- 1 -
Student Number
2019
TRIAL HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
Biology
General Instructions
• Reading time – 5 minutes
• Working time – 3 hours
• Write using black pen
• Draw diagrams using pencil
• For questions in Section II, show all
relevant working in questions
involving calculations
• NESA-approved calculators may be
used
Write your Student Number where
required.
Total Marks – 100
Section I - 20 marks (pages 2 - 10)
• Attempt Questions 1 - 20
• Allow about 35 minutes for this section
Section II – 80 marks (pages 11 - 27)
• Attempt Questions 21 - 39
• Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for
this section
Directions to School or College To ensure integrity and security, examination papers must NOT be removed from the examination room. Examination papers may not
be returned to students until August 26th 2019 These examination papers are supplied Copyright Free; as such the purchaser may
photocopy and/or make changes for educational purposes within the confines of the School or College.
All care has been taken to ensure that this examination paper is error-free and that it follows the style, format and material content of
the Higher School Certificate Examination in accordance with the NESA requirements. No guarantee or warranty is made or implied
that this examination paper mirrors in every respect the actual HSC Examination paper for this course.
- 2 -
Section I
20 marks
Attempt Questions 1 – 20.
Allow about 35 minutes for this section.
Use the multiple-choice answer sheet provided for Questions 1 – 20.
1 The following diagrams illustrate two cells from different preparations that are in
particular stages of nuclear division. Identify the phases labeled X and Y.
X Y
A. X - Metaphase I of mitosis; Y - Metaphase II of mitosis
B. X - Metaphase I of meiosis; Y - Metaphase II of meiosis
C. X - Metaphase I of meiosis; Y - Metaphase II of mitosis
D. X - Metaphase II of meiosis; Y - Metaphase I of meiosis
- 3 -
2 Which of the following hormones is correctly matched with its function?
A. oestrogen/estradiol prevents contractions of the uterus to maintain pregnancy
B. glucagon stimulates storage of glucose in the liver
C. progesterone relaxes the pelvis and joints to allow for birth
D. oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus to promote birth
3 A team of researchers wanted to determine the rate of RNA synthesis in a population of
yeast cells in culture. Which of the following radioactively-labeled substances should
they add to the nutrients provided in the culture medium?
A. cytosine
B. guanine
C. uracil
D. thymine
4 The following diagram shows the inheritance of blood type in a family and indicates the
blood type phenotype of several members. The phenotype of one individual in each
generation is missing.
Which of the following gives the possible blood types of individuals I, 2 and II, 3?
Generation I, Individual 2 Generation II, Individual 3
A. A AB
B. AB O
C. O B
D. AB B
- 4 -
5 The following graphs show the frequency distribution of phenotypes in a population for
three different traits.
The types of inheritance responsible for the three traits are most likely to be:
Trait 1 Trait 2 Trait 3
A. one gene - two alleles polygenic one gene - multiple alleles
B. polygenic one gene - multiple alleles polygenic
C. two linked genes one gene - multiple alleles one gene - multiple alleles
D. one gene - multiple alleles one gene - two alleles polygenic
- 5 -
6 In a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, there are two alleles, A and a, for a
particular gene. If the frequency of the a allele is 0.4, what is the frequency of genotype
AA?
A. 0.16
B. 0.36
C. 0.40
D. 0.60
7 Which of the following lists only potential mutagens?
A. tobacco, base analogues, oncogenes
B. UV radiation, retroviruses, non-ionising radiation
C. UV radiation, transposable genetic elements, microwaves
D. ionising radiation, base analogues, exons
8 Sickle cell anaemia is caused by the single substitution of an amino acid in haemoglobin.
This change is the result of a:
A. point mutation.
B. chromosomal inversion.
C. frameshift mutation.
D. polyploidy.
9 Introns are:
A. regions of DNA that are expressed in a polypeptide.
B. unlikely to cause phenotypic change if they undergo mutation.
C. non-coding sequences in DNA.
D. random repeated sequences that code for promoter proteins.
10 Which of the following has been achieved by gene cloning?
A. Production of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep
B. Copying of chromosomes to form polyploid plants
C. Economical production of insulin for diabetics
D. Development of hybrid vegetables such as broccolini
- 6 -
11 The following diagram models the infection of a host by a parasite.
Content available under Creative Commons License: CC-BY-SA-3.0
The parasite is most likely to be a:
A. bacterium.
B. virus.
C. protozoan.
D. prion.
12 After a barbeque party one of the participants was diagnosed with hepatitis A. The other
people who attended the barbeque were advised to have an immunoglobulin injection just
in case they had also been exposed to the pathogen. This type of treatment is known as:
A. passive immunity
B. active immunity
C. vaccination
D. innate immunity
13 Certain molecules produced by T-cells act to stimulate other cells of the immune system.
These types of molecules are called:
A. antigens.
B. antibodies.
C. complement.
D. cytokines.
- 7 -
14 The following graph1 illustrates the mean changes in body temperature in two groups of
rhesus monkeys over a 7-day period. One group was infected on Day 0 with a respiratory
virus (RSV) using an aerosol that was inhaled by the monkeys. The other group was given
a “mock” infection on Day 0 using an aerosol inhalation with the same basic composition
as that received by the first group but without any virus. The temperature change scale is
in degrees Fahrenheit.
