dose of antibiotics.

(3 marks)

21. State two reasons why females with Turners' Syndrome are infertile.
(2 marks)

22. (a) Define the term "field of view" as used in microscopy. (1 mark)

(b) State two functions of the body tube of a light microscope. (2 marks)

(c) Give a reason why it is not advisable to use water in cleaning a microscope.(1 mark)

23. Explain the role of blood capillaries in thermoregulation. (2 marks)

24. The illustration below shows the effect of hormones on insect growth
and development. (2 marks)

Ecdysone hormone

19
 M Process M

Egg
Larva Pupa Adult

(a) Name:
(i) the hormone K

(ii) gland L that produces ecdysone hormone.

(b) State the role of ecdysone hormone in the growth and development of insects.
(mark)
(i) Name process M (1 mark)

(ii) Account for the rapid increase in size of organisms immediately

after moulting.
(2 marks)

25. (a) Complete the table below on the adaptations and functioning of some structures
in a dicotyledonous stem. (2 marks)
Part Adaptation

Cambium

Parenchyma

b) Explain why the leaf of a sisal plant has a thick and shiny cuticle. (2 marks)

26. Explain why an individual with blood group AB can only donate blood to
an individual with e same blood group. (2 marks)

27.The diagram below illustrates a set of biological processes in a green plant.

19
 Process
Green Plant

Anaerobic
Compou nd
(a) Name: respiration
(i) process N

(ii) polysaccharide P

(b) State two conditions necessary for the formation of compound Q.(1 mark)

(c) State two environmental conditions necessary for process N to take place.
(2 marks)

BIOLOGY PAPER 2 2020

SECTION A (40 marks)
Answer all questions in this section in the spaces provided.
1. Below are photographs E and F, of two organisms, taken from their natural habitats.

(a) (i) State the main nitrogenous waste product of the organism in photograph E.
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in a (i) above.

(b) State why the organism in photograph E is usually found on top of

rock surfaces even during hot, sunny days.

(c)

19
 (i) Which of the two organisms would have a higher biomass
if both were left in their natural ecosystem. (l mark)

(ii) Give a reason for your answer in c (i). (l mark)

(d) With reference to observable features, explain why the organism

in photograph F is usually found in a wider range of habitats.
(3 marks)

2. The genetic make-up of a man was found to be XXY.

(a) Name the syndrome the individual could be suffering from. (l
mark)

(b) Explain how the syndrome occurs. (4 marks)

(c) (i) State how the chemical, colchicine induces polyploidy in plants. (l mark)

(ii) State one advantage of polyploidy in wheat farming. (2 marks)

3. In an experiment to investigate the effect of temperature on seed germination,

soaked maize seeds were subjected to varying temperatures as tabulated below.
Temperature (°C) o 6 12 17 28 33 41.5
51
Percentage germination (%) 0 0 2.5 5 13 44 26 3

(a) Account for the percentage germination at:

(3 marks)
(i) 6°C

(ii) 33 oc. (3 marks)

(b) State two internal factors that affect seed germination. (2 marks)

19
4. A student could clearly read a book placed 10cm away but could not clearly
identify a fellow student 12m away.
(a) Name the eye defect the student was suffering from. (1 mark)

(b) Explain why the student could not clearly identify his colleague yet could
read the book.
(3 marks)

(c) Using a diagram, illustrate how the defect can be corrected. (3 marks:

(d) Name the vitamin whose deficiency in the diet results in poor vision.
(1 mark)

5. The table below shows the volume of gases contained in 100cm3 of a blood
sample tapped at two points in the mammalian circulatory system.

Gas Blood entering Blood leaving

lungs (cm3) lungs (cm3)
Oxygen 8.65 20.25
Nitrogen 0.75 0.75
Carbon (IV) 55.60 31.65
oxide

(a) Account for the difference in the gaseous composition of:

(i) Blood entering the lungs; (2 marks)

(ii) Blood leaving the lungs. (2 marks)

(b) Name the blood vessel through which blood enters the lungs.
(1 mark)

(c) Explain why most athletes prefer training from high altitude areas.
(3 marks)

19
 SECTION B (40 marks)
Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces provided
after question 8.

6. The data below shows the average number of ticks per animal in a certain farm
before and after spraying the animals with a certain chemical. The spraying was done
once every month. The data was tabulated as shown below.

Time (months) 0 2 3 6 9 12 14
10
Average number of 200 40 45 90
ticks 90 20 16 25

(a) Plot a graph of number of ticks against time. (6 marks)

(b) Account for the shape of the graph between:

(i) 0 and 8 months; (3 marks)

19
 (ii) 10 and 14 months. (3 marks)

(c) From the graph, determine the average number of ticks after spraying the animals
for five months. (1 mark)

(d) If the animals were allowed to graze in an open field, construct a food chain with
five organisms in which ticks are secondary consumers. (4 marks)

(e) State three methods by which the average number of ticks per animal could
have been estimated. (3 marks)

7. (a) Explain the role of the liver in blood sugar regulation. (3 marks)

(b) Describe how human blood is adapted to its function (17 marks)

c) Explain how the presence of chloroplasts in guard cells affect the opening
of stomata. (5 marks)

d) Describe how various environmental factors affect the rate of photosynthesis.

(15 marks)

20
 BIOLOGY PAPER 3 2020
1. You are provided with a piece of specimen N and the following reagents:
- Dilute hydrochloric acid
- Dilute sodium hydroxide
- Dilute hydrogen peroxide
- Water
You have also been provided with the following apparatus:
Three test tubes
10 ml measuring
cylinder Scalpel
Procedure
Label the test tubes 1, 2 and 3.
i. Macerate (chop into tiny pieces) half of specimen N.
ii. Place equal amounts of the macerated specimen into test tubes 1 and 2.
iii. Cut the remaining half of the specimen into two equal pieces.
iv. Place one piece into test tube 3 and reserve the remaining piece.
v. Add about 2 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid into test tube 1, add about 2 cm3
of sodium hydroxide into each of test tubes 2 and 3.
vi. Add about 5 cm3 of hydrogen peroxide into each of the three test tubes, 1, 2 and

3. (a)Observe the amount of effervescence in each test tube and complete the table

below.

Test tube Contents Amount of effervescence observed Explanation

1

20
3

20
(b) Use the reagents provided to test for the food substance present in the piece of
specimen reserved from (a). Observe and record in the table below.

