BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CYPRUS

13th
CYPRUS NATIONAL
BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD

27th
INTERNATIONAL
BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2016

DURATION: 2 HOURS (11:00 13.00)
.................................................
INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTESTANTS
1. On the ANSWER SHEET:
a. Choose, by shading, the correct circle for :
(i) your examination centre,
(ii) your sex, and
(iii) your CODE NUMBER (which has been given to you)
b. Do not write anything on the answer sheet that might reveal your identity.
2. The paper consists of fifty (50) multiple choice questions.
3.

For each question there is ONLY ONE right answer which is worth one (1) mark.

4. For each wrong answer 0,25 marks (-0,25) are deducted.

5. Any question with 2 or more answers marked is considered wrong and 0,25 marks (-0,25) are deducted.
6. Each unanswered question scores zero (0) marks.
7. The answers must be marked on your ANSWER SHEET:
a. Shade with an HB pencil the circle corresponding to
your choice.
b. In case of a mistake erase carefully and shade the circle of your new choice.
c. The use of corrective fluid on the ANSWER SHEET is strictly prohibited.
d. Do not crumple the ANSWER SHEET.
.................................................

QUESTIONS 1-2 REFER TO FIGURE1.

1. Figure 1 depicts the phospholipid bilayer. What
type of bond maintains the structure of the lipid
bilayer:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Hydrogen bonds
Peptide bonds
Hydrophobic interactions
Disulfide bonds
Ester bonds

2. The part of the membrane depicted has probably

originated from a
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Plant cell as it contains saturated fatty acids

Animal cell as it contains saturated fatty acids
Plant cell as it contains unsaturated fatty acids
Animal cell as it contains unsaturated fatty acids
Paramecium

Figure 1.

QUESTIONS 3-5:
Study the figure below (figure 2) which describes a process during photosynthesis.

Figure 2
3. Which molecule of , , , , W and Q is/ are enzymes;
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Z, W, and Q
only
A only
W and Q
X, Y and Z

4. Which molecules carry out active and passive transport, respectively:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

and Q
and W
W and Q
Q and
W and

5. During photosynthesis the direct energy source for the active transport of protons is
..I., whereas the energy during the passive transport of protons is used for ..

A
Photon energy
Atp synthesis
B
synthesis
NADP+ reduction
C
Photosystem II
Photosystem I
D
Cytochrome b6f
NADP+ reduction
E
Energy from electrons
ADP phosphorylation
6. We investigated the photosynthetic ability of three aquatic species, at various
wavelengths. Photosynthesis was measured as number of bubbles of gas in 30
seconds. All other environmental factors remained constant and identical between
experiments. The results are depicted in the graph (Figure 3). From this we can

Gas bubbles per 30 seconds

Elodea
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Potamogeton
Utricularia

Light wavelength -Colour

Figure3

Red light

Yellow light

Green light

Blue light

conclude that:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Each plant photosynthesizes better at a different wavelength.

All plants photosynthesize best in the red spectrum
Plants carry out respiration at a faster rate in red and blue spectrum
Plants produce sugars at a faster rate in the blue spectrum
The water in which they live allows better light transmission of wavelengths in the red
and blue spectrum

Questions 7 - 8:
During an experiment the relative starch production per unit of surface area was
estimated at conditions of full spectrum radiation, during the span of 48 consecutive
hours. The results are depicted in the graph below. (figure 4)

7. Why do we observe less starch at 6 am of Day 2 compared to 6 pm of Day 1;

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

During the night starch is converted to protein

During the night starch is removed from the leaves through transpiration
Starch is transported to the roots, as they have high energy needs and do not carry out
photosynthesis.
Starch is converted to simple sugars, necessary for the energy needs of the plant
Starch is converted to cellulose, the primary structural polysaccharide in plants.

8. If we plotted the graph for the plants respiration rate, for the same period of time at
the same conditions, what would this graph look like;
A.
B.

C.
D.
E.

Same as photosynthesis, since external conditions, like temperature are the same, and
respiration is not influenced by light.
Same as photosynthesis, since the products of photosynthesis are reactants for
respiration. So where photosynthesis is maximal, the products will be at maximum as
well providing more reactants for cellular respiration.
Rate of respiration will be reduced whenever photosynthetic rate is increased
Rate of respiration will remain constant, but higher compared to rate of photosynthesis.
Rate of respiration will remain constant, but lower compared to rate of photosynthesis.

