ICSE 2026 EXAMINATION

Sample Question Paper - 5

Biology

Time Allowed: 2 hours Maximum Marks: 100

General Instructions:

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

You will not be allowed to write during first 15 minutes. This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Section A is compulsory.

Attempt any four questions from Section B.

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

Section A
1. Question 1: Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the [15]
question, write the correct answers only.)
(a) In humans, the sex ratio is very close to 50 : 50. The best genetic explanation for this is [1]

a) transformation b) segregation

c) linkage d) crossing over

(b) Find out the mismatched pair. [1]

a) Primary CO2 acceptor of C3-plants- b) Calvin pathway of C4-plants occurs in -

RuBP Bundle sheath

c) C4-plants - Kranz anatomy d) Primary CO2 fixation product-OAA of

C4-plants

(c) On which day of the menstrual cycle does ovulation take place? [1]

a) 1st day b) 14th day

c) 5th day d) 28th day

(d) Which one of the following is a greenhouse gas? [1]

a) Methane b) Sulphur dioxide

c) Oxygen d) Nitrogen
(e) The rate of transpiration will be fastest when the day is: [1]

a) Hot, dry and windy b) Cool, humid and windy

c) Hot, humid and windy d) Hot humid and still

(f) Assertion (A): Ozone depletion can be reduced by limiting the use of air conditioners and [1]

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 refrigerators.
Reason (R): Air conditioner and refrigerators release chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere that
destroy ozone.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the
correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

(g) The most accepted line of descent is human evolution is [1]

a) Homo habilis → Australopithecus → b) Australopithecus → Ramapithecus →

Ramapithecus → Homo erectus Homo sapiens → Homo habilis

c) Homo erectus → Homo habilis → d) Ramapithecus → Homo habilis →

Homo sapiens Homo erectus → Homo sapiens
(h) The proximal convoluted tubule of a nephron is present in [1]

a) ureter b) Vasa recta

c) medulla d) cortex
(i) Photosystem-ll features are [1]
i. Absorbs 680 nm wavelength light
ii. Supplies electron to cytochrome centre

iii. Supplies electron to NADP+

a) (i) and (ii) b) (i), (ii) and (iii)

c) (i) and (iii) d) (ii) and (iii)

(j) The technical term for the fertilized egg is [1]

a) zygote b) morula

c) Fungi d) placenta
(k) The region where crossing over in chromosome occurs is [1]

a) chiasmata b) spindle fibres

c) cell plate d) chromomere

(l) The child frightened by the loud noise, runs quickly to his mother. [1]
Which substance helps in this response?

a) Insulin b) Amylase

c) Adrenaline d) Protease
(m) Which one of the following is non-biodegradable? [1]

a) DDT b) Cardboard

c) Vegetable peel d) Bark of trees

(n) Chlorophyll pigment is present in/on [1]

a) the grana of chloroplast b) the surface of chloroplast

c) the lamellar membrane d) the stroma of chloroplast

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 (o) The part of the human eye where rod cells and cone cells are located in the [1]

a) cornea b) sclera

c) retina d) choroid
2. Question 2 [25]
(a) Name the following:
i. Identify and name the following: [1]
A major component of all the cells, i.e a universal medium in which all substances can be
dissolved.
ii. Differentiate between S-phase and G2-phase. [2]
iii. Identify and name the following: [1]
The gland that is also called hypophysis.
iv. Identify and name the following: [1]
The hormone that releases glucose into the blood.
(b) Arrange and rewrite the terms in each group in the correct order so as to be in a logical sequence
beginning with the term that is underlined.
i. Lysosomes is a part of the cell in which chromosomes are present. [1]
ii. Rewrite and complete the following sentence by inserting the correct word in the space [1]
indicated:
________ causes corrosion of the marble or brick surface.
iii. TT : Homozygous : : Tt : ________ [1]
iv. State whether true or false. If false, rewrite the correct form of the statement by changing the [1]
first and last word only.
Urethra carries urine from kidney to the urinary bladder.
(c) Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
i. Complete the given paragraph below: [5]
Factors affecting the rate of transpiration include (i)________ intensity, (ii)________ humidity,
(iii)________ speed, (iv)________ temperature, and the number of (v)________.
(d) Choose the odd one out from the following terms and name the category to which the others belong:
i. Chicken pox, Colour blindness, Haemophilia, Albinism. [1]
ii. Prostate gland, cowper's gland, seminal vesicle, seminiferous tubules. [1]
iii. Cowper's gland, urethral gland, lachrymal gland, seminal vesicles, prostate gland. [1]
iv. Lumen, Muscular tissue, Connective tissue, Pericardium [1]
v. Basophils, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils. [1]
(e) Match the items given in Column I with the most appropriate ones in Column II and rewrite the
correct matching pairs.
i. Mention the sex chromosome in male and female embryo. [1]
Section B
3. Question 3 [10]
(a) Name two X-linked disorders found in humans. [1]
(b) How many alleles of genes for X-linked traits are present in female and male individuals, [2]
respectively?

