Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/11
Paper 1 Multiple Choice May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 3 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/11 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1 B 1

2 C 1

3 B 1

4 A 1

5 C 1

6 B 1

7 D 1

8 D 1

9 C 1

10 C 1

11 A 1

12 C 1

13 B 1

14 D 1

15 C 1

16 A 1

17 D 1

18 A 1

19 B 1

20 A 1

21 D 1

22 A 1

23 B 1

24 A 1

25 D 1

26 D 1

27 D 1

28 B 1

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5090/11 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

29 D 1

30 D 1

31 C 1

32 A 1

33 C 1

34 C 1

35 C 1

36 A 1

37 A 1

38 C 1

39 A 1

40 C 1

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 3

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/12
Paper 1 Multiple Choice May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 3 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

CODE/12 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1 B 1

2 A 1

3 D 1

4 D 1

5 C 1

6 B 1

7 D 1

8 D 1

9 C 1

10 C 1

11 D 1

12 D 1

13 C 1

14 B 1

15 C 1

16 B 1

17 B 1

18 A 1

19 A 1

20 A 1

21 B 1

22 B 1

23 D 1

24 B 1

25 A 1

26 B 1

27 A 1

28 B 1

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 3

CODE/12 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

29 D 1

30 C 1

31 B 1

32 A 1

33 D 1

34 C 1

35 C 1

36 A 1

37 A 1

38 B 1

39 B 1

40 C 1

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 3

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/21
Paper 2 Theory May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 80

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 11

 5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a) single-celled ; 3
no nucleus / nucleus not membrane bound ;
no organelles ;
cell wall ;
(cell wall) not cellulose ;
cell membrane / cytoplasm ;
flagella / flagellum ;
DNA circular / loop OR plasmid / single chromosome ;
smaller than animal / plant cells OR 1–2 µm ;

1(b)(i) chlorophyll ; 1

1(b)(ii) carbon dioxide / 6CO2 + water / 6H2O ; 2

glucose / C6H12O6 + oxygen / 6O2 ;

1(c) iron + haemoglobin / red blood cells ; 4

prevent anaemia ;
protein + growth / repair ;
protein + (production of) enzymes / antibodies ;
carbohydrates / glucose / starch / vitamins / ions ;
reference to a component of balanced diet / dietary supplement
OR to alleviate malnutrition / famine ;

Total: 10

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(a) (A) petal ; 4

(B) sepal ;
(C) leaf / lamina / cuticle ;
(D) vein / midrib / vascular (tissue) OR xylem + phloem ;

2(b) xylem ; 3
to leaves / flower(s) ;
between leaf cells ;
surface of mesophyll cells ;
(leaf) air spaces ;
(through) stomata / guard cells ;

2(c)(i) 6; 1

2(c)(ii) reduces / lower(s) AW ; 3
less photosynthesis ;
less water needed ;
stomata / guard cells + open less / are closed ;
less diffusion ;
less evaporation / transpiration ;

Total: 11

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a) (X) liver ; 4

(P) hepatic vein ;
(Q) hepatic portal vein ;
(R) hepatic artery ;

3(b) (P / vein has) wide(r) + lumen AW ; 3 ORA for all points

thin(ner) wall ;
less AW + muscle / elastic (tissue) ;
valves ;

3(c)(i) hormone ; 1

3(c)(ii) ovary ; 3
uterus ;
repairs / thickens (uterus) lining ;

Total: 11

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(a)(i) section of / made of / piece of + DNA / chromosome ; 3

controls production of one protein ;
may be copied ;
unit of inheritance / passed on to next generation ;

4(a)(ii) mutation ; 1

4(b) Tt + Tt ; 5
t+t;
tt ;
tt offspring clearly indicated as white ; A parent / offspring / gamete / genotype / phenotype
3 × labels on genetic diagram correct ;

4(c) (unaffected by fur colour)