Procedure Observation Conclusion

(3 marks)

2. You are provided with photographs E, F, K and H, together with specimens G, J,

L and M.

Using observable features in the photographs and specimens provided:

(a) Place with a reason, each of the following organisms in their
respective Kingdom, Division or Phylum.
(2 marks)
(i) G
Division

Reason
20
 (ii) E (2 marks)
Kingdom
Reason

(iii) M
(2 marks)
Division

Reason
(2 marks)
(iv) HPhylum

Reason .

(b) Slate two features in the following organisms that make them to be placed
in different Classes:
(i) F and K (2 marks)

(ii) J and M (2 marks)

(c) Make a labelled diagram of specimen L.

(1 mark)
(d) Explain the difference in the mode of reproduction exhibited by E and
J. (1 mark)

3. You are provided with a specimen labelled P on a tile.

(a) (i) Name the Class to which the specimen belongs. (l mark)

(ii) Give three reasons for your answer in (a) (i) above. (3 marks)

(b) State three ways by which the organism is adapted to movement in its habitat.
(3 marks)

(c) State two functions of the part labelled Q. (2 marks)

(d) Carefully lift the part labelled Q and observe the underlying structure.
a State the main function of the underlying structure observed. (1 mark)

b State three ways by which the structure is adapted to its function. (3 marks)
20
KCSE 2020 BIOLOGY PAPER 1 MARKING SCHEME
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided
1. Name the taxonomic grouping that contains individuals with most similarities.
- Species

2. Name the characteristics of living organisms shown by, eåch of the following:
a budding in yeast

Asexual reproduction

b enlargement or the eye pupil in dim light

irritability/response (to stimulus)
/sensitivity

3. Explain why there is no grass in most dense forests.

Form canopies / shadows / shade: which prevent light from reaching grass; grass
die/fail to flourish due to their to photosynthesize; any 2
4. State one structural difference between a cell wall and a cell membrane. (1 mark)
- Cell wall is (fully) permeable while cell membrane is semi-permeable
- Cell wall has larger pores while cell membrane has smaller poles
- Cell wall is mainly made up of cellulose (fibres) while cell membrane has
a double protein layer sandwiching a lipid layer; Acc. lipoprotein
- Cell wall is rigid / tougher (cannot burst) while cell membrane is
weak (bursts).

5. The diagram shows an organism in a certain kingdom.

(a) Name the kingdom to which the organisms belongs. (1 mark)

- Fungi; Acc, fungi
(b) State the mode of nutrition for the organism. (1 mark)
- soprophytism / saprophytic / food on dead decaying (organic) matter.
20
(i) Name the part labeled E. (1 mark)

20
 Hypha / Hyphae; Acc. Mycelium, Rhizoids
(ii) State two functions of the part labeled E.
Secrets digestive enzymes (for external
digestion);
Anchors the organisms / mushroom (firmly) onto the substrate;
Acc, Anchorage
Absorbs digested food materials / Absorbs water and mineral salts/ions.
6. State the importance of a well-developed blood capillary network in the alveoli.
(I mark)
- Increases the surface area for (efficient) exchange/transport of respiratory
gases (oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide)
7. Name the genetic disorder in humans that is characterized by inability of blood to
clot (1 mark) Haemophilia; Acc Hemophilia.
8. (a) Sketch a graph on the axis below showing how temperature affects the rate of
(1 mark) diffusion

(b) Account for the shape of the sketch made in (a) above.
- The rate of diffusion increases with the increase in temperature; increase in
temperature increases the kinetic energy of the diffusing molecules (increasing
the rate of diffusion)

9. Explain why plants have lower respiratory rates compared to

animals. (1 mark)
- Plants are less active than animals; hence require lower amount of energy than
animals.

(b) State two situations in plants when the rate of respiration rises more than normal
(2marks)
- During germination (to generate energy required for the process)
- During rapid growth / cell division (at the tips of roots / shoots)
- During active uptake / transport of substances (through the roots)
20
10. Explain why most plants growing in water-logged areas die before attaining maturity.
(3marks)
- Water logging submerges the plant not system; cutting off supply of oxygen to
the roots/soil surrounding the roots; (aerobic) respiration in the roots is hampered;
active uptake /transport of materials is affected (leading to the death of the affected
plants).
1 1. The diagram below shows the plan of a pentadactyl limb.

Name the bones labeled K and L.

K - Ulna
L — Radius,
12.With reference to germination explain:-
a) The meaning of the term imbibition:
- (Rapid) Absorption of water by (germination) seed (through the micropyle/seed
coat)
b) Why the dry mass of the endosperm decreases while that of the embryo
increases (2marks).
During germination, stored food in the endosperm is broken down / hydrolyzed /
oxidized; to provide nutrients for the growing embryo.
13.State two characteristics features used to classify members of Class
Coniferales. (2marks)
- Presence of cones
- Naked seeds/seeds not enclosed in fruits
- Xerophytic characteristics/needle-tike leaves/thick waxy cuticle/sunken stomata
20
14. The graph below represents a growth curve in a certain phylum.

(a) Name the type of growth curve shown.

- Intermittent / staircase (growth curve)
(b) Name the phylum where members show the type of growth curve illustrated.
- Arthropoda; Acc. Arthropoda

15. (a) State two limitations of using fossil records in retracing evolutionary
history organisms
- Missing links due to complete decomposition of some organisms. Acc/ some parts
decomposing
- Distortion of parts during sedimentation
- Destruction of fossils by geological activities (earthquakes / faulting) mass
movement of earth surfaces / volcanicity.

b) describe cell biology as an evidence of organic evolution.

- Presence of similar cell organelles (mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes); similar
biological chemicals (ATP) / proteins / DNA); similar blood pigmentation in tissues
of some groups of animals show they have a common phylogenetic origin.

16. The illustration below shows summary of the main phases of the human menstrual
cycle.

(a) Name the process that takes place around 14th day.
20
 - Ovulation

(b) Name two hormones produced at the follicular phases.

- Follicle stimulating hormone.
- Oestrogen / estrogen
- Luteinizing hormone

c) Under which two conditions would the cycle be interrupted?

- Sickness
- (Drastic) change in weather / environment
- Pregnancy / implantation / conception
- Emotional instability (anger, stress , anxiety)

d) Under which two conditions would the cycle be interrupted?

