SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS Part A 15 marks

Attempt Questions 115

Allow about 30 minutes for this part

Use the multiple choice answer sheet

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval
completely.

Sample: 2+4= (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9

A B C D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the new
answer.

A B C D

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then
indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct and drawing an arrow as follows.
correct

A B C D
1 What is homeostasis?

(A) A biological catalyst controls the rate of chemical reactions

(B) The process of maintaining a constant internal environment
(C) The maintenance of metabolic and physiological functions
(D) The detection of changes from the stable state by an organism

2 Which two scientists developed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

(A) Darwin and Wallace

(B) Watson and Crick
(C) Beadle and Tatum
(D) Koch and Pasteur

3 Which of the following is least likely to assist in the maintenance of health?

(A) Mitosis
(B) Cell differentiation
(C) Genes
(D) Mutation

4 What is the name of the blood vessel shown in the diagram below?

(A) Capillary
(B) Artery
(C) Vein
(D) Valve
5 Haemophilia is a blood disorder controlled by a recessive sex-linked gene. An unaffected
daughter, whose father had haemophilia, married an unaffected male. What is the
probability that the daughter born from this marriage has haemophilia?

(A) 0%
(B) 25%
(C) 50%
(D) 75%

6 What type of pathogen is the one in the picture below?

2900 m

(A) Bacteria
(B) Fungi
(C) Macro-parasite
(D) Protozoan

7 Which of the following statements is usually true for an ectothermic animal?

(A) It cannot generate heat by metabolic activity

(B) It will depend mainly on behaviour and structure for temperature maintenance
(C) Its core temperature will be constant over a range of ambient temperatures
(D) Its food intake will be higher than that of an endotherm

8 Which of the following involves an organism containing a foreign gene, often from
another species?

(A) Artificial pollination

(B) Artificial insemination
(C) Cloning
(D) Transgenic species
9 What is an antigen?

(A) An organism that causes a disease

(B) A chemical used to kill pathogens
(C) A cell responsible for the immune response
(D) A molecule that triggers the immune response

10 The following diagram shows the labelled structure of a mammalian kidney.

Renal Medulla Renal vein

Ureter
Cortex

Renal artery

Which part is responsible for the transport of waste to the bladder for excretion?

(A) Renal Medulla

(B) Ureter
(C) Cortex
(D) Renal vein

11 Which of the following tables correctly shows the urine concentration of mammals,
marine fish and freshwater fish?

(A) Mammals Marine fish Freshwater fish

Urine concentration High High Low

(B) Mammals Marine fish Freshwater fish

Urine concentration High Low Low

(C) Mammals Marine fish Freshwater fish

Urine concentration Low High High

(D) Mammals Marine fish Freshwater fish

Urine concentration Low Low High
12 The diagram below shows a simplified model of a DNA molecule.

What are the parts labelled 1, 2 and 3 respectively?

(A) Nucleotide base; phosphate group; sugar molecule

(B) Sugar molecule; phosphate group; nucleotide base
(C) Phosphate group; sugar molecule; nucleotide base
(D) Sugar molecule; nucleotide base; phosphate group

13 A student performed the following experiment.

X - Rays

Agar plate containing fungi sample Exposed fungi to X-Rays

Tested for Vitamin B1 Positive

Agar plate containing exposed fungi Incubated fungi for a week

Tested for Vitamin B1 Negative

Which pair of scientists conducted a similar experiment to the one the student conducted?

(A) Darwin and Wallace

(B) Sutton and Boveri
(C) Beadle and Tatum
(D) Watson and Crick
14 Which of the following generally increases the chances of infection by a pathogen?

(A) Organ transplants

(B) Epidemiology
(C) Antibiotics
(D) Vaccinations

15 Elephantiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic nematode (roundworm). Adult worms

invade lymphatic tissue throughout the body causing swelling of the limbs. The diagram
below shows the life cycle of the nematode.

What is the most effective method of control for this disease?

