IBO1998 Papers

All IBO examination questions are published under the following Creative Commons license:
CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) -
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
The exam papers can be used freely for educational purposes as long as IBO is credited and
new creations are licensed under identical terms. No commercial use is allowed.
Eckhard Klieme
Eckhard R. Lucius
Erwin Zabel (Eds.)
Report of the
9th International Biology Olympiad
ipn
ipnmaterialien
Theoretical Test Part A
Horst Binding, Christian Gliesche, Ludger Kappen, Eckhard Klieme,

Ralf Kittler, Sievert Lorenzen, Eckhard R. Lucius, Erhard Lipkow,
Karl Meissner, Hansjrg Rudolph, Jrgen Soll, Helmut Uhlarz, Erwin Zabel
4 The Tasks of the 9th International Biology Olympiad

5.1 Theoretical Tests
5.2.1 Theoretical Test - Part A
01-10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B C(2) B A(2) B A(2) D D B A
11-20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
C D C(2) A A D A B(2) D(2) C
21-30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
D B(2) D D C B D D D C
31-40 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
A A B B(2) D A C A C(2) B
41-50 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
B(2) D C(2) C D D C(2) C E B
51-60 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
B D C B(2) C(2) D(2) D D E D
61-70 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
E D B D(2) B(2) C B C B B
71-80 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
D(2) C C A(2) A C B C E(2) C
Tab. 11: Answer codes of the following tasks, part A of the theoretical test
The following part A tasks were skipped: 2, 5, 11, 29, 33, 39, 43, 49, 48.
84
th
Report of the 9 IBO 1998 in Kiel
CELL BIOLOGY
A 1: How do polypeptides find their way from the place of synthesis

(1 pt)at cytoplasmic ribosomes to the place of their destination in
the mitochondria?
A: by specific transport along the cytoskeleton
B: by specific amino-terminal targeting signals
C: by specific carboxy-terminal targeting signals
D: it is not necessary because the synthesis takes place on the surface of
the organelles
E: mitochondria synthesize all proteins inside the organelle
A 2: What is mRNA editing? (2 pts)

A: removal of a coding base triplet from the mRNA
B: alteration of the coding sequence during transcription
C: change of a single base in the mRNA
D: addition of a poly-adenylat-tail to the mRNA
E: reverse transcription from mRNA to DNA
A 3: How does the number of mitochondria and plastids

(1 pt)increase in a cell?
A: only by de novo synthesis C: by de novo synthesis and division

B: only by division D: by inheritance
E: by fusion of membrane vesicles
A 4: How is the distribution of light to the photosystem I (PS I) and

(2 pts) the photosystem II (PS II) adjusted to different conditions of light?
A: by changes in the size of antenna, in the orientation of the chloroplasts
or in the thickness of leaves
B: by reversible removal of polypeptides of the reactive centre, and un
packing of grana thylakoids
C: by separation of chlorophyll from PS I and PS II
D: by inhibiting the electron flow from PS I to PS II
E: by uncoupling the ATP synthesis
85
A 5: Which process initiates the proteolytic degradation of proteins?

(1 pt)
A: glycosylation C: prenylation
B: ubiquitination D: phosphorylation E: ADP ribosylation
A 6: How do you experimentally differentiate between integral and

(2 pts) peripheral membrane proteins?
A: Only peripheral proteins (but not integral) can be removed from the
membrane by 1 M NaCl solution.
B: Only integral membrane proteins can be removed from the membrane
by 0.1 M NaOH.
C: Only integral membrane proteins can be removed from the membrane
by 1 M NaCl.
D: Only peripheral (but not integral) membrane proteins can be solubilized
in detergent.
E: Only peripheral (but not integral) membrane proteins can be affected
by proteases.
A 7: How are the fibre types forming the cytoskeleton called?

(1 pt)
A: tubuline, lignin, kinesin
B: microtubules, myosin, microfilaments
C: keratin, myosin, kinesin
D: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules
E: actin, myosin, intermediate filaments
A 8: Animal and plant cells possess channels directly connecting
(1 pt)the cytoplasm of one cell to the cytoplasm of another cell. How
are these structures called?
A: plasmodesmata, desmosomes
B: plasmodesmata, Ca2+-ATPase
C: porin, gap junction
D: gap junction, plasmodesmata
86
th
A 9: What is the endosymbiosis hypothesis related to?

(1 pt)I. to bacteria living in the epithelium of gizzard
II. to plastids III. to mitochondriaI IV. to ribosomes
A: I
B: only II and III D: only III and IV
C: only III E: II, III and IV
A 10: The semipermeability of which of the water-permeable

(1 pt)membranes would be sufficient for the process of plasmolysis?
I. plasmalemma
II. tonoplast
III. each biomembrane enclosing a compartment
IV. the middle lamella
A: only I C: I and II
B: only II D: only III E: III and IV
A 11: Which process are microtubules not involved in?

(1 pt)
A: cytomorphogenesis C: mitotic prophase
B: meiotic anaphase I D: transport of Golgi vesicles
E: cytoplasmic circulation
A 12: A B-lymphocyte (a cell type of the immune system) produces

(1 pt)and secretes antibodies. Which structures of its protoplast
should therefore be very well developed?
A: only the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B: only the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus
(dictyosomes)
C: only the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the lysosomes
D: only the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus
E: the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus and the ly-
sosomes
87
A 13: Which of the following reactions can occur in the mitochondria?

(2 pts)
I. NADP reduction V. Calvin
II. synthesis of fatty acids VI. citric acid cycle
III. endoxidation VII.oxidative catabolism of fatty acids
IV. gene expression VIII. nitrit reduction
A: I, III, VI, VII
B: II, III, IV, VII
C: III, IV, VI, VII
D: IV, VI, VII, VIII
E: I, III, V, VIII
A 14: Which of the following are found in the cell wall of flowering
(1 pt) plants?
I. apoplast IV intermicellar space VII lignin
II. mircofilament V keratin VIII cutin
III. microfibre VI chitin IX suberin
A: I,III,VII,IX,
B: II,V,VII,VIII,
C: III,IV,V,VIII
D: II,VI,IX
E: I,III,V,VI
A 15: What is a prion?

(1 pt)
A: a protein
B: infectious RNA without genes for a protein envelope
C: the DNA sequence which serves as a template for primer RNA
D: an early eukaryote free of mitochondria
E: a multienzyme complex for the biosynthesis of fatty acids
88
th
A 16: Which statements concerning the growth factors cytokins and

(1 pt)cytokinins are correct?
I. The plant cytokinins are peptides.
II. The plant cytokins are peptides.
III. The plant cytokinins are purine derivatives.
IV. The plant cytokins are purine derivatives.
V. The animal cytokinins are peptides.
VI. The animal cytokins are peptides.
VII. The animal cytokinins are purine derivatives.
VIII. The animal cytokins are purine derivatives.
A: I and VII
B: II and VIII
C: II and V
D: III and VI
E: IV and VI
A 17: Which classes of lipids have non-polar side chains and polar
(1 pt)head groups?
A: phospholipids
B: triglycerides
C: cholesterol
D: waxes
E: glycerol
89
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF PLANTS
A 18: The figure below shows the cross-section of a plant or organ.

(2 pts) Distinguish which of the given morphological, anatomical,
systematical and ecological terms are in accordance with the
cross-section. Select a combination of possibilities.
I. stem axis
II. root
III. leaf stalk
IV. dicotyledon
V. monocotyledon
VI. swamp or water plant
VII. terrestrial plant
A: I, IV, VI C: II, V, VI
B: II, V, VII D: II, IV, VII
E: III, IV, VII
A 19: In the following three plant species(I to III) are listed. Among 1 to 7
(2 pts) anatomical and physiological characteristics are mentioned as well.
I. Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae) 1. water storage tissue of cells with
large vacuoles and chloroplasts
II. Zea mays (corn, Poaceae) 2. chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells
with reduced grana.
III Triticum aestivum (wheat, Poaceae) 3. C3-plant
4. C4-plant
5. CAM-plant
6. subepidermal sclerenchyma in the
7. stomata predominantly open at night
Decide which of the following assignments are correct.

A: I: 1, 3, 6 II: 1, 5, 7 III: 2, 4, 6
B: I: 2, 4, 6 II: 3, 6 III: 1, 3, 6
C: I: 2, 4, 6 II: 2, 3, 6 III: 3, 6
90
th
D: I: 1, 5, 7 II: 2, 4, 6 III: 3, 6
E: I: 1, 5, 7 II: 3, 6 III: 2, 4, 6
A 20: A C3-plant and a C4-plant are kept together under an airtigthly

(1 pt)sealed glass bell under light. How does the CO2-concentration
change under this glass bell?
A: The CO2-concentration does not change.
B: The CO2-concentration decreases to the CO2-compensation point of
the C3-plant.
C: The CO2-concentration decreases to the CO2-compensation point of
the C4-plant
D: The CO2-concentration increases.
E: The CO2-concentration drops below the value of the CO2-
compensation point of the C4-plant.
A 21: The protoplast has detached from the cell wall after plasmoly-
(1 pt)sis. What can mainly be found between the cell wall and the
protoplast?
A: air
B: vacuum
C: water
D: hypertonic solution
E: cell sap
A 22: What happens if you put a turgescent cell into its own cell sap
(2 pts) (i.e. a solution with the same water potential as the osmotic
potential of the cell)?
A: There is no change.
B: The cell loses water until its water potential is equal to the water
potential of the surrounding solution.
C: Water is released until incipient plasmolysis occurs.
D: Plasmolysis occurs.
E: The cell bursts.
91
A 23: By examining the dependence of photosynthesis on photon

(1 pt) supply you get so-called light curves (curves I to V).
Legend: 1: typical sun plant; 2: typical shade-loving plant;
: respiration in darkness; : light compensation point
respirat. photosynthesis
light intensity light intensity

light intensity light intensity

light intensity
Which of the preceding curves including the inscription is correct?
A: I B: II C: III D: IV E: V
92
th
A 24: The figure shows - be-

(1 pt)sides evaporation the
daily curves for the
process of transpiration
of a plant underlying
deterioration of water
supply. Which of the
curves expresses the
daily course of the
transpiration in the
cuticule?
A: curve A
B: curve B
C: curve C
D: curve D Sunrise Sunset
A 25: If a respiratory quotient > 1 is measured in an experiment, that

(1 pt)means:
A: In the measured respiration process carbohydrates are used as sub-
strates.
B: In the measured respiration process fats are used as substrates.
C: In the measured respiration process organic acids are used as sub-
strates.
D: In the measured respiration process proteins are used as substrates.
93
A 26: The following figure shows a germ which was grown in hy-
dro-
(1 pt) ponics in a glass vessel and which was exposed to light only
from the right-hand side. The growth curvatures you can ob-
serve in the stem axis are called:
A: photonasty
B: phototropism
C: phototaxis
D: photomorphosis
E: photoperiodism
A 27: Germs were grown in closed chambers (I-IV) with different

(1 pt)nitrogen oxide NOx-concentrations in the air. The following figure
demonstrates the average length of the germs depending on
time. The nitrogen oxide concentration (kept constant) is given in
ppm together with the corresponding chamber number.
A: The lower the NOx-
concentration the V 0 ppm NOx
Lnge der Keime (cm)
2,0
larger the germs IV 0,5 ppm NOx
1,8
can grow on aver-
1,6
age within 8 days.
1,4
B: In an atmosphere
free of NOx germs 1,2
grow faster from 1,0
day 5 to 8 than in 0,8
the first four days. 0,6
C: For achieving an 0,4

III 5 ppm NOx
average germ 0,2 II 500 ppm NOx
length of 1.5 cm I 5000 ppm NOx
0,0
half of the time that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tage
would be needed
94
th
without NOx is sufficient in a concentration of 0.5 ppm NOx.