- Sickness
- (Drastic) change in weather / environment
- Pregnancy / implantation / conception
- Emotional instability (anger, stress , anxiety)

17. State two reasons why blood reaching the glomerulus is always under high
pressure (2marks)
- renal artery branches directly from (dorsal) aorta whose blood under high pressure;
afferent arteriole supplying blood is broader than efferent taking out blood.

18. During a clinical laboratory test, some sugar was detected in an individual’s sample
of urine.
Name:
a) The hormone that was deficient in the patient.
- Insulin

b) the gland that produces the hormone named in (a) above;

- pancreas

c) the disease the individual was likely to be suffering from.

- Diabetes millitus

19. The graph below illustrated the effect of pH on certain protein – digesting enzymes, S
and T

21
 (a) Name enzymes S and T.
S – Pepsin; Acc, Renin,
chymosin T – Trypain

(b) (i) Name the part of the alimentary canal where enzyme T is likely to be found.

Duodenum;
(ii) Explain your answer in b (i) above
In the duodenum, the medium is alkaline / basic; favouring the optimal working of
the enzyme (T) as illustrated.
(3marks)
20. Explain the biological significance of completing a dose of antibiotics.
To completely kill/contain the (targeted) pathogens, since failure to take full dose
accords the pathogens an opportunity to develop resistance to the drug; the
pathogen mutates (over time) giving rise to new strains, finally the drug becomes
in effective.

21. State two reasons why females with Turner’s Syndrome are infertile.

- They lack ovaries

- Have small uterus
- Less number of chromosomes.

22. (a) Define the term “field of view” as used in microscopy.

- A circular area seen (on the stage) when focusing / viewing through the
eyepiece of microscope

(b) State two functions of the body tube öf a light

microscope. Holds the revolving nosepiece/objective
lens in place. Holds the ocular/eyepiece (lens) in place

21
 (c) Give a reason why it is not advisable to use water in cleaning a microscope.
(I mark)
to avoid rusting to avoid interference
with visibility of the lens
23. Explain the role of blood capillaries in thermoregulation (2marks) constrict
during cold / low temperatures; to conserve heat
Dilate during hot high temperatures; to facilitate heat loss.
24. The illustration bellows shows the effect of hormones on insect growth
and development.

a) Name:
i) The hormone K
- juvenile (hormone)
ii) Gland L that produces ecdysone hormone gland.
- Prothoracic(gland)
b) State the role of ecdysone hormone in the growth and development
of insects (1 mark)
- Ecdysone (hormone) causes metamorphosis; or causes the larval stage
(of an insect) to change/metamorphosis into pupa and pupa into
adult.
c. (i) name process M
- Complete metamorphosis
(ii) Account for the rapid increase in size of organisms immediately after moulting.
(2marks)
- During moulting (the tough /hard impermeable) exoskeleton to is shed;
allowing the (soft permeable) larvae to take in air/water leading to rapid growth
(which in turn results to an increase in size of the organism).
21
 25. (a) Complete the table below on the adaptations and functioning of some structures
in a dicotyledonous stem. (2marks)
Part Adaptation
Cambium (Small) cells with dense cytoplasm to enable rapid mitotic division / viging
rise to secondary growth.
Parenchyma Have thin wall for faster passage of materials.
Have large vacuole / irregular shape for storage / provide space for packing

(b) Explain why the leaf of a sisal plant has d thick and shiny cuticle (2marks)
(Sisal) is a xerophyte) the thick cuticle enaåes it to conserve water, reduce water loss; it
is shiny to reflect light, minimizing •evaporation by radiation.
Explain why an
- The individuals blood has both
26. Explain why an individual with blood group AB can only donate blood to
an individual with the same blood group.
- The individuals blood has both antigens A and B; which will coagulate/
agglutinate with antibodies a and' b; found in individuals with blood groups A, B
and O.
27. The diagram below illustrates a set of biological processes in a green plant.

(a) Name:
(i) Process
- photosynthesis
(ii) Polysaccharide
- Starch
b) State two conditions necessary for the formation of compound
Q (2 marks)
- Respiratory enzymes
- Absence / little oxygen
c) State two environmental conditions necessary for process N to
take place. (2 marks)
- Optimum temperature
- Light
- Water / moisture
- Carbon (IV) oxide

21
K.C.S.E 2020 PAPER 2 MARKING
SCHEME SECTION A
Answer all questions in the spaces provided
I . Below are photographs E and F of two organisms, taken from their natural habitats.

a) (i) State the main nitrogenous waste.product of the organism in photograph E.(lmk)
Uric acid
ii) for your answer in a (i) Give a reason above. (Imk)
- Uric acid requires less water to eliminate.
- Removal of uric acid conserves water less poisoned less toxto;
b) State why the organism in photograph E is usually f08und on top of rock
surfaces even
during hot, sunny days. (Imk)
The organism as an exothermic /poikilothermic/ its body temperature changes
with
environment
c) (i) Which of the two organisms would have a higher biomass if both were left in
their natural ecosystem? ( I mk)
Organism F;
(ii) Give a reason for your answer C (i)
- Organism F occupies a lower trophic level/ biomas energy debuses up the
trophic level;
d) With reference to observable features, explain why the organism in photograph F is
usually found in a wider range Of habitats. (3mks)
- It is dorsal -ventrally flattened hence able to move through/penetrate in search
of food, for safety
- Has exoskeleton / cuticle for protection / conserving.
- Has a pair of wings to fly (for food safety)
- Has a pair of antennae for sensory purposes.
- Have legs to move
2. The generic make-up) of a man Was found to bé XXY.
21
 a) Name the syndrome the individual could be suffering
from(Imk) Klinefelteris

-
b) Explain how the syndrome occurs (4mks)
Chromosomal mutations result in the of the whole chromosome; it occurs during
meiosis where the homologous chromosomes sister chromatids fail to segregate
and so move to the same gamete cell;
- If gamete with XX fuses with gamete Y, the offspring becomes XXY;
c) (i) State how the chemical, colchicine induces polyploidy in plants. (Imk).
- It permits spindle formation during cell division, thus leading to a cell with extra set
of chromosomes.
(ii) State one advantage of polyploidy in wheat farming (2mks)
- Resistance drought /pests /diseases
- High yields
- Early maturity
• 3. In an experiment to investigate the effect of temperature on seed germination,
soaked maize were subjected to varying temperatures as tabulated below.

