SSCE Adapted Theory Question:

Question 1:

a) Define reproduction and explain its significance in living organisms. (10 marks)

b) Differentiate between sexual and asexual reproduction, providing two examples of each from plants and animals. (10 marks)

c) Describe two common types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their effects on reproductive health. (10 marks)

d) What is VIV (Viral Intrauterine Device) and how does it relate to reproductive health? (10 marks)

e) Define cellular respiration and outline the main stages involved. (10 marks)

f) Explain the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (10 marks)

g) Describe the structure and function of the human respiratory system. (10 marks)

h) Explain how gas exchange occurs in the alveoli. (10 marks)

i) Describe the human excretory system, including the main organs involved. (10 marks)

j) Discuss the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis. (10 marks)

k) Define supporting tissues in animals and list three types. (10 marks)

l) Explain the role of connective tissue in the body. (10 marks)

m) List the main components of the mammalian skeleton. (10 marks)

n) Describe the function of the vertebral column in mammals. (10 marks)

o) Define supporting tissues in plants and identify the main types. (10 marks)

p) Discuss the importance of supporting tissues in plant structure and function. (10 marks)

q) Design a project investigating the role of a specific type of supporting tissue in animals. Outline your methodology and expected outcomes. (10 marks)

SSCE Adapted Theory Question:

Question 1:

a) Define reproduction and explain its significance in living organisms. (10 marks)

Reproduction is the biological process by which new individual organisms are produced. It is significant because it ensures the continuation of a species, allows for genetic diversity, and contributes to population stability.

b) Differentiate between sexual and asexual reproduction, providing two examples of each from plants and animals. (10 marks)

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg), resulting in genetic variation (e.g., flowering plants, humans). Asexual reproduction involves a single parent producing offspring identical to itself (e.g., budding in hydra, vegetative propagation in potatoes).

c) Describe two common types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their effects on reproductive health. (10 marks)

1. Chlamydia: Can cause infertility in both men and women if untreated. 2. Gonorrhea: Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility if not treated.

d) What is VIV (Viral Intrauterine Device) and how does it relate to reproductive health? (10 marks)

VIV is a contraceptive device that prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones or copper into the uterus. It helps in family planning and managing reproductive health.

e) Define cellular respiration and outline the main stages involved. (10 marks)

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. The main stages are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

f) Explain the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (10 marks)

Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and produces more ATP (energy) compared to anaerobic respiration, which occurs without oxygen and produces less ATP, resulting in by-products like lactic acid or ethanol.

g) Describe the structure and function of the human respiratory system. (10 marks)

The human respiratory system consists of the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli. Its function is to facilitate gas exchange, delivering oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.

h) Explain how gas exchange occurs in the alveoli. (10 marks)

Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli through diffusion. Oxygen from the alveolar air enters the blood in the capillaries, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled.

i) Describe the human excretory system, including the main organs involved. (10 marks)

The human excretory system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It functions to remove waste products from the blood and regulate water and electrolyte balance.

j) Discuss the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis. (10 marks)

The kidneys help maintain homeostasis by filtering blood, regulating water balance, electrolytes, and acid-base balance, and excreting waste products as urine.

k) Define supporting tissues in animals and list three types. (10 marks)

Supporting tissues provide structural support and shape to the body. Three types are bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue.

l) Explain the role of connective tissue in the body. (10 marks)

Connective tissue supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs. It also plays a role in transportation (blood) and storage of energy (adipose tissue).

m) List the main components of the mammalian skeleton. (10 marks)

The main components include the skull, vertebral column, rib cage, and limb bones (arms and legs).

n) Describe the function of the vertebral column in mammals. (10 marks)

The vertebral column protects the spinal cord, provides structural support, allows flexibility, and serves as an attachment point for ribs and muscles.

o) Define supporting tissues in plants and identify the main types. (10 marks)

Supporting tissues in plants provide structural support and include collenchyma, sclerenchyma, and parenchyma.

p) Discuss the importance of supporting tissues in plant structure and function. (10 marks)

Supporting tissues are crucial for maintaining plant structure, allowing for growth and stability, enabling transport of nutrients, and providing protection against mechanical stress.

q) Design a project investigating the role of a specific type of supporting tissue in animals. Outline your methodology and expected outcomes. (10 marks)

Project Title: Investigating the Role of Cartilage in Joint Function. Methodology: 1. Collect samples of cartilage from different animal joints. 2. Analyze the properties of cartilage using stress tests. 3. Observe the effects of cartilage degradation on joint movement in a model. Expected Outcomes: Understanding how cartilage contributes to joint flexibility and its role in preventing injury.

