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553/1
BIOLOGY
Paper 1
2024
2 hrs.30mins
Uganda Certificate of Education
BIOLOGY
Paper 1
Theory
2 HOURS: 30 MINS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:
➢ The paper consists of seven examination items. It has two section A and
section B
➢ Section A has three compulsory items.
➢ Section B has two parts: I and II. Answer one item from each part.
Answer five items in all.
SECTION A
Answer all items in this section in the spaces provided.
Item 1
Mrs. Kanyere is a good farmer who uses the knowledge she obtained from
studying transport in plants to grow tomatoes for her home consumption as sauce
and at times making juice. In the process of growing tomatoes, she prepares a
nursery bed for growing the tomatoes to a certain stage but later transplants them
in the late evening hours to the main garden.
TASK
a) (i) why do you think Mrs. Kanyere transplants her seedlings in the late evening?
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(ii) After transplanting the seedlings, Mrs. Kanyere keeps on watering the main
garden until a certain stage. Explain why she waters the garden.
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b) (i) which process do you think plants use to take up the water Mrs. Kanyere
provides to them?
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(ii) Name the cells that enable these tomatoes to absorb water.
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(iii) Which cells do these tomatoes use to transport water and mineral salts from
roots to leaves such that they can use the water?
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c) How is the process stated in b) (i) above useful in animals?
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Item 2
Mr. Dolobondo bought land which was being used by the person from whom he
bought the land. Mr. Dolobondo decided to plant maize crops for his family but he
observed the following features on leaves in his plantation after planting such as
stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, Poor root and fruit development and
premature death of plant parts.
TASK
(i) Which mineral elements do you think were deficient in the soil?
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(ii) Which advises can you give to Mr. Dolobondo about deficient elements?
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Item 3
During breathing, the following processes occur in the body so as air can enter
man. The volume of the chest increases. Air reach in oxygen enters through the
nose and travels to the lungs. Intercostal muscles of the rib cage contract.
Pressure of the chest decreases below atmospheric pressure. The rib cage moves
upwards and outwards. The above process is not in its order.
TASK
As a biology learner;
a) Organize the above process in its normal flow for breathing to occur.
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b) Explain why breathing is very important to animals.
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SECTION B
Part I
Answer one item from this part.
Item 4
A community in Uganda is cutting down trees in a nearby forest to create new
space for farming because food yields from the land they are currently using has
declined. A government authority has stopped them from clearing the forest. The
community members see no reason why they should be stopped.
TASK
a) What general term or phrase would be used to refer to what the community is
doing to the forest?
b) Write an essay to the community which will make them to appreciate the
government’s action and how they can stay on their current land.
Item 5
Jordan a 12 year old boy who is very active in games and sports and so like doing
physical exercises every morning. His mother back home is six months pregnant
and takes care of her 90 year old grandfather, Jordan’s father is working at
supermarket in Kampala as an attendant. The family has been having issues over
which food to prepare that will suit the needs of each family member. You have
been contracted as a nutritionist to save the situation in the family.
TASK
Design a food menu for each individual in the family and this should include the
rationale and reasons why.
Part II
Answer one item from this part.
Item 6
A farmer in Nankandulo village planted his maize in a well cleaned and properly
prepared garden at the start of the rainy season. He used good seed varieties that
had been supplied under operation wealth creation project.to his surprise after two
months, the maize plants were short, stunted and had put on very small maize cobs.
The leaves had yellow and green patches and were equally small. He had a very
low harvest and had losses that season. However, being a passionate maize grower,
the farmer has not yet given up on growing maize in the same place.
TASK
a) Explain to the farmer what could have caused the losses.
b) What advice would you give him in order to improve on his yield next season?
Item 7
Isaac a learner of your school is going for holidays after term three has ended since
the holiday seems to be long, he plans to do some vegetable growing as he did in
the previous holiday. However, he scared the season might not be right due to the
high temperatures.
TASK
a) Identify the scientific process that Isaac’s plants are likely to face and describe
how it occurs.
b) How can he reduce the effect of the process to his plants (attach reasons)
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