Total Marks: 65 | Time: 2 Hours
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (12 Marks)
(Attempt all questions)
1. The study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment is called:
a) Zoology
b) Botany
c) Biology
d) Microbiology
2. Which group of organisms is classified under Kingdom Fungi?
a) Bacteria
b) Viruses
c) Mushrooms
d) Algae
3. The smallest unit of life is:
a) Atom
b) Molecule
c) Cell
d) Organ
4. In which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
a) G1 phase
b) S phase
c) G2 phase
d) M phase
5. The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is:
a) Neuron
b) Muscle fiber
c) Connective tissue
d) Cartilage
6. The nitrogenous bases in DNA are:
a) Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine
b) Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine
c) Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Ribose
d) Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, Deoxyribose
7. Which type of reaction releases energy stored in glucose?
a) Photosynthesis
b) Respiration
c) Fermentation
d) Transpiration
8. The process of photosynthesis occurs in:
a) Mitochondria
b) Chloroplast
c) Nucleus
d) Cytoplasm
9. The movement of water through a plant is called:
a) Translocation
b) Transpiration
c) Diffusion
d) Active transport
10. Which part of a flower produces pollen?
a) Ovary
b) Petal
c) Anther
d) Sepal
11. The theory of natural selection was proposed by:
a) Mendel
b) Darwin
c) Lamarck
d) Aristotle
12. Fossils provide evidence for:
a) Photosynthesis
b) Evolution
c) Homeostasis
d) Immunity
Section B – Short Answer Questions (33 Marks)
(Attempt any 11 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
1. Define biology and describe its major branches.
2. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3. How do vaccines help in preventing diseases?
4. Explain the importance of mitosis in growth and repair.
5. What are the major types of plant tissues?
6. Describe the structure and function of DNA.
7. How does an enzyme speed up a chemical reaction?
8. Explain the role of ATP in metabolism.
9. What are the factors affecting photosynthesis?
10. How does transpiration help in the transport of water in plants?
11. Describe the structure of a typical flower.
12. Differentiate between self-pollination and cross-pollination.
13. Explain the concept of adaptation in evolution.
14. How do mutations lead to variations in organisms?
15. Define fossils and explain their significance in understanding evolution.
Section C – Long Answer Questions (20 Marks)
(Attempt any 2 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
Q1.
a) What are the characteristics of living organisms?
b) How do biologists classify organisms into different groups?
c) Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?
Q2.
a) Explain the phases of the cell cycle.
b) How does mitosis ensure genetic continuity?
c) What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?
Q3.
a) Define photosynthesis and explain its importance.
b) What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
c) How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?