2024 WASSCE Biology Practical Sample Questions

Are you ready for WASSCE Biology 2024? If yes, take a careful look at the practical sample questions shared here.

Candidates for the 2024 WASSCE have begun in other West African countries, with Ghana expected to start in August 2024.

Candidates are to attempt all of these questions to help test their preparedness for the upcoming WASSCE Biology Practical in 2024.

2024 WASSCE Biology Practical Sample Questions

1. Identify each of specimens A, B, D, and E.

2. Name the phylum common to both specimens A and B.

3. Name the class of each of specimens A and B

4. Give two reasons for each class listed in (3) above.

5. Give two biological signs that are common to both specimens (D and E).

6. Give one major food nutrient to each of specimens B and D.

THE NEXT SET OF PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

Question 1:

Topic: Genetics and Evolution

A single gene with incomplete dominance controls the flower colour in a certain plant species. The homozygous dominant genotype (RR) produces red flowers, the homozygous recessive genotype (rr) produces white flowers, and the heterozygous genotype (Rr) produces pink flowers. What is the expected phenotypic ratio of the offspring when a pink-flowered plant crosses with a white-flowered plant?

Hint:

• Remember that incomplete dominance means the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.
• Use a Punnett square to determine the genotypic and phenotypic ratios of the offspring.

Question 2:

Topic: Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Explain the role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining cell membrane potential. How does this process contribute to the overall function of nerve cells?

Hint:

• Consider the concentrations of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions inside and outside the cell.
• Consider how active transport works, as well as the energy requirements (ATP) involved in this process.
• The membrane potential is associated with nerve impulse transmission.

Question 3:

Topic: Human Physiology

Describe the blood clotting process and the role of platelets, clotting factors, and fibrin in it. What could be the potential consequences of a deficiency in clotting factor VIII?

Hint:

• Outline the sequence of events in the clotting cascade.
• Focus on the interaction between platelets and clotting factors.
• Think of haemophilia as a condition associated with clotting factor VIII deficiency.

Question 4:

Topic: Ecology and Environmental Biology

Discuss the concept of keystone species and provide an example of a keystone species in a terrestrial ecosystem. Explain how removing this species could impact the ecosystem.

Hint:

• Define keystone species and their importance in maintaining ecological balance.
• Choose an example, such as a predator, that has a disproportionate effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
• Consider the cascading effects on different trophic levels if we remove the keystone species.

READ: 2024 WASSCE Timetable For Science Students

Question 5:

Topic: Plant Physiology

Describe the mechanism by which phototropism occurs in plants. What role do auxins play in this process, and how do they affect the plant’s growth toward light?

Hint:

• Explain how plants detect light, as well as the role of light receptors.
• Describe the distribution of auxins in the plant and how this distribution leads to differential growth.
• Consider the effects of uneven auxin distribution on cell elongation and plant bending.

READ: 2024 WASSCE Elective Mathematics Topics, Structure and More

Let’s now address the following general questions:

1. What is a parasite?
2. Name four cattle endoparasites.
3. What does rock weathering look like?
4. Explain the term grafting.
5. Define the term “running.”
6. State 5 differences between epidemics and pandemics
7. Define work
8. What is a lever
9. Mention two examples of second-class levers.
10. Define mass
11. What is the scientific process?
12. Explain the scientific process used in Kenley production.
13. Explain the scientific process for oil palm production.