(controlled by) different gene(s) ; 1

(unique to each individual)

alleles ; 2
(as a result of) mutation(s) ;
meiosis AW ;
different combinations (of alleles) ;
reference to some may be homozygous / heterozygous ;
reference to codominance ;

Total: 12

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

5 (sexual only) 3 R letters in more than one box

H; Ig letters in incorrect box
I;
J;

(asexual only) 2
(E)
G;
K;

(both) 1
F;

Total: 6

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 5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(a) move mucus ; 3

(containing) bacteria / pathogens / dust ;
(moves) up / away from lungs AW ;
prevent infection ;

6(b) reference to diffusion ; 7

(for) O2 / CO2 + exchange AW ;

alveolus / air sac ;
large surface area ;
one cell thick + wall ;
moist AW / mucus ;
(gases) to dissolve ;

capillary ;
one cell thick + wall ;
connect AW arteries + veins ;
blood + moving ;

red blood cells / erythrocytes ;

no nucleus ;
biconcave ;
contain haemoglobin ;
live for 90 / 120 days OR 3 / 4 months ;
carry oxygen ;

plasma ;
carriage of carbon dioxide ;

Total: 10

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 5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(a) M has clear area + N no clear area ; 6

(for disc M)
reference to (bacteria) killed around M / not killed around N ; ORA for disc N
gene ;
mutation ;
resistant (to antibiotic) ;
(resistant) survive ;
(resistant) reproduce ;
pass on resistance to next generation / offspring ;

(for disc N)
antibiotic (solution) not strong / concentrated enough
OR incorrect antibiotic (for the bacteria) ;

7(b) named example of (artificially selected) animal / plant ; 4

reason named example is economically important ;
reference to human / farmer AW ;
reference to breed together / cross breed AW ;
over several generations / repeated ;

Total: 10

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 5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

8(a) reference to shape difference + plant and animal cell named ; 4

(plant cell)
cell wall ; ORA for animal cell
nucleus pushed to outside / not towards centre ;
vacuole ;
chloroplast ;
starch grains ;

8(b) (xylem vessels) 3 each section must refer to at least one structure (S)
(S) hollow / dead ; marking point and one function (F) marking point to
(S) strengthened / lignification ; score maximum 3 marks
(S) extend from root to stem / leaves ;
(S) narrow / tubes ;
(F) conduction / transport ;
(F) capillarity ;
(F) of water ;
(F) of ions ;
(F) support ;

(red blood cells) 3

(S) haemoglobin ;
(S) no nucleus ;
(S) biconcave ;
(S) able to change shape AW ;
(S) increased / large + surface area ;
(F) squeeze AW through + capillaries ;
(F) absorption / transport of oxygen ;

Total: 10

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 5090/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

9(a) glucose + required for both ; 3 A each point only if linked to either ‘aerobic’ or
‘anaerobic’ respiration
complete or incomplete breakdown (of glucose) ;
ref. oxygen requirement ;
amount of energy released ;

9(b) glucose + required for both ; 3 A each point only if linked to either ‘muscles or ‘yeast’

reference to oxygen debt AW ;

lactic acid ;
carbon dioxide ;
alcohol / ethanol ;

9(c) movement of particles / molecules / named molecule ; 4 A each point only if linked to either ‘diffusion’ or ‘active
concentration gradient ; transport’
membrane requirement ;
living cell requirement ;
energy requirement ;
(energy from) respiration ;
correct example ;

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 11 of 11

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/22
Paper 2 Theory May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 80

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 11

5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a) 1 line starts and ends at body wall + crosses abdomen below ribs ; 3
2 circle with all or part of it touching / on the sternum ;
3 middle of cross below diaphragm ;

1(b)(i) 1 any reference to up / rises / raised ; 2

2 out / forwards ;
3 reference to muscle ;
4 (muscle) contract(ion) ;
5 reference to (requires) energy ;

1(b)(ii) (movement of person's chest) 5

1 involuntary AW ;
2 intercostal (muscles) ;
3 (muscles) between the ribs / in the chest (wall) ;
4 (move) bone / ribs / ribcage ;
5 attached / hinged + to vertebrae / backbone / at back ;
6 *leads to increase in volume / decrease in pressure ; * A once only for either chest or handle

