JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Biology 2025
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2025 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the primary function of the C3 cycle in photosynthesis?

A. To fix CO2 into glucose
B. To regenerate RuBP
C. To produce ATP and NADPH
D. To synthesize proteins
Explanation

The C3 cycle (Calvin cycle) fixes CO2 into a 3-carbon compound, eventually forming glucose using ATP and NADPH.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding DNA during replication?

A. Helicase
B. Polymerase
C. Ligase
D. Restriction endonuclease
Explanation

Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds, enabling replication.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle contraction?

A. To release calcium ions
B. To regulate muscle tone
C. To synthesize ATP
D. To store glycogen
Explanation

The sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions to trigger muscle contraction by enabling actin-myosin interactions.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of cell signaling involves the release of signaling molecules into the bloodstream?

A. Endocrine signaling
B. Paracrine signaling
C. Autocrine signaling
D. Juxtacrine signaling
Explanation

Endocrine signaling uses hormones released into the bloodstream to target distant cells.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the Casparian strip in plant roots?

A. To regulate water uptake
B. To control mineral absorption
C. To synthesize suberin
D. To facilitate gas exchange
Explanation

The Casparian strip in the endodermis controls mineral absorption by forcing selective uptake through cell membranes.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the brain regulates the body's circadian rhythms?

A. Suprachiasmatic nucleus
B. Hypothalamus
C. Thalamus
D. Cerebral cortex
Explanation

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus regulates circadian rhythms based on light cues.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions?

A. Differentiation
B. Morphogenesis
C. Histogenesis
D. Organogenesis
Explanation

Differentiation is the process where cells specialize to perform specific roles, like nerve or muscle cells.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of ecological interaction involves the competition for resources between different species?

A. Predation
B. Competition
C. Mutualism
D. Commensalism
Explanation

Competition occurs when species vie for limited resources, limiting each other’s growth.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the proton pump in plant cells?

A. To regulate pH levels
B. To generate ATP
C. To transport ions
D. To synthesize proteins
Explanation

The proton pump transports protons (H+) across membranes, driving ion and nutrient uptake.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which organelle is responsible for the degradation of proteins and organelles?

A. Lysosome
B. Proteasome
C. Peroxisome
D. Golgi apparatus
Explanation

Lysosomes use hydrolytic enzymes to degrade proteins, organelles, and cellular waste.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which organisms adapt to their environment through genetic changes?

A. Evolution
B. Natural selection
C. Adaptation
D. Mutation
Explanation

Evolution involves genetic changes over generations, driven by mechanisms like natural selection.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of muscle fiber is characterized by a high concentration of myoglobin?

A. Fast-twitch fibers
B. Slow-twitch fibers
C. Intermediate fibers
D. Smooth muscle fibers
Explanation

Slow-twitch fibers, rich in myoglobin, store oxygen for endurance activities.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in cholesterol synthesis?

A. To catalyze the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate
B. To regulate gene expression for cholesterol synthesis
C. To transport cholesterol in the bloodstream
D. To synthesize bile acids
Explanation

HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the rate-limiting step of converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate in cholesterol synthesis.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the nephron is responsible for the reabsorption of glucose and amino acids?

A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Explanation

The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs glucose and amino acids from the filtrate.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which the body's immune system responds to pathogens?

A. Immune response
B. Inflammation
C. Phagocytosis
D. Immunological tolerance
Explanation

The immune response involves innate and adaptive immunity to combat pathogens.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of cell junction is characterized by the presence of connexons?

A. Tight junctions
B. Adherens junctions
C. Gap junctions
D. Desmosomes
Explanation

Gap junctions use connexons to allow ion and small molecule passage between cells.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the enzyme RuBisCO in the Calvin cycle?

A. To fix CO2 into a 3-carbon compound
B. To regenerate RuBP
C. To produce ATP and NADPH
D. To synthesize proteins
Explanation

RuBisCO fixes CO2 into 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA), a 3-carbon compound, in the Calvin cycle.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the brain regulates the body's emotional responses?

A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
C. Cerebral cortex
D. Brainstem
Explanation

The amygdala regulates emotions like fear and pleasure and is key in emotional memory.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which cells become resistant to antibiotics?

A. Mutation
B. Gene expression
C. Horizontal gene transfer
D. Natural selection
Explanation

Natural selection favors bacteria with resistance genes, allowing them to survive and reproduce.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of ecological interaction involves one organism benefiting while the other is neither harmed nor benefited?