(A) Frequent doses of antibiotics

(B) Draining of swamps where mosquitos breed
(C) Amputation of the infected parts
(D) Isolation of infected people from the public
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS Part B 85 marks
Attempt Questions 1636
Allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes for this part

Answer the questions in the spaces provided

Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations

Question 16 (4 marks) Marks

(a) Describe the two stages of homeostasis. 2

1) Detecting changes from the stable state In this stage a receptor of some kind
detects a change in a specific variable from the desired level of the variable. The
information that there has been an undesirable change is then transmitted to the next
part of the control system

2) Counteracting change An effector receives the message that the undesirable

change must be counteracted and the variable restored to its desired level. This is
called negative feedback

(b) Outline the role of the nervous system in homeostasis. 2

For the first stage of homeostasis, the receptors of the nervous system detect a
change in the internal environment caused by an external stimulus. This induces
a nervous impulse which moves from the receptors to the hypothalamus which
interprets the changes

After interpretation, it sends a nervous impulse to an effector which leads to an

appropriate response in an attempt to counteract the change (the second stage of
homeostasis). This continuous process makes the nervous system an essential
mechanism for homeostasis
Question 17 (3 marks) Marks
During your Biology course, you gathered, processed and analysed information from
secondary sources to develop a model of a feedback mechanism. In the space below, draw a 3
flowchart that models a feedback mechanism.

Air conditioner

Thermometer Temperature

Thermostat

Thermometer Temperature

Heater

Question 18 (3 marks)

When mammals breathe they consume oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide into
the air. Explain why this process is essential for survival. 3

Oxygen from the air is a major reactant in respiration. Respiration in cells produce
the energy needed to support the cells enzyme and metabolic activity and hence has
a crucial role in maintaining the mammals survival. It is thus essential that there are
enough reactants supplied through oxygen consumption in the air in order to provide
enough energy for cells to keep the mammal alive

Carbon dioxide is a major product in respiration. Since water is prevalent within the
internal structure of the mammal, any carbon dioxide present will dissolve in water
forming carbonic acid, thus lowering the pH of the system. If carbon dioxide is not
removed, then the accumulation of carbonic acid will change the optimal conditions of the
system, thus affecting enzyme activity to a point where it they may be unable to support
bodily processes that are essential for maintaining life. This is why removal of carbon
dioxide by releasing it into the air is essential for survival as it minimises changes in
optimal enzyme activity needed to support life
Question 19 (6 marks) Marks
In cases where there is a large volume of blood lost from a patient, there is usually the need
for a blood transfusion from an appropriate donor, often in the form of extracted products.

(a) Identify one product extracted from donated blood. 1

Red blood cells

(b) Assess the probability that patients who require extract transfusions will receive them. 2

Since there are many restrictions imposed on the type of person who is
allowed to give blood to minimise transplant infection as well as the low
number of eligible people who choose to donate blood, the supply of blood
extracts is fairly low

Therefore, due to the limited supply of donated blood, the probability that
patients will receive extract transfusions when they require them, is fairly low,
particularly if the demand is high such as in situations of crisis

(c) Artificial blood is currently being researched as an alternative to donated blood. 3

Discuss the implications of this research on society.

Research into artificial blood involves synthesising chemicals which can act as
substitutes to the actual extracts of blood. Should this research be successful then
artificial blood can act as an alternative to donated blood. This may have massive
implications on society

There are currently restrictions on the type of person who can donate blood for
safety reasons. Artificial blood can overcome this obstacle easily, given that is
stored appropriately. This means that unlike donated blood, it is not exposed to a
lot of risky inputs such as drugs or pathogens that may cause infection. Thus
artificial blood can act as an effective alternative to donated blood

Also, artificial blood can potentially solve the problem of low donor numbers
since it can be mass produced with the synthesis of certain chemicals available.
Hence patients who require extract transfusions will have a higher probability of
actually receiving them through artificial blood. This shows that artificial blood
can potentially be an effective alternative to donated blood

Since there are many advantages of the use of artificial blood over donated blood,
successful research into artificial blood will have massive positive implications
on society as more lives can be saved if the research is successful
Question 20 (3 marks) Marks
Explain why active transport is essential in the removal of nitrogenous wastes in organisms 3

Diffusion and osmosis (passive transport) are inadequate in removing dissolved

nitrogenous wastes in some organisms as they are too slow for the normal
functioning of the body and do not select for useful solutes in osmoregulation

Therefore, active transport is required in order for reabsorption processes to

occur when nitrogenous wastes are removed via the nephron. The reabsorption of
salts, glucose and amino acids can only occur against a concentration gradient
hence active transport is essential otherwise the process is extremely inefficient

Furthermore, since active transport requires energy expenditure, it acts much

faster than the random processes in passive transport, so as nitrogenous wastes
accumulate in the blood, they can be removed quickly, thus minimising any
changes to internal conditions. This shows that active transport is essential for the
removal of nitrogenous wastes

The following diagram shows one method of renal dialysis.