(movement of bucket handle)

7 voluntary AW ;
8 muscle in arm / finger OR reference to bicep(s) ;
9 external to / not part of + the bucket / handle ;
10 (move) metal / plastic OR reference to a single handle ;
11 attached / hinged + to bucket / at side ;
12 *does not lead to change in volume / pressure ; * A once only for either chest or handle

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(a)(i) assimilation ; 1

2(a)(ii) (egestion) 2
line ending / letter written below rectum + labelled ‘A' / 'egestion' ;

(ingestion)
line ending / letter written to left of or inside mouth + labelled 'B' / 'ingestion' ;

2(b) (component) protein ; 2 R amino acids

Ig any reference to fat
(where absorbed) ileum / small intestine / villi / capillaries ; A jejunum

2(c) 1 reference to bile (salts) ; 5

2 (bile) not stored ;
3 less / slower + release (of bile) ;
4 less / slower + emulsification AW ;
5 less / slower / not optimum + digestion (of fats) / (lipase) enzyme
action ;
6 fewer fatty acids / less glycerol + produced / absorbed ;
7 incorrect pH / more acidic / less alkaline + in small intestine / duodenum ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a) line ending either on or in sepal + labelled either 'S' or 'sepal' ; 2

line ending either on or in carpel + labelled either 'C' or 'carpel' ;

3(b) (flower D) 3

1 anther(s) / stamen(s) ;
2 pollen + mature / produced / present / released / collected ;
3 stigma + closed / immature AW / does not receive pollen ;

(flower E)

4 stigma + open / mature / receives pollen ;

5 anthers + withered AW OR reference to no pollen produced /  present / 
released / to be collected ;

3(c) 1 large + petal(s) ; 4

2 reference to insect / bee landing AW on petal ;
3 colour(ful) + petal(s) ;
4 reference to scent / smell ;
5 reference to nectar(ies) / (nectar) guides ;
6 pollen + stick(y) / hooked (to attach to insect / bee) ;
7 insect / bee makes contact AW with anther / stigma + while collecting
nectar ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(a) 10.00–12.00 / noon / midday ; 1 A any single time or range between

10.00–12.00

4(b)(i) 1 plants may be of different species ; 3 ORA for plant F for each of marking points 2
2 plant G + more / fast(er) transpiration ; to 5
3 plant G + more / big(ger) leaves ;
4 plant G + more stomata / pores / guard cells OR stomata bigger / wider
AW ;
5 plant G + better / big(ger) root system / absorbs more water ;
6 plant G + thin(ner) (waxy) cuticle ;

4(b)(ii) 1 increased + light (intensity) ; 3

2 increased + temperature / heat ;
3 reference to wind OR increased + air movement ;
4 decreased + humidity ;
5 stomata / pores / guard cells + open /wider ;

4(c) 1 highest / fastest (rate of) / most ; 2

2 (evapo) transpiration / evaporation ;
3 reference to previous 4 hours / between 8:00–12:00 / from 8:00 ;
4 (evaporation) cools (plant /leaves) / removes heat / temperature falls ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

5(a) (H) nucleus drawn in cytoplasm + labelled ; 4

(J) nucleus drawn in cytoplasm + labelled ;
(K) nucleus drawn in cytoplasm + labelled ;

chloroplast(s) drawn only in (H) + at least one labelled ;

5(b) (cell) sperm / male gamete / (cell) K ; 2

(organ) testis / testicle / testes ;

5(c) (cell H) 6

1 traps / absorbs / needs / uses / converts + light (energy) ;

2 reference to photosynthesis OR production of
glucose / starch / carbohydrate OR into chemical energy OR cell
division / mitosis OR growth OR protein synthesis ;

(cell J)

3 active transport / against a concentration gradient AW ;

4 intake AW of + ions / minerals / salts ;

(cell K)