Temperature (°C) 0 6 12 17 28 33 41.5 51

Percentage germination 0 0 2.5 5 13 44 26 3
(%)
a) Account for the percentage germination at:
i) 6%; (3 mks)
- No germination; since this was low temp; Which inactivated enzymes
(ii) 330ci (3mks)
- Percentage germination was the highest; since the temp was optimum; enzymes worked
at their best activated;
b) State two internal factors that affect seed germination. (2mks)
- Embryo;
- Seed coat
- Growth hormones
- Enzyme inhibitors
- Viability
4. A student could clearly read a book placed I()cm away but could not clearly identify
a fellow student 12m away.
a) Name the eye defect the student was suffering from
Short brightness miyopiaphear sightedness /short
sighted
b) Explain why the student could not clearly identify his colleague yet could read
the book (3 mks)

21
 - Has a long eye ball/thick lens; resulting in the light rays from the student who is
12m away being focused at a point in front of the retina; light rays from the book are
focused on retina.
(c) using a diagram, illustrate how the defect can be corrected.
(3mks)

Concave lease (spectacle)

d) Name the vitamin whose deficiency in the diet results in poor vision. (Imk)
- Vitamin A/ Retinol
Gas Blood catering lungs (cm ) Blood leaving lungs (cm )

Oxygen 8.65 20.25

Nitrogen 0.75 0.75

Carbon (iv) oxide 55.60 31.65

It acts as a medium in which various metabolic reactions occur, plays a role in

thermoregulation/distribute heat;
Platelets, contains proteins that help in blood clotting; preventing loss of blood/anaemia.
Also
prevents the entry of pathogens.
WBC are irregular. Amoeboid; they protect the body against attack by pathogens, by
engulfing them and releasing antibodies against the pathogens they are numerous to
enhance the body defense mechanism.
RBC; biconcave in shape; to increase the S.A for diffusion of gases / squeeze through
blood capillaries.
They lack nucleus to allow for packing of more hemoglobin that have high affinity of
O2.
8. (a) Explain how the presence of chloroplasts in guard cells affect the opening
of stomata.(5mks)
- Chloroplasts are sites of photosynthesis.
- During the day photosynthesis takes place
- Glucose being osmotically active increases the internal conc. of guard cells
- Water is drawn into the guard cells.
21
 - Guard cells become turgid bulging on twelve unequal expansions of the
guard cell results in the opening of the stomata.
Or
- Chloroplasts are sites of photosynthesis during the day, photosynthesis takes
place using CO2 making the pH to rise in the guard cells favouring the
conversion of starch into glucose.
- Glucose being osmotically active increases the internal conc. of guard cells
- Water is drawn into the guard cells.
- Guard cells become turgid bulging outwards.
Or

- Chloroplasts are sites of photosynthesis

- during the day, photosynthesis takes place

ATP accumulates in the guard cells to draw potassium ions.

Osmotic pressure increases in the guard cells.
Water is drawn into the guard cells
Guard cells become turgid bulging outward animal expansion of anti cells resulting
to in the opening of stomach.
(b) Describe how various environmental factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.
(15mks)
- Carboh (IV) oxide concentration; CO2 is a raw material for photosynthesis an
increase of CO2 leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis up to a given
optimum
- Beyond the optimum, the rate of photosynthesis remains constant; due to
other limiting factors.
- Light intensity / quality of light; light provides the energy required
for photosynthesis & photolysis light stage.
- The rate of photosynthesis increases as light intensity increases up to optimum level
- Beyond the optimum; the rate of photosynthesis remains constant; due to
other limiting factors
a) Account for the difference in the gaseous composition of
i) Blood entering the lungs (2mks)
- Blood entering lungs has a lower conc of 02 and highest conc. of C02; since most of
the 02 had been used during respiration; yield (more) C02;
ii) Blood leaving the lungs.
- Blood leaving the lungs has a lower conc. of C02 and higher conc. of 02; since it
has been purified; the volume of nitrogen remains unchanged as it is not used up in
tissue respiration.
b) Name the blood vessel through which blood enters the lungs. (Imk)
- Pulmonary artery
21
 c) Explain why most athletes prefer training from high altitude areas. (3 marks)
- High altitude areas have low 02 conc; the body produces more R.B.C;
which carry more 02 to the body tissues for respiration; producing more energy for
the athlete
(4mks)
- (b) Account for the shape of the graph between
i. 0 and 8 months (3 mks)
- Decrease in the number of ticks; chemical was poisonous /killed the ticks/ticks
had not adapted to the chemical/had not developed résistance;
ii. 10 and 14 months (3 mks)
- The number of ticks per animals increased, ticks had adapted to the chemical/
developed resistance ; resistant ticks produced enzymes that made the
chemical harmless to them;
(c) From the graph, determine the average number of ticks after spraying the animals for
five months
(Imk)

(26, 27, 28, 29, 30)

8+2
(d) If the animals were allowed to graze in open field, construct a food chain with five
(4mks) organisms in which ticks are secondary consumers.
Grass; Animal tick — bird — vulture; everary floor
(e) State three methods by which the average number of ticks per animal could have been
estimated.
- Estimation by mapping based on the various parts of the animals’ body.
- Physical counting / total counts / census
- Sampling the animals
7. (a) Explain the role of the liver in% blood sugar regulation. (3 mks)

- The role of the liver in blood sugar regulation

-When the blood sugar level is high, insulin hormone is produced by the pancreas
stimulating liver cells to convert excess glucose to glycogen
-When the blood sugar level is low, glucagon hormone is secreted, by the pancreas,
stimulating liver cells to convert glycogen /fats to glucose
(b) Describe how human blood is adapted to its function.
(17mks)
- Plasma is the fluid part of blood consisting of dissolved and un-dissolved
substances; the plasma acts as a medium in which substances are transported in the
body;
- It acts as a medium in which substances are transported in the body

21
 - At very high light intensity, chlorophyll is damaged bleached and the rate
of photosynthesis
- Temperature; very low temperature inactivates enzymes thus reducing the rate
of photosynthesis
- As temperature increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases up to optimum
- Temperatures above optimum denature enzymes; reducing the rate
of photosynthesis
- Water is a raw material for photosynthesis; it influences opening and closing
of stomata, which in turn affect diffusion of C02 into the leaf.

