WAEC BiologyPast Questions & Explanations

Practice 200+ WAEC Biology questions from the SuperPrep question bank. Every question comes with a full explanation so you learn the method, not just the answer.

1.
The basic structural and functional unit of life is the
1. A.Tissue
2. B.Cell
3. C.Organ
4. D.Organelle
Show explanation
The cell is the smallest unit capable of carrying out all life processes and is therefore regarded as the basic unit of life.
2.
Which of the following structures controls the activities of the cell?
1. A.Mitochondrion
2. B.Ribosome
3. C.Nucleus
4. D.Vacuole
Show explanation
The nucleus contains genetic material (DNA) and controls the growth, metabolism, and reproduction of the cell.
3.
The cell membrane is primarily responsible for
1. A.Protein synthesis
2. B.Selective movement of substances into and out of the cell
3. C.Cell division
4. D.Photosynthesis
Show explanation
The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing some substances to enter or leave while restricting others.
4.
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
1. A.Golgi apparatus
2. B.Mitochondrion
3. C.Ribosome
4. D.Lysosome
Show explanation
Mitochondria release energy from food through cellular respiration and produce ATP for cellular activities.
5.
Photosynthesis occurs in the
1. A.Nucleus
2. B.Chloroplast
3. C.Vacuole
4. D.Ribosome
Show explanation
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which traps sunlight for photosynthesis.
6.
Which of the following is present in plant cells but absent in animal cells?
1. A.Cell membrane
2. B.Cytoplasm
3. C.Nucleus
4. D.Cell wall
Show explanation
Plant cells possess a cellulose cell wall that provides support and protection, whereas animal cells do not.
7.
The jelly-like substance in which cell organelles are suspended is called
1. A.Chromatin
2. B.Cytoplasm
3. C.Nucleolus
4. D.Matrix
Show explanation
The cytoplasm is a semi-fluid medium that contains organelles and serves as the site of many metabolic reactions.
8.
Protein synthesis takes place on the
1. A.Ribosomes
2. B.Mitochondria
3. C.Vacuoles
4. D.Centrioles
Show explanation
Ribosomes are the sites where amino acids are assembled into proteins according to genetic instructions.
9.
The large central vacuole in plant cells mainly functions in
1. A.Respiration
2. B.Storage of cell sap and maintenance of turgidity
3. C.Protein synthesis
4. D.Cell division
Show explanation
The vacuole stores water, dissolved substances, and helps maintain the rigidity of plant cells.
10.
Which organelle modifies, packages, and transports proteins within the cell?
1. A.Golgi apparatus
2. B.Nucleus
3. C.Lysosome
4. D.Centriole
Show explanation
The Golgi apparatus processes proteins and packages them into vesicles for transport.
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11.
Which structure contains hereditary materials in the form of genes?
1. A.Ribosome
2. B.Chromosome
3. C.Vacuole
4. D.Cell wall
Show explanation
Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genes.
12.
Cells that lack a true nucleus are described as
1. A.Eukaryotic
2. B.Multicellular
3. C.Prokaryotic
4. D.Differentiated
Show explanation
Prokaryotic cells do not possess a membrane-bound nucleus. Examples include bacteria.
13.
The movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration is called
1. A.Diffusion
2. B.Translocation
3. C.Osmosis
4. D.Active transport
Show explanation
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane down a water concentration gradient.
14.
Which of the following organelles contains digestive enzymes capable of breaking down worn-out cell parts?
1. A.Lysosome
2. B.Ribosome
3. C.Chloroplast
4. D.Centriole
Show explanation
Lysosomes contain enzymes that digest damaged organelles and foreign materials within the cell.
15.
One major difference between plant and animal cells is that plant cells
1. A.lack a nucleus
2. B.have chloroplasts for photosynthesis
3. C.lack cytoplasm
4. D.have no cell membrane
Show explanation
Plant cells possess chloroplasts containing chlorophyll, which enables photosynthesis. Animal cells do not.
16.
The endoplasmic reticulum primarily functions in
1. A.storage and transport of materials within the cell
2. B.cell division
3. C.photosynthesis
4. D.production of ATP only
Show explanation
The endoplasmic reticulum forms a network of membranes involved in transporting materials and synthesizing proteins and lipids.
17.
Which cell organelle is directly responsible for aerobic respiration?
1. A.Golgi apparatus
2. B.Mitochondrion
3. C.Nucleus
4. D.Ribosome
Show explanation
Aerobic respiration occurs in the mitochondria where energy is released from food molecules.
18.
The nucleolus is mainly involved in the production of
1. A.Cell sap
2. B.ATP
3. C.Ribosomes
4. D.Chromosomes
Show explanation
The nucleolus synthesizes ribosomal RNA and helps in the formation of ribosomes.
19.
Which of the following cell structures is non-living?
1. A.Cytoplasm
2. B.Nucleus
3. C.Cell wall
4. D.Mitochondrion
Show explanation
The cell wall is a non-living structure secreted by the cell, while the other options are living components of the cell.
20.
A red blood cell is adapted to its function by lacking a nucleus mainly to
1. A.allow more room for haemoglobin
2. B.enable photosynthesis
3. C.facilitate cell division
4. D.increase water storage
Show explanation
Mature red blood cells lose their nucleus to create more space for haemoglobin, thereby increasing oxygen-carrying capacity.

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