D: At a concentration of 5000 ppm there is nearly no germ growth, but
1/10 of this concentration promotes growth during the fourth day.
E: After 4 days in chambers with air containing at least 0.5 ppm NOx, no
germ growth can be found any more.
A 28: Which function does the glyoxylate cycle have during

(1 pt) germination?
A: reduction of fatty acids
B: synthesis of ATP
C: decarboxylation of glyoxylate from photorespiration
D: linking the -oxidation to gluconeogenesis
E: synthesis of glycine by transamination
A 29: Which three sensory systems regulate light-depending develop-

(1 pt)ment and differentiation of angiosperms?
I. phytochrome
II. cryptochrome
III. protochlorohyllid
IV. chlorophy
V. anthocyan
A: I, III and V
B: I, II and IV
C: II, III and V
D: I, II and III
E: II, IV and V
95
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ANIMALS AND MEN
A 30: The eyes of squids are highly efficient, those of snails are poorly
(1 pt) efficient. Consider whether efficiency of organs may be coupled
with the intensity of their metabolism. If squids were provided
with poorly efficient eyes and snails with highly efficient eyes
whereas the further body organisation remained unchanged in
both cases, this would be:
A: a disadvantage to squids and an advantage to snails

B: an advantage to squids and a disadvantage to snails
C: a disadvantage to both squids and snails
D: an advantage to both squids and snails
A 31: A medusa metabolizes most energy at the rim of its umbrella.

(1 pt) Energy is extracted from small particles which can be phagocy
tizedon their whole way through the tubes of the gastrovascular
system. How do the small particles have to be transported
through the gastrovascular system of the moon jelly (see figure
below) in order to provide the rim of its umbrella with a maximum
amount of food?
gonad gastric filaments

A: through tubes marked by A towards the rim of the umbrella
B: through tubes marked by B towards the rim of the umbrella
C: through tubes marked by C towards the rim of the umbrella
D: no preference of particular tubes
96
th
A 32: In a smooth muscle, the length difference between its relaxed and
(1 pt) its maximally contracted state is
A: larger than in a striated muscle
B: smaller than in a striated muscle
C: as large as in a striated muscle
D: null, because smooth muscles cannot contract themselves but, rather,
prevent tissues from becoming stretched.
A 33: Let striated skeletal muscles be replaced by smooth ones, and,

(1 pt) reversely smooth muscles of the intestinal wall by striated ones.
The effect would be:
A: Both locomotion and intestinal peristaltic would be improved.
B: Both locomotion and intestinal peristaltic would be impaired.
C: Both locomotion and intestinal peristaltic would be as before.
D: Locomotion would be impaired, but intestinal peristaltic would be im-
proved.
E: Locomotion would be improved, but intestinal peristaltic would be im-
paired.
A 34: Many species of Rotatoria (rotifers; up to 3 mm length) in

(2 pts) freshwater have a reproductive cycle called heterogony: Repro-
duction occurs temporarily only in females and temporarily
in males and females. If this is an advantage to these species of
Rotatoria, which of the following statements is correct?
A: Several generations of females and males are followed by one with
only females.
B: Several generations of only females are followed by one with females
and males.
C: Every generation of only females is followed by one with females and
males, and vice versa.
D: Several generations of only females are followed by several with fe-
males and males, and vice versa.
97
A 35: Stamina training leads to many effects in man. Which of the

(1 pt) following effects does not apply to stamina training?
A: enlargement of the heart
B: increase of the number of capillaries in muscles
C: increase of the number of mitochondria within muscle cells
D: increased pulse rate during rest
E: increase of the lung volume
A 36: Manual work increases the CO2 concentration in the blood. What
(1 pt) is the result of this?
I. The affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen decreases.
II. Elimination of CO2 through the lungs decreases.
III. Loss of mineral salts through the air breathed out increases.
IV: The brain suffers from oxygen deficiency.
V: The body warms up.
A: only I B: only IV C: I, V D: II, III E: II, IV
A 37: What short-term effects may occur in the human cardiovascular

(1 pt) system at a sudden transition from lying to standing?
I. The pulse rate is increased.
II. The total peripheral resistance is increased.
III. More blood flows through the kidneys.
IV. More blood flows through the upper and lower limbs.
V. The blood pressure is decreased.
A: I, III, IV
B: III, IV, V
C: I, II, V
D: only II, III
E: only IV, V
98
th
A 38: If a fish species from fresh water developed into a marine fish
(1 pt) species, which problems of osmoregulation would have to be
solved?
I Excess of salts would have to be excreted.
II. Water would have to be reabsorbed from the initial ultrafiltrate of
kidneys.
III. The salt concentration of the blood would have to be adjusted to
that of the sea.
IV. Drinking of sea water would have to be avoided.
V. Permeability of the skin would have to be reduced.
A: only I, II C: all answers
B: only II, IV D: only V E: only II, IV
A 39: In an everse eye (the opposite of inverse), the light-sensitive

(2 pts) region of retinal cells is directed towards the incoming light. The
figure below taken from a text book illustrates how an everse
median eye of a spider could have developed by invagination.
Why should this suggested eye structure be considered incor-
rect?
Legend:
1: lens
2: vitreous body
3: retinal cell, the sensory area
is opposite to nucleus
4: optic nerve
A: In the development of eyes, invagination never plays a role.

B: The figure really shows an inverse eye.
C: Generally, sensory cells perceive the stimulus distally and conduct the
impulses proximally.
D: Generally, sensory cells perceive the stimulus proximally and conduct
the impulses distally.
E: The cells of the vitreous body and the cells of the retina are mixed up.
99
A 40: Bones are dynamic rather than static structures. How may this be
(1 pt) realized?
A: Those who sit crookedly will soon get a crooked back.
B: In case of being bedridden, the internal structure of bones adapts to
the altered stress.
C: Bones do not break as readily as static structures of equal strength.
D: A tooth crown freshly implanted, which initially does not fit well, can
do so after a couple of weeks without intervention of the dentist.
A 41: If a man of 70 kg weight ingests 40 g alcohol, the alcohol level in

(2 pts) his blood will raise one part per thousand. About 1 g alcohol is
eliminated per hour and 10 kg body weight. The man of 70 kg
body weight has been involved in a traffic accident and has run
away. A blood sample has been taken from him after 2 hours. It
contained 0.5 parts per thousand of alcohol. Assuming he did not
ingest any alcohol after the accident - how much alcohol did his
blood contain at the time of the accident?
A: 1.10 parts per thousand

B: 0.95 parts per thousand
C: 0.80 parts per thousand
D: 0.65 parts per thousand
E: 0.55 parts per thousand
100
th
ETHOLOGY
A 42: The mobbing reaction of house swallows (Hirundo rustica).(1 pt)
House swallows mostly breed in colonies. They live on flying insects. Preda-
tors spotted during flights for prey or near the nest are noisily attacked in nose-
dives. This mobbing reaction communicates itself to the other swallows and
supports the defence against enemies. The table shows the ethological status
of the swallows and their share in the mobbing reaction and in the population,
respectively.
birds status share in the population share in the mobbing reac-
in per cent tion in per cent
adult animals, not mated 6 2
adult animals, before breeding 9 11
adult animals, breeding 14 10
adult animals with young animals 51 77
young animals 20 0
total 100 100
Which of the following hypothesis have to be assumed to be correct ac-
cording to the results?
I: The mobbing reaction is an intra-specific signal.
II: The mobbing reaction is an element of self-defence.
III: The mobbing reaction is an element of choice of mates.
IV: The mobbing reaction is a kind of maternal care.
V: The mobbing reaction is a form of commensalism.
VI The mobbing reaction is an altruistic mode of behaviour.
A: IV, V, VI B: III, IV, V C: II, IV, VI D: I, IV, VI
101
A 43: The rank of macaques (Macaca sylvanus).

(2 pts)
Macaques are related to rhesus macaques; they live in Morocco and Algeria.
Adult males, females and their young animals form groups in which ranks are
set up by superorder or suborder.
The table below shows the frequencies of aggression within a group of nine
females (A to I):
being attacked
A B C D E F G H I total
A - 16 6 6 16 - 4 5 53
B - - 4 14 10 - 2 1 2 33
C - - - 7 8 1 2 - 5 23
D - - - - 18 2 - 1 8 29
attacking
E - - - - - 7 5 10 11 33
F - - - - - - 2 14 8 24
G - - - - - - - 10 - 10
H - - - - - - - - 6 6
I - - - - - - 13 - - 13
0 16 10 27 52 10 28 36 45 224
Read the matrix and choose which one of the females is the lowest in the rank or-
der.
How do you call the individual loosing conflicts within the group?
I. female A II female I III. female E
IV. female F V. female H VI. female G
VII. omega animal VIII. alpha animal IX. subdominant
Which of the following combinations is the correct one?
A: I, III, IV D: IV, VI, IX

B: II, V, VII E: V, VII, IX
C: III, VII, IX
102
th
GENETICS/EVOLUTION
A 44: Which of the following statements on introns is correct?

(1 pt)
A: They are non-transcribed sequences (spacers) between two genes.
B: They are transcribed spacers between two genes.
C: They are located between the coding regions of a gene.
D: They are located between the coding regions of a mature mRNA.
E: They are non-coding regions of a polycistronic mRNA.
A 45: Which statements on sex chromosomes (gonosomes) are cor

(1 pt)rect?
I. They are always heterochromatic.
II. They may occur in a euchromatic or heterochromatic form.
III. They occur in human beings and in all animals.
IV. They occur in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
V. They occur in some mosses.
VI. They occur in some flowering plants.
VII. Their homozygosis always leads to female sex.
A: I, II, III C: I, IV, VI

B: I, III, V D: II, V, VI E: II, V, VII
A 46: The protoplast fusion in dicotyledons is well suited for the

(1 pt)following objectives A-D. What can also be achieved by cross
hybridization?
A: combination of the genetic material of different plant families
B: studies on the fate of plastids during the development from cells with
mixed plastide populations
C: studies on the fate of mitochondria during the development from cells
with mixed mitrochondria populations
D: transfer of resistance genes from wild species into cultivated species
103
A 47: Did Gregor Mendel know some of the phenomena (I- VII )? Under
(2 pts) which capital letter do you only find such phenomena?
I. decrease of the degree of homozygous-recessives in the gen
eration sequence
II. extrakaryotic inheritance
III. break of coupling
IV. polyploidy
V. hybrid character of the endosperm (albumens)
VI. cleistogamy in pea
VII. homogeneity of the F1 of homozygous parents differing in two
pairs of alleles
A: I, II C: V, VI E: IV, VII
B: I, III D: III, VI
A 48: Which of the following statements characterizes a substitution

(1 pt)hybrid?
A: The hybrid of two auxotrophic mutants is prototrophic
B: The deficiency caused by a recessive allele is repaired by another
gene
C: A pair of chromosomes is replaced by a pair of chromosomes of an-
other species.
D: The hybrid competes one of the parents out of the population
E: The plastids of one species are displaced by those of another species
(after back-crossing).
A 49: Which process does not lead to a change in the chromosome
(1 pt)number?
A: poisoning of the nuclear spindle
B: non disjunction
C: endomitosis
D: centromere fracture
E: duplication
104
th
A 50: The bacteria strains A and B and a certain bacteriophage which is

(1 pt)infectious for both strains grow in one culture. After one day
some bacteria which are equivalent to type A have originated, but
show characteristics based on five alleles in B.
Which processes might have caused this phenomenon?
I. transformation IV. sexduction
II. transposition V. mutation
III. transduction VI. transfection
A: I, II, III C: I, V, VI E: , III, IV
B: I, III, IV D: II, IV, VI
A 51: The table sums up characteristics which are original (plesiomor-