 BIOLOGY PAPER 3 2020 PRACTICAL MARKING SCHEME

Procedure
(i) Lebel the test tube 1, 2 and 3
10 During
moulting (the tough impermeable) exoskeleton to is shed; allowing the (soft
permeable) larvae to take in air/water leading to rapid growth (which in turn results
to an increase in size of the organism).
25. (a) Complete the table below on the adaptations and functioning Of some structures in
a dicotyledonous stem. (2marks)

Part Adaptation
Cambium (small) cells with dense cytoplasm to enable rapid mitotic
division/giving riseto secondary growth
Parenchyma Have thin wall for faster passage of material%
Have large vacuoles/ irregülar shape for storåge)provide space
for packing

(b) Explain why the leaf of a sisal

plant has d thick' and shiny cuticle (2marks)
(Sisal) is a xerophyte) the thick cuticle enables it to conserve .water, reduce water loss;
it is shiny to reflect light, minimizing evaporation by radiation.
- Explain why an individual with blood group AB can only donate blood to an
individual with the same blood group. (2marks)
The individual's blood has7-both antigens A and B; which will coagulate/ agglutinate
with antibodies a and' b; found in individuals with blood groups A, B and O.
- The diagram below illustrates a set of biological processes in a green plant.

21
KCSE 2021
231/1: Biology- Paper 1
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. Explain why it is necessary for plants to have their leaves spread out.
(2 marks)
2. The diagram below represents the transverse section through a
young dicotyledonous stem and a structure, F, obtained from the same
section.

(a) (i) Identify the part labelled E. (1 mark)

(ii) State the function of the part labelled E. (1 mark)

(b) (i)Label the part Z, on the section from which structure E was obtained.
(I mark)

(ii)State two ways in which structure E is structurally adapted to its functions. (2

marks)

3. State two ways in which herbaceous plants obtain their mechanical

support. (2 marks)

4. (a) Name the proteinous substance that makes up the exoskeleton of

members of Phylum Arthropoda. (1 mark)

(b) State two functions of the exoskeleton. (2 marks)

5. Explain how each of the following structures adapt the fish to movement
in water.

22
(a) Swim bladder (1 mark)

b) head (1 mark)

6. The diagram below represents the anterior view of a mammalian vertebra.

(a) (i) Identify the vertebra. (1 mark)

(ii) Name the region of the vertebral column where the vertebra was
obtained from. (1 mark)

(b) Name the part labelled G. (1 mark)

(c) Name the bone in the mammalian endoskeleton that articulates with
the vertebra at the part labelled L. ( 1 mark)

7. The word equation below shows a process that takes place in a

certain living organism.

(a) Name process K. ( 1 mark

(b) State the importance of substance J in the living cells. (1 mark)

8. The setup below was used to demonstrate products of exhalation in

grasshoppers. The setup was left undisturbed for 48 hours and
observations made.

(a) (i) State the observation made in the test tube. (1 mark)

22
(ii) Account for the observation made in 8(a) (i).

9. State the difference between glycolysis and Kreb's cycle based on

the following:

(a) Where they occur (I mark)

(b) Amount of energy produced (1 mark)

10. (a) Distinguish between gaseous exchange and respiration. (2 marks)

(b) Explain the importance of algae in a pond. (2 marks)

11. State two advantages of an insect undergoing a complete

metamorphosis process. (2 marks)

12. Complete the table below, outlining the differences between members of
Class Diplopoda and Chilopoda based on the characteristics given. (3
marks)

13.(a)State two reasons why the snake is classified as a reptile. (2 marks)

(b) Name the structure which enables Paramecium to move. (1 mark)

14. The diagram below represents an apparatus used to collect specimens

for study.

(a) Identify the apparatus. (1 mark)

(b) State why it is advisable to have the apparatus illustrated above made
of glass. (1 mark)

22
15.(a) State two activities that take place in the ovule of a flowering
plant during fertilization. (2 marks)

(b) State two functions of the seminal fluid in reproduction. (2 marks)

(c) Name the hormone that stimulates the contraction of muscles of

the uterine wall during birth. (1 mark)

16.(a)Giving an example in each case, state the difference between internal

and external fertilization. (2 marks)

(b) State the agent of pollination in a maize plant. (1 mark)

17. Identify the response and receptor from the following list of
sensory structures and processes:

• salivary gland
• smell of fried eggs
• olfactory cells
• salivation.
(a) Response (1 mark)

(b) Receptor (1 mark)

18. Explain how the knowledge of apical dominance is applied in

agriculture. (2 marks)

19. (a) Explain why the population of people with sickle-cell anaemia
is higher in malaria-prone areas. (2 marks)

(b) Explain why it is not advisable to put a patient on a drip of distilled

water for rehydration. (3 marks)

20. In an experiment, the stem of a plant was cut above the soil surface and
a thin, transparent tube inserted immediately as shown below.

22
(a) Name the process by which mineral salts are absorbed from the soil.
(1 mark)

(b) Account for the observation made at the end of the experiment. (3 marks)

21. In an experiment, live termites were placed at the junction between two
interconnected chambers, L and M as shown below. Chamber L contained dry
cotton wool and was covered by a transparent lid. Chamber M contained
moist cotton wool and was covered with an opaque lid.

(a) (i) State the likely observation at the end of the experiment. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain two factors responsible for the observation in 21(a) (i). (2 marks)

22. State one function of each of the following parts of the

mammalian movable joints:

(i) Synovial membrane (2 marks)

(ii) Ligaments (1 mark)

23. A form of dwarfism called Achondropla ia is caused by a dominant gene

(D) located on body chromosomes. Individuals who are homozygous (DD) for

22
the condition do not survive. Those who are homozygous (dd) are of normal
height, while heterozygous (Dd) are dwarfs. Iftwo dwarfs married, work out
the likely survival chances of their offspring.(4 marks)

24. Explain the difference in Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) between a

55- year-old man and his 8-year-old grandson. (3 marks)

25. The illustration below represents a plant learners collected and

drew during a field study.

With a reason, state the Division and Class to which the plant belongs:

(i) Division: (1

mark) Reason (1 mark)

(ii) Class: (1

mark) Reason: (1

mark)

22
KCSE 2021
231/2: Biology- Paper 2
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. The photograph below shows an organism from a certain Class of organisms.