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 (c) What happens when a normal cell turns into a malignant cell? [2]
(d) List any three features of garden pea with their dominant and recessive traits. [2]
(e) A certain species has three pairs of chromosomes- an acrocentric pair and two metacentric pairs. [3]
Draw a cell of this species as it would appear in metaphase of mitosis.
4. Question 4 [10]
(a) State the main functions of tears. [1]
(b) Given below are two structures, write their special functional activity. [2]
i. Mylein sheath
ii. Relay neuron
(c) Explain the mechanism of focusing the image of a distant object in our eye when we raise our head [2]
after reading a book.
(d) Explain, what does nervous system consist of? [2]
(e) Draw a well labelled diagram of a neuron and name the following parts: [3]
i. Node of Ranvier
ii. Nissl's granules
iii. Cyton
5. Question 5 [10]
(a) Mention any three adaptations found in the plant to favour the process of photosynthesis. [1]
(b) Plants have several pigments that can catch light energy. Two of these are chlorophyll-a and [2]
chlorophyll-b, which harness light of different wavelengths. What advantage does a plant obtain by
having molecules that act at different wavelengths?
(c) What conditions enable RuBisCO to function as an oxygenase? Explain the ensuring process. [2]
(d) Draw a simple labelled diagram of a stomatal apparatus as seen in surface view. [2]
(e) The diagram given below represents an experiment to prove the importance of a factor in [3]
photosynthesis. Answer the questions that follow:

a. Which factor is being studied here?

b. What is the purpose of keeping KOH in the flask?
c. Write a well balanced chemical equation for the process of photosynthesis.
6. Question 6 [10]
(a) Write the number of chromosomes present in a nerve cell of a human being. [1]
(b) State the main function of the following [2]
i. Leydig cells
ii. Corpus luteum
(c) Define the following terms. [2]
i. Fertilisation

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 ii. Ovulation
(d) Given below is an experimental setup to demonstrate a particular tropic movement in germinating [3]
seeds. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow:

a. Lebel the parts 1 and 2

b. Name the tropic movement shown by part 1.
c. What is thigmotropism? Give one example.
(e) Explain Darwin's concept of natural selection. [2]
7. Question 7 [10]
(a) What are fossils? [1]
(b) Name the ancestors of man based on the features given below [2]
i. Human-like meat eater with 900 cc brain, lived in Java.
ii. More human with brain size 1400 cc, lived in Central Asia, used hides and buried their dead.
iii. Human-like, vegetarian, with brain capacity between 650 cc and 800 cc.
(c) Explain how vestigial organs give an idea about evolution. [2]
(d) A rapid increase in population of the world is seen between 1900-2000. [2]
It was less than a billion in 1900 and then 7 billion today. Write down the contribution of medical
science for this drastic increase of population size.
(e) The diagrams given below are cross-sections of blood vessels [3]

a. Identify the blood vessels A, B and C.

b. Name the parts labelled 1 to 3.
c. Mention one structural difference between A and B.
8. Question 8 [10]
(a) Explain the following term: Diffusion [1]
(b) From where to where do the following blood vessels carry blood? [2]
i. Hepatic vein
ii. Hepatic portal vein
(c) What is the significance of time gap in the passage of impulse from sino-atrial node to the ventricle? [2]
(d) Ornithologists observed a decline in the bird population in the area near a lake after the setting of an [2]
industrial unit in the same area. Explain the cause responsible for the decline observed.
(e) The diagram given below depicts the cross section of the spinal cord. Study the same and then answer [3]
the questions that follows:

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a. Name the process that being depicted.
b. Name the parts labelled B, E and F.
c. Name the cells in contact with the part labelled A.