(1 pt)phic) or deduced (apomorphic) within the group of angiosperms.
characteristics
1 vascular bundle collateral closed, herb
2 vascular bundle collateral open, woody plant
3 blossom polysymmetric, actinomorphic
4 blossom monosymmetric, zygomorphic
5 monospermous indehiscent fruit (e.g. nut)
6 polyspermous dehiscent fruit (e.g. capsula)
7 tracheal segments, long
8 tracheal segments, short
9 blossoms without nectar
10 blossoms with nectar
11 ovary superior
12 ovary inferior
Which of the following combinations shows deduced (apomorphic) characters

only?
A: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 C: 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12
B: 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12 D: 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12 E: 1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12
105
A 52: I - V lists names of plants and 1 - 5 lists some characteristics

(1 pt)referring to the reproduction of cormophytes.
I. Lycopodium (Lycopodiophyta)
II. Gingko (Pinophyta)
III. Pinus (Pinophyta)
IV. Cycas (Pinophyta vel Cycadophyta)
V. Magnolia (Magnoliophyta)
1. aggregations of sprophylls (strobili) or blossoms unisexual
2. aggregations of sprophylls (strobili) or blossoms bisexual
3. aggregations of sprophylls (strobili) or blossoms sexually
not differentiated
4. fertilization by spermatozoids
5. fertilization by immobile sperms
Which assignments are correct?
A: I: 1, 4 II: 3, 4 III: 3, 4 IV: 1, 5 V: 3, 4

B: I: 1, 5 II: 2, 5 III: 1, 4 IV: 2, 5 V: 2, 5
C: I: 3, 4 II: 1, 4 III: 1, 5 IV: 2, 5 V: 2, 5
D: I: 3, 4 II: 1, 4 III: 1, 5 IV: 1,4 V: 2, 5
A 53: Which advantage do angiosperms (with double fertilisation and

(1 pt)formation of a secondary endosperm) have in comparison to
gymnosperms (single fertilisation and formation of a primary
endosperm)?
1. The neotenic development of a female prothallium (macrogametophyte)
requires less energy.
2. The triploid endosperm of angiosperms can store more nutrients.
3. Regarding the investment of energy and reserve material, the formation of
a secondary endosperm after double fertilization is more economic.
4. Double fertilization is an additional prevention against hybridization.
5. Double fertilization accelerates the embryonic development.
A: 1, 2, 3 C: only 1, 3
B: only 2, 4 D: 2, 4, 5 E: 1, 3, 4
106
th
A 54: Lamarck and Darwin each proposed a theory on the origin of

(2 pts) species diversity. According to Lamarcks theory of species
transformation, infusories may originate and have to originate
by abiogenesis up to the present and give rise to the develop-
ment of higher organisms. A single origin of organisms is suf-
ficient for Darwins theory of natural selection. Which of the
following statements is correct?
A: Lamarck has to be considered as the author of the descent theory
which, however, was first founded by Darwin.
B: Different contemporary species may be related to each other accord-
ing to Darwins theory, but not according to Lamarcks theory.
C: Long-term evolving of species depends on improvement in perform-
ance of organisms according to Darwins theory and on increasing
success of organisms according to Lamarcks theory.
D: Lamarck considered inheritance of acquired characteristics as possi-
ble, whereas Darwin did not.
A 55: The well known evolutionary geneticist Maynard Smith stated in

(2 pts) 1989: We need some measure of the survival and reproduction of
the different genotypes. This measure is fitness. Which of the
following statements is correct?
A: While organisms are mortal, genes are potentially immortal. Therefore,
the statement cited is correct.
B: Indeed, fitness is a condition to achieve various kinds of success. Fit-
ness can only be measured by measuring the latter. Therefore, the
statement cited is correct.
C: According to the statement cited, the success of survival and repro-
duction is a measure of fitness. However, fitness is a condition to
achieve success. Therefore, the statement cited is wrong.
D: Fitness of genotypes can only be measured by the survival and repro-
ductive success of the corresponding organisms. Therefore, the
statement cited is correct.
E: The suggested measure of fitness works well. Therefore, it does not
matter whether the statement cited is right or wrong.
107
ECOLOGY
A 56: Why do some columnar cacti in their natural habitat turn their
(1 pt)longitudinal axis to the point where the sun is at its zenith in
summer-time? Evaluate the explanations I - III.
I. to attain as much light as possible
II. to heat the apically arranged reproductive organs in the
morning and in the evening
III. to minimize the increase in temperature of the columnar body
Which of this / these explanation(s) is (are) correct?
A: None of the explanations is correct.
B: Only explanation I is correct.
C: Only explanations I and II are correct.
D: Only explanation III is correct.
E: All three explanations are correct.
A 57: Which plant life form of the soil flora in a deciduous forest is
(1 pt)developing and fruiting most quickly in spring?
A: therophyts, because they have seeds that already germinate at low
temperatures
B: therophyts, because their subterranean storage organs allow a quick
start of growth
C: geophyts, because their seeds quickly germinate on the soil in spring
D: geophyts, because they can quickly form a shoot from their subterra-
nean storage organs
E: None of the explanation above is correct.
A 58: In which way does a cormophytic plant protect itself against

(1 pt)freezing ( < 10 o C)?
A: Plants develop a dense branching to prevent the loss of heat.
B: Plants protect themselves against freezing by a thick cuticle and thick
hair on the leaves.
C: Plants concentrate salts in their cells (osmotic effect).
D: Plants have to tolerate cellular dehydration as a consequence of ice-
formation.
E: Freezing is avoided by metabolic heat production.
108
th
A 59: Why do you often find cyanobacteria and red algae in places with
(1 pt)low irradiance?
I. All of them are small and are outcompeted by fast-growing
species.
II. They are strongly photosensitive.
III. They can efficiently utilise light with the help of additional an
tenna pigments
A: All three explanations are correct.
B: Only I is correct.
C: Only II is correct.
D: Only III is correct.
E: Only II and III are correct.
A 60: Why is a high-moor bog an extreme habitat?

(1 pt)
I. Because it is oligotrophic and permanently cold.
II. Because it allows extreme situations on the surface concerning
climate.
III. Because it is oligotrophic and has a low pH value.
A: I, II and III C: I and II E: Only III
B: Only I D: II and III
A 61: Which one of the desert plants I and II has to tolerate more heat in
(1 pt) a habitat with the same solar radiation and why?
I. a desert plant with large leaves and water-storing bulbs

II. a desert plant with small but succulent leaves
A: I heats up more intensively than II, because the leaves possess a

large surface.
B: I and II heat up at the same range and have to be equally heat toler-
ant.
C: II heats up more intensively, because its heat capacity is low.
D: II heats up more intensively than I, because the leaves contain a lot of
water.
E: II heats up more intensively than I, because the leaves of I transpire
more intensively.
109
A 62. Rips are an advantage to columnar cacti and globular cacti:

(1 pt)I. because they are in agreement with the concept of xerophytes
by increasing the surface.
II. because predators are irritated.
III. because they decrease the irradiation by partial shading
A: Only I C: I and II E: I, II and III
B: Only II D: Only III
A 63: The ovary needs a lot of heat energy for maturation. In cold
(1 pt)climates this may be a problem. By which means is the perianth
capable of increasing the energy input in a particularly effective
way?
A: by a bell shaped perianth preventing the nightly emission
B: by paraboloid flowers reflecting the solar radiation to the ovary
C: by dark-coloured flowers absorbing a particularly high amount of heat
D: by the symmetry of zygomorphic flowers causing an evenly warming
up of the ovary
E: by an ovary which is bigger than the perianth
A 64: R-strategists (r-selectionists) are inhabitants of fast originating

(2 pts) and vanishing habitats. They are selected for quick colonisation,
for fast and complete utilisation of these habitats and for fast
search for new favourable places. Which of the following
characteristics apply to r-strategists?
I. They have a slow development.
II. They have a relatively large number of offspring.
III. They have a short life span.
IV. Their mortality is independent of the population density.
V. Their population size is relatively constant.
A: I, II and III C: II, III and V E: I, III and V
B: I, II and IV D: II, III and IV
110
th
A 65: The ecosystems shown in the table differ in the amount of their
(2 pts) net primary production.
selected ecosystems
number ecosystem
1 tropical rain forest
2 savannah
3 subtropical sand desert
4 temperate deciduous forest
5 boreal deciduous forest
6 tundra
Name the correct order (increasing net primary production ) of the eco-
sytems shown in the table.
A: 3, 6, 2, 5, 4, 1
B: 3, 6, 5, 2, 4, 1
C: 6, 3, 5, 2, 4, 1
D: 6, 3, 2, 5, 1, 4
A 66: Which possible effects does the smoke from the vast forest fires
(1 pt) in tropical rain forest have on the plants in neighbouring areas?
I. decrease of the photosynthetic rate
II. increase in the respiration rate
III. decrease of the plant growth
IV. increase in the transpiration rate
A: I and II
B: II and III
C: I and III
D: III and IV
E: II and IV
111
A 67: The following figure shows survivorship curves. Inspect the

(1 pt) curves showing the percentage of individuals of populations of
three different species which are still alive at any particular age.
% of still living population

I. elephant
II. frog
III. rabbit
Age (relative time units)
Inspect the survivorship curves. Which of the following combinations is

correct?
A: I (2), II (3)
B: I (1), II (3)
C: II (3), III (1)
D: I (1), II (2)
E: II (2), III (3)
112
th
SYSTEMATICS
A 68: Which characteristics are typical for wind-pollinated (anemophi

(1 pt)lous) plants?
A: smooth stigma, viscous pollen and polyspermous dehiscent fruit
B: smooth stigma, non-viscous pollen and polyspermous indehiscent fruit
C: papillate stigma, non-viscous pollen and monospermous indehiscent
fruit
D: papillate stigma, viscous pollen and monospermous dehiscent fruit
E: papillate stigma, viscous pollen and polyspermous indehiscent
A 69: Where do beans (Fabacae, e.g. soybean Glycine max, syn. Soja
(1 pt)hispida) store reserve material for germination?
A: in the pericarp
B: in the cotyledons of the embryo
C: in the triploid nutritive tissue (endosperm) of the seed
D: in the diploid nutritive tissue (perisperm) of the seed
A 70: Which storage organ does not exist in monocotyledons? (1 pt)

A: onion C: tuber B: turnip D: rhizome
A 71: I - V lists plant species and 1 - 5 lists morphological and taxo-

(2 pts) nomic characteristics.
I. onion (Allium) 1. monocotyledons

II. peach (Prunus) 2. dicotyledons
III. coconut palm (Cocos) 3. stone fruit
IV. oak (Quercus) 4. capsula
V. corn (Zea) 5. nut or caryopsis
Which assignments are correct?
A: I: 1, 3 II: 1, 4 III: 1, 4 IV: 2, 4 V: 1, 5
B: I: 1, 4 II: 2, 5 III: 1, 5 IV: 2, 3 V: 1, 3
C: I: 1, 4 II: 2, 5 III: 1, 3 IV: 2, 5 V: 1, 3
D: I: 1, 4 II: 2, 3 III: 1, 3 IV: 2, 5 V: 1, 5
E: I: 1, 4 II: 2, 3 III: 1, 4 IV: 2, 5 V: 1, 3
113
A 72: In which family do symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root

(1 pt)occur?
A: Rosaceae C: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
B: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) D: Asteraceae E: Fagaceae
A 73: What is correct concerning penguins?