(a) (i) Name the Class to which the organism belongs. (1 mark)

(ii) Using observable features from the photograph, state two reasons
for your answer
in l (a)(i). (2 marks)

(iii) State two ways in which the organism is important to the environment.
(2 marks)

(b) (i) Name the Kingdom to which bacteria belong. (1 mark)

(ii) Name two bacterial diseases in human beings. (2 marks)

2 State two adaptations of the frog's skin to gaseous exchange. (2 marks)

b) Explain how the human nasal cavity is adapted to gaseous exchange.

(3 marks)

(c) Explain why the amoeba does not require an elaborate gaseous
exchange system.(2 marks)

(d) Name the respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. (1

mark) 3The diagram below shows a section through the mammalian skin.

22
(a) (i) Name the substance produced by the part labelled G. (1 mark)

(ii) State two functions of the substance named in 3(a)(i). (2 marks)

(b) Name the part labelled E. (1 mark)

(c) Explain the function of the part labelled F to the mammal. (2 marks)

(d)(i) Name one part of the human body where the cornified layer is

thickest.

(ii) Give a reason for your answer in 3(c)(i). (1 mark)

4. (a) Two dogs with black fur mated and produced an offspring with both
black and brown fur. Given letter N represents the gene for black fur,
determine the phenotypic ratio of the offspring. (5 marks)
(b) The photographs below show a hairy pinna in a human ear.

(i) Explain why this trait is only found in males. (2 marks)

(ii) Name one other trait that only appears in males. (1 mark)

5 (a) State the role of sunlight in the formation of strong bones. (1 mark)

(b) The photograph below shows the dorsal view of a part of the mammalian

22
vertebral column.

22
(i) Name the part of the vertebral column shown.

(ii) Name the part labelled H. (1 mark)

(iii) State three ways in which the vertebra shown is adapted to its functions. (3 marks)

(c) Explain the significance of movement in plants. (2 marks)

SECTION B (40 marks)

Answer question 6 (compulsory) and either question 7 or 8 in the spaces

provided after question 8.

6. The table below shows the varying concentration of two hormones,

progesterone and luteinizing hormone, determined at seven-day intervals
during the human menstrual cycle.

(a) On the same axis, draw graphs of concentration of hormones

against time.(8 marks)

(b) (i) Name the physiological process taking place when

the concentration of luteinizing hormone is highest. (1 mark)

(ii)State the significance of the process named in 6 (b) (i). (1 mark)

(c) (i) Determine the concentration of progesterone hormone at which

the endometrium is thickest. (1 mark)

(ii)Explain your answer in 6(c)(i). (1 mark)

(d) State two roles of progesterone hormone in humans. (2 marks)

22
 (e) Name two sites where progesterone hormone is produced in the
human body. (2 mks)

(f) Name another hormone, apart from the luteinizing hormone, that
inhibits the secretion of progesterone hormone. (1 mark)

(g)(i) Predict the concentration of progesterone hormone seen days

after the study period if fertilization did not take place. (1 mark)

(ii)Give a reason for your answer in 6(g)(i). (1 mark)

(h) Name the part of the human body where the luteinizing hormone
is produced. (1 mark)

7. (a) Explain the role of the placenta during pregnancy. (10 marks)

(b) Explain features and mechanisms that hinder self-pollination and self-
fertilization.

(10 marks)

8. (a) Describe how the xylem tissue is structurally adapted to

its functions. (5 mks)

(b) Describe the functions of blood in the human body.(15 marks)

KCSE 2021
231/3: Biology- Paper 3(Practical)
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1. You are provided with plant specimens labelled E, F, G, H, and J. Use the
specimens to develop a dichotomous key that can be used to identify the
plants from which they were obtained based on the following characteristics
in the order they are given: (6 marks)

i. Leaf form
ii. Leaf venation
iii. Leaf colour
a) Account for the likely observation if fresh specimen E was exposed
to light and tested for starch. (3 marks)

b) Explain one observable feature that adapts plants from which specimen
G and H were obtained to a dry environment.

23
 G (2 marks)

H (2 marks)

c) Besides leaf characteristics, state one other observable characteristic on

the plant from which specimen F was obtained that enables it to be
placed in its Class. (1 mark)

2. You are provided with solution M which is a food substance.

Procedure

(a) Using the reagents provided, test for the food substance present in
substance M and

complete the table below. (12 marks)

Food Test Procedure Observation Conclusion

b) State two precautions one should observe while conducting the experiment in
2(a). (2 marks)

3. You are provided with specimen N and P which are plants of the same
species grown under different conditions.

a) State two observable differences between the two specimens. (2 marks)

b) (i)Name the phenomenon observed in specimen N. (1 mark)

(ii)Explain how the knowledge on the phenomenon named in b(i) is applied in

agriculture. (2 marks)

c) Account for the appearance of specimen N. (3 marks)

d) State two other environmental factors necessary for seed

germination apart from light. (2 marks)
e) State two observable features on the specimens that make them be
placed in the same Class. (2 mark)

23
KCSE 2021
231/3: Biology- Paper
3 Confidential
INSTRUCTIONS TO SCHOOLS
The information contained in this paper is to enable the head of the school and
the teacher in charge of Biology to make adequate preparations for this year's
Biology Practical examination.
No one else should have access to this paper or acquire knowledge of its
contents. Great care must be taken to ensure that the information herein does
not. reach the candidate' either directly or indirectly. The teacher or laboratory
technician in charge of Biology should not perform any of the experiments or
give any information related to these instructions to the candidates.

1. Besides other laboratory fittings and apparatus, each candidate

would require the following:
(a) Apparatus:
-A scalpel;
-A white tile;
-Three test tubes;
-A 10 ml measuring cylinder;
-Means of labelling, three per candidate;
-A dropper;
-A hand lens;
-A white tile;
-A piece of tissue paper.
(b) Specimens:
-Three-weeks' old bean seedling;
-Three-weeks' old maize seedling;
-A medium-sized fish (about 12 cm long tilapia/trout);
-A twig with cones and leaves (of any tree species);
-Half of a piece of fresh irish potato;
-A mature fem leaf.
(c) Each examination centre will be required to provide the following:
-Hydrogen peroxide (about 12 ml for every candidate).
-Hydrochloric acid (about 8 cm3 of concentrated acid for 4000 candidates).

(d) Solutions E, F, G and H.