9. Parietal cells of the stomach release hydrochloric acid (HCl) to aid in digestion. Why
are parietal cells themselves not digested by HCl?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The H+ and Cl- ions are released separately, and only form HCl once they are in the
lumen of the stomach.
Parietal cells contain inhibitory enzymes that inactivate the HCl, preventing proteolysis.
Mucous secreted by cells in the gastric pit prevents the HCl from accessing the parietal
cells.
HCl has to be activated by pepsinogen, which is released by chief (peptic) cells.
Bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) ions inside of the parietal cells neutralize the HCl.

10. The hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose is exergonic. However, if you
dissolve sucrose in water and keep the solution overnight at room temperature, there
is no detectable conversion to glucose and fructose. Why?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The change in free energy of the reaction is positive.

The change in free energy of the reaction is negative.
The activation energy of the reaction is high.
This is a condensation reaction, which is thermodynamically unfavourable.
The free energy of the products is higher than the free energy of the reactant.

11. You are studying the transport of a charged molecule (called chasenate) by three
different types of cells. You want to determine which cell type uses active transport to
take up the molecule. Each cell type is placed in media containing a high
concentration of chasenate. The
ratio of concentration of
chasenate inside of the cell to
concentration of chasenate
outside of the cell is measured
over time and the results are
shown in the graph in figure 5.
Which cell type(s) are most likely
to be using active transport to
take up chasenate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Cell type 1
Cell type 2
Cell type 3.
Cell types 1 and 2
Cell types 2 and 3

12. The acetylcholine receptor nAChR is a transmembrane protein which is also a

combined cation channel with medium specificity. The receptor is activated chen
acetylcholine binds the receptor. The result of Acetylcholine binding is the opening of
the channel component and the transport of a+ and + through it. Which of the
following statements is/are correct?
I. Na+ will exit the cell
II. + will exit the cell
III. The channel would have low specificity if it were permeable to more ions other
than Na+ and K+.
IV. The internal ion pore in the channel should be lined with hydrophilic aminoacids.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

& only
, & only
& V only
, & V only
only

13. Why should the stomach use a combinantion of Cl as well as pepsin to break down
proteins?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

HCl destroys tertiary and quaternary protein structure, whereas pepsin destroys primary
protein structure
HCl destroys tertiary protein structure, whereas pepsin destroys primary and quaternary
protein structure
HCl destroys the quaternary protein structure, whereas pepsin destroys primary and
tertiary protein structure
Pepsin destroys tertiary and quaternary protein structure whereas HCl hydrolyses
primary protein structure
Pepsin destroys tertiary protein structure whereas HCl hydrolyses primary and
quaternary protein structure

14. Sunflower chromosomes were isolated and their DNA was analysed for nitrogenous
bases. It was found that chromosome 2, has high Adenine content (40%). How much
would you expect the Guanidine content to be in chromosome 2?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

10%
20%
30%
40 %
50%

15. An experiment was carried out to

study the dependence of ATP
production on the concentration of
H+ ions in mitochondria.
The mitochondrial portion of cell
lysates was isolated and incubated
in an acidic solution (pH6) for 2
hours (figure 6). This incubation
resulted in immediate production of
ATP. Which of the following
statements is/are correct?
I.

The solution should definitely

Figure 6
contain glucose
II. There should definitely be ADP
and Pi in the matrix
III. The external mitochondrial membrane should allow the entrance of H+.
IV. The internal mitochondrial membrane should be passively permeable to H+.
V. Prior to the incubation, the mitochondrial matrix should have pH higher than pH6
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

& only
I & V only
I, II & IV only
II, , V & V only
I, II, , V & V.

16. Figure 7, depicts the enzyme

Ribonuclease. The spheres with
Latin characters correspond to
aminoacids. For example,
tryptophan, -asparagne, Ccysteine. Which chemical
element can be detected in a
molecule of ribonucleic acid
which can NOT be detected in
ribonuclease?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Oxygen
Hydrogen
Carbon
Phosphorus
Sulphur
Figure 7

17. In the depiction of Ribonucease in Figure 7, one can detect,

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Primary and secondary structure

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary structure
Only primary and tertiary structure
Tertiary structure only
Tertiary and quaternary structure

18. Ribonuclease catalyses the

hydrolysis of the polymer named
MOLECULE A, as seen in figure 8.
Which of the following statement is
true about this depiction?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Molecule A is DNA , as one can

infer looking at the pentose sugars
The polymer in the reactants should
have been composed of two chains.
Bases and ought to be
complimentary.
Water does not take part in this
reaction
The phosphate group in Molecule
C is expected to have been at its
3 end

19. Ribonuclease will only function if bases and are pyrimidines. Which enzyme
property is inferred by this statement?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

reversibility
specificity
enzyme does not change the products of a reaction
the enzyme reduces the activation energy of a reaction
the enzyme itself is not used up during the catalytic process.