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 Solution

Section A
1. Question 1: Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct
answers only.)
(i) (b) segregation
Explanation:
segregation
(ii) (a) Primary CO2 acceptor of C3-plants- RuBP
Explanation:
Primary CO2 acceptor of C3-plants- RuBP

(iii) (b) 14th day

Explanation:
14th day of the menstrual cycle ovulation takes place.
(iv) (a) Methane
Explanation:
Methane
(v) (a) Hot, dry and windy
Explanation:
Hot, dry and windy
(vi) (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(vii) (d) Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus → Homo sapiens
Explanation:
Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus → Homo sapiens
(viii) (d) cortex
Explanation:
cortex
(ix) (a) (i) and (ii)
Explanation:
Absorbs 680 nm wavelength light and Supplies electron to cytochrome centre.
(x) (a) zygote
Explanation:
zygote
(xi) (a) chiasmata
Explanation:
chiasmata
(xii) (c) Adrenaline
Explanation:
Adrenaline
(xiii) (a) DDT
Explanation:
DDT
(xiv) (d) the stroma of chloroplast
Explanation:

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 the stroma of chloroplast
(xv) (c) retina
Explanation:
Retina contains two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones.
2. Question 2
(i) Name the following:
i.

S-phase G2-phase
ii.
It is called a synthetic phase. It is called the pre-mitotic phase.

RNA of all three types and proteins precursors of asters

Replication of DNA occurs.
and spindle are synthesised in it.

It lasts for 6-8 hours It lasts for 2-5 years.

iii. 1. Pituitary gland

2. Pituitary
iv. 1. Glucagon
(ii) Arrange and rewrite the terms in each group in the correct order so as to be in a logical sequence beginning with the term
that is underlined.
i. False, Nucleus is a part of the cell in which chromosomes are present.
ii. Acid rain causes corrosion of the marble or brick surface.
iii. Heterozygous
iv. The given statement is false. Correct statement is: Ureter carries urine from kidney to the urinary bladder.
(iii)Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
i. (i) light, (ii) relative, (iii) wind, (iv) ambient, (v) stomata
(iv)Choose the odd one out from the following terms and name the category to which the others belong:
i. Odd term - Chicken pox
Category - Genetic diseases
ii. Odd term: Seminiferous tubule.
Category: Accessory glands.

iii. Category Odd one

Accessory glands (man) Lachrymal gland

iv. Odd Term - Pericardium
Category - Rest are components of blood vessels
v. Odd one: Monocytes; other belongs to Granulocytes.
(v) Match the items given in Column I with the most appropriate ones in Column II and rewrite the correct matching pairs.
i. Male Embryo: XY
Female Embryo: XX
Section B
3. Question 3
(i) Colour blindness and Haemophilia
(ii) For each gene corresponding to X-linked traits, females always have two alleles since they have two X-chromosomes.
Males only have one allele of genes related to X-linked traits, since they have only one X- chromosome.
(iii)Cells usually stop dividing after certain number of divisions. In malignant or cancerous cells this automatic stoppage of
cell division does not work. As a result malignant cells keep on dividing endlessly causing tumour or the cancerous
growth.
(iv) Character Dominant Recessive

Stem height Tall Short

Colour of seed Yellow Green

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 Shape of seed Round Wrinkled
(v)

4. Question 4
(i) Tears lubricate surface of eye, wash away dust, kill germs, keep surface of eye moist, lysozyme present in tear kills
bacteria.
(ii) i. Myelin sheath: It provides an insulation around the axon for increasing the speed of impulses.
ii. Relay or connecting neuron: It serves as a link between the sensory and motor neuron. These are mainly found in
brain and spinal cord.
(iii)While reading a book (near by vision), the lens of our eye is more convex or rounded but when we focus our eye on a
distant object, the ciliary muscles are relaxed.
The lens becomes concave or flattened. This accommodation power of eye enables us to have a clear vision of objects at
varying distances.
(iv)The nervous system consists of
i. Central Nervous System (CNS): It comprises brain and spinal cord.
ii. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): It comprises cranial and spinal nerves.
iii. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): It comprises parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves.
(v)