Practice Questions:

Question 1:

a) Define homeostasis and discuss its importance in maintaining the internal environment. (10 marks)

b) Describe the structure and function of the kidney, including its role in homeostasis. (10 marks)

c) Identify two diseases of the kidney, their effects, and possible remedies. (10 marks)

Question 2:

a) Explain the structure and function of the liver. (10 marks)

b) Discuss two common liver diseases, their effects on health, and potential treatments. (10 marks)

Question 3:

a) Describe the structure and function of the skin. (10 marks)

b) Identify two skin diseases and discuss their care and treatment. (10 marks)

Question 4:

a) List the major hormones in the human body, including their location, secretion, and functions. (10 marks)

b) Discuss the effects of over-secretion and under-secretion of any two hormones. (10 marks)

Question 5:

a) Explain nervous coordination and the components of the central nervous system (CNS). (10 marks)

b) Describe the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord. (10 marks)

Question 6:

a) Differentiate between the peripheral nervous system and the neuron. (10 marks)

b) Explain reflex actions and voluntary actions, including conditional reflexes. (10 marks)

Question 7:

a) Identify the major sensory organs and their functions. (10 marks)

b) Discuss the skin as a sense organ, and describe the organs of sight, hearing, smell, and taste. (10 marks)

Question 8:

a) Explain the basics of genetics, including the structure of chromosomes. (10 marks)

b) Discuss the role of genetics in inheritance and variations in organisms. (10 marks)

Practice Questions:

Question 1:

a) Define homeostasis and discuss its importance in maintaining the internal environment. (10 marks)

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions despite changes in the external environment. It is important for survival, as it ensures that physiological processes function optimally, supporting overall health and performance.

b) Describe the structure and function of the kidney, including its role in homeostasis. (10 marks)

The kidney consists of structures such as the renal cortex, renal medulla, nephron, and collecting ducts. It filters blood, removes waste products, regulates electrolyte balance, and maintains fluid balance, thus playing a crucial role in homeostasis.

c) Identify two diseases of the kidney, their effects, and possible remedies. (10 marks)

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Leads to gradual loss of kidney function, resulting in waste accumulation in the body. Remedies include dietary changes, medications, and possibly dialysis or kidney transplant. 2. Kidney Stones: Hard deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain and obstruction. Treatment may involve increased fluid intake, medications, or surgical removal of stones.

Question 2:

a) Explain the structure and function of the liver. (10 marks)

The liver has a lobular structure with hepatocytes (liver cells) organized into lobules. It functions in detoxification, metabolism, bile production for digestion, and storage of nutrients like glycogen and vitamins.

b) Discuss two common liver diseases, their effects on health, and potential treatments. (10 marks)

1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can lead to liver failure if chronic. Treatments include antiviral medications and lifestyle changes. 2. Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to long-term damage. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further damage, potentially requiring a liver transplant.

Question 3:

a) Describe the structure and function of the skin. (10 marks)

The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous layer (innermost). It serves protective functions, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.

b) Identify two skin diseases and discuss their care and treatment. (10 marks)

1. Eczema: A condition causing itchy, inflamed skin. Treatment includes moisturizing creams and anti-inflammatory medications. 2. Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition resulting in red, scaly patches. Treatments include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications.

Question 4:

a) List the major hormones in the human body, including their location, secretion, and functions. (10 marks)

1. Insulin (Pancreas): Regulates blood sugar levels. 2. Cortisol (Adrenal glands): Helps manage stress and metabolism. 3. Estrogen (Ovaries): Regulates female reproductive functions. 4. Testosterone (Testes): Influences male reproductive functions.

b) Discuss the effects of over-secretion and under-secretion of any two hormones. (10 marks)

1. Over-secretion of insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, causing weakness and confusion. 2. Under-secretion of cortisol (Addison's disease) can lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

Question 5:

a) Explain nervous coordination and the components of the central nervous system (CNS). (10 marks)

Nervous coordination is the process by which the nervous system communicates and responds to internal and external stimuli. The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate responses.

b) Describe the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord. (10 marks)

The brain consists of various regions (cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem) responsible for different functions, such as thought, movement, and autonomic processes. The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the body and coordinates reflex actions.

Question 6:

a) Differentiate between the peripheral nervous system and the neuron. (10 marks)

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to the limbs and organs. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system that transmit signals; they make up both the CNS and PNS.

b) Explain reflex actions and voluntary actions, including conditional reflexes. (10 marks)

Reflex actions are involuntary responses to stimuli, processed by the spinal cord for rapid reactions. Voluntary actions are consciously controlled movements. Conditional reflexes are learned responses to specific stimuli (e.g., Pavlov's dogs).

Question 7:

a) Identify the major sensory organs and their functions. (10 marks)

The major sensory organs include: 1. Eyes (sight) 2. Ears (hearing) 3. Nose (smell) 4. Tongue (taste) 5. Skin (touch).

b) Discuss the skin as a sense organ, and describe the organs of sight, hearing, smell, and taste. (10 marks)

The skin detects touch, temperature, pain, and pressure through sensory receptors. The eye perceives light and forms images, the ear detects sound waves, the nose identifies airborne chemicals, and the tongue senses taste through taste buds.

Question 8:

a) Explain the basics of genetics, including the structure of chromosomes. (10 marks)

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in organisms. Chromosomes are structures made of DNA that contain genes, organized into a double helix structure and typically found in pairs within the cell nucleus.

b) Discuss the role of genetics in inheritance and variations in organisms. (10 marks)

Genetics determines traits passed from parents to offspring through genes. Variations arise from genetic mutations, recombination during meiosis, and environmental influences, contributing to biodiversity within populations.