Which of the following conclusions is supported by the data in the graph?
A. The initial body temperatures of the RSV-infected monkeys were higher than those
of the mock-infected monkeys.
B. The RSV-infected monkeys showed an inflammatory response to the virus.
C. The changes in body temperature were so small that no conclusion can be drawn.
D. The sample sizes for each group were too small for any conclusion to be drawn.
1 McArthur-Vaughan, K. and Gershwin, L.J. (2002) A rhesus monkey model of respiratory syncytial virus infection. J
Med Primatol 31: 61–73.
- 8 -
15 The following diagram illustrates three possible scenarios for transmission of a disease
through a population.
I
II
III
Content available under Creative Commons License: CC-BY-SA-4.0
Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
A. Scenario II illustrates herd immunity.
B. Herd immunity is effective for all bacterial and viral diseases.
C. Herd immunity is effective when most of the population are immunised.
D. Herd immunity ensures that your unvaccinated child will not contract an infectious
disease.
- 9 -
16 Hormonal and neural control of animal responses differ in which of the following ways?
A. Hormonal control involves chemical signalling molecules and neural control does
not.
B. Hormonal control can affect cells in widely-separated tissues of the body while
neural control is more localised.
C. Hormonal signals are more rapid than neural signals.
D. Hormonal control systems use negative feedback while neural control systems do
not.
17 The following micrographs show a transverse section through a Banksia leaf at different
magnifications.
Transverse section of a Banksia leaf Close-up of undersurface of the
same Banksia leaf Images reprinted by permission of Associate Professor Rosanne Quinnell, University of Sydney
Which of the following can be concluded from the information in the micrographs?
A. Banksia is a xerophyte.
B. Banksia is a C4 plant.
C. The sunken stomata on the leaf surface are an adaptation to conserve water.
D. The hairs on the leaf surface are for defence against herbivores.
18 Technology can be used to assist people with either hearing or visual disorders. A person
with short-sightedness (myopia) can be prescribed spectacles to correct their vision.
Which of the following correctly links the problem with the technological solution?
Problem causing short-sightedness Correction with spectacles
A. Eyeball is too long and images fall in front
of the retina, causing blurred vision.
Concave lenses in spectacles focus the
images onto the retina.
B. Eyeball is too long and images fall in front
of the retina, causing blurred vision.
Convex lenses in spectacles focus the
images onto the retina.
C. Eyeball is too short and images fall behind
the retina, causing blurred vision.
Concave lenses in spectacles focus the
images onto the retina.
- 10 -
D. Eyeball is too short and images fall behind
the retina, causing blurred vision.
Convex lenses in spectacles focus the
images onto the retina.
19 A patient is diagnosed with a disorder in which the pituitary gland overproduces anti-
diuretic hormone (ADH). Which of the following combinations of symptoms would you
expect to be associated with this disorder?
A. Reduced urine volume and high blood osmolality
B. Increased urine volume and high blood osmolality
C. Reduced urine volume and low blood osmolality
D. Increased urine volume and low blood osmolality
20 Which of the following correctly relates a non-infectious disease to its cause?
Disease Cause
A. rickets nutritional - lack of Vitamin C
B. phenylketonuria nutritional – over-consumption of aspartame
C. scurvy genetic – lack of an enzyme
D. cirrhosis nutritional - over-consumption of alcohol
- 11 -
Student Number
Section II Answer Booklet
80 marks
Attempt Questions 21 – 39.
Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section.
Instructions
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces provide guidance for the
expected length of response.
• Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
• Extra writing space is provided at the back of this booklet. If you use this space, clearly
indicate which question you are answering.
Question 21. (5 marks)
(a) The function of all proteins is determined by their structure. Discuss this statement
using at least three examples of proteins found in the human body. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question continues over the page.
