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CAIE A-Level Biology AS And a Level Mathematical Requirements Questions

Practise CAIE Biology calculations from unit conversions and image measurements to ratios, percentages, graph interpretation and rates of change.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Biology 9700
Level
AS

Exam points

  • Convert biological units and prefixes, expressing very large or small quantities in standard form.
  • Use geometric formulae and biological image measurements to estimate the surface area of cell structures.
  • Calculate means, ratios and percentage changes in biological data, showing working and required precision.
  • Describe patterns in biological graphs by comparing trends across groups or time points.
  • Calculate rates from graph gradients or timed measurements and report units per interval.

Covered syllabus points

M.1—Prefixes, units, symbols and standard formM.2—Calculator use, estimations and significant figuresM.3—Magnification, actual size and geometryM.4—Averages, ratios, percentages and experimental errorM.5—Graphs, data transformation and rates of change

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A potometer was used to measure the transpiration rate of a leafy shoot.
What could be the correct units?

A

cm min

B

cm2 min−1\mathrm{cm}^{2} \mathrm{~min}^{-1}

C

cm3 g−1min⁡\mathrm{cm}^{3} \mathrm{~g}^{-1} \min

D

cm3 min−1\mathrm{cm}^{3} \mathrm{~min}^{-1}

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

In mammals, the small intestine is the main site of absorption of the products of digestion.
Fig. 2.1 is a transmission electron micrograph of a longitudinal section (L.S.) of part of an epithelial cell from the small intestine of a mammal.

Fig. 2.2 is a transmission electron micrograph of a horizontal section made at the position indicated by the two arrows in Fig. 2.1.

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.2

Fig. 2.2

A scientist measured the length and the diameter of some of the microvilli shown in Fig. 2.1 to estimate the total surface area of microvilli on the surface of the epithelial cell.

The scientist assumed that each microvillus was cylindrical in shape.
Suggest one other measurement needed to estimate the total surface area of the microvilli of the epithelial cell.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

The number of substrate molecules one enzyme molecule can convert to product in a second is called the turnover number. This number is obtained when all conditions are optimum for the specific enzyme-catalysed reaction.

Table for Question 3 — CAIE A-Level Biology AS

How many times faster at converting substrate to product is catalase compared to phosphatase?

A

29

B

288

C

2884

D

28836

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