5 movement / use / action + of tail / flagellum ;
6 movement / motility / mobility / locomotion / swimming AW ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(a) 1 correct reference to (CO2) diffusion ; 7

2 cytoplasm ;
3 (across) cell membrane ;
4 tissue fluid ;
5 * capillary ; * A once only either here or below
6 plasma / (red) blood (cell) ;
7 vein / vena cava ; Ig inferior / superior vena cava
8 heart + right (side of heart) ;
9 reference to atrium / auricle + followed by ventricle ;
10 pulmonary artery / arch ;
11 * capillary ; * A once only either here or above
12 alveolus / alveoli ; Ig reference to air sac

6(b) 1 (blood is under) pressure ; 3

2 (moved) by (contraction of skeletal) muscles ;
3 reference to veins / correct named vein ;
4 reference to valves (in veins) ;
5 (valves) prevent backflow of blood AW ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(a) (seed) 4 A maximum of three of marking points 1 to 5

(i.e. for 'seed')
1 seed + results from fertilisation AW / sexual reproduction ;
2 (fusion / fertilisation of) gametes OR pollen nucleus + egg /ovum / ovule ;
3 reference to (gametes often) from different plants / flowers ;
4 (gametes produced by) meiosis / reduction division ;
5 combination AW of (different) genes / alleles ;

(fruit)

6 fruit (wall) + results from mitosis ;

7 reference to (genetically) identical / clones ;

7(b) (wind) (animal) 6

1 small OR large ;
2 light / buoyant OR heavy ;
3 wings / parachutes OR hooks / hairs ;
4 large surface area OR attachment (to animal) ;
5 large number OR small number ;
6 not coloured / dull OR colour / named colour / bright ;
7 not sweet/juicy/flesh(y)/scented OR sweet / juicy / flesh(y) / scented
;
8 reference to
food / eaten / digested ;
9 seed + enzyme resistant
/ cannot be digested / is
egested / is lost in faeces / is
thrown away ;

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5090/22 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Guidance

8(a) standard pyramid shape with 4 levels ; 2

correctly labelled 'tree' + 'insect' + 'bird' + 'fox' ;

8(b) 1 not all insects / not all parts of insect + eaten (by birds) ; 4
2 (therefore) energy remains in insects (not eaten) ;
3 not all parts of insect digested / some lost as faeces / egested (by
birds) ;
4 (insects) release AW energy in respiration ;

any two uses of energy (by insects) from the following:

5 (electrical) impulses ;
6 active transport ;
7 movement / muscle contraction ;
8 heat (production / loss) ;

8(c) 1 pyramid with 5 levels + 'flea' level at top ; 4 each level referred to in a marking point
2 'flea' level larger than + immediately above 'fox' level ; must be labelled to gain credit
3 'fox' level smaller than + immediately above 'bird' level ;
4 'bird' level smaller than + immediately above 'insect' level ;
5 'tree' level at bottom + of smallest width ;

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

9(a) (to discourage insects from biting) 6

1 insect repellent ;
2 long-(sleeved) clothes ;
3 nets on / close + doors / windows ;
4 nets + over beds / while sleeping ;
5 paint walls white ;

(to kill insects / mosquitoes)

6 insecticides / pesticides / reference to fogging / electric insect killer ;

7* mosquito coils ;
8 irradiated / sterile male mosquitoes ;

(to prevent mosquitoes laying eggs / reproducing OR to kill larvae)

9 drain ponds / remove stagnant AW water / use closed water tanks ;

10 (spray) oil / insecticide on ponds ;
11 stock ponds / lakes with fish ;
12 use of Bti / Bacillus thuringiensis (israelensis) ;

9(b) 1 exposure to / used for + a long time / years / decades ; 4

2 mutation ;
3 natural selection ;
4 resistance (to quinine) ;
5 (quinine) no longer as effective / recent drugs more effective ;
6 reference to plasmodium / parasite ;
7 new drugs cheaper / more easily available / fewer side effects ;