A. Predation
B. Competition
C. Mutualism
D. Commensalism
Explanation

Commensalism involves one organism benefiting while the other is unaffected, e.g., barnacles on whales.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the enzyme DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

A. To unwind DNA
B. To synthesize new DNA strands
C. To repair damaged DNA
D. To cut DNA
Explanation

DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to synthesize new DNA strands based on the template strand.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the plant cell is responsible for the synthesis of cellulose?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Plasma membrane
D. Cell wall
Explanation

The plasma membrane houses cellulose synthase enzymes that produce cellulose for the cell wall.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which the body's immune system remembers specific pathogens?

A. Immunological memory
B. Immune response
C. Inflammation
D. Phagocytosis
Explanation

Immunological memory enables faster immune responses upon re-exposure to pathogens.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of muscle fiber is most susceptible to fatigue?

A. Fast-twitch fibers
B. Slow-twitch fibers
C. Intermediate fibers
D. Smooth muscle fibers
Explanation

Fast-twitch fibers rely on anaerobic respiration, leading to rapid fatigue from lactic acid buildup.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the sinoatrial node in the heart?

A. To regulate heart rate
B. To control blood pressure
C. To pump blood
D. To filter blood
Explanation

The sinoatrial node, the heart’s pacemaker, generates impulses to regulate heart rate.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the nephron is responsible for the concentration of urine?

A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Explanation

The Loop of Henle creates a concentration gradient, enabling urine concentration via water reabsorption.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which cells communicate with each other through chemical signals?

A. Cell signaling
B. Cell division
C. Cell differentiation
D. Cell adhesion
Explanation

Cell signaling uses chemical signals like hormones to coordinate cellular activities.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of ecological interaction involves one organism living on or in another and benefiting at its expense?

A. Parasitism
B. Predation
C. Competition
D. Mutualism
Explanation

Parasitism involves a parasite benefiting at the host’s expense, e.g., tapeworms in humans.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine?

A. To break down lactose into glucose and galactose
B. To synthesize lactose from glucose and galactose
C. To regulate blood sugar levels
D. To absorb lactose
Explanation

Lactase hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose for absorption in the small intestine.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the brain regulates the body's appetite and satiety?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Thalamus
C. Cerebral cortex
D. Brainstem
Explanation

The hypothalamus regulates appetite and satiety by responding to hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which the body's immune system responds to allergens?

A. Allergic reaction
B. Immune response
C. Inflammation
D. Immunological tolerance
Explanation

An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive immune response to allergens, involving histamine release.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of cell junction is responsible for maintaining tissue structure?

A. Tight junctions
B. Adherens junctions
C. Gap junctions
D. Desmosomes
Explanation

Desmosomes anchor cells, providing structural support in tissues like skin.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the enzyme pyruvate kinase in glycolysis?

A. To convert phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate
B. To convert glucose to glucose-6-phosphate
C. To regulate glycolysis
D. To synthesize ATP
Explanation

Pyruvate kinase catalyzes the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, producing ATP in glycolysis.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which part of the plant cell is responsible for the synthesis of starch?

A. Chloroplast
B. Amyloplast
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Explanation

Amyloplasts synthesize and store starch in plant storage organs like roots and tubers.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the term for the process by which cells become specialized to respond to specific stimuli?

A. Differentiation
B. Sensitization
C. Adaptation
D. Irritability
Explanation

Differentiation enables cells to specialize for functions like responding to stimuli, e.g., nerve cells.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of muscle is characterized by the presence of intercalated discs?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Striated muscle
Explanation

Cardiac muscle has intercalated discs for rapid electrical communication, enabling coordinated contractions.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

What is the function of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the nervous system?

A. To synthesize acetylcholine
B. To break down acetylcholine
C. To regulate muscle contraction
D. To transmit nerve impulses
Explanation

Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft to terminate neural signals.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which hormone is responsible for regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle?

A. Melatonin
B. Cortisol
C. Adrenaline
D. Thyroxine
Explanation

Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, signals sleep in response to darkness, regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which type of immunity involves the production of antibodies to fight pathogens?

A. Cell-mediated immunity
B. Humoral immunity
C. Innate immunity
D. Passive immunity
Explanation

Humoral immunity involves B cells producing antibodies to target pathogens.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2025

Which ecological interaction involves two organisms benefiting from each other?

A. Mutualism
B. Commensalism
C. Parasitism
D. Predation
Explanation

Mutualism benefits both organisms, e.g., bees pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar.

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