23
Preparation of these solutions would require distilled water, about 100 ml for
every candidate.
(e) Instructions on the preparation and some of the reagents needed for
their preparation would be provided at a later date by the Kenya National
Examinations Council.
2. The school/examination centre should make adequate arrangements
to provide the specified materials/requirements for the examination.

23
KCSE 2021
231/1: Biology- Paper 1
1. To expose the leaves (or increase the surface area exposed) to
light/carbon (IV) oxide/moisture/water; for maximum manufacture
of food/ photosynthesis.
2. (a) (i)cambium tissue
(ii)For secondary growth (increase in the girth) of e plant;
(b)

(ii) Elongated/hollow and firmly connected to one another forming

a composite material/for strength
Lignified walls for strength
Have pits to allow for passage of materials
3. Twinning_ on other
plants/surfaces; Turgor pressure of
the 1iving cells; Use of tendrils; .
4. (a) chitin
(b) Hardened to) support/protect inner delicate tissues;
Water-proof t prevent (excessive)
water-loss/desiccation; For muscle attachment;
For movement;
(c) Hinders (smooth/continuous) growth
5. (a) Provides the fish with buoyancy/adjust its vertical position in
relation to depth in water when inflated or deflated
(b) Pointed/ streamlined, reducing resistance as it move/cuts through the
water easily
Has mucous/slimy substance to reduce friction
Inflexible head that maintain enable it to maintain forward thrust
6. (a) (i) Thoracic (Vertebra)
(ii) Thoracic (region
(b) Neural spine
(c) Rib bone

23
7. (a) Condensation
(b) • Provides energy (during respiration);
• Are building units for larger/complex carbohydrates
8. ) (i) Lime water turned milky/forms a white precipitate/turbid
ii) Grasshoppers exhale carbon (IV) oxide; which forms
a white precipitate with lime water;
(b) Rate of formation of the precipitate will be slower/no white
precipitate will form in the test tube; (part of) the carbon (IV) oxide
(produced by grasshoppers) is used up by the growing plants to make
food/photosynthesize
9.
9. Kreb's cycle

Glycolysis Kreb's cycle

In the cytoplasm in the (matrix of the mitochondria
Yields. Less energy Yields more energy (about ATP
(about 2 molecules of molecules);
ATP)

10.A) Gaseous exchange involves passage of respiratory gases

(oxygen/carbon (IV) oxide) across respiratory surfaces; while
respiration is the chemical breakdown/oxidation of
substrates/food substances in the living cells to release heat/energy
carbon (IV) oxide and water).
b) • Releases oxygen into the water for use by other organisms
(during the day while photosynthesizing);
• Utilizes the C02 reduced during respiration of other organisms
in the pond reducing the acidity in the water/pond;
• Used as food by other organisms in the pond;
11. • Survives harsh environmental/climatic conditions and predators;
• Feed on a variety of food
12. Diplopoda Chilipoda
• Cylindrical • (Dorso-
ventrally flattened
• More segments • Fewer
segments (between 15)
• Two pairs of legs per segment • One pair of
leg per segment;)

23
13.(a) Body covered with
scales Ectothermic
Lay eggs
(b) Cilia/cilium
14.A) Specimen bottle
B) To be able to see through it/glass is transparent hence some features
on the specimen can be seen/studied directly even when the. Specimen is
in the bottle;
15.A) Tube nucleus disintegrates
One of the male nuclei fuses with the egg shell nucleus (forming
a diploid zygote which develops into embryo)
The other male nucleus fuses with the polar nucleus (to form
a triploid nucleus)
B) Neutralizes spermatozoa
It’s alkaline neutralizes the vaginal fluid
Activates sperms
C) Oxytocin hormone
16. A) External fertilization occurs in amphibians/fish: The females lay
eggs (in water) the male sheds sperms on the eggs to fertilize them
externally Internal fertilization occurs in mammals; the eggs develop
within the females’ body(uterus)till parturition
17.A) Salivation
B) Olfactory cells
18.(Fanners) prune fruit horticultural crop encouraging
sprouting of branches which leads to increased yields
19.(a) Individuals with sickle-cell traits do not succumb to
malaria attacks; hence over time, they reproduce/give rise
to more individuals with similar traits in such regions;

(b) Distilled water is hypotonic compared to the (individual patient's)

internal body fluids; by osmosis; the cells would take in distilled water,
swell and burst/haemolyse (leading to death/more damage)
20.A) Active transport
(b) Water was seen to have risen in the capillary tube; due to the root
pressure in the (roots of the stump); the water molecules in the (thin)
capillary tube formed a continuous stream due to cohesive forces
between the water molecules

23
21.(i) The termites will have moved to chamber M;
(ii) The termites were attracted to:
the humid/moist conditions in chamber M;
the darkness in chamber M (as a result of the opaque
cover/lid) 22.(i) Secretes the synovial fluid which lubricates the
joint
ii) Provide attachment of muscles to the bone
23.

24. The 8-year-old grandson has a higher BMR compared to the 55-year-
old man; the son is more active/has actively dividing cells; hence a
higher rate of BMR to generate the necessary energy/replenish the lost
heat (since the son has a higher surface area to volume ratio exposed for
heat loss
25. Division: Angiospermatophyta

- Presence of flowers

(ii) class: Dicotyledonae

-has leaf petiole/stalk

23
KCSE 2021
231/2: Biology- Paper 2
1. A) i) Diplopoda
ii) Two pairs of walking legs per
segment Many segments
iii)Decomposes the organic matter/enriches soil
fertility Aerates soil (through its
movement/burrowing)
B) i) Monera
Cholera
Pneumoni
a
2. A) Moist to dissolve respiratory gas for faster gaseous exchange
Lined with one-cell thick epithelium for faster diffusion of
respiratory gases
Highly vascularized for faster /efficient transpiration of respiratory
gases
B) Lined with hair to trap dust particles/foreign materials/purify
the incoming air, has mucus; to moisten/warm the incoming air
C) Has a large surface area to volume ratio; diffusion (across its
cell membrane) is adequate
D) Whooping cough
3. A) i) Sebum
ii) keeps the skin
moist/supple acts as an
antiseptic
makes the skin/hair water repellent
B) Sweat pore
C) Thermoregulation: lies flat or erects (on the skin) when hot/cold
to conserve heat or emit excess heat
D) i) Sole of the feet/palm of hand;
ii)Thickest because thy encounter high friction/hand walking (soles
of the feet) and manual work (palm of hands)
4.