20. Rubisco catalyzes the first reaction of the Calvin cycle during which carbon is fixed.
Which row represents correctly substances that can bind the active site if rubisco.
Ribulose biphosphate
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

oxygen

phosphoglycerate

H2O

21. If photosynthesizing green algae are provided with CO2 synthesized with heavy
oxygen (18O), later analysis will show that all but one of the following compounds
produced by the algae contain the 18O label. That one is
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Phosphoglycerate.
Glyceraldehyde-3 phosphade.
Glucose.
O2
Riboulose biphosphate.

& only
I &V only
IV, V & VI only
I & V only
I, II, I & V only

22. Which of the following compounds are produced during the light dependent reactions
of photosynthesis and used during the Calvin Cycle (light independent reactions);
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

CO2 & glucose

H2O & O2
ADP, Pi & NADP+
electrons & H+
ATP & NADPH

23. Which of the following DNA molecules (-) would require the highest temperature in
order to separate from its complimentary strand, (only one of the two complimentary
chains is stated.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

TGAGATCATG
ATATATATAG
AGCTCTTGTA
CACCGGTCAA
ATCGAGTCTA

24. The dependence

temperature, at pH 7
in figure 9. How
included in order
depicted
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

of an enzyme on
is depicted in the graph
many reactions were
to obtain the results

One reaction
Two reactions, one without an enzyme.
Seven reactions
Eight reactions, one at pH 6.
Eight reactions, one at 0oC.
9

25. We compared various biological washing powder brands (containing enzymes)

regarding their ability to remove stains from organic molecules. All powders
contained the same enzymes, in the same concentration. We used each powder on
the same type and amount of stain, on the same type of fabric, to wash at the same
temperature. However, Brand Z, it worked a lot better than all others. Which of the
following statements may explain the reason?
I. The contents in powder Z regulate the pH at optimal value
II. The enzyme granules in powder dissolved better
III. The enzymes in the powders that did not work as well, had denatured during the
wash
IV. The enzymes in the powders that did not work as well, were used up during the
wash before they completed their action
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

& only
only
& only
V only
& IV only.

26. Urea is an organic compound which has the capacity to disrupt hydrogen bonds. If
we add urea at an enzyme catalyzed reaction, the reduction in reaction rate is best
explained by which of the following statements?
A.
A.
B.
B.
C.

Urea causes deformation of the active center of the enzyme causing the substrate not to
fit well in the active site. This increases the activation energy.
Urea increases the elasticity of the active site causing the substrate to fit perfectly. This
increases the activation energy.
Urea decreases the elasticity of the active site causing the substrate to fit perfectly. This
increases the activation energy.
Urea causes deformation of the active center of the enzyme causing the substrate not to
fit well in the active site. This decreases the activation energy.
Urea causes deformation of the active center of the enzyme causing the substrate to fit
perfectly in the active site. This decreases the activation energy.

27. Which of the following procedures would most possibly be most effective reversing
the effects of Urea (in question 26) and thus bringing the reaction rate back to its
original value?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Gradual removal of urea through a semipermeable membrane, permeable to urea.

Increase of substrate concentration
Addition of more enzymes to the enzyme reaction which contains urea.
Doubling the volume of the reaction with the addition of water.
Heating the reaction to 37 C

10

28. Our first line of defense against ingested microorganisms, through the mouth, is the
enzyme lysozyme which is found in saliva and other secretions. The lysozyme
producing cells, release the enzyme in the local environment via :
A.
B.
C.
D.
D.

diffusion
facilitated diffusion
pinocytosis
exocytosis
active transport through pumps.

29. Thin slices of beetroot and celery were incubated in the same sucrose solution for the
same amount of time. This incubation resulted in 20% of the celery cells to be
plasmolysed. In contrast, none of the beetroot cells were affected. Which of the
following statements best explains this observation;
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Sucrose solution is hypertonic compared to the beetroot cell cytoplasm

Sucrose solution is hypotonic compared to the celery cell cytoplasm
The beetroot cell cytoplasm is hypotonic compared to the celery cell cytoplasm
The celery cell cytoplasm is hypotonic compared to the beetroot cell cytoplasm
None of the statements -D explains the observation.

