IGCSE Biology Questions and Answers

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Bio101

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 20,468 | Updated: Jul 17, 2024

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Ready to test your understanding of biology? Our IGCSE Biology Questions and Answers Quiz is here to help you prepare for your exams with confidence. This quiz covers all the essential topics required for the IGCSE curriculum, from cell biology and genetics to human physiology and ecology.

Whether you're looking to ace your IGCSE Biology exam or just want to ensure you've got a solid grasp of the subject, this quiz is tailored to provide a comprehensive and effective revision experience. Get ready to challenge yourself and confirm your mastery of biology. Let's get started and see how well Read moreyou know your biology.

IGCSE Biology Questions and Answers

1.

What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
- A.
  
  Energy production
- B.
  
  Protein synthesis
- C.
  
  DNA replication
- D.
  
  Waste removal
Correct Answer
B. Protein synthesis

Explanation
Ribosomes are essential cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences that have been transcribed from DNA and use the information to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains. These chains fold into functional proteins that perform numerous tasks within the cell and throughout the body. Ribosomes can be found floating freely within the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, facilitating the production of proteins that are needed both inside and outside of the cell.

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2.

Which process describes the movement of water through a plant?
- A.
  
  Transcription
- B.
  
  Photosynthesis
- C.
  
  Transpiration
- D.
  
  Respiration
Correct Answer
C. Transpiration

Explanation
Transpiration is the process through which water moves through plants from roots to leaves, then evaporates into the atmosphere primarily from the stomata in the leaves. This movement of water is crucial for the transport of nutrients from the soil, maintaining the structure of the plant, and cooling the plant on hot days. The process is driven by the evaporation of water at the leaf surface, creating a negative pressure that pulls water up from the roots through the xylem vessels.

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3.

What is the primary site of photosynthesis in plants?
- A.
  
  Roots
- B.
  
  Stems
- C.
  
  Flowers
- D.
  
  Leaves
Correct Answer
D. Leaves

Explanation
Leaves are the primary site of photosynthesis in plants. This process involves converting light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. Leaves are well-suited for this task due to their broad, flat surfaces which maximize light absorption. They contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that hold chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures light energy, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into sugars and oxygen.

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4.

Which type of cell lacks a defined nucleus?
- A.
  
  Animal
- B.
  
  Plant
- C.
  
  Fungal
- D.
  
  Prokaryotic
Correct Answer
D. Prokaryotic

Explanation
Prokaryotic cells, unlike eukaryotic cells of animals, plants, and fungi, do not have a defined nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is contained in a single, circular strand of DNA that floats freely within the cell in a region called the nucleoid. This lack of a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles allows prokaryotes to have faster growth rates and simpler cellular organization, which are advantages in many environments.

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5.

What is the role of enzymes in the human body?
- A.
  
  Structural support
- B.
  
  Transmit nerve impulses
- C.
  
  Speed up chemical reactions
- D.
  
  Protect against diseases
Correct Answer
C. Speed up chemical reactions

Explanation
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process. They work by lowering the activation energy required for reactions to occur, which allows essential biological processes to proceed quickly and efficiently at relatively low temperatures. This catalytic activity is crucial for digestion, metabolism, and many other regulatory and signaling pathways.

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6.

Which organelle is responsible for energy production in cells?
- A.
  
  Golgi apparatus
- B.
  
  Nucleus
- C.
  
  Mitochondrion
- D.
  
  Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer
C. Mitochondrion

Explanation
The mitochondrion is known as the powerhouse of the cell because it produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s main energy currency. This process, known as cellular respiration, involves the conversion of the energy stored in glucose into ATP. Mitochondria have their own set of DNA and are involved in several other essential functions, including the regulation of the cell cycle and cell growth.

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7.

What is genetic material composed of in a cell?
- A.
  
  Proteins
- B.
  
  Lipids
- C.
  
  Carbohydrates
- D.
  
  Nucleic acids
Correct Answer
D. Nucleic acids

Explanation
Nucleic acids are the molecules that make up genetic material, which includes DNA and RNA. These molecules are vital for storing and transmitting genetic information from one generation to the next and are crucial for the synthesis of proteins. DNA molecules are composed of two strands forming a double helix, whereas RNA is typically single-stranded.

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8.

Which vitamin is essential for the coagulation of blood?
- A.
  
  Vitamin A
- B.
  
  Vitamin B12
- C.
  
  Vitamin C
- D.
  
  Vitamin K
Correct Answer
D. Vitamin K

Explanation
Vitamin K is crucial for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation. Without Vitamin K, the blood clotting process is severely impaired, leading to increased bleeding and bruising. This vitamin acts as a cofactor for an enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of specific protein residues, which is essential for activating the proteins that mediate clotting.

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9.

What process leads to the creation of gametes?
- A.
  
  Mitosis
- B.
  
  Meiosis
- C.
  
  Binary fission
- D.
  
  Budding
Correct Answer
B. Meiosis

Explanation
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This process is essential for producing gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. It introduces genetic diversity through phases like crossing over and independent assortment, where different traits are mixed before the gametes are formed, contributing to genetic variation in populations.

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10.

Which hormone regulates the blood sugar level?
- A.
  
  Insulin
- B.
  
  Adrenaline
- C.
  
  Estrogen
- D.
  
  Thyroxine
Correct Answer
A. Insulin

Explanation
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Insulin's role is critical in preventing hyperglycemia, a condition characterized by excessively high blood sugar levels that can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes type 2.

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Current Version
Jul 17, 2024

Quiz Edited by
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May 21, 2012

Quiz Created by
Bio101

IGCSE Biology Questions And Answers

IGCSE Biology Questions and Answers

What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

Which process describes the movement of water through a plant?

What is the primary site of photosynthesis in plants?

Which type of cell lacks a defined nucleus?

What is the role of enzymes in the human body?

Which organelle is responsible for energy production in cells?

What is genetic material composed of in a cell?

Which vitamin is essential for the coagulation of blood?

What process leads to the creation of gametes?

Which hormone regulates the blood sugar level?