(1 pt)I. Penguins are an intermediate form between birds and mammals.
II. Penguins are densely covered with feathers.
III. Penguins are densely covered with hair.
IV. Penguins are densely covered with chitin fibres.
A: I, II C: only II
B: I, III D: only III E: only IV
A 74: Which of the following animal taxa only occur in the sea?
(2 pts) I. starfish and sea urchins (Stellaroidea, Echinoidea)
II. jellyfish (Cnidaria)
III. sponges (Porifera)
IV. squids (Cephalopoda)
V. higher developed crustacea (Malacostraca - Crustacea, Astacus)
A: I, IV C: only V
B: only II, III D: I, II, III E: II, IV, V
A 75: In which animals does heterogony occur like in rotifers?

(1 pt)
I. in water fleas (Cladocera - Daphnia)
II. in plant-lice (Aphidina - Homoptera)
III. in dragon flies (Odonata)
IV. in bivalves (Bivalvia - Lamellibranchiata)
V. in sea stars (Asteroida - Stellaroidea)
A: only I, II C: only V
B: only III, IV D: I, II, III E: III, IV, V
114
th
MICROBIOLOGY / BIOTECHNOLOGY
A 76: A broth culture of Escherichia coli (50 ml inoculated with 0.5 ml

o
(1 pt)of an overnight culture), grown at 37 C for 18 hours, contains:
A: cells of E. coli which all divide at the same rate
B: mostly endospores
C: cells of E. coli which are all in the stationary growth phase
D: cells of E. coli which are in all possible growth phases
A 77: Clear plaques in a bacterial lawn that do not increase in size are
(1 pt)caused by
A: the parasitic bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.
B: bacteriophages.
C: bacteria producing antibiotics.
D: bacteriocin-producing bacteria.
A 78: In a wastewater treatment plant flocks of activated sludge swim

(2 pts) on the surface of the settling tank. Which physiological process
causes this problem?
A: nitrification C: denitrification
B: sulphate reduction D: alcoholic fermentation
A 79: It is well known that heterologous DNA which is genetically stable

(2 pts) can be established in a bacterial cell. Which of the following
processes can be used to achieved this?
I. conjugation IV. general transducti
II. transformation of plasmid DNA V. special transduction
III. transformation of chromosomal DNA
A: I, III, V C: I, III, IV
B: I, II, III D: II, IV, V E: I, II, V
A 80: Which of the following organisms is used to transfer genes into

(1 pt)higher plants?
A: Escherichia coli C: Agrobacterium tumefaciens
B: Rhizobium trifolii D: Salmonella typhimurium
115
74
74
Theoretical Test Part B
5.2.2 Theoretical Test - Part B
CELL BIOLOGY
B 1: Stimulating a giant axon of a squid at the time = 0 leads to a
(1 pt) change in the membrane potential, which is measured with a
microelectrode. The results are shown in the figure below. Label
the figure using the adequate code numbers.
Code numbers:
1. resting potential
2. depolarisation
3. membrane potential (mV)
4. action potential
5. osmotic potential
6. hyperpolarisation
116
th
B 2: Match the molecules or proteins listed below with the various

(2 pts) sub-compartments of mitochondria.
1. pyruvate ehydrogenase
1, 2
6, 9 2. DNA polymerase
3. cytochrome c
4. ATP synthase
5. porin
6. aconitase
7. protein import receptor

4, 10
8. cytochrome b2
9. enzyme of -oxidation of
fatty acids
3, 8
10. succinic acid dehydro-
genase
5, 7
117
B 3: S K I P P E D .
(3 pts) Bacterial ribosomes are distinguished from ribosomes coded by
the nucleus because of their sedimentation (Svedberg-constant S)
and their composition of rRNA. Name the ribosomes and their
subunits according to the Svedberg constant and their rRNA
composition. Fill in the correct code number in the corresponding
space in the following table.
Code numbers:
1. 5S rRNA 3. 16S rRNA 5. 23S rRNA
2. 5.8S rRNA 4. 18S rRNA 6. 28S rRNA
bacterial ribosomes ribosomes coded by the nucleus
......70.......S .......80..............S
large subunit large subunit
......50.....S ........60.............S
composition of rRNA rRNA composition
....... .1......... ........ .1..............
.........5......... ..........2.............
.................... ..........1.............
small subunit small subunit
.....30...S ..........40..........S
composition of rRNA composition of rRNA
..........3......... ...........4.............
..................... ..........................
..................... ..........................
118
th
B 4: The average time of duplication of mammalian cells in cultures is

(2 pts) 24 hours. Just divided cells growing on a cover-slip were treated
with radioactively labelled (tritium) thymine for 10 minutes and
immediately fixed. Figure I shows a typical microscopic section.
Figure II shows the autoradiography with the dispersion of the
silver grains of the section in figure I using the same magnificati-
on. Calculate the average duration of the S-phase in these cells
with a maximum error of 30 minutes.
figure 1 figure 2
Average duration of S-phase: .....2,5 h..........
119
B 5: The following table shows structures of eukaryotic and prokary-

(2 pts) otic cells as well as various membranes (types of membrane).
Which cell structures possess which type of membrane (types of
membrane)? Mark the correct answer with a cross.
presence or types of membranes
cell structures no membrane monolayer double

membrane membrane
1. nucleus X
2. lysosomes X
3. mitochondria X
4. Golgi apparatus X
5. peroxisomes X
6. rough endoplasmic X
reticulum
7. chloroplasts X
8. vacuoles X
9. ribosomes X
10. centrioles X
11. nucleolus X
12. flagella of X
eukaryotes
13. flagella of X
prokaryotes
120
th
B 6: Label the marked structures of the chloroplast in the following

(2pts) figure. Use the corresponding code numbers.
Code numbers:
1. thylakoid 5. nucleoid 9. plastidome 13. pyrenoid

(collection of plastids)
2. cristae 6. nucleolus 10. granum 14. grain of starch
3. stroma 7. amyloplast 11. elaiosplast
4. nucleosome 8. lipid droplets 12. prolamella body
10 5 3 14 1 8
121
B 7: The following table shows types of plastids and their specific

(2 pts) characteristics. Match the characteristics to the types of plastids
by marking with a cross.
Types of plastids characteristics
starch forma- photosynthesis coloured contains DNA

tion
Chloroplast X X X X
Chromoplast X X
Rhodoplast X X
Proplastid X
Leuko-amyloplast X X
B 8: A cell produces and secretes a certain protein. Select from the

(1 pt) list only those structures which are involved in these processes,
to our present knowledge - and list the code numbers in the cor-
rect order of the processes.
1. peroxisome
2. free ribosome
3. Golgi apparatus
4. secretory vesicle
5. plasma membrane
6. vacuole
7. rough endoplasmic reticulum
8. lysosome
2, 7, 3, 4, 5
correct order of compartments:....................................................
122
th
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF PLANTS
B 9: The following figure shows a simplified schematic drawing of the

(2 pts) most important photochemical complexes and their localisation
in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts. Label the spots mar-
ked with with the four integral membrane protein com-
plexes.
a- photosystem I
b- photosystem II
c- cytochrome b6 / f
d- ATP synthase
Mark with arrows (using a yellow pen) the electron flow from water as the
+ -
- donator to NADP as the e terminal acceptor.
e
b c a d
stroma
intrathylakoid space
legend: FdR = Ferredoxin-NADP+-Reductase; Fd = Ferredoxin; FeS = Iron-

sulphur-centre; P700, P680 = chlorophylls of the reaction centres; PC = Plasto-
cyanin; PQ = Plastoquinone; Q = Quinon; Ph = Pheophytine; OEC = water
splitting complex .
123
B 10: Plot with a yellow pen (1) the course of gas exchange of a typical
(3 pts) CAM plant and with a pencil (2) the course of gas exchange of a
C3-plant using the figure.
The malic acid concentrations in the CAM plant vacuoles should
be plotted in blue (3).
dark period light period
Malic acid concentration

CO2 input/h
CO2 output/h
B 11: S K I P P E D .
(2 pts) COO- Amino acids can be divided in various classes
+
H3N - C - H according to the polarity of their R-groups.
Classify the following amino acids due to the
R polarity of their R-groups by arranging the fol-
lowing code numbers in the table.
1: serine (Ser) 6: glutamine (Gln)

2: alanine (Ala) 7: arginine (Arg)
3: valine (Val) 8: glutamic acid (Glu)
4: phenylalanine (Phe) 9: aspartic acid (Asp)
5: tyrosine (Tyr)
124
th
classification of amino acids according to the polarity of their R-group (at pH 7)
nonpolar (hydrophobic) R-groups 2, 3, 4

polar, but uncharged R-groups 1, 5, 6
negatively charged (acidic) R-groups 8, 9
positively charged (alkaline) R-groups 7
B 12: The figure below is a simplified scheme of the citric acid cycle.
(2 pts) Fill in the missing intermediates in the correct order by writing
down the corresponding code number in the space
provided.
1: oxaloacetate 4: isocitrate 7: 2-oxoglutarate

2: malate 5: fumarate 8: malonate
3: cis-aconitate 6: glyoxylate 9: succinate
Indicate by an arrow - like in the given example - the missing release of

CO2 as well as the three missing dehydrogenations in which the hydro-
gen is transferred to the NAD+.
Acetyl-CoA
Citrate
CO2
Succinyl-CoA
125
B 13: Compare figure A and B. Indicate in the table, which structures in

(2 pts) figure B correspond to those in figure A.
figure A figure B
1 5
2 9
3 1
4 2
5 7
6 6
7 4
figure A
figure B
126
th
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS
B 14: Within the wall of a garden hose, flexible fibres which can hardly
(2 pts) be stretched run in crosswise helices enclosing an angle of
0
= 110 . Only at this angle, the water pressure within the hose
cannot alter he length of the hose, its diameter, or its volume (see
the maximum indicated in the curve presented).
volume of a cylinder, whose
helically fibres within the
wall are of constant length
volume of a garden hose
angle enclosed by the helically running fibres of the wall
In flat- and roundworms, flexible but inelastic fibres run crosswise helically
within the body wall. The cross section of the body is flat in flatworms and cir-
cular in roundworms. The body volume is frequently changed by ingestion of
food and defecation.
Therefore, which of the following statements is correct? Mark with a

cross.
= 1100 in flatworms and = 1100 in roundworms

X = 1100 in flatworms and = 1500 in roundworms
127
B 15: Microscopically small marine annelid worms differ in various as-

(1 pt) pects from their macroscopically large relatives. Mark the correct
statement with a cross.
In the former, the relation of body surface to body volume is
smaller than in the latter.
In the former, the brain volume occupies a smaller part of the
body volume than in the latter.
A heart is often absent in the former, but always present in the
latter.
External fertilization is widespread among the former and
does not occur among the latter.
Planctic larvae are widespread among the former and do not
occur among the latter.
B 16: The main waste product of protein and purine metabolism is urea
(2 pts) in mammals and uric acid in birds. The solubility of these products
in water is different. If mammals produced uric acid and birds
urea (with an otherwise unchanged body organisation) why
would
this be disadvantageous to both? Mark the correct answer.
In both cases, the embryos would have substantial problems

with excretion.
In both cases, the adults would have substantial problems
with excretion.
The organs of mammals are unsuitable for excreting uric acid.
The organs of birds are unsuitable for excreting urea.
In the case of urea formation, birds would lack important raw
materials for feather formation.
In the case of uric acid formation, mammals would lack impor-
tant raw materials for hair formation.
128
th
B 17: Which one of the following statements related to the neuronal