30. Figure 10 displays the

effect of substance ,
tested at various
concentrations (0, 10, 20,
30 mM), on the activity
of a specific enzyme (axis), plotted against
increasing substrate
concentrations (-axis).
This substance is most
probably acting as :
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

An activator
A prosthetic group
A reversible inhibitor
An irreversible inhibitor
A coenzyme

11

Questions 31-33: The next series of questions refer to

figure 11, are continuous and all refer to aminoacid
digestion and metabolism:
31. Proteins are digested in I with the help of
enzymes produced in II..
I
II
2
2
A
2&6
2&6
B
6
4&6
C
2&6
2&3
D
2&6
2&3&6
E
32. Bile is produced in I.. Stored in II.. and secreted in
II
A

I
pancreas

II
duodenum

III
stomach

Gall bladder

liver

duodenum

Gall bladder

duodenum

pancreas

Gall bladder

pancreas

duodenum

liver

Gall bladder

duodenum

Figure 11

33. Secretion of sodium bicarbonate is activated by the hormone whereas the

secretion of pancreatic proenzymes is activated by the hormone .
I
II
A.

Gastrin

Secretin

B.

Enteropeptidase

Cholecystokinin

C.

Secretin

Cholecystokinin

D.

Cholecystokinin

Enteropeptidase

E.

Secretin

Gastrin

12

Questions 34-36.
If glucose supply in the cell runs low then the cell will use fatty acids for cellular
respiration. Each fatty acid will first have to be converted to molecules of Acetyl-CoA.
Fatty acid X amounts to a total of 8 molecules of Acetyl-Co A. The following diagram
seen in figure 12 summarizes the metabolic pathways for the breakdown of fatty acid X
and glucose. The number of molecules is not seen in the figure.

Figure 12
34. According to the diagram and your knowledge of cellular respiration which
conclusions can you draw?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Most ATP molecules are produced during the Krebs cycle

Pyruvate (pyruvic acid) is converted to Acetyl-CoA in anaerobic conditions
No ATP is produced from the breakdown of Glucose in anaerobic conditions
In aerobic conditions, a molecule of fatty acid X, produces more molecules of ATP than
one molecule of glucose.
Oxygen is not necessary for the complete breakdown of fatty acid X.

35. Following protein breakdown during digestion, and the absorption of aminoacids by
the cells in the lumen, amino acids are metabolized before the enter systemic
circulation. The first important reaction involves the removal of nitrogen (N), so that
only the carbon skeleton is left.
I.

Amino acids are absorbed via active transport as their concentration in the
digestive chyle is lower than in the cells of the lumen.
II. Amino acids that have been absorbed head straight for the liver through the portal
vein.
III. Amino acids enter the lymph, where deamination takes place (the removal of
nitrogen) and then via the portal vein enter the liver.
IV. The ammonia produced by deamination is converted to urea in the liver
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

I, II
I, II & IV
IV only
II & IV
I & III.

13

36. For example some amino acids are deaminated (the amino group is removed),
converted to the five-carbon molecule - ketoglutarate and thereby enter the Krebs
cycle. How many molecules of are produced by the Krebs cycle alone if one
molecule of -ketoglutarate enters the cycle?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

1
9
10
11
12

37. Ammonia, urea and uric acid are nitrogenous waste products deriving from protein
and nucleic acid break down. These waste products must be removed from any
organism which produces them. Ammonia is highly toxic, but also highly soluble in
water. Urea on the other hand, although much less soluble is also less toxic than
ammonia. Lastly, uric acid is the least toxic substance of the three, but displays very
low solubility in water. The nitrogenous waste products excreted by a frog and a
tadpole respectively will be
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Ammonia in the frog, and Urea in the tadpole.

Urea in the frog and ammonia in the tadpole.
Urea both in the frog and the tadpole.
Urea in the frog and Uric acid in the tadpole
Ammonia in both the frog and the tadpole

38. High amounts and/or prolonged taking of antibiotics can destroy the gastric
symbiotic bacterial flora. This can adversely affect::
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Absorption of protein
Blood clotting
Re-absorption of calcium from the bones
Control of breathing.
Re absorption of water

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

I & II
II & III
III& V
II & V
II, IV & V

14

39. The relative molecular mass of the amino acid glycine is 75. The relative molecular
mass of the dipeptide glycine-glycine is :
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

approximately 132
approximately 168
equal to 150
equal to 75
none of the above

40. The largest surface area to volume ratio is noted in :

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The vacuoles
The lysosomes
The plasma membrane
chloroplasts
the nucleus

41. Which of the following enzymes catalyzes reactions which do not produced amino
acid monomers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

All the following enzymes

aminopeptidase
dipeptides
caboxypeptidase
enteropeptidase

42. Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning the KREBS cycle;
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Completes carbohydrate oxidation during aerobic respiration