- 12 -
(b) Outline the roles of mRNA and tRNA in polypeptide synthesis. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 22. (2 marks)
Use a table to describe at least two ways in which the structure of chromosomes differs
between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. 2
- 13 -
Question 23. (5 marks)
(a) Describe three ways in which sexual reproduction produces variation (new
combinations of genes) in offspring. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(b) Identify two processes of asexual reproduction in named organisms and comment on
how variation can occur in these populations. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 14 -
Question 24. (5 marks)
(a) Using examples, clearly outline the difference between incomplete dominance and co-
dominance between alleles. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(b) Draw a Punnett square to illustrate a cross between two individuals that are
heterozygous for a trait that shows co-dominance. Indicate the genotype and phenotype
ratios for the offspring in your answer. 3
- 15 -
Question 25. (4 marks)
Outline examples of how population genetics can be used in conservation and management. 4
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 16 -
Question 26. (3 marks)
In 1972 the biologist Susumu Ohno gave the name “junk DNA” to regions of DNA that do not
code for polypeptides and were thought at that time to have no role in cell function. However,
it has recently been discovered that certain non-coding regions of DNA have important
functions in the cell and the term “junk” is now only used to refer to highly-repetitive regions
of DNA.
Outline two functions of non-coding DNA and discuss the impact of mutations occurring in
these regions. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 27. (4 marks)
Discuss the causes and impacts on the phenotype of at least two different types of chromosomal
mutations. 4
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 17 -
Answer lines continue over the page.
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 28. (3 marks)
Forensic science has made great advances in recent times with the development of
biotechnological techniques to match DNA from a crime scene with that of potential suspects.
Outline the techniques used in DNA profiling. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 18 -
Question 29. (9 marks)
Humans have been speeding up the rate of evolution of plants and animals since pre-historic
times using artificial selection and, more recently, biotechnological techniques to transfer genes
from one species to another.
Discuss this statement by comparing the rate of natural evolutionary change with the outcomes
of specific processes that have been implemented by humans to introduce new genes into
populations. Include in your answer a description of the techniques used to manipulate
genomes and an assessment of the potential impact these processes could have, in terms of both
environmental effects and the future evolution of populations. 9
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Answer lines continue over the page.
- 19 -
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 20 -
Question 30. (4 marks)
During your study of biology you investigated the responses of plants and animals to infection.
(a) Using a named example, describe the defences and/or responses of a plant to infection
by fungal, bacterial or viral pathogens. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(b) Once a pathogen passes the body’s barriers and penetrates the tissues, a number of
responses, both specific and non-specific, are elicited. Discuss the mechanism of two
such non-specific responses to infection in animals. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 21 -
Question 31. (3 marks)
What is meant by the term “epidemic” and what are some of the factors that can give rise to an
epidemic? 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 32. (3 marks)
Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch were scientists whose work allowed for major advances in
medicine. Choose one of these scientists and discuss how their work contributed to our
understanding of infectious disease. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 22 -
- 23 -
Question 33. (3 marks)
Many components of traditional bush medicines have been recently studied by scientists and
shown to have therapeutic properties. A variety of plant-based bush medicines traditionally
used by indigenous Australians have been shown to be effective treatments for many diseases.
Using a named example, discuss a current application of such medicines and comment on any
ethical concerns that this has raised. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 34. (3 marks)
Describe at least three adaptations of named pathogens that allow for entry into and
transmission between hosts. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 24 -
- 25 -
Question 35. (5 marks)
Our immune system functions to protect our bodies from pathogens. In certain cases, however,
serious disorders can arise from over-activity of the immune system. Discuss this statement
using specific examples. 5
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 26 -
Question 36. (3 marks)
Discuss how and why renal dialysis is used to treat disorders of kidney function. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Question 37. (3 marks)
Discuss the application and assess the effectiveness of the cochlear implant in assisting with the
effects of hearing loss. 3
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 27 -
Question 38. (5 marks)
Cancer refers to a very large range of diseases that can affect all parts of the human body. The
causes of different cancers include genetic and environmental exposure.
(a) Define cancer. 1
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(b) Describe a type of cancer, including its specific cause, for each of the categories given
above. 2
(i) genetic
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(ii) environmental exposure
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
(c) With respect to your answer to part (b) (ii) above, explain how a link was
discovered between environmental exposure and the prevalence of cancer. 2
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 28 -
- 29 -
Question 39. (8 marks)
“Prevention is better than cure” is a statement that can be applied to both infectious and non-
infectious diseases, although the causes and hence prevention strategies for these two classes of
disease are very different.
Using specific examples, discuss the causes of infectious and non-infectious diseases and why
each requires different strategies for prevention. 8
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
- 30 -
Answer lines continue over the page.
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
THIS IS THE END OF THE EXAMINATION PAPER.
Extra writing space is provided over the page.
- 31 -
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
- 32 -
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
- 33 -