In the table below, compare the process of renal dialysis and the functions of the kidney 2

Renal dialysis Kidney

Removes waste only when patient is Removes waste continuously

hooked up to the machine

Passive transport used Active and passive transport used

Question 22 (7 marks) Marks
Blood is the river of life.
7
Discuss this statement.

The statement is true as blood is an essential medium of transport of essential

biochemical substances, just like a river is an essential medium of transport of
water to inland, in order to maintain life particularly of multicellular organisms

Blood is an essential medium for transport of substances to cells which require

them in order to perform bodily functions which maintain the organisms life. For
example, oxygen gas is an essential molecule in sustaining life because it a
primary reactant of the life maintaining process of respiration. In order to
transport oxygen to the cells for the respiration, blood is required. In particular,
the haemoglobin component of blood binds to oxygen thus allowing oxygen
transport to cells with maximum efficiency. Without haemoglobin, input oxygen
cannot travel efficiently to cells, as oxygen gas is not a good solute in water

Blood is also an essential medium for the removal of wastes. For example carbon
dioxide is a waste product of cell respiration and must be removed. If it is left to
accumulate in the body system, it will dissolve in water, forming carbonic acid
which results in lowered pH. This leads to the distortion of internal conditions
and may decrease enzyme activity and consequently lower metabolic efficiency
in bodily processes. Therefore, the waste must be removed. Blood is an effective
medium which allows this removal. Cells can release their waste products into
blood, which is then removed either as nitrogenous wastes through the urinary
system or carbon dioxide through the respiratory system

Furthermore, blood is an essential medium for white blood cells in the immune
response. If an organism is infected by pathogens (or antigens), blood becomes
an efficient medium in transporting lymphocytes to the region of the pathogens
such that they can be chemically destroyed to minimise disease. Without blood,
the efficiency and effectiveness of the immune response cannot occur and the
organism is at a very high risk of getting infected and killed. Therefore blood is
essential in minimising disease for an organism

Blood is an effective medium of transport (like a river transports water) whether

it involves inputs or outputs of chemical reactions by cells. It is also effective in
initiating the immune response should a pathogen enter the body. All these
processes are absolutely essential in sustaining life so blood plays a very
important role in keeping organisms alive. Thus blood is indeed the river of life
Question 23 (3 marks) Marks
In your Biology course, you analysed information from secondary sources to prepare a case
study to show how an environmental change can lead to changes in a species.
3
In reference to your case study explain how it showed how environment can alter a species

The introduction of the cane toad in Australia led to the alteration of the red bellied
black snakes head size over time. If a snake consumes a cane toads, toxins are
released by the cane toad that can kill the snake

However snakes with a larger ratio of body length to head size seemed to be least
affected by the presence of the cane toad. Snakes with smaller heads were limited to
consuming smaller and younger cane toads whose toxins are not as lethal compared
to those found in more developed and larger adult cane toads

This meant that the snakes with smaller heads were naturally selected to be desirable
to such environmental changes and hence had a higher success rate of reproduction
than those with larger heads. This meant that the species of the red bellied black
snake eventually changed with smaller heads due to the introduction of the cane toad

Question 24 (3 marks)

Co-dominance is seen in the coat colour of the shorthorn cattle. These animals have an allele
for red fur and an allele white fur. As neither is dominant, cattle with both heterozygous
alleles have a mixture of red and white fur known as roan.

Draw a Punnett square to represent the co-dominance with a cross between two different 3
homozygous parents.

R R
KEY:

W RW RW RR Red shorthorn cattle

WW White shorthorn cattle

W RW RW
RW Roan shorthorn cattle

R Allele for red coat colour

W Allele for white coat colour

1
Question 25 (4 marks) Marks
A particular disease is hereditary and is not sex-linked.
The pedigree below represents a family in which some members have the disease.

Explain why it may be difficult to determine whether the disease is dominant or recessive.
4
Case 1 - Assume the disease allele was dominant (let this be R)
The phenotype for individual 1 must be rr and for affected individual 2 it must be
heterozygous Rr such that their offspring can either have at least one dominant allele R
or both recessive alleles rr
Individual 3 must have phenotype rr hence the offspring produced with the second child
of the 1st generation parents must be homozygous recessive (rr), which is true according
to the pedigree (rr with rr gives any offspring rr)
The phenotype of the first child from the 1st generation parents is rr and his partner has at
least one dominant allele R, which allows for the possibility of offspring with one
dominant allele and hence be affected by the disease

Case 2 Assume the disease allele was recessive (let this be r)

