Analysis

Answer all the questions.
1(a). Biological processes can be investigated using models.
The effect of cell size on diffusion can be investigated using cubes of agar jelly to represent cells of different
sizes.
A student used cubes of agar jelly containing universal indicator, which changes colour at different pH.
Five different sizes of cubes were cut from a larger block using a scalpel.
Cubes were placed in a beaker containing hydrochloric acid (enough to cover the cubes) and a stopwatch
was started.
After 2 minutes the cubes were removed, rinsed with distilled water and blotted dry.
Acid absorbed at the outside continued diffusing towards the centre of the blocks.
The time taken for the blocks to turn entirely red was recorded.
The results are shown in Table 22.1 on the insert.
What was the role of the universal indicator in this experiment?
[1]
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(b).
(i) In the space provided, plot a graph of mean time taken to turn red against surface area to volume ratio. [4]
(ii) Describe the pattern shown by your graph.
[1]
(iii) An identical procedure was carried out on a cube of unknown size. This cube turned red after 21.5 min.
Use your graph to estimate the surface area to volume ratio of this unknown cube.
Answer_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [1]

(iv) Suggest how the original procedure could be modified in order to improve the accuracy of your answer to
part (iii).
[1]
(c). Use the data in Table 22.1, on the insert, to calculate the rate of diffusion of acid in Cube C from the outer
surface to the centre of the cube.
Answer_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [3]
(d).
(i) Explain which of the mean values, A–E, is likely to be the least accurate. You should process data from the
table to support your answer.
[2]
(ii) Identify one limitation in the practical procedure that may have caused the results to be inaccurate and
explain which cube's results are most likely to have been affected by this limitation.
Limitation
Is more likely to affect cube ….. because
[3]

(e). The procedure described above involved the use of model cells. Hydrogen ions from the acid were able to travel
freely to the centre of the agar jelly cubes.
The rate of movement of molecules from the plasma membrane towards the centre of living cells is often
greater than that seen in the procedure the student carried out even if the cells are kept at the same
temperature.
Suggest a reason for this observation.
[1]
2. Fig. 16.1 shows the results of an osmosis experiment on sections of potato and beetroot.
The original mass of each potato section was 4.6 g.
Which option shows the correct percentage change in mass when a potato section was placed in the solution
with the highest water potential?
A −17.4%
B 10.8%
C −27.0%
D 17.4%
Your answer
[1]

3. The graph in Fig. 8.1 shows a normal spirometer trace.
Which option correctly describes what is happening at point Z?
A pressure inside lungs is low

B volume of thorax is large
C diaphragm is contracted
D internal intercostal muscles are contracted
Your answer
[1]

4(a). A thin-layer chromatography procedure was carried out on an extract of leaf cells that contained chlorophyll and
other pigments.
Liquid extract from the leaf cells was dried thoroughly.
The extract was then mixed with an organic solvent and placed onto a thin-layer chromatography plate
suspended in organic solvent.
Fig. 24.1 shows the results of the procedure.
Table 24.1 shows the typical Rf values for various pigments present in plants.
Pigment Colour Rf value
Carotene yellow-orange 0.91
Pheophytin a grey 0.75
Chlorophyll a blue green 0.63
Chlorophyll b green 0.58
Table 24.1
(i) Name the organelle that is likely to have yielded most of the pigments present in the leaf extract.

[1]
(ii) Suggest why it was important that the leaf extract was dried thoroughly before mixing with the organic
solvent.
[1]
(b).
(i) Calculate the Rf value for pigment Y on Fig. 24.1.
Answer_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [1]
(ii) The student concluded that in Fig. 24.1 pigment Y was probably chlorophyll a.
How well do the results support the student's conclusion? Support your answer with reference to Fig 24.1
and Table 24.1.
[3]

5. A group of students monitored the substrate concentration during an enzyme-controlled reaction.
Select the graph that correctly shows how the substrate concentration changes during the course of the reaction.
Your answer
[1]

6. The following spirometer trace shows the results of an experiment. Soda lime was used to extract carbon dioxide
from exhaled air.
What is the rate of oxygen consumption in the experiment?
A 1.0 dm3
B 3.0 dm3 min−1
C 5.0 dm3 min−1
D 12 breaths min−1
Your answer
[1]