© UCLES 2017 Page 11 of 11

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/31
Paper 3 Practical Test May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 6 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/31 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 6

5090/31 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

1(a)(i) 2 X marks drawn on grid ; 3

labels S1 and S2 ;

S1 mark higher than S2 ;

1(a)(ii) S1: less flexible / firm / turgid / hard / AW ; 2

S2: more flexible / soft / flaccid / AW ;

1(a)(iii) strips cut to same size / dimensions / surface area / length / width / 2

volume ;

strips fully submerged / covered (by solutions) ;

(left for) same time / 20 minutes ;

standard blotting procedure AW ;

aligned on corking same way AW ;

strips cut from same potato (species) ;

1(a)(iv) reference to movement of water ; 4

osmosis ; Ig diffusion
R if osmosis and active transport in same answer
from solution into S1 / (water) taken up by S1 / extra water makes
S1 firmer / AW ;

out of S2 into solution / (water) lost by S2 / water loss makes S2

softer / AW ;

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5090/31 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

1(b)(i) (plasmolysed cells) 7 1

(non-plasmolysed cells) 21 ;

1(b)(ii) 25.0 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

1(c)(i) both axes fully labelled: 4

‘concentration of sucrose solution / mol per dm3’
‘percentage of plasmolysed cells’ ;

sucrose concentration on x-axis, % plasmolysed cells on y-axis +

linear scales + 0 at origin + at least half grid used ;

all 5 points visibly plotted correctly ;

plotted points joined with ruled lines + not extrapolated beyond

0.8 / 100 plot ;

1(c)(ii) working shown on graph ; 2

value read correctly from candidate’s working + mol per dm3 ; tolerance ± half small square

Total: 20

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5090/31 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

2(a) cell P at least 80 mm long + correct proportions ; 4

line clear, clean, and continuous, drawn with a sharp pencil + no

shading / stippling / cross-hatching anywhere ;

cell wall indicated with a double line ;

chloroplasts shown in acceptable numbers + all drawn with

complete outlines ;

2(b) measurement 48 – 51 ; 4

measurement ÷ 200 ;

correct value ;

mm ;

2(c) chloroplasts ; 2 R chlorophyll

(cell) wall ; Ig vacuole (not visible)

Total: 10

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5090/31 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
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Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

3(a)(i) add iodine (solution) ; 2

yellow to black (blue-black) ;

3(a)(ii) add Benedict’s solution ; 3

heat ;

blue to green / yellow / orange / red ;

3(b)(i) as fat (content) increases energy increases / ORA ; 1 R reference to ‘proportional’

3(b)(ii) 62.5 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

3(b)(iii) 500 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 6 of 6

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/32
Paper 3 Practical Test May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 6 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/32 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 6

5090/32 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

1(a)(i) 2 X marks drawn on grid ; 3

labels S1 and S2 ;

S1 mark higher than S2 ;

1(a)(ii) S1: less flexible / firm / turgid / hard / AW ; 2

S2: more flexible / soft / flaccid / AW ;

1(a)(iii) strips cut to same size / dimensions / surface area / length / width / 2

volume ;

strips fully submerged / covered (by solutions) ;

(left for) same time / 20 minutes ;

standard blotting procedure AW ;

aligned on corking same way AW ;

strips cut from same potato (species) ;

1(a)(iv) reference to movement of water ; 4

osmosis ; Ig diffusion
R if osmosis and active transport in same answer
from solution into S1 / (water) taken up by S1 / extra water makes
S1 firmer / AW ;

out of S2 into solution / (water) lost by S2 / water loss makes S2

softer / AW ;

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 6

5090/32 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

1(b)(i) (plasmolysed cells) 7 1

(non-plasmolysed cells) 21 ;

1(b)(ii) 25.0 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

1(c)(i) both axes fully labelled: 4

‘concentration of sucrose solution / mol per dm3’
‘percentage of plasmolysed cells’ ;

sucrose concentration on x-axis, % plasmolysed cells on y-axis +

linear scales + 0 at origin + at least half grid used ;

all 5 points visibly plotted correctly ;

plotted points joined with ruled lines + not extrapolated beyond

0.8 / 100 plot ;