(2 pts) basis of learning is correct?
Learning immediately induces the formation of specific memory

molecules.
synapses.
neurons.
Permanently, too many memory molecules are formed.
Learning improves the fitness of a few of them which survive,
while the less fit ones are decomposed.
Too many synapses are formed constantly. Learning improves
the fitness of a few of them which survive, while the less fit
ones are decomposed.
Too many neurons are formed constantly. Learning improves
the fitness of a few of them which survive, while the less fit
ones are broken down.
Selection due to differences in fitness does not occur in the
brain. Neurons are activated by learning and otherwise rest.
129
B 18: S K I P P E D .
(3 pts) Inspired by nature, the presented patterns I and II were generated
by a computer. Pattern formation takes place only at the growth
edge (at the bottom in the figures). An activator stimulates pig-
mentation (responsible for black parts of the patterns), while this
process is inhibited by an inhibitor (responsible for white parts
of the patterns). Patterns form, because the concentrations of
activator and inhibitor vary in time and space. The activator promotes
its own production by autocatalysis and, additionally, promotes
production of the inhibitor by catalysis. Both activator and inhibi-
tor can diffuse and can be broken down. The example shows, the
laws of pattern formation differ only by their rates of diffusion D
and the rate of decomposition R of activator and inhibitor.
In order of increasing size the values are (A stands for activator, I for inhibitor):
DA = 0.005 and 0.1 DI = 0.4 in both cases

RA = 0.01 and 0.06 RI = 0.003 and 0.015
start of pat-
tern formation
time
growth edge
start of pat-
tern formation
time
growth edge
Write down which values correspond to pattern I and which to pattern II.
values of pattern I: 0,005 DA = 0,005 RA = 0,01 RI = 0,015
values of pattern II: 0,1 DA = 0,1 RA = 0,06 RI = 0,003
130
th
ETHOLOGY
B 19: Sexual selection of swallows (Hirundo rustica)

(4 pts) Reproduction and parental care cause costs and yield benefits.
The right mate selection can optimize the cost-benefit-ratio (e.g.
measured by the number of eggs per nest or by the number of the
hatched and fledgling offspring). Male and female swallows differ
in their behaviour and in the length of their outer tail feathers
(see table below).
Characteristics of swallows
swallow Body weight feathers tail feather arrival from

length other than Africa
mil feathers
male 19 cm 18-26 g identical 106 mm before
to females (100%) (females)
female 19 cm 18-26 g identical 91 mm (84% after

to males of 106 mm) (males)
Courting male swallows change their flight path in the presence of a female
and show two long feathers in the spread tail fan. These feathers might indi-
cate certain features of males as a secondary sexual characteristic. If that is
correct, experiments with modified ordinary tail feather lengths should yield
various results. In the picture males are shown with ordinary and experimen-
tally modified tail feathers.
131
The next table shows the results of three groups of males (A, B, C), which had
different feather lengths.
Results of an ethological experiment
male tail feathers A: 106 mm (ordi- B: 85 mm C: 127 mm

nary) (shortened) (lengthened)
time of courting 6.8 days 12.3 days 3.4 days
offspring / season 5.0 young 3.3 young 8.4 young
aggression as B, C as A, C as A, B
(males)
against (males)
Analyse these results and answer the following questions:
(1) What is the time-saving of a pair (in %) with the duration of incubation of
14 to 16 days, if the female does not mate with male A but with male C?
........21,3.............to .......24,3....... %
(incubation of 14 to 16 days)
(2) How many offspring on average does a female have with a male C (long
tail feathers) compared to an ordinary male A (result in %)? .....68...... %
(3) According to the results, what determines the most successful reproduc-
tion of breeding pairs? Mark with a cross.
the condition and the behaviour of females in the choosing of
a mate against males (female choice)
the condition and the successful competition of males against
each other (male-male competition)
the condition and the successful competition of females
against each other (female-female competition)
the condition and the behaviour of males in the choosing of a
mate against females (male choice)
132
th
B 20: Preference of male and female body proportions in selective

(4 pts) model experiments.
In a very extensive investigation (n = 10,000 people) children, youths

and adults were each shown two outline pictures of the male and fe-
male body (models).
After the comparison each person stated their preferred model. The following
table (next page) shows the results for 4 - 20- year-olds, divided by
I. age of the experimental subject
II. sex of the experimental subject
III. sex of the preferred model
133
Selective behaviour of males and females (body outline in double selection)

age (years) choice by choice by choice by choice by
(males) (males) (females) (females)
% % % %
4 45 55 43 57
5 43 57 44 56
6 39 61 44 56
7 35 65 42 58
8 33 67 39 61
9 32 68 37 63
10 28 72 36 64
11 26 74 36 64
12 26 74 37 63
13 28 72 42 58
14 34 65 50 50
15 42 57 57 43
16 50 50 63 37
17 57 43 66 34
18 63 37 67 33
19 67 33 63 34
20 68 32 58 42
Evaluate the table and mark the correct answer with a cross.
(1) Which models do younger females prefer?

male models
female models
(2) Which models do older males prefer?
male models
female models
(3) Between which ages do females change from non-preference (< 50%) to
preference (> 50%) of male models?
at 14
at 15
at 16 p.t.o.
134
th
(4) Between which ages do males change from no-preference (< 50%) to
preference (> 50%) of female models?
at 14
at 15
at 16
(5) Which hypotheses correspond to the data?
Mark the correct statements with a cross.
Hypothesis 1: Secretion of growth hormones from the tissue
of the thyroid gland causes the orientation for mates of the
opposite sex. The hormonal effect starts at a different time in
boys and in girls.
Hypothesis 2: Sexual learning optimises the preference of
the opposite sex. The hormonal effect starts at a different time
in boys and in girls.
Hypothesis 3: The neurophysiological maturation of the pref-
erence concerning the opposite sex is promoted by the in-
creasing amount of oestrogen ( ) and testosterone ( )
during puberty. It develops at different times during maturation
in boys and girls.
B 21: Mate selection in grasshoppers (Tettigoniidae, crickets)

(2 pts) In the population of one species A males which are ready to reproduce
sing on fixed locations. The females are orientated towards the songs,
approach the males and get on them (inversion of the sexual role
com-pared to other grasshoppers). The males produce one spermato-
phore during their lifetime, and it can only be given to one female.
Nevertheless, a female can produce more than one clutch of eggs and
mate with several males in succession. Contrary to the otherwise rare
fema-le reproduction products (compared to the number of male gam-
etes) in this case the females should have a measurably higher suc-
cess rate in reproduction. An investigation showed the following re-
sults:
135
average weight of females average number of eggs

before eggs are laid per female
Rejected by males 3.23 g 30
Accepted by males 3.71 g 48
Answer the following questions according to the results:
(1) What is the average weight of a female without eggs?
2.43 g
2.24 g
2.32 g
(2) How many eggs can each of four males fertilize, when it mates with a
female that produces four clutches of eggs in succession and weighs
3.87 g, 3.74 g, 3.52 g and 3.74 g, respectively when copulating?
male 1 with female 1 .....54...... eggs
B 22: Spectrum of prey and food selection of the oyster catcher

(2 pts) (Haematopus ostralegus)
Oyster catchers are birds that look for prey in the shallow water of sea
coasts, e.g. bivalve. The shells in a habitat are of different sizes and
these sizes correlate with the amount of energy in the shell meat:
Small shells can be opened fast and easily (costs) but provide less
food energy (benefit).
Big shells provide more energy (benefit), but they are more difficult
and time-consuming to open (costs).
136
th
The following table shows
I. the total amount of energy of big shells of different size
II. the frequency of distribution of all shells present
III. the frequency of distribution of the shells selected
Number and energy content (relative units) in shells living in a feeding territory
that were selected by birds
total amount shells present energy pre- shells se- energy con-
of energy (n) sent (E) lected (n) sumed (E)
per shell (E)
1 1 1 0 0
2 17 34 0 0
3 11 33 1 3
4 9 36 3 12
5 6 30 6 30
6 7 42 7 42
7 20 140 11 77
8 22 176 10 80
9 19 171 14 126
10 13 130 13 130
11 6 66 6 66
12 2 24 2 24
13 1 13 1 13
1 to 13 134 sum 896 74 sum 603
Analyse and evaluate the table and answer the following questions:
(1) What total amount of energy could be expected from 74 shells that were
randomly selected from 134 shells?
.......495...... energy units E (propotional)
(2) What is the absolute total amount of energy and the total amount of en-
ergy in percentage, that can additionally be consumed from 74 shells
that were selected by birds.
........108........ energy units R (real) ........21,8....... % benefit
137
GENETICS/EVOLUTION
B 23: Which characteristics does an interspecific hybrid from crossing

(2 pts) diploid flowering plants have? From the list below, select and
write down the code numbers of the correct reasons or explana-
tions in the circles below.
properties of the hybrid
3 amphihaploid (haploid form of amphihaploid)
amphidiploid (alloplyploid with double the normal chromosome number)
fertile, but its offspring are sterile
usually fertile, if the parents belong to the same genus
sterile and therefore not suited for plant breeding
6 It can be made fertile by the toxin colchicin.
It can be made fertile by the phytohormone -indolelacetic

acid (IAA).
Code numbers for reasons and definitions:
1. The interspecific infertility is a significant feature of the species.
2. The embryonic development is impaired.
3. Each type of chromosomes is present only once.
4. Two chromosome sets are present.
5. The formation of fertile gametes is impaired.
6. The treatment facilitates the meiotic chromosome pairing to take place.
7. The treatment facilitates fruit maturation.
8. The treatment does not lead to the mentioned result.
138
th
B 24: In DNA replication the 3-end priming problem is known (end rep-
(2 pts) lication problem). From the list below, write in the circles in the
corresponding genophores (chromosomes DNA) the numbers of
the phenomena by which the problem is solved or avoided.
genophores
1 main genophores of eubacteria
1 plasmids of eubacteria
1 main genophores of archaea bacteria
1 mitochondrial DNA
1 plastid DNA
4 chromosomes of nuclei
2 DNA of lambda-phages
3 DNA of adenovirus
6 DNA of retrovirus
code numbers for phenomena:
1. circular nature of DNA
2. pre-replicative circularization of the DNA
3. replication jumps from the 5-end of the leading, to the 3-end of the
lagging strand
4. telomerase activity
5. specific primer-independent DNA replicase
6. transcription / reverse transcription
7. polyadenylization
B 25: Isolated protoplasts of two albino mutants of potatoes were

(2 pts) fused. A variegated plant was obtained. Where are the mutant
genes, which have caused the chlorophyll deficiency, located?
A new mutation, plastid communication and plastid DNA recom-
bination should be excluded.
Mark the correct answer with a cross.
X in the nucleus of one mutant, in the plastids of the other one
in the nucleus of both mutants
in the plastids of both mutants
139
B 26: Compare the following types of anaphase.

(2 pts) Which of the following statements are correct for anaphase I of
meiosis? Which statements are correct for the anaphase of mito-
sis? Write the correct code numbers from the list below, in the
spaces beside the anaphase types. Pay attention to the fact that
chromatides are subunits of chromosomes.
1. phase I of meiosis: ........1, 3, 4, 5..........