5. Question 5
(i) Large surface area to maximize light harvesting, presence of more stomata to allow rapid exchange of gases, presence of
transparent cuticle and epidermis to allow light to enter freely and move easily.
(ii) Chlorophyll has various pigments like a and b. These pigments have a tendency to absorb different light or different
wavelengths. Thus, this characteristic feature of various pigments of chlorophyll makes them most effective for
photosynthesis.
(iii)Carboxylation is the most crucial step of the Calvin cycle, where CO is utilised for the carboxylation of RuBisCO. This
reaction is catalysed by the enzyme RuBP carboxylase which results in the formation of 2 molecules of 3PGA. Since,
this enzyme also has an oxygenation activity, it would be more correct to call it RuBP carboxylase-oxygenase or
RubBisCO.
(iv)

(v) a. Carbon dioxide is necessary for photosynthesis studied in the above experiment.
b. KOH in the flask remove CO2 gas.

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 Sunlight

c. 6CO2 + 12H2O −−−−−−→ C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2

Chrolophyll

6. Question 6
(i) All the cells of the body except gamete cells contain 46 (23 pairs) of chromosome. The nerve cell of human beings are
somatic cells and hence contain 46 chromosome.
(ii) i. Leydig cells produce testosterone (the male hormone).
ii. Corpus luteum produces and secretes progesterone (the female hormone).
(iii) i. Fertilisation is the union of sperm and ova to produce a zygote.
ii. Ovulation is the release of ovum Graafian follicle in the ovary.
(iv) a. Part 1 and 2 is as follows
1- Radicle
2- Plumule
b. The tropic movement is hydrotropism.
c. Movement of plant in response to touch stimulus.
Example: Pea, Vines, Cuscuta, Cucumber
(v) According to Darwin’s concept of natural selection, the organisms, which are provided with favourable variations would
survive because they are fittest to face their surrounding, while the organisms, which are unfit for surrounding variations
are destroyed.
7. Question 7
(i) Fossils are the remnants and/or impressions of the life forms that lived in the remote past.
(ii) i. Homo erectus
ii. Neanderthal man
iii. Homo habilis
(iii)Those organs, which no longer have a function in our body are known as vestigial organs. These organs have reduced
structurally as well as functionally. It appears that these organs were once well-developed and functional in ancestors
and later on due to their less use they become reduced, e.g. vermiform appendix in man is reduced and functionless
while in herbivores vermiform appendix along with caecum is used for digestion of cellulose. It gives an idea that
human had herbivorous food habit and cellulose containing materials were major part of their food.
(iv)Improved medical facilities and public health measures has led to an increase in population of the world. Progress in the
field of medical science, along with the health services made available to the countries by International health
organisations.
They have brought epidemics and diseases under control. This has reduced the mortality rate to a large extent. The
public health programmes have improved the water supply and sanitary conditions. The health programmes also provide
for distribution of free milk to poor children in municipal schools. All this has improved the general health of the people.
(v) a. The blood vessel A, B and C are
A - Artery
B - Vein
C - Capillary
b. 1 - Tunica adventitia
2- Lumen
3 - Tunica media
c. The structural difference between A and B is
A (Artery) B (Vein)

They have narrow lumen and valves are absent. They have widen lumen and valves are present.

8. Question 8
(i) Diffusion is the movement of molecules of a substance (gas, liquid or solid) from the region of higher concentration to
the region of lower concentration.
(ii) i. Hepatic vein carries blood from liver to posterior vena cava.
ii. Hepatic portal vein carries blood from intestine to liver.
(iii)The time gap in the passage of impulse from sino-atrial node to the ventricles allows ventricles to relax. Fall in the
ventricular pressure, results in the closing of semilunar valves which prevents the backflow of blood into the ventricles.

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(iv)An industrial unit discharged waste water in the natural water bodies like lake, river. Hence, such contaminated water
once consumed by birds, aquatic plants and animals will cause death of those organisms. This situation may lead to the
declination of the population of birds, plants and organisms.
(v) a. The process depicted by this diagram is known as reflex action.
b. Labelled parts B, E and F are given below
B - Dorsal root ganglion
E - Central canal
F - Grey matter
c. The cells in contact with the part labelled as 'A' is known as receptor.

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