7. A student investigated the effect of alcohol on the permeability of membranes in plant cells. The student wanted
to find the minimum concentration of alcohol at which all the cells became permeable to the stain Evans Blue.
Evans Blue stains the nucleus of the cell.
The student followed this method:
The student placed samples of onion epidermis into different concentrations of ethanol.
After five minutes a few drops of Evans Blue stain was added to each sample.
After a further five minutes, the samples were viewed using a light microscope.
The student observed 20 cells and recorded how many contained a blue nucleus.
Table 21.1 shows the student's results.
Concentration of ethanol (%) Number of cells with a blue % cells with blue nucleus
nucleus
0 1 5
10 4 20
20 16 80
30 20 100
40 20 100
Table 21.1
(i) Identify one limitation of the method the student followed.
[1]
(ii) On evaluating the results the student decided to use a narrower range of ethanol concentrations.
Suggest what range of ethanol concentrations the student should use and give a reason for your choice.
[2]

(iii) How would using a narrower range of alcohol concentrations improve the investigation?
[1]

8(a). Fig. 22.1 shows a transverse section of the stem of a typical pondweed viewed using a × 10 objective lens. Part
of a graticule is shown below the stem. The markings on the graticule are 0.1 mm apart.
Fig. 22.1
A student was asked to view cells from the phloem in transverse section using a high power objective lens. Fig.
22.2 shows two diagrams of phloem tissue.

(i) Which diagram is the more accurate representation of what the student could see?
Justify your decision using two separate features of the diagrams.
[2]
(ii) State what is meant by the resolution of a microscope.
[1]
(iii) The slide viewed to draw the diagrams in Fig. 22.2 had been stained.
Table 22.1 shows a list of stains and the cell feature that can be stained.
Stain Cell feature stained

Nile blue nuclei
eosin cytoplasm
Sudan red cell membrane
iodine starch
Table 22.1
Which stain had the student used? Explain your answer.
[2]

(b).
(i) Measure the width of the stem between points A and B.

Give your answer to the nearest 0.1 mm.
Answer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [1]
(ii) Calculate the magnification of the image in Fig. 22.1.
Answer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [2]
(iii) The thin stem and thin cell walls do not provide much support for the leaf. Suggest how the leaf is supported.
[2]

9. The mountain gorilla is an endangered species with as few as 880 individuals surviving in the wild. Many of the
animals have been ‘habituated’ to human contact. The health of these animals is monitored and medical
assistance is given when necessary. Animals that are not habituated are rarely visited.
(i) Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of keeping some gorilla families that have not been
habituated.
[2]
(ii) The gorilla population in one area, Virunga, has been regularly monitored (Table 24.1). The data have been
collected by indirect methods such as collecting dung samples at nest sites.
However, DNA analysis of another gorilla population suggests that estimates made by these indirect
methods may be up to 6% inaccurate.
Year Population in Virunga

1981 254
1989 320
2003 380
2010 480
Table 24.1
Calculate the mean annual percentage rate of growth of the gorilla population in Virunga between 1981 and
2010.
Show your working.
Answer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ % [2]
(iii) In 1993 the Rio Convention on Biodiversity came into force. In 2010, one conservationist commented that the
Rio Convention had had a real effect on the gorilla population.

Use the information above to evaluate the effect that the Rio Convention on Biodiversity has had on the
gorillas in Virunga.
[3]

10. Fig. 25.1 shows a potometer.
(a) A student used this apparatus to investigate the role of stomata in transpiration. The student noted the
position of the air-water meniscus each minute for five minutes.
The student then covered the underside of one of the leaves in petroleum jelly before repeating the
measurements. This was continued until the undersides of all the leaves had been covered.
Table 25.1 shows the results.
Number of Position of meniscus (mm) at

leaves with 0 min 1 min 2 min 3 min 4 min 5 min
undersides
covered in
petroleum
jelly
0 0 23 44 65 84 102
1 0 20 40 58 77 95
2 0 16 31 47 61 76
3 0 11 23 37 50 62
4 0 9 17 24 32 40
5 0 6 11 16 22 28
Table 25.1
The student presented these results as a graph. Fig. 25.2 shows the graph.