2. anaphase of mitosis: ..1.............5..........
code numbers:
1.Chromosomes move to the poles.
2.Single chromatids move to the poles.
3.The moving chromosomes consist of two chromatides.
4.The chromosomes can carry two alleles of a gene.
5.One haploid set of chromosomes can move to each pole.
6.There are four spindle poles per cell.
B 27: In the course of the evolution of plants the haploid life phase,
(2 pts) i.e. the gametophyte, has been more and more reduced and the
diploid life phase, i.e. the sporophyte, has become the dominant
generation. Write the number of the following taxa in the correct
order according to the increasing dominance of the diploid life
phase.
I. Ulothrix (Chlorophyta)
II. Chlorella (Chlorophyta)

III. Pinus (Pinophyta)
IV. Polytrichum (Bryophyta)
V. Rosa (Magnoliophyta)
VI. Navicula (Phaeophyta, Diatomeae)
........... II, I, IV, III, V, VI..................
140
th
B 28: S K I P P E D .
(1 pt) The principle of natural selection is essentially important to Dar-
wins theory of natural selection, and this is essentially important
to our understanding of evolution. According to the principle of
natural selection, exponential growth of populations forces selec-
tion to occur again and again.
Which of the following statements is correct? Mark with a cross.
The principle of natural selection is a rule, as it dominates the

evolution of many, but not all species of organisms.
The principle of natural selection is a law which dominates

evolution of all species of organisms only.
The principle of natural selection is a natural law which is only

valid within the biotic world where it dominates the phylogene-
sis of all species and the ontogenesis of all organisms.
The principle of natural selection is a natural law which in

both the biotic and abiotic world dominates all processes in
which self-replication of basic entries occurs.
The principle of natural selection is only seemingly valid in

evolution. In reality, it dominates nothing else than self-
organization of dynamic order in abiotic systems.
The principle of natural selection is not a natural law but,

rather, a tautology: The fittest are the most successful in sur-
vival and reproduction and, hence, they are the fittest.
141
ECOLOGY
B 29: The dependence of the net photosynthesis on temperature fol-

(1 pt) lows a mathematical function. Show the dependence of the net
photosynthesis on temperature ising the axes below, of a C3 plant
at light saturation.
net rate
of photo-
synthesis
+2
+1
-1
temperature
B 30: The following graph shows the changes in values of various bio-
(2 pts) logical factors/parameters in relation to increasing density of
fish.
procuction
population density
142
th
Match the curves 1, 2, 3 and 4 from the graph to the terms in the table.
Match each curve only once.
curve from the graph
total fish production 3
individual growth 2
food potential not used 1
expenditure of energy of each fish in 4

the search for food
B 31: The following pictures show fish from various locations.

(2 pts)
A. flat fish B: tuna

at the bottom of shallow sea in the open water in sea
C: angler-fish D: eel
at the bottom of deep sea predominantly at the
bottom of fresh water
Match the fish A, B, C and D from the picture to the gill surfaces in the table.
143
Gill surface per gramm body weight (in arbitrary units) of fish of various locations.
gill surfaces fish
2551 B
902 D
462 A
51 C
B 32: The following figure shows a section of a food web in an ecosys-

(3 pts) tem.
chemoautotrophic
producers
bacteriophages
predator (2)
predator
Write down the numbers from the figure at the appropriate place in the
following table.
144
th
Parts from a food net in an ecosystem
part from the food web assigned number from the picture
organic waste 6
pantophage (omnivore) 2
saprophage (delritivores) 7
photoautotrophic organisms (producer) 1
phytophage (herbivore) 3
decomposers 8
mycophages 9
parasitic animals 5
zoophage (predator I) 4
145
B 33: Genetically identical seedlings of the sunflower (Helianthus, As-

(2 pts) teraceae) were planted in two neighbouring gardens A and B.
After three months the plant height was measured with the fol-
lowing results:
garden number of plants average height standard

(in mm) deviation
A 12 1.6 0.3
B 16 1.4 0.2
How can the differences be evaluated regarding the growth?

(1) The differences are accidental. The growth conditions in both gardens
are the same (null hypothesis).
(2) The differences do not occur by coincidence. The growth conditions in
garden A and B are significantly different (null hypothesis is rejected).
You have to check the question with the help of the t-test.
The following t-values should be used.
probability critical t-value
90 % 1.32
95 % 1.71
97 % 2.06
99 % 2.48
99.5 % 2.78
Exercises:
(1) Calculate the standard deviation of each difference between the average
values for garden A and B for this t-test. Use the following formula:
S 2 S 2
S = A n + B n
A B
Result: ....................... S = 0,10 ......................
(2) Calculate the t-value and determine by which probability the null hypo-
thesis can be rejected (the differences are significant). Mark with a
cross.
probability < 90 % X 95 to 97.5 % 99 to 99.5 %
146
th
90 to 95 % 97.5 to 99.0 % > 99 %
SYSTEMATICS/TAXONOMY
B 34: The following illustration shows the life cycle of a fungus.

(2 pts)
(1) Which fungus group does the fungus whose life cycle is shown be-
long to? Mark the correct answer with a cross.
Ascomycota
Basidiomycota
X Zygomycota
(2) Which kind of spores are spread at X?
haploid meiotic spores
X haploid mitotic spores
diploid spores
(3) Which way of life is typical for this fungus?
X This fungus is a saprophyte.
This fungus is a parasite.
(4) Where does the meiosis take place?
The meiosis takes place at X.
147
X The meiosis takes place at Y.

B 35: A synapomorphy is a homologous characteristic of various spe-
(3 pts) cies (therefore Syn-), that has evolved/is derived (apomorphic)
compared with the primary absence or previous state of that
characteristic in other species. The original characteristic m
evolves into m and m on the one hand and to m* on the other
(see figure).
Note that m is apomorphic compared with m, but not compared
with m. M, N, O and P could be the taxa in which the charac-
teristics occur.
Mark the statements which are compatible with the definition of synapo-
morphy.
m is a synapomorphy of N compared with m in M
m is a synapomorphy of N
m is a synapomorphy of NO (N plus O) compared with m in M
m is a synapomorphy of O compared with m in M
m is a synapomorphy of O
m is a synapomorphy of O compared with m* in P
m is a synapomorphy of O compared with the primary

absence of m in P
m is a synapomorphy of N compared with the primary

absence of m in M
148
th
the secondary lack of m in O is a synapomorphy of O

compared with m in N
B 36: A set of species is called monophyletic if it contains exactly all

(1 pt) known species which are decendants from one well character-
ized
but nevertheless hypothetical stem species.
For calling a studied set of species monophyletic the proof of at
least one synapomorphy of this set is
necessary and sufficient
X necessary, but not sufficient
not necessary, but sufficient
not necessary and not sufficient
B 37: In cladistics (a method of systemactics) the outgroup comparison

(2 pts) plays an important role. It works as follows: The states of the
characteristics a, b and c marked black and white, are present in
the taxa M, N, O as shown in the figure. Suppose MNO (M plus N
plus O) are monophyletic. P is then its outgroup. As the states
marked black occur only within MNO they are apomorphic com-
pared with the states marked white which occur both in MNO and
the outgroup P.
What is correct? Mark with a cross.

1. The states of the characteristics m, n and o marked black are not
only apomorphies but even synapomorphies of MNO, MN and M com-
pared with the states marked white.
149
2. Because of the evidence of synapomorphy, the states of m, n and o

marked black are even homologies of MNO, MN and M, respectively.
3. If the states of a, b and c marked black do not occur outside of MNO,
MN and M, respectively, these sets of species are monophyletic.
4. The outgroup comparison method has led to a circular argument.
MICROBIOLOGY/BIOTECHNOLOGY
B 38: The diagram represents a sequence of reactions taking place in a

(2 pts.) bacterium, in which amino acids are produced from one another by
the action of specific enzymes. Numbers 1 to 6 represent differ-
ent amino acids; letter V to Z represent different enzymes. All the
amino acids are essential for survival. The original strain of the bac-
terium required only amino acid 1. A mutant strain of the bacte-
rium could only survive when provided with amino acids 1,2 and
5 in its culture medium. Which enzymes were missing in the
mutant strain?
V W Y
1 2 4 6
X Z
3 5
In the mutant the following enzymes were missing: ..... V, Z .....
B 39: Mark the correct answers with a cross. (2 pts)
1. Yeast cells used for wine production tolerate up to 14 % ethanol.

2. Citric acid is produced industrially with the help of Aspergillus niger
in an anaerobic process.
3. By mutagenesis and strain selection bacterial and fungal production
of antibiotics is increased on a higher level than by gene amplification.
4. Cephalosporins are produced by bacteria.
5. The flock of activated sewage sludge is the active microbiological
aggregate in anaerobic waste water treatment.
6. It was found in practice that microorganisms modified by gene tech
nology for in situ remidiation of organic contaminations in the soil or
ground water are inferior to the adapted, natural microbial community
with regard to their cleaning performance.
150
th
B 40: What is correct? Mark with a cross. (1 pt)
X H2 can be used as an electron donor by chemolithoautotrophic bacteria.

Sulphate reducing bacteria are inferior to methanogenics bacteria when
competing for hydrogen.
X H2 is used for the denitrification of drinking water.
151
152
th
5.2 Practical Tests

5.2.1 Laboratory 1: Systematically-anatomically orientated
Introducing remarks:
In laboratory 1 you have to solve both of the following tasks:
Task 1: Anatomical examination of a plant leaf
Task 2: Examination and systematic classification of four different plant
species.
Read the questions for both tasks and then decide in which order you would
like to work.
Please, do not forget to write down your personal data (Surname, First name,
Country, Code Number) in the space provided.
Task 1: Examination of a plant leaf

(14 pts)
The required equipment and chemicals for the examination are at your bench.
Use the equipment and chemicals suitable for you examinations. Make several
cross sections through the penne of the leaf (figure 1). Stain these cross sec-
tions with the aqueous solutions of the dyes Astra-blue (stains cellulose) and
Auramin (stains lignin) and analyse the anatomic structures under the micro-
scope. As supplementation you can make longitudinal and surface sections.
1 (1.1) Label the given schematic drawing (figure 1). Write down the
(9 pts) code numbers of the given anatomical structures next to the
correct reference lines.
151
Practical Test Lab 1 (Systematics Anatomy)
Code numbers:
1. Cuticula
2. Epidermis
3. Hypodermis
4. Spongy parenchyma
5. Palisade parenchyma
6. Vascular bundle sheath
7. Xylem with lignin
8. Phloem with sieve cells
and parenchyma
9. Transfusion tissue
10. Accessory transfusion
tissue
11. Stomatic cells
1 (1.2) Which of the following systematical groups does the object refer
(2 pts) to? Mark with a cross.
Fern (Polypodiophyta, Pteridophyta)
Gymnosperms
Angiosperms
1 (1.3) Evaluate the object from the ecological point of view.