The phenotype for individual 1 must be Rr and for affected individual 2 it must be rr.
Note that their phenotypes have virtually swapped from case 1, so the same type of
offspring are produced according to the pedigree such that individual 4 will have
phenotype rr exhibiting the disease
Individual 3 and her partner both have at least one dominant allele R so there exists the
possibility of offspring having at least one dominant allele hence unaffected
The phenotype of the first child from the 1st generation parents is Rr and for his partner it
is rr. Since both have at least one recessive allele then there exists the possibility that
their offspring could have both recessive alleles and are hence affected

Given that either case holds true for the pedigree, it is difficult to conclusively determine
whether the allele for the disease is dominant or recessive without extra information

Note that we do not take into account the ratios of affected and unaffected offspring
because the probability of a certain phenotype when producing one offspring is
independent of other offspring
Question 26 (3 marks) Marks

Beadle and Tatum Sutton and Boveri

Scientists who have contributed

to the understanding of genetics

Watson and Crick Franklin and Wilkins

From the diagram above, select ONE pair of scientists and explain how they contributed to
the understanding of genetics 3

James Watson and Francis Crick suggested the double helix structure of DNA with
two phosphate-sugar strands winding around the outside nitrogenous bases with the
pairs adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine. Their structure was bases on the X-
Ray diffraction photographs of DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin. From that data,
they constructed a three dimensional model of DNA which was presented to the
scientific public and this won them the Nobel Prize in 1962

Their collaboration and communication on their scientific research impacted heavily

on the understanding of genetics as it opened a new pathway in gaining
understandings about DNA structure and its chemical behaviour in determining a
particular characteristic in an organism as well as the mechanism of evolution and
biodiversity. It also led to developments of genetic technology which allow
manipulation of the DNA molecule

Question 27 (3 marks)

Explain a modern example of natural selection.

3
Prior to the 19th century, the white form of the peppered moth was predominant
because it was better camouflaged on the white lichen that grew on trees. The black
form stood out and was vulnerable to predation and thus had lower survival rates

The industrialisation of Britain led to large amounts of soot to be deposited on the

landscape thus reducing the amount of white lichen on trees. This allowed the black
peppered moth to be camouflaged on the lichen in the gradually changing conditions
while the white peppered moth was soon able to be seen and stood out for predation.
The black moths were selected to have a desirable characteristic over white moths in
terms of camouflage hence black moths had higher survival rates than white moths

This allowed the black moths to reproduce and pass on their desirable characteristics
to their offspring whereas the decline in white moths decreased their levels of
reproduction. This led to the current predominance of the black peppered moths
Question 28 (5 marks) Marks
There is a significant relationship between DNA and polypeptides.

(a) Draw a flow chart representing the process of polypeptide synthesis 2

Single stranded DNA

molecule

Transcription

Single stranded mRNA molecule

(thymine replaced by uracil)

Translation

tRNA anticodons

Amino acid groups

(b) Explain how mutations in DNA can lead to the generation of new alleles. 3

Mutations are the changes in the DNA sequence caused by some mutagen

When changes in the sequence of a DNA strand occur, this results in a change in the
sequence of the complementary mRNA molecule via transcription

A change in the mRNA sequence induces a different complementary tRNA anti-

codon to attach itself to it. Since the tRNA codon determines the type of amino acid
involved, this ultimately changes the type(s) of amino acid made in the body

This causes different biochemical processes and reactions to occur, and hence may
affect the type of alleles that are a determinant in an organisms phenotype

Therefore, due to the close relationship between DNA and alleles via the polypeptide
synthesis process, any mutations in DNA can lead to the generation of new alleles
Question 29 (7 marks) Marks
With reference to examples, evaluate the impact of current reproductive technologies on the
path of evolution. 7

Evolution is a gradual process that involves a change of trait(s) in a species over

time that allows it to survive and thrive in the given environment it is in. This is
initiated by natural selection where a mutation in an organisms genes leads to
generation of allele(s) that are advantageous over others in survival. This allows
it to more successfully spread that allele over others in reproduction hence over
time there will be an increased prevalence of organisms containing that allele

Current reproductive technologies such as the production of transgenic organisms

and clones have the potential to significantly impact on the path of evolution
because the rate of natural selection is altered

Cloning is the process of creating an exact copy of an organism. A donor egg has
its nucleus replaced by a nucleus from a cell of the organism to be cloned. An
electrical stimulus is used to fuse the nucleus with the egg cell and to stimulate
cell division. When it reaches embryo stages, it is introduced into a surrogate
mother where it continues development. When born, it is genetically identical to
the animal that donated the nucleus