1(c)(ii) working shown on graph ; 2

value read correctly from candidate’s working + mol per dm3 ; tolerance ± half small square

Total: 20

© UCLES 2017 Page 4 of 6

5090/32 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

2(a) cell P at least 80 mm long + correct proportions ; 4

line clear, clean, and continuous, drawn with a sharp pencil + no

shading / stippling / cross-hatching anywhere ;

cell wall indicated with a double line ;

chloroplasts shown in acceptable numbers + all drawn with

complete outlines ;

2(b) measurement 48 – 51 ; 4

measurement ÷ 200 ;

correct value ;

mm ;

2(c) chloroplasts ; 2 R chlorophyll

(cell) wall ; Ig vacuole (not visible)

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 5 of 6

5090/32 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Additional guidance

3(a)(i) add iodine (solution) ; 2

yellow to black (blue-black) ;

3(a)(ii) add Benedict’s solution ; 3

heat ;

blue to green / yellow / orange / red ;

3(b)(i) as fat (content) increases energy increases / ORA ; 1 R reference to ‘proportional’

3(b)(ii) 62.5 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

3(b)(iii) 500 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 6 of 6

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/61
Paper 6 Alternative to Practical May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 6 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/61 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

© UCLES 2017 Page 2 of 6

5090/61 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a)(i) axes correct orientation and both axes labelled fully ; 4

linear scale for both axes ;

all 5 points visibly plotted correctly ;

plotted points joined with ruled lines and no extrapolation ;

1(a)(ii) activity / volume of oxygen produced increases as pH increases ; 3

reaches a peak / AW at pH7 ; A neutral for pH7

then decreases ;

1(a)(iii) concentration of hydrogen peroxide ; 2

volume of hydrogen peroxide ;

mass of tissue ;

surface area of tissue ;

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 6

5090/61 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a)(iv) use same volume / concentration of hydrogen peroxide each time ; 5

idea of using same type / volume / mass / surface area of enzyme /

tissue ;

fresh samples used (at each temperature) ;

different temperatures ;

range of suitable temperatures stated ;

method of maintaining temperature ; A water bath, R direct heating

leave time for flask and contents to come to temperature before

measuring begins ;

measure volume of oxygen produced in (same) given time ;

1(a)(v) stated safety precaution ; 2

explanation ; explanation must be linked to safety precaution

1(b)(i) 60 (°C) ; 1

1(b)(ii) breaks down protein (stains) ; 2

named protein stain e.g. blood / food / milk ;

not denatured / deactivated by hot water / AW ;

Total: 19

© UCLES 2017 Page 4 of 6

5090/61 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(a) drawing 35–45 mm diameter ; 4

overall shape and proportions ;

nucleus correct shape ;

clear, continuous, smooth (rather than sketchy outline) of

cell with no shading, stippling or cross-hatching ;

2(b)(i) P: red blood cell / erythrocyte ; 2

Q: white blood cell ; A named type of white blood cell

2(b)(ii) cell Q has: 1

nucleus present ;

granular cytoplasm ;

larger (than cell P) ;

2(c) feature cell Q plant cell 2 award one mark for each correct row

cell wall absent present ;

nucleus lobed AW round / circular ;

Total: 9

© UCLES 2017 Page 5 of 6

5090/61 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a)(i) width = 22 ; 2 A ± 1 mm

A 2.2 cm
mm ;

3(a)(ii) 44 (mm) ; ; 2 A 42–46 consistent with (a)(i)

correct answer, with no working shown, gains both
marks

3(b)(i) mean width of leaves from shady position = 46.2 (mm) ; 2

mean width of leaves from sunny position = 32.7 (mm) ;

3(b)(ii) leaves from a shady position have a higher mean width ; 2

leaves from a sunny position have more variable widths ;