(i) State two different types of information the student has missed from the graph.
[2]
(ii) Use the graph to calculate the minimum rate of transpiration.
Show your working.

Answer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ mm min−1[2]
(b) Suggest how water is being lost from the cut stem when all the leaves have been treated with petroleum jelly.
[2]
(c) Suggest two possible sources of error in this investigation.
[2]
11. The kidneys of a healthy individual filter 178 dm3 day–1 of fluid from the glomeruli into the renal capsules.
However, only 1.5 dm3 day–1 of urine is produced.
What percentage of the filtrate is reabsorbed back into the blood?
A 176.5
B 0.8
C 11.8
D 99.2
Your answer
[1]

12. An unknown solution of a single sugar was tested. The results were recorded in Table 9.1.
Colours observed after testing

Benedict's test for reducing sugars Benedict's test for non-reducing sugars
blue brick red
Table 9.1
Identify the unknown sugar.
A fructose
B lactose
C sucrose
D glucose
Your answer
[1]

13. The electrical activity of the heart can be monitored using an electrocardiogram (ECG) trace.
Fig. 16.1 shows the ECG pattern for a single normal heartbeat.
Fig. 16.2 shows an ECG trace for a person with normal heart rhythm and Fig. 16.3 shows the trace for a person
with tachycardia.
(i) Calculate the percentage increase in heart rate for the person with tachycardia compared to the person with
normal heart rhythm.
Use the data between points A and B on Fig. 16.2 and points C and D on Fig. 16.3 for your calculations.
Show your working. Give your answer to the nearest whole number.
Answer_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ % [4]
(ii) The most obvious feature of tachycardia is an increased heart rate.

Using the information in Fig. 16.1, Fig. 16.2 and Fig. 16.3, what are other key features of tachycardia?
[2]

14. Liver cells have a high metabolic rate. Hydrogen peroxide is a metabolic product produced in significant
quantities in liver cells. It needs to be removed in order to prevent serious damage to the liver cells.
Hydrogen peroxide is detoxified by the enzyme catalase:
2H2O2⟶ 2H2O + O2
Catalase has a very high turnover number. A single catalase molecule can catalyse the breakdown of
approximately 6 million hydrogen peroxide molecules every minute. Catalase is found in peroxisomes inside the
liver cells. Peroxisomes are organelles surrounded by a single membrane.
The activity of catalase was investigated in a laboratory, using chopped liver tissue and dilute hydrogen
peroxide. When the chopped liver was added to the hydrogen peroxide large quantities of froth as bubbles of
oxygen were produced in the liquid.
Fig. 17.3 shows the effect of increasing enzyme concentration on the rate of the reaction.
(i) Identify two variables that would need to be controlled in this laboratory investigation.
2
[1]
(ii) How could you control one of the variables that you identified in (i) in the laboratory investigation?

[1]
(iii) * Using the information, deduce why and how catalase activity is regulated inside the liver cells.
[6]

15. Plants grow successfully in temperatures that are suited to their metabolism. Some plants are adapted for growth
in cool climates while others can grow well in warm climates.
Plants also vary in their photosynthetic metabolism. Many plants produce a 3-carbon compound as the first
product of carbon fixation and so are referred to as C3 plants. Another group of plants produces a 4-carbon
compound as the first product and so are referred to as C4 plants. C3 plants include barley, lentil, rice, soya,
sunflower and wheat. C4 plants include maize, millet, sorghum and sugar cane.
Fig. 18.2 shows the assimilation of carbon dioxide by four different crops at different temperatures.
(i) With reference to Fig. 18.2, what is the general relationship between increasing temperature and the
assimilation of carbon dioxide?
[2]
(ii) Calculate the values for the mean assimilation of carbon dioxide by C3 plants and C4 plants at 20 °C.
Include units in your answer.
C3

C4
[2]
(iii) Suggest a conclusion that could be drawn from the mean values you calculated in part (ii).
[1]
(iv) With reference to Fig. 18.2, suggest which curve corresponds to each of the following crops:
Sugar cane, which grows in warm climates.
Barley, which grows in cool climates.
[2]

