Higher Biology MC - 2019

Embryonic stem cells can be used therapeutically to differentiate and replace any damaged or diseased tissue. This is because they are

• pluripotent and all genes are switched on

• multipotent and specific genes can be switched on

• pluripotent and all genes can be switched on.

• multipotent and specific genes are switched on

The table shows the anticodon sequence on tRNA molecules and the specific amino acid each carries.

Triplets of DNA nucleotides that code for the sequence of amino acids in this protein are

• CCA UUC UUC AUA UAA

• GGT TTC TTC ATA TAA

• CCA AAG AAG TAT ATT

• CCA AAG AAG UAU AUU

The graph shows how temperature changes during repeated cycles of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

If there were 500 molecules of DNA at the start, predict how many copies there will be after 20 minutes.

• 16 000

• 8000

• 2500

• 2000

DNA from a mother, child and four men (A, B, C and D) in a paternity suit was analysed. The DNA was amplified using PCR and separated by gel electrophoresis. From the results shown in the diagram, identify the likely father of the child.

• A

• B

• C

• D

The table shows three examples of gene transfer.

Which of these examples illustrates horizontal gene transfer.

• 1 only

• 3 only

• 1 and 3

• 2 and 3

Sickle cell anaemia is a human condition that affects haemoglobin, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. It is caused by a mutation that changes one adenine base to thymine. This results in one amino acid in haemoglobin being changed. The mutation that causes sickle cell anaemia is

• Insertion

• Deletion

• Inversion

• Substitution

Subspecies of the wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) have evolved in different island areas in Scotland. The graphs show averages of body length, wing length and body mass for wrens from the islands of St Kilda, Shetland and Fair Isle. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from this data?

• Shetland and Fair Isle wrens have a greater average wing length and body mass than St Kilda wrens

• St Kilda and Fair Isle wrens have a greater average body length and wing length than Shetland wrens

• St Kilda wrens are smaller in each characteristic than the other two subspecies

• Fair Isle wrens are larger in each characteristic than the other two subspecies

Goldenrod gall flies (Eurosta solidaginis) lay eggs on the stems of several plant species. The newly hatched larvae then burrow into the plant, causing the growth of a mass of plant tissue (gall) around them. The larvae live and feed inside the gall. The size of gall is affected by two different selection pressures. Larvae in smaller galls are more likely to be predated by wasps, while larvae in larger galls are more likely to be predated by birds. Which diagram represents the type of selection affecting gall size?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The diagram shows the divergence of lineages in the evolution of some primates. Which answer identifies the time that the last common ancestor of vervet monkeys and humans existed.

• 30

• 40

• 55

• 75

The diagram represents the conversion of starch into maltose.

Which answer identifies the type of reaction shown in the diagram and whether it requires or releases energy?

• Type of reaction: catabolic. Energy required

• Type of reaction: catabolic. Energy released

• Type of reaction: anabolic. Energy required

• Type of reaction: anabolic. Energy released