3(b)(iii) take more leaves / use larger sample ; 1 Ig calculate average / mean

3(c) leaves from shady place have a larger surface / area ; 3

to trap more / available light ;

for photosynthesis ;

OR

leaves from sunny position have smaller surface / area ;

lose less water ; A less evaporation

due to transpiration ;

Total: 12

© UCLES 2017 Page 6 of 6

 Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge Ordinary Level

BIOLOGY 5090/62
Paper 6 Alternative to Practical May/June 2017
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2017 series for most Cambridge IGCSE®,
Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 6 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

Mark schemes will use these abbreviations:

; separates marking points

/ alternatives
() contents of brackets are not required but should be implied
R reject
A accept (for answers correctly cued by the question, or guidance for
examiners)
Ig ignore (for incorrect but irrelevant responses)
AW alternative wording (where responses vary more than usual)
AVP alternative valid point (where a greater than usual variety of responses is
expected)
ORA or reverse argument
underline actual word underlined must be used by candidate
+ statements on both sides of the + are needed for that mark

® IGCSE is a registered trademark.

This document consists of 6 printed pages.

© UCLES 2017 [Turn over

5090/62 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answers Marks Guidance

1(a)(i) A 0.3 B 0.1 C - 0.2 D - 0.4 ; ; 3 4 correct values 2 marks

3 correct values 1 mark
2 or fewer 0 marks

negative signs / decrease for C and D only ; Ig units included in table e.g. 0.3 g

1(a)(ii) reference to movement of water ; 4

osmosis ; Ig diffusion
R If osmosis and active transport in same answer
into A / taken up by A ;

out of D / lost by D ;

1(a)(iii) to remove surface / excess solution ; 1 A water

so that excess solution is not included in the mass of the strip / so

that only the mass of the strip is measured / AW ;

1(a)(iv) to remove variable / so that sucrose solution concentration is the 2

only variable ;

to make comparison valid / increase validity ;

same (surface) area of potato in contact with solution ;

1(a) (v) add 50 cm3 water / add equal volume of water / make volume up to 1

100 cm3 with water ;

1(b)(i) (plasmolysed cells) 7 1

(non-plasmolysed cells) 21 ;

1(b)(ii) 25.0 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 6

5090/62 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answers Marks Guidance

1(c)(i) both axes fully labelled: 4

‘concentration of sucrose solution / mol per dm3’
‘percentage of plasmolysed cells’ ;

sucrose concentration on x-axis, % cells on y-axis + linear scales +

0 at origin + at least half grid used ;

all 5 points visibly plotted correctly ;

plotted points joined with ruled lines + not extrapolated beyond

0.8 / 100 plot ;

1(c)(ii) working shown on graph ; 2

value read correctly from candidate’s working + mol per dm3 ; tolerance ± half small square

Total: 20

© UCLES 2017 Page 4 of 6

5090/62 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answers Marks Guidance

2(a)(i) add iodine (solution) ; 2

yellow to black (blue-black) ;

2(a)(ii) add Benedict’s solution ; 3

heat ;

blue to green / yellow / orange / red ;

2(b)(i) as fat (content) increases energy increases / ORA ; 1 R reference to ‘proportional’

2(b)(ii) 62.5 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

2(b)(iii) 500 ; ; 2 correct answer with no working shown gains both

marks
A one mark for correct working if answer incorrect

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 5 of 6

5090/62 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED
Question Answers Marks Guidance

3(a) cell P at least 80 mm long + good proportions ; 4

line clear, clean, and continuous drawn with a sharp pencil + no

shading / stippling / cross-hatching anywhere ;

cell wall indicated with a double line ;

chloroplasts shown in acceptable numbers + all drawn with

complete outlines ;

3(b) measurement 48–51 ; 4

measurement ÷ 200 ;

correct value ;

mm ;

3(c) chloroplasts ; 2 R chlorophyll

(cell) wall ; Ig vacuole (not visible)

Total: 10

© UCLES 2017 Page 6 of 6