16. Fig. 19.2 is a diagram of a potato plant. Potatoes are tubers which are underground storage organs.
Actively growing tissues have a high demand for carbohydrates. This means that a lot of phloem sap is directed
to these tissues and requires sucrose to be unloaded in large amounts.
In an investigation, potato plants were modified by having a gene for invertase inserted into their DNA so that the
gene for invertase would be expressed in the tubers. Invertase is responsible for catalysing the hydrolysis of the
disaccharide sucrose.
A trial experiment was carried out to compare the properties of the modified plants with those that had not been
modified. After harvesting, the tubers of three of each type of plant were compared. The results are shown in
Table 19.1.
Modified Not modified

Mean number of tubers per plant 2.2 5.3
Mean mass per tuber (g) 49.7 16.8
Mean sucrose concentration (mg g–1 tuber mass) 1.4 13.7
Mean glucose concentration (mg g–1 tuber mass) 36.3 ± 3.5 1.9 ± 0.3
Invertase activity (arbitrary units) 62.1 1
Table 19.1
(i) Name the bond that is hydrolysed by invertase.
[1]

(ii) The potato tubers contain monosaccharides.
Compare the concentration of monosaccharides in the modified tubers with those that were not modified.
[2]
(iii) In the modified plants, the unloading of sucrose is increased in the tubers compared with those that were not
modified.
The transport of sucrose to the tubers was also increased in the modified plants.
Using the data and the information given, deduce a possible mechanism to account for the increased
unloading and transport of sucrose in the modified plants.
[4]
(iv) The trial experiment compared the properties of modified potato plants with those that were not modified.
Analyse the data and draw conclusions about the yield of the tubers of modified plants compared with those
tubers from plants which had not been modified.
[3]

17. Heliamphora, shown in Fig. 18.1, is a genus of carnivorous plant. Its leaves are adapted to form water-filled traps
for insects. The insects are attracted by nectar, then fall into the traps and drown. The plants digest the insects
and absorb the mineral ions produced. This allows Heliamphora to survive in soils with low mineral content.
Four pigments, A, B, C and D, were extracted from a Heliamphora plant. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was
carried out on the pigments. The results of the TLC are shown in Fig. 18.3.
(i) Using Fig. 18.3, what can you conclude about the composition of pigments A to D?

[3]
(ii) Calculate the Rf value of pigment B. Give your answer to two significant figures.
Show your working.
Answer = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [2]

18. Respiration is an important metabolic process that takes place in all living cells.
The black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus, paralyses and kills its prey with venom.
The venom contains a toxin known as latrotoxin. If a human is bitten, this toxin can cause serious harm by
damaging heart tissue. Latrotoxin causes influx of Ca2+ ions, which disrupts normal cell function, including
respiration.
An investigation was carried out into the effect of latrotoxin on aerobic respiration in humans.
The rate of activity of malate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in aerobic respiration, was
analysed at different substrate concentrations. The substrate concentrations used were within the normal range
for a living cell.
The data is shown in Table 19.1.

Concentration of malate Rate of reaction of malate
-3
(mmol dm ) dehydrogenase
(mmol dm-3 s-1)
0.0 0.0
1.0 37.7
2.0 55.2
3.0 66.0
4.0 74.8
6.0 83.1
8.0 88.9
10.0 92.3
14.0 96.9
18.0 99.0
(i) Use the space provided to plot a suitable graph of these data.

[4]
(ii) Calculate the mean increase in malate dehydrogenase activity for every 1 mmol dm−3 increase in malate
concentration between 1.0 and 10.0 mmol dm−3.
Give your answer to two significant figures.
Show your working.

Answer = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [3]
(iii) The normal maximum rate of malate dehydrogenase activity is 100 mmol dm−3 s−1.
The data in Table 19.1, on the Insert, were obtained in the presence of latrotoxin.
What can be deduced from these results about latrotoxin's mode of action as a poison? Justify your answer.
[3]

19. The water calthrop, Trapa natans, lives in lakes and other water bodies. Its leaves float on the surface of the
water. Its stems trail just under the surface of the water.
A potometer was used to calculate the rate of transpiration from leaves of T. natans with different surface areas.
Table 20.1 shows the data obtained during the investigation.
Surface area of leaf (cm2) Time (min) Distance moved along capillary
tubing (mm)
39.6 0 0
20 4
40 8
60 10
80 12
69.4 0 0
20 6
40 9
60 13
80 18
99.2 0 0
20 7
40 15
60 23
80 38
Table 20.1
(i) Give two factors that need to be controlled in this investigation in order to obtain valid data.
1
[2]
(ii) In its natural habitat, T. natans has many leaves with a surface area greater than 99.2 cm2. Explain why this
does not affect the rate of transpiration in a way which would be harmful for the plant.