Produces NADH for the respiratory chain
Produces
releases CO2 from organic molecules
incorporates organic molecules derived from other oxidation pathways, including
oxidation of proteins and fatty acids

15

Questions 43-44
The Coldwater Goldfish have a high tolerance to anoxia. They survive both in normal
oxygen levels (+O2) as well as under the icy lakes where oxygen is low (-O2). They can
degrade carbohydrates to lactate and further reduce lactate to ethanol, according to the
equation (CH3CHOHCOOH) (CH3CH2OH) + COO- . In a study running for 12 hours with
two groups of goldfish, data on these processes were gathered (Table).
Concentration of lactate and ethanol in fish tissue, and compared with levels in the water
of the aquarium, measured in terms of fish mass (kg) (from Shoubridge & Hochachka
1980).
Fish tissue
Fish tissue
Water in aquarium Water in aquarium
Lactate mmol/kg Ethanol mmol/kg Lactate mmol/kg
Ethanol mmol/kg
Control:
0.18
0.00
0.00
0.00
+ O2
Treatment:
5.81
4.58
0.00
6.63
- O2
43. Which combination of statements is correct?
I.
II.

Goldfish produce more ethanol than lactate

Goldfish accumulate half the amount of lactate compared to the amount of
ethanol they produce
III. Goldfish have zero tolerance to ethanol
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

&
&
&
, , &

44. Which combination of statements is correct?

I.

Goldfish reduce lactate to ethanol as a means/mechanism of avoiding acidosis in

their blood
II. Conversion of carbohydrates to lactate amounts to a gain of 2 .
III. Conversion of lactate to ethanol requires NADP+.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

&
&
&
, , &
only

16

45. Plants have different photosynthetic systems. Most plants have the C3 system, but
others, especially grasses, have a C4 system. The two systems show different
photosynthetic rate, when CO2 and ambient temperature vary (Figure 13).
Photosynthetic rate (A) and expected dominance (B) of C3 and C4 plants as a
function of ambient CO2 level and temperature (from Ehleringer et al. 1997).

I.

C4-plants are become more dominant compared to C3-plants as we move toward

the poles
II. C3-plants are more efficient in removing CO2 from the air, in regions where CO2 in
the atmosphere is high, compared to the C4-plants
III. At current levels of CO2 , its concentration is the rate limiting factor for both C3
and C4 plant growth
IV. The predicted increase in CO2 that causes global warming in Earth's atmosphere,
can be an advantageous for the dominance of C4-plants over the C3-plants
V. In Cyprus, in august when temperatures are close to 35 C, the growth of grass
(C4) is most favorable over other plants (C3 plants).
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

I&V
II & III
V
III & V
I & II.

17

Questions 46 - 48
During
the
Krebs
cycle,
succinate
is
converted
to
fumarate, and this reaction
(depicted in figure 14) is
catalyzed
by
the
enzyme
succinate
dehydrogenase.
Malonate
is
a
synthetic
compound
very
structurally
similar to succinate, as well as
fumarate,
and
can
bind
temporarily to the enzyme active
site, via weak electrostatic
interactions.
46. In the presence of a small amount of malonate, the reaction:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Is inhibited until most of the malate is used up

Is inhibited completely and can not restart
Is inhibited until enough succinate accumulates, and that resumes the reaction
Is accelerated as malonate functions as a coenzyme for succinate dehydrogenase
Is accelerated for a short while until malonate is consumed completely.

47. During the reaction both 2H+ as well as 2e- are released. The enzyme Succinate
dehydrogenase requires a mechanism whereby these are not release in the cell. This
mechanism is most probably the participation of :
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

NADH acting as a coenzyme

NADPH acting as a prosthetic group
NADP+ acting as a coenzyme
NAD+ acting as a prosthetic group
FAD acting as a coenzyme.

48. In the presence of excess malonate compared to succinate, and given that the
reaction has unlimited oxalate, we expect to observe an immediate reduction of
. per glucose molecule.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

24 molecules of
18 molecules of
12 molecules of
10 molecules of
4 molecules of .

18

Questions 49 -50

Figure 15, depicts in a graph

the results obtain during an
experiment carried out to
investigate several factors
affecting growth of the
duckweed plant.

49. How many plants will

there be by day 10, in
distilled water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

3
6
9
12
15.

50. Which of the four (4)

tested conditions favours
the fastest growth rate of duckweed population?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The -- fertiliser
Distilled water
Pond water
Excess nitrates
Growth rate is the same at all four conditions .

..

BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CYPRUS

19

13th
CYPRUS NATIONAL
BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD

27th
INTERNATIONAL
BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD

SUNDAY78 FEBRUARY 2016

20