Cloning will heavily alter the evolution path of a species because there will exist
both major selective pressures of humans and of the environment, whereas
without cloning, it would only be the environment. Cloning is controlled by
humans and there are characteristics in the clone that are desired by humans
which permit the clones survival. Producing an exact copy of an organism limits
genetic diversity within a species thus decreasing the chances of having an
advantageous mutation to initiate natural selection. Therefore, natural selection
rate is decreased as human selective pressures work against the progress of
selective pressures of the environment and this significantly alters the species
future evolution path as reproduction continues to later generations

Transgenic organisms contain a gene from another species. Enzymes act on

removing a gene from a species and inserting this gene into a reproductive cell of
a different species. When reproduction is successful, an organism with a trait of
another species results

Transgenic organisms are produced in a similar manner as normal mutations on

an organism since both processes involve alterations of a gene. Therefore, it can
be said that genetic diversity is increased hence natural selection is accelerated.
However, like cloning, it is human-controlled hence both environmental and
human selective pressures will exist. As human selective pressures work against
the progress of environmental selective pressures, then the rate of natural
selection may in fact decrease as other variations are not favoured for survival.
Either way, the change in the rate of natural selection will significantly alter the
evolution path as reproduction leads to the inheritance of these genes over time
Question 30 (3 marks) Marks
During your Biology course, you performed a first-hand investigation to identify microbes in
food or in water. Describe the procedure that you used for this investigation. 3

Four agar plates were prepared. Precautions were taken by cleaning the bench with
ethanol and having Bunsen Burners sterilising the air as well as wearing gloves to
prevent other micro-organisms from disrupting the experiment with inaccuracies

One agar plate was left closed and sealed with tape, which was the control. Another
plate was opened and exposed to the air for about one minute and then sealed with
tape. One other plate was opened at 45 degrees and was given a sample of water
from an organic environment before being sealed with tape. The other plate was
opened at 45 degrees and smeared with yoghurt before being sealed with tape

The plates were left in an incubator for a week and observations were made on the
plates in reference to a textbook to identify microbes seen on the plate

Question 31 (4 marks)

Malaria is a disease that has affected many throughout history. Outline the historical
development in understanding the cause and prevention of malaria. 4

Development in understanding the cause of malaria

Louis Pasteur developed germ theory which led to the understanding that diseases
could be caused by micro-organisms. This allowed scientists to pinpoint the cause of
malaria to a micro-organism

Robert Koch developed the postulates required to determine whether a particular

organism causes a particular disease. This led to the understanding of how malaria
was caused because it allowed Charles Laveran to identify the Plasmodium
protozoan as the pathogen causing malaria

Development in understanding the prevention of malaria

Ronald Ross demonstrated the role of the female Anopheles mosquito as the vector
for carrying the disease. This explained why people living near swamps were most
likely to be infected because of the prevalence of mosquito breeding grounds

Once the source of malaria was established, a preventative measure was developed.
Swamps were drained to minimise mosquito breeding grounds. Paul Hermann Muller
discovered the insecticidal properties of DDT and this allowed the control of
mosquito populations hence minimising the spread of malaria
Question 32 (2 marks) Marks

Inflammation Phagocytosis

Body defence mechanisms

Cell death to seal off

Lymph system
pathogen

From the diagram above, choose ONE defence mechanism and describe how it functions in
preventing pathogen infection. 2

Inflammation involves chemical signals initiating substances such as histamine to be

released by cells. This allows for an increase of blood circulation triggers dilation &
increased permeability of capillaries causing redness and increased heat production

This allows white blood cells to leave the blood vessels and move into the damaged
tissue to attack the pathogen that has entered the system. Also, the heat aids in killing
the pathogen or limiting its spread by attempting to denature its enzymes. This helps
prevent the pathogen from infecting the host

Question 33 (4 marks)

Explain how B cells and T cells contribute to the human bodys immune response. 4

The human bodys immune response involves the interaction between B and T
lymphocytes each of which attempt to eliminate the pathogen from the body

Each B cell has a unique receptor protein which binds to a particular antigen. When a
pathogen enters the bloodstream its antigen may bind to a particular receptor of a
certain B cell. Phagocytosis occurs which attract T helper cells to stimulate this B cell
via interleukins to divide rapidly into several plasma cells. The plasma cells produce
antibodies which react with antigens of pathogen hence depleting the pathogen

Killer T cells recognise the antigen from the B cell, then track down and bind with an
infected cell and insert a toxin called perforin which ruptures the pathogen membrane.
As the immune response concludes, Suppressor T cells prevent the production of more
plasma cells and antibodies to maintain the balance of the immune system

Memory B and T cells are also produced in the immune response. These remain in the
body after immune response and reactivate quickly if the same antigen infects the
body again. This ensures a quicker secondary immune response
Question 34 (4 marks) Marks
In your Biology course you have been required to gather and analyse information on a non-
infectious disease.