(3 pts) Mark with a cross.
Hydrophyte (swamp or water plant)
Hygrophyte (plant with adaptions to damp locations)
Mesophyte (plant with adaptions to balanced locations)
Xerophyte (plant with adaptions to dry locations)
152
th
Task 2: Examination and systematic classification of four different

(24 pts) plant species.
On your bench there are four vessels. In each vessel there is a flowering shoot
of a plant species. The species are labelled A, B, C and D. The required
equipment and a magnifying glass microscope are on your bench as well.
Analyse the given objects A, B, C and D morphologically. Answer the following
questions with the help of the answer code and fill in the corresponding code
numbers in the table below.
1 (2.1) Which floral diagram (D 1 - D 6) belongs to which species? Fill in

(4 pts) your decision (code number) in the table at the end of this task.
use D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
as code numbers
1 (2.2) Which family name belongs to which species? Fill in the corre-
(8 pts) sponding code number in the table.
Code numbers:
1. Asteraceae 4. 4. Lamiaceae 7. Rosaceae
2. Brassicaceae 5. Oleaceae
3. Fabaceae 6. Ranunculaceae
153
Practical Test Lab 1 (Systematics Anatomy)
1 (2.3) Which species have which kind of fruit (F 1 - F 7)? Fill in the
(4 pts) corresponding code number in the table.
Code numbers:
F 1. Achene F 4. Fruit composed of four one-seed nutlets
F 2. Follicular fruit F 5. Aggregate of nutlets
F 3. Pulse F 6. Stone fruit, Drupe F 7. Berry
1 (2.4) Which species have which inflorescence (B 1 - B 7)? Fill in the

(4 pts) corresponding code number in the table.
B 1. Spike B 4. Thyrsus
B 2. Capitulum B 5. Bunch, Raseme
B 3. Panicle B 6. Solitary flower B 7. Volute
1 (2.5) Which species have which leaf arrangement? Fill in the corres-
(4 pts) ponding code number in the table.
Code numbers:
P 1. alternating
P 2. decussate
P 3. distichous
Table
A B C D
Diagram
Family
Fruit
Inflorescence
Leaf arrange-
ment
154
th
5.2.2 Laboratory 2: Physiologically - orientated
Task 1: Model experiment referring to the respiratory chain

(23 pts)
Electron transfer through several redox systems to the terminal acceptor as it hap-
pens for instance in the endoxidation of the respiratory chain can be simulated in a
model experiment in a test tube, following the so-called BAUMANN experiment.
2+
Add Fe to a solution of sodium acetate containing the amino acid cysteine, shake it
for a short time and write down the colour immediately and after some minutes.
Shake the mixture again and write down the colour immediately and after some min-
utes etc.
Information: Cysteine forms a coloured compound with Fe3+, whereas Fe2+ does not.
COO
I: Preparation of the experiment |
The following solution is necessary for the experiment: H3N+C

10 ml of aqueous 0,1 M sodium acetate solution containing
|
the amino acid cysteine in the concentration of 41 mM
CH2SH
(=solution a).
It should be produced by mixing 0,2 M sodium acetate solu-
CYSTEINE
tion (solution b) with 82 mM cysteine solution (solution c).
2 (1.1) How many mg sodium acetate (waterless) have to be weighed for

(3 pts) 00 ml of the 0,2 M sodium acetate solution? For calculation use
the following
atomic masses: H:1; O: 16; C: 12; Na: 23.
Result (no decimals) 1640 mg
155
Practical Test Lab 2 (Physiology)
2 (1.2) How many g cysteine have to be weighed for 100 ml of the 82 mM

(3 pts) cysteine solution? For calculation use the following atomic
masses:
H: 1; O: 16; C: 12; S: 32; N: 14.
Round off the result (no decimals): 1g
Obtain solution b (6 ml), solution c (6 ml) and the required Fe SO4 from the
assistant and start the experiment.
II: Procedure
2 (1.3) Mix solution b and solution c in the correct volume ratio to get
(2 pts) 10 ml of the required solution a.
The use of a pipette aid is obligatory.
Present your experiment and the remaining solutions immediately for judge-
ment (score credit) to the laboratory advisor. Leave your pipette aid with the
laboratory advisor.
If you have made a mistake in the procedure you can get solution b and solu-
tion c again. In this case you cannot score in (3).
2 (1.4) Add FeSO4 to the solution a, plug the test tube with a stopper and
(1 pt) shake it strongly. Which colour does the solution have after
shaking? Mark with a cross.
red
white
green
blue-violet
2 (1.5) Leave the test tube open (without stopper) for 1-2 minutes. Which
(1 pt) colour does the solution have after this time? Mark with a cross.
156
th
red
white
green
blue-violet
2 (1.6) How often can the colour change be achieved by shaking?

(1 pt) Mark with a cross.
once
up to 5 times
more than 6 times
not repeatable
III: Evaluation of the experiment:
2 (1.7) Which component(s) is (are) used up in the experiment?

(1 pt) Mark with a cross
iron and oxygen
cysteine and oxygen
sodium acetate
oxygen
cysteine
none
2 (1.8) The redox potential Eo of the system Fe3+ / Fe2+ is + 0,77 Volt.
(1 pt) Which redox potential does an e- donator of this system have?
Mark with a cross.
greater than + 0,77 V less than + 0,77 V
equal to + 0,77 V
2 (1.9) Which value does the redox potential Eo of the e- terminal

(1 pt) acceptor have in the performed experiment? Mark with a cross.
157
greater than + 0,77 V

less than + 0,77 V
equal to + 0,77 V
2 (1.10) Which enzyme in the respiratory chain is analogous to the Fe-

(1 pt) system in the BAUMANN experiment? Mark with a cross.
NADH ubiquinone reductase
cytochrome oxidase
ATP synthase
ubiquinone cytochrome c reductase
2 (1.11) Complete the incomplete schematic drawing of the electron

(8 pt) transfer in the BAUMANN experiment.
You can score 1 or 2 points per correct item in .
2 H2O
2e 2e
Cys-s-s-Cys 1/202
2 H+
158
th
Task 2: Imbibition movements of the awns in Avena sterilis

(17 pts)
The basis for each imbibition movement is the swelling capability of wall sub-
stances. If imbibition occurs in all directions equally, it is called isotropic; if one
direction is preferred, the imbibition is called anisotropic. Curvatures can be
the result of a substantially different wall structure as well as a different texture
even in homogeneous material. Texture is the arrangement of fibrils in the
wall layers. The movements to be observed in the proposed experiment are
caused by different textures. Your object is distinguished by two conspicuous
awns. You have to examine their movements. A magnifying glass (direct light
and transmitted light) is available.
I. Procedure:
2 (2.1) Observe the movement of the awns after moistening.

(2 pts) Put the air-dry spikelets together with the awns on a piece of pa-
per and sprinkle the awns with water (use the sprayer) and ob-
serve (with the help of the magnifying glass as well) your object.
Which reactions can you observe? Mark with a cross.
No reaction
Both of the awns show a synergic rotation based on decoiling.
The awns do not touch each other.
Both of the awns show a synergic rotation based on spiralisation.
Occasionally they hook together and sometimes start saltatory
movements.
Both of the awns show a synergic rotation based on decoiling.
Occasionally they hook together and sometimes start saltatory
movements.
The movement of one awn is based on decoiling, the movement of
the other one on spiralisation.
159
2 (2.2) Observe the awn movement when drying.

(2 pts) Let the awns dry after the experiment (switch both lamps on full
power and use them for heating). It can take 10 to 15 minutes un-
til you can see a reaction. Observe your object. Which of the fol-
lowing statements is correct? Mark with a cross.
Both awns show a synergic rotation, which is based on spirali-
sation, occasionally they hook together, and sometimes start
saltatory movements.
Both awns show a synergic rotation, which is based on
decoiling. The awns do not touch each other.
spiralisation.
The awns do not hook together.
decoiling, occasionally they hook together, and sometimes
start saltatory movements.
The movement of one awn is based on decoiling, the
movement of the other awn is based on spiralisation.
II. Evaluation
2 (2.3) Texture and imbibition of cellulose
(3 pts) On your bench there are two pieces of typing paper. According to
the manufacturing process the cellulose fibres are essentially
longitudinally orientated.
2 (2.3a) Give the paper a good spray of water from both sides and decide
(1 pt) after about 5 minutes whether the paper preferably extents in the
longitude of the fibre (A), cross to the fibre direction (B) or in
both directions equally (C). Mark with a cross.
A
B
C
160
th
2 (2.3.b)What is the maximum extention given in percent?

(2 pts) Fill in the result: 2,3 %
2 (2.4) Perform a mental experiment.
(8 pts) In figure 1 the fibre direction of a piece of paper is given in dotted
longitudinal lines. Stripes of paper are labelled a, b and c.
Imagine: The stripes given in figure 1 are cut out, moistened and
clued together identically as shown in column 1 of the table 1.
For drying the stripes are hung up at the upper end (*).
Draw the expected form modifications as a side view in column 2
(table 1).
Column 1 Column 2
2 (2.5) Link the observations regarding the awn movement to the result
(2 pts) of the (4) pilot experiment (mental experiment).
Which texture are the movements of the awns based on?
Mark with a cross.
( aa )
( bb )
( ba )
( ab )
( ac )
161
Practical Test Lab 3 (Genetics Microbiology)
5.2.3 Laboratory 3: Genetically - microbiologically orien-

tated
Task 1: Isolation of bacterial DNA
(12 pts)
DNA should be isolated from cells of a 5-day-old liquid culture of the bacterium
Escherichia coli K 12. Various biochemical steps have to be done in a certain
order under different temperatures and incubation times. The tasks are: (1) to
determine the correct order of these steps, (2) to assign a specific temperature
and incubation time to these steps and (4,5,6) to select the correct substances
or solutions for the relevant steps.
3 (1.1) Determine the correct order of the steps. Write down the code
(4 pts) letters of the following steps in the correct order.
A winding up the DNA
B disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane
C precipitation of the uncleaned DNA
D disruption of the bacterial cell wall
Order: D, B, C. A...
3 (1.2) Assign one of the temperatures (T) and incubation times (I) given
(3 pts) below to each of the following steps.
Disruption of the cytoplasmic membran T: .+ 600 C I: 2 min..

Precipitation of the uncleaned DNA: T: . 00 C I: 30 sec
Disruption of the bacterial cell wall: T: . +370 C. I: 10 min.
Incubation time: 30 sec, 2 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min

0
room temperature, +37 C, +600 C,
0
Temperature: 0 C, +1000 C
Realize the following steps in the order you have determined.
162
th
3 (1.3) STEP A: Winding up the DNA

(2 pts) Try to wind up the precipitated DNA strands with a wooden rod.
Ask the laboratory advisor to score the result.
(The laboratory advisor is going to sign.)
DNA could be wind up
DNA could not be wind up
3 (1.4) STEP B: Disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane.

(1 pt) To disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane you have to add 0.2 ml of
one of the following solutions.
Mark the correct answer with a cross.
HCl (1 M)
acetone (pure)
glycerine
sodiumdodecylsulphate solution (25 %)
NaOH (1 M)
3 (1.5) STEP C: Precipitation of the uncleaned Dann

(1 pt) For the precipitation of the uncleaned DNA the lysate has to be
overlayed with a liquid. Select the correct one from the following
liquids and mark it with a cross.
Realize the overlaying in the following way: Let the fluid from a
beaker slowly run down the wall of the test tube. The well-perceptible
whitish strands which separate slowly from the aqueous phase after
overlaying predominately consist of chromosomal DNA.
ethanol (96%, denatured)
double distilled water (aqua bidest.)
HCl (1 M)
NaOH (1 M)
glycerine
163
3 (1.6) STEP D: Disruption of the bacterial cell wall

(1 pt) To disrupt the bacterial cell wall a tip of a spatula of one of the
following substances has to be added to a culture of Escherichia
coli K12 (in a test tube).
Mark the correct substance with a cross.
penicillin
lysozyme
urea
CaCl2
trypsine
Task 2: Investigation of the mitosis in the root meristem of a

(25 pts) specimen of the Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledoneae)
Young roots were harvested from plants grown in sand and differently treated:
Treatment (1): Incubation (for 4 hours) in the aqueous solution of a

substance that inhibits chromosome movement
Treatment (2): Incubation (for 24 hours) in ethanol/glacial acetic acid
(3:1)
Treatment (3): Incubation (for 24 hours) in a saturated solution of car
mine in 45 % acetic acid
Treatment (4): Heating in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes
On your bench you can find two different samples.
Sample I: Root tips only submitted to treatments (2) - (4)
Sample II: Root tips submitted to treatments (1) - (4)
3 (2.1) Compression preparations

(2 pts) Make compression preparations of the samples I and II in which
as many cells as possible are in the cell cycle, lying in a
164
th
monolayer and flattened in such a way that the chromosome

arms are pushed into a focus layer but are not squash-damaged.
Apply a technique you are familiar with or follow the procedure given below.
Separate the apical meristem of a root in a droplet of 45 % acetic
acid on the slide.
Fragmentate the tip by distearing and slight squashing.
Cover it with a cover glass.
Disrupt the tissue clumps by gentle hints with the blunt end of a pair
of forceps held upright down on the cover glass.
Adjust the amount of liquid so that the cells glide but do not float.
In case of insufficient spreading add 45 % acetic acid; slightly lift the cover
glass with a needle and avoid shifting of the cover glass by a pair of forceps.
When spreading is sufficient the preparate is covered with a tissue and a gen-
tle pressure by a finger is applied in order to flatten the cells. Attention! The
danger of squash-damaging is particularly high when the cells are well spread.
Present your preparates (under the microscope) to the laboratory

advisor for quality control and scoring at any time.
3 (2.2) Scetches of different cell stages

(8 pts) Prepare scetches of the stages of the cell cycle using sample I
(a), (b), (c), (e), and (f) and a metaphase-like figure of sample II (d)
on the following blank page. Note the list of the stages of the cell
cycle below. Draw a chromatide and a daughter chromosome
only with a line but otherwise corresponding to your preparate;
unclear regions may be circled with dotted lines.
Stages of the cell cyle:
(a) interphase (1 pt)
(b) middle prophase (1 pt)
(c) metaphase plate in side view (3 pts)
(d) metaphase-like figure of sample II seen from above (1 pt)
(e) late anaphase or early telophase (1 pt)
(f) late telophase (1 pt)
165
Blank piece of paper (task 2). Scetches of cell stages.
3 (2.3) Detailed drawings of chromosomes

(10 pts) Draw two metaphase chromosomes from sample I, true to
nature, and label the drawing.
3 (2.3a) Draw two significantly different chromosomes.

