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CAIE IGCSE Biology 22.1 Handling Information and Problem Solving Questions

Develop information-handling skills by transferring values between formats, calculating biological rates and describing patterns with comparative data and units.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • translate figures, tables, verbal descriptions and numerical data between forms
  • calculate biological rates, percentages and derived quantities with working, units and sensible rounding
  • describe trends and identify maxima, minima or optima using comparative values and correct units
  • justify sampling or measurement choices using accuracy, feasibility and time constraints
  • explain biological patterns by linking observed results to plausible causes or mechanisms
  • use data to explain correlations or relationships and state what the evidence cannot show
  • make predictions by extending qualitative or quantitative relationships from tables and graphs
  • test a hypothesis by normalising data, comparing rates and stating a supported conclusion
  • choose a treatment, variety or crop by integrating performance and environmental data
  • explain why a treatment becomes less effective by applying scenario-specific conditions
  • make a justified decision by weighing data-backed advantages and disadvantages

Covered syllabus points

22.1.1 Locate, select, organise and present information22.1.2 Translate information between forms22.1.3 Manipulate numerical and other data22.1.4 Identify patterns, trends and conclusions22.1.5 Explain phenomena and relationships22.1.6 Make evidence-based predictions22.1.7 Solve qualitative and quantitative problems

Question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Scientists measured the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves of a sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus.

The scientists used the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to measure the rate of photosynthesis.

Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1

Question (a)

(a)

The apparatus in Fig. 3.1 maintains a constant temperature and a constant humidity.

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

The apparatus was left for 15 minutes.

Explain how the scientists would use the readings for the concentration of carbon dioxide in chambers 1 and 3 to calculate the rate of photosynthesis.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The scientists carried out another investigation using the same apparatus at different temperatures.

They measured the rate of uptake of carbon dioxide in the light and then they measured the rate of release of carbon dioxide in the dark.

The results are shown in Fig. 3.2.
rate of carbon dioxide uptake and release /μg/ \mu \mathrm{g} per hour per cm2\mathrm{cm}^{2} of leaf

Fig. 3.2

Fig. 3.2

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Use the information in Fig. 3.2 to complete Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

Table 3.1

[ 2 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 2]

Acid rain has negative effects on many ecosystems.

One group of students recorded the change in temperature as the seeds germinated in five insulated flasks, labelled A to E.

Describe the results obtained by group 1.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Penicillin is an antibiotic produced by the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum.

Fig. 5.1 shows the process used to produce penicillin.

Fig. 5.1 shows the process used to produce penicillin.

Penicillin is not needed for the growth of P. chrysogenum.

The people in charge of the penicillin production emptied the fermenter after 160 hours.

Use the information in Fig. 5.2 to suggest why they did not allow the fermentation to continue for longer.

Question 4

[Maximum number: 2]

Scientists measured the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves of a sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus.

The scientists used the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to measure the rate of photosynthesis.

Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1

The scientists carried out another investigation using the same apparatus at different temperatures.

They measured the rate of uptake of carbon dioxide in the light and then they measured the rate of release of carbon dioxide in the dark.

The results are shown in Fig. 3.2.
rate of carbon dioxide uptake and release /μg/ \mu \mathrm{g} per hour per cm2\mathrm{cm}^{2} of leaf

Fig. 3.2

Fig. 3.2

Use the information in Fig. 3.2 to complete Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

Table 3.1

Question 5

[Maximum number: 2]

Scientists measured the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves of a sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus.

The scientists used the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to measure the rate of photosynthesis.

Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1

The apparatus in Fig. 3.1 maintains a constant temperature and a constant humidity.

The apparatus was left for 15 minutes.

Explain how the scientists would use the readings for the concentration of carbon dioxide in chambers 1 and 3 to calculate the rate of photosynthesis.

Question 6

[Maximum number: 1]

Yeast is used in bread-making. It respires anaerobically, producing carbon dioxide.

A baker wants to increase the rate of carbon dioxide production in the bread-making process. The baker trialled different concentrations of glucose solution in the bread dough.
Fig. 3.1 shows the results.

Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1

Predict the rate of carbon dioxide production if the concentration of the glucose solution was 7.0 %.

cm3\mathrm{cm}^{3} per min

Question 7

[Maximum number: 3]

Fig. 4.1 is a diagram of a virus.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and destroys lymphocytes.

The number of lymphocytes in the blood of a person infected with HIV was measured over a period of 84 months.

The results are shown in Fig. 4.2.

number of lymphocytes per mm3\mathrm{mm}^{3} of blood

Fig. 4.2

Fig. 4.2

Use the information shown in Fig. 4.2 to calculate the percentage change in the number of lymphocytes from month 10 to month 60.

Give your answer to two significant figures.
.

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