Fill in the table below for ONE non-infectious disease.

4
Name of the disease Cystic Fibrosis

Feature Description

Mutations in a gene called the cystic fibrosis trans-

membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which is
Cause responsible for chloride ion transportation in creating sweat,
digestive juices and mucus

Pancreas/Lungs produce viscous mucus, difficulty breathing,

Symptoms lung infections, lethargy, difficulty in absorption of nutrients

Treatment or Daily chest physiotherapy and aerosol breathing treatments,

Management aerobic exercises, lung transplants and surgical removal of
the mucus
Question 35 (5 marks) Marks
The information in the table below shows the incidence of melanoma of the skin in NSW for
the period 1993 2002.

Incidence rate of melanoma per 100,000 population

Year Males Females
1993 54 36
1994 51 34
1995 53 32
1996 53 34
1997 57 37
1998 54 35
1999 56 35
2000 54 35
2001 58 37
2002 61 36

a) Construct the most appropriate graph for the information in the table on the grid
provided below. 4
Incidence rate of melanoma in NSW 1993 - 2002

70

60 Key:

50
Males

40
Females
30

20

10

0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
b) Clarify why it may be difficult to extrapolate information about the possible
1
incidence of melanoma in the year 2007 from the graph you have drawn.

There are too many fluctuations of increases and decreases and no obvious trend, so
it is therefore difficult to predict the possible incidence of melanoma in future years
such as 2007 according to the graph
Question 36 (7 marks) Marks
Prevention is better than cure

Discuss this statement. 7

The statement is true as prevention of a disease has proved to be far more effective
than the cure for the same disease

Whilst the development for cures for diseases was successful in the past, they are no
longer as successful in modern society

For example, antibiotics were extremely successful when they were developed for
the world wars as they directly depleted the cell membrane of bacteria that caused
the disease. This served as an extremely beneficial means of helping wounded and
infected soldiers in war recover. However, due to the extensive use of antibiotics,
natural selection allowed bacteria to develop mutations that led them to being
unaffected by antibiotics. When these bacteria reproduced, their anti-biotic resistant
genes became abundant as those without the gene were eventually killed by
antibiotics. This led to the rise of resistant strains in which antibiotics were no longer
effective against. It is clear that the common antibiotic did not prove to be successful
in the long term. Thus, a cure for a disease is not very effective in helping to
remove pathogens from causing disease

On the other hand, preventions such as vaccines and public health programs have
proved to be far more successful, particularly for non-infectious diseases which have
few known cures. It is also more economically efficient because there is not as much
extensive research involved in preventing diseases compared to finding cures

Public health programs are aimed to educate people about risk factors and promote
awareness of diseases. For example the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign was aimed at
making people aware of the risk factors which can lead to skin cancer. It was
effective as it promoted simple preventative measures, such as putting on sunscreen
and a hat, from an otherwise incurable disease and it does not require billions of
dollars of research in hope of finding a cure to eradicate the cancer

One of the most successful forms of prevention is vaccinations. Vaccinations involve

inserting a weak form of a pathogen/antigen into the bloodstream, to promote a small
scale immune response. This leads to the production of memory T and B cells which
reactivate quickly if the same antigen infects the body again. This ensures a quicker
immune response when the actual pathogen attempts to infect the body. Vaccinations
have been extremely successful as they have effectively controlled the incidences of
polio and diphtheria and even eradicated the small pox disease. Therefore it is clear
that preventative measures are extremely effective in controlling diseases

The above evidence clearly shows that prevention has proved far more successful
than a cure, thus it is undoubtedly true that prevention is better than cure
End of paper
Multiple Choice Answer Sheet

1. A B C D
2. A B C D
3. A B C D
4. A B C D
5. A B C D
6. A B C D
7. A B C D
8. A B C D
9. A B C D
10. A B C D
11. A B C D
12. A B C D
13. A B C D
14. A B C D
15. A B C D