a. Explain briefly the importance of the following factors and organisms in the nitrogen cycle
(i) lightning; [3 marks]
(ii) Nitrosomonas; [2 marks]
(iii) Azotobacter. [2 marks]
b. Name the excretory organ in:
(i) insects: [1 mark]
(ii) earthworm.
c. Define
(i) hepatitis; [4 marks]
(ii) kidney stones [4marks]
d. (i) State three effects of lack of sense receptors in the skin to humans. [3 marks]
(ii) List three layers of the epidermis in the skin of humans. [3 marks]
e. (i) What is metamorphosis? [2 marks]
(ii) State the type of metamorphosis exhibited by each of the following insects listed in the table below.
| Insect | Type of metamorphosis |
| Grasshopper | |
| Cockroach | |
| Butterfly | |
| Mosquito | |
| Housefly |
Explanation
a. Importance of the following in the Nitrogen Cycle
(i) Lightning
– When lightning occurs, nitrogen reacts with oxygen in air to form nitrous oxide/oxides of nitrogen;
– which is further oxidised to form nitrogen (IV) oxide /nitrogen dioxide;
– which dissolves in rain water to form nitric and nitrous acids;
– (that fall to the ground) when it reaches the soil combines with bases/mineral salts to form nitrates;
– which the plants absorbs.
(ii) Nitrosomonas
– Is a nitrifying bacterium in the soil;
– that converts ammonia to nitrites in the soil.
(iii) Azotobacter
– Is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium in the soil;
– that converts nitrogen in the soil;
– into ammonium compounds/amino compounds and protein in the soil;
– converts nitrites to nitrates in the soil.
b. Excretory organs
Insects – malpighian tubules;
Earthworm – nephridium
c. Explanation of diseases
(i) Hepatitis
– Is the inflammation/destruction of liver cells;
– hepatitis can arise from bacteria/virus/an autoimmune disease;
– or from excess consumption of alcohol.
The symptoms include fatigue;
– loss of appetite/anorexia;
– muscle aches/pains;
– flu;
– fever;
– nausea;
– jaundice;
– and dark coloured urine/stool.
(ii) Kidney stones
– Are small solids/crystals of concentrated minerals/uric acid found in the urine;
– they are formed if there is an excessive loss of water/insufficient water intake;
– so that the solubility of minerals/calcium phosphate/calcium oxalate in the urine is reduced;
– high levels of uric acids/amino acids can lead to kidney stones;
– bacteria may be trapped in the kidney tubules as the kidney stones get bigger;
– symptoms are sharp pain at the flank of back;
– frequent urination;
– nausea;
– sweating;
– kidney stones can be treated by medications;
– change in diet of food rich in calcium;
– surgery;
– drinking plenty of water.
d. (i) Effects of lack of sense receptors in the skin
– Humans will not be able to sense/feel/perceive external stimuli in the environment;
– pain;
– touch;
– a change in temperature;
– pressure;
– danger which could lead to death.
(ii) Layers of the epidermis
– cornified layer/stratum corneum;
– granular layer/stratum granulosum;
– malpighian layer/stratum Malpighi.
e. (i) Metamorphosis
Is the development of some/certain organisms from the egg; to an adult stage; involving three to four stages.
(ii) Type of metamorphosis of listed insects
| Insect | Type of metamorphosis |
| Grasshopper | Incomplete |
| Cockroach | Incomplete |
| Butterfly | Complete |
| Mosquito | Complete |
| Housefly | Complete |