23
 B) i) The trait is sex- linked; the gene responsible for the hairy pinna is
found/attached to the Y-chromosome
ii) Premature baldness
iii) Hairly nose

5. A) Sunlight enables the skin to synthesis vitamin D which is

necessary for the formation of strong bones
B) i) Sacrum/sacral vertebra
ii) Coccyx
iii)Presence of prezygaspophysis to articulate with the
lumbar vertebrae;
Large, broad centrum to offer support
Wide neural for passage of spinal cord
Fused vertebrae to form a rigid/firm structure
C) Plants move to reach/access light/water/moisture/carbon (v)
oxide/nutrients (for photosynthesis); they also move to escape harmful
environmental conditions/for safety/withstand harsh external forces;
as well as for (mechanical) support.
To enable fertilization
6. a)

23
 B) i) Ovulation
ii) Release the ovum
C) i) 100 mg/cm3 of blood
ii) Endometrium is thickest when the concentration of progesterone
is highest (in preparation for implantation)
D) Inhibits production of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones
Stimulates the thickening of the endometrial lining for
implantation) Maintains pregnancy
E) Corpus
luteum/ovary
Placenta
F) Prolactin hormone
G) i) Will remain low/keep decreasing (any value below 20mg/cm3)
ii) The corpus luteum will have broken down/degenerated
H) (Anterior) pituitary gland
7. The placenta plays the respiratory; excretory; nutritive;
endocrine; barrier; and immunological function
Exchange of respiratory gas supply of oxygen to the foetus’ tissues and
removal of carbon (iv) oxide from the foetus takes place across the
placenta;
Nutrients/food substances are also released into the foetus from the
mother’s system through the placenta
The placenta also serves as a barrier, preventing the mixture of maternal
and foetus blood /poisonous/harmful/substances from the mother
24
 Some hormones/enzymes needed for foetus’ development are also
passed from the mother to the foetus through the placenta
Some antibodies needed for the protection of the foetus from
the infections are also passed through the placenta
Some waste products from the foetus are also passed through the placenta
B) Dichogamy mechanisms where either the male or female parts of the
plant reproductive organs ripen at different times in some plants
Protandry is when stamens ripen earlier and anthers release their pollen
before the stigma is mature while protogyny refers to where the stigma
matures earlier than stamen hence becomes ready to receive pollen
grains common in plants of the grass family
Self-sterility/incompatibility; is where pollen grains cannot germinate on
the stigma of the same plant but only germinate on a different plant of
the same species, hindering self-pollination
Heterostyly; is a condition the stigma is higher/above the anther/stamen
making it possible for the pollen to land, accumulate and fertilize the
ovules of the same flower
Dioecious; plant have reproductive parts located separately on separately
on different plants of the same species discouraging self-pollination
Monoecious; plants have the reproductive parts located at different parts
on the same plant discouraging self-pollination
8. A) Xylem tissue consists of xylem vessels; and tracheid
Xylem vessels are tubular/hollow structures/running continuously from
the stem to the leaves, its walls are strengthened with lignin; preventing
them from collapsing; the vessels have bordered pits; to allow passage
of water; Tracheid have chisel-shaped ends perforated cross-walls to
allow movement of water
B) Plasma; it transports vitamins/mineral salts and digested food
materials to tissue of the body where they are needed; hormones are also
transported by plasma from the secretory sites to the target
tissues/organs to bring about the needed hormonal response. Plasma also
transports enzymes to tissues where they are required to catalyze certain
reactions; waste products (ammonia, urea, carbon (iv) oxide)) are also
transported. Plasma to the excretory organ. Erythrocytes are important in
the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to different body tissues;
and carbon (iv) oxide from (respiring) tissues to the lungs (for
purification); by haemoglobin (a protein in the erythrocytes);

24
Plasma also plays a thermoregulatory role; by distribution of
heat; Leucocytes; protects the body against infection (from
bacteria)
The plasma also transports antibodies; throughout the body for defense
against pathogens;
Platelets play a role in clotting of blood/protect damaged body tissues;
preventing excessive loss of blood; Preventing entry of pathogens.

24
KCSE 2021
231/3: Biology- Paper 3 (Practical)
Key:
P=1.Bean
1a) Leaf simple…...................................................go to 2
b) leaf compound.......................................................J
E= Tricolor
2a) Leaves/leaf network veins..................................go to 3
F= Maize
Leaf b) leaves/leaf parallel veins...........................................F
G= Lantana camara green/non-variegated..............................go to 4
3a) Leaves/leaf
H= Bougainvillea
b) Leaves/leaf non-green/variegated.............................E
4a) Leaf margin serrated....................................................G
b) leaf margin smooth...................................................H
B) Green parts with chlorophyll will turn the black (with iodine
solution) due to presence of starch since photosynthesis has occurred;
white parts turn brown/retain iodine solution due to absence f starch
since photosynthesis has not occurred
C) G
Rough/hairy leaf surface; to reduce
transpiration Leaf fold; to reduce transpiration
H
Shinny/glossy leaf surface; to reduce
transpiration Folding of leaves; to reduce water
loss
D) Fibrous root System
Floral parts in three/multiple of three
2.

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 b) Avoid contamination of reagents/impurities /avoid mixing of
droppers/use clean apparatus
Avoid burning of pale papers/plain paper when drying
Avoid spilling/misusing of reagents/food substances
3. a) N P
Yellow leaves/White/Green/Yellow stem

green leaves/Green stem

Small leaves Large/Big
leaves
Long stem Short
stem/short internodes
Thin stem Thick stem
Weak/fragile stem Strong/firm
stem
b) i) Etiolation
ii) Proper spacing/thinning/pruning/pricking out/weeding/using a
transparent material/polythene on a greenhouse; to enable
adequate penetration pf light for the crop.
C) The specimen is weak/tall/long/thin; because they we grown in a
darkness; absence of light/insufficient light; in darkness there I high
concentration of auxin in shoot tip that stimulate faster elongation OR
The specimen has small/yellow leaves /white stem/lack of
chlorophyll; because they were grown in darkness; hence couldn’t
carry out photosynthesis/synthesis of chlorophyll.

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D) Oxygens
Water/moistur
e
Optimal/optimum temperature/ warmth
E) Tap root system
Reticulate/network
venation Net-veined leaves
Compact petiole

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