(2 pts)
3 (2.3b) Characterize the drawn chromosomes by using capital letters

(3 pts) according to the following terms.
A: metacentric
B: acrocentric
C: dicentric
D: acentric
E: satellite chromosome
3 (2.3c) Label the parts of the larger chromosome using the code
(5 pts) numbers of the following terms.
1. chromosome arm 5. centrosome

2. chromatide arm 6. satellite
3. daughter chromosome 7. nucleolus organisator region
4. centromere 8. nucleosome
Labelled drawings (task 3):
3 (2.4) Chromosome number

(1 pt) Indicate the chromosome number of sample I. ......12........
3 (2.5) Ploidy level

(1 pt) Indicate the ploidy level of sample I. Consider that a distinctive
chromosome type occurs only once in the haploid chromosome
set. Mark with a cross.
haploid (1 n)
diploid (2 n)
triploid (3 n)
166
th
tetraploid (4 n)
3 (2.6) Effects of the treatments (1) - (4) (see introducing remarks p.7)
(1 pt) Match the treatments (1) - (4) to the effects you achieved. Write
down the numbers of the treatment in the corresponding circles.
inhibition of the centromere fission

inhibition of tubuline association
fixation of protoplasmic structures
shortening of the chromosomes
staining of the chromatine
staining of the nucleus spindle
destruction of the middle lamella
destruction of the primary walls
3 (2.7) Treatment (1)

(1 pt) Which substance was used in the treatment (1)?
Mark with a cross.
colchicine
bromouracile
- amanitin
actinomycine
mitomycine
3 (2.8) Which aim was followed by J.H. Taylor (1958) when he applied
(1 pt) the same substance? Mark with a cross.
production of polyploid plants
verification of the hypothesis of semiconservative replication
in eukaryotes
inhibition of mRNA synthesis
inhibition of translation
investigation of the cytomorphogenesis in Desmidiacea
167
168
th
5.2.4 Laboratory 4: Ethologically orientated
Task: Experimental investigation of triad grasp, forceps

grasp
(35 pts) and tool (grasp of man as functions of primate hands).
During the evolution of primates the grasping hand has developed in a way
that it can be used for locomotion as well as for manipulation of objects.
Therefore a differentiated co-operation of hand, eye and brain is necessary.
For grasping or splitting tiny food items the ability to manipulate is particularly
important (fine tuned motor function) to get sufficient food energy per unit of
time and without foreign bodies.
The required equipment and objects are situated on your bench: 2 Petri
dishes, a pair of angle forceps, sea sand (sieved), 20 sunflower seeds and a
stop-watch. Precision scales are available for the weighing procedure.
Task:
4 (1) Move your thumb and index finger of one hand without any
(2 pts) optical control against each other. In which area do they touch
each other? Mark with a cross.
inner side of the thumb and outer side of the finger

outer side of the thumb and inner side of the finger
outer side of the thumb and outer side of the finger
inner side of the thumb and inner side of the finger
4 (2) How is this co-ordination possible? Mark with a cross.

(2 pts)
by learning
by ontogenetic maturing
by the construction of the skeleton
169
Individual Results and Medals Awarded
by neuronal decisions
by flexor and extensor muscles
4 (3) Figure 1 shows the print of a mans hand (Dr. Lucius), figure 2
(2 pts) shows the print of a chimpanzees hand. How are the
recognizable structures on the surface of the inner hand of man
and chimpanzee called? S K I P P E D.
capillary ridges in both

tactile fields in both
prehensile relief of chimpanzees, papillary ridges of man
papillary ridges in both
Print of a chimpanzees hand (figure 1).
Print of a Dr. Eckhard R.Luciuss hand (figure 1).
170
th
4 (4) Investigation of triad grasp, forceps grasp and tool grasp of

(29 pts) man: Arrange 20 sunflower seeds in the sand-filled Petri dish I in
such a way that they lie flat, istributed over the whole dish, and
do not touch each other.
4 (4a) Grasp each seed one after the other with your thumb, index
(5 pts) finger and middle finger at the same time (triad grasp). All 20
seeds are put individually one after the other in the empty Petri
dish II. Measure the required time in minutes and seconds (e.g.
0:49 minutes) with the help of a stop-watch. Smoothen the
sand in dish I, transport all the seeds with the help of a pair of
forceps from dish II to dish I and weigh the sand (on a filter
paper, in mg) that has been transported from dish II when
grasping. Repeat the experiment 10 times, write down all data
and fill in the results in the table on page 11.
4 (4b) Grasp each seed from the smoothened sand with your
(5 pts) thumb and index finger only (forceps grasp). Repeat the
procedure from task (4.1).
Determine the time and the transported amount of sand in 10

experiments and fill in the data in the table on page 11.
4 (4c) Prepare the following experiment as described under (4.1).

(5 pts) However, this time a pair of forceps should be used for picking
up the seeds (tool grasp). Repeat the experiment 10 times,
measure the time and amount of sand and fill in the results in the
table on page 11.
4 (4d) Decide in which of the experiments the smallest amount of sand
(4 pts) (on average) was transported together with the seeds. Mark with
a cross.
smallest amount of sand in (4.1) (triad grasp)

smallest amount of sand in (4.2) (forceps grasp)
171
smallest amount of sand in (4.3) (tool grasp)
4 (4e) Calculate the mean and the standard deviation (x s) of

(10 pts) n = 10 values for the transported amount of sand and the
required time in the experiments ( 4.1) to ( 4.3). Fill in the results
in the table on page 11 and evaluate the significance of the
transported sand with the help of the t-test. Mark below which of
the differences is (are) significant and which is (are)
insignificant.
experiment 1 versus experiment 2 significant insignificant difference
Table
experiment 1 experiment 2 experiment 3
exp. no. time (sec) sand (mg) time (sec) sand (mg) time (sec) sand (mg)
10
sum
mean
172
th
standard
deviation
Evaluation:
(1.) experiment 1: experiment 2 (sand)

t =_______________; p
t = _______________; p
t = _______________; p
Appendix to the practical test - ethologically orientated
Test for differences in mean between two measuring series.

It has to be tested whether the difference between the results of the three ex-
periments (amount of sand in mg) is statistically significant.
n1 = n2 = n3 =
x 1 s1 = x2 s2 = x3 s3 =
Degrees of freedom
m1 = n1 + n2 2 m2 = n1 + n3 2 m3 = n2 + n3 2
(1.) experiment 1: experiment 2
2 2
x1 x2
s D = s1 + s2 = t= =
sD
(2.) experiment 1 : experiment 3
2 2
x1 x3
s D = s1 + s3 = t= =
sD
(3.) experiment 2 : experiment 3
2 2
x2 x3
sD = s2 + s3 = t= =
sD
t- table (acc. to STUDENT)
probability p for t
173
m 0,05 0,01 0,001

---------------------------------------------------
18 2,10 2,88 3,92
174

IBO1998 Papers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IBO1998 Papers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

IBO1998 Papers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

All IBO examination questions are published under the following Creative Commons license:

Theoretical Test Part A

Horst Binding, Christian Gliesche, Ludger Kappen, Eckhard Klieme,

4 The Tasks of the 9th International Biology Olympiad

B C(2) B A(2) B A(2) D D B A

C D C(2) A A D A B(2) D(2) C

B(2) D C(2) C D D C(2) C E B

B D C B(2) C(2) D(2) D D E D

D(2) C C A(2) A C B C E(2) C

A 1: How do polypeptides find their way from the place of synthesis

A 2: What is mRNA editing? (2 pts)

A 3: How does the number of mitochondria and plastids

A: only by de novo synthesis C: by de novo synthesis and division

A 4: How is the distribution of light to the photosystem I (PS I) and

A 5: Which process initiates the proteolytic degradation of proteins?

A 6: How do you experimentally differentiate between integral and

A 7: How are the fibre types forming the cytoskeleton called?

A 9: What is the endosymbiosis hypothesis related to?

A 10: The semipermeability of which of the water-permeable

A 11: Which process are microtubules not involved in?

A 12: A B-lymphocyte (a cell type of the immune system) produces

A 13: Which of the following reactions can occur in the mitochondria?

A 15: What is a prion?

A 16: Which statements concerning the growth factors cytokins and

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF PLANTS

A 18: The figure below shows the cross-section of a plant or organ.

Decide which of the following assignments are correct.

A 20: A C3-plant and a C4-plant are kept together under an airtigthly

A 23: By examining the dependence of photosynthesis on photon

light intensity light intensity

light intensity light intensity

Which of the preceding curves including the inscription is correct?

A 24: The figure shows - be-

A 25: If a respiratory quotient > 1 is measured in an experiment, that

A 27: Germs were grown in closed chambers (I-IV) with different

grow faster from 1,0

day 5 to 8 than in 0,8

the first four days. 0,6

C: For achieving an 0,4

without NOx is sufficient in a concentration of 0.5 ppm NOx.

A 28: Which function does the glyoxylate cycle have during

A 29: Which three sensory systems regulate light-depending develop-

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ANIMALS AND MEN

A: a disadvantage to squids and an advantage to snails

A 31: A medusa metabolizes most energy at the rim of its umbrella.

gonad gastric filaments

A 33: Let striated skeletal muscles be replaced by smooth ones, and,

A 34: Many species of Rotatoria (rotifers; up to 3 mm length) in

A 35: Stamina training leads to many effects in man. Which of the

A 37: What short-term effects may occur in the human cardiovascular

A 39: In an everse eye (the opposite of inverse), the light-sensitive

A: In the development of eyes, invagination never plays a role.

A 41: If a man of 70 kg weight ingests 40 g alcohol, the alcohol level in

A: 1.10 parts per thousand

A 42: The mobbing reaction of house swallows (Hirundo rustica).(1 pt)

A: IV, V, VI B: III, IV, V C: II, IV, VI D: I, IV, VI

A 43: The rank of macaques (Macaca sylvanus).

Which of the following combinations is the correct one?

A: I, III, IV D: IV, VI, IX