[1]

20. * The orange tree, Citrus sinensis, is an important crop plant.
Scientists applied the following treatments to commercial orange trees:
Gibberellins were applied at various stages of development.

Auxins were applied during development and to mature orange trees.
The treated orange trees were compared to untreated orange trees. Scientists observed that the treated trees:
had slightly shorter roots

grew taller
all began to grow within two days of each other
had fewer and shorter side branches
retained their fruit and leaves for longer.
Suggest explanations for each of these observations.
[6]

21. DNA fragments can be separated using electrophoresis.
Fig. 3.1 shows the result of electrophoresis of several DNA samples.
(i) Describe how DNA can be visualised after electrophoresis has been completed.
[2]
(ii) Place a cross (X) on Fig. 3.1 to indicate the position of a fragment of DNA with a mass greater than the DNA
band labelled Y.
[1]

22. The invertebrate biodiversity of two different peat bog ecosystems was sampled. Values of Simpson's Diversity
Index were calculated for both ecosystems. The results are shown in Table 4.1.
Species Ecosystem A Ecosystem B

n n/N (n/N)2 n n/N (n/N)2
G. cottonae 3 0.0361 0.0013 14 0.15 0.0227
G. servulus 1 0.0120 0.0001 12 0.13 0.0166
C. cocksi 4 0.0482 0.0023 20 0.22 0.0462
L. nigrifrons 24 0.2892 0.0836 25 0.27 0.0723
E. cryptarum 33 0.3976 0.1581 22 0.24 0.0560
T. limbata 5 0.0602 0.0036
S. litorea
T. rivularis 1 0.0120 0.0001
S. argus 4 0.0482 0.0023
Σ= 0.2607 0.2138
1−Σ= 0.7393 0.7862
Table 4.1
(i) Complete the missing row in Table 4.1 by adding the correct values for S. litorea.
[3]
(ii) What can you conclude about the species evenness and richness of Ecosystem A in comparison to
Ecosystem B?
[2]
(iii) Scientists planned to sample the biodiversity in another peat bog ecosystem. They identified three different
areas within the ecosystem:
an area of conifer trees (800 m2)

a marshy area with a high water table (2400 m2)
a heavily grazed area (3200 m2)

Suggest the sampling strategy that the scientists should use and comment on the number of samples they
should collect.
[3]

23. Plants have evolved response mechanisms to a variety of abiotic and biotic stimuli.
Flowering plants respond to changes in the length of day. The advantage of this response is that these plants
begin to flower only when environmental conditions are favourable.
Karl Hamner studied the effect of exposure to light and darkness on flowering in cocklebur plants. He placed
cocklebur plants in darkness for different periods of time. Some of his results are shown in Table 6.1.
Period of darkness (h) Flash of light during the period Flower production
of darkness?
8.5 No Yes
6.5 No No
12.5 Red light after 6 hours No
12.5 Red light after 6 hours, followed by Yes
a flash of far red light
6.5 Several flashes of far red light Yes
Table 6.1
Suggest what conclusions can be drawn from the results in Table 6.1 about the effect of exposure to light and
darkness on flowering in cockleburs.
[3]

24(a). In domesticated, farmed pigs, the following two traits have been studied:
The allele for curly tail, T, is dominant to the allele for straight tail, t.
The allele for pink skin (dermis), D, is dominant to the allele for black skin, d.
(i) Draw a genetic diagram to show the results of crossing pigs that are heterozygous for both traits, tail and
skin. Use the letters given above.
parental genotypes ____________________ ____________________
gametes ____________________ ____________________
F1 offspring genotypes
offspring phenotypes
phenotype ratio
[5]
(ii) Describe in words how this phenotypic ratio might be different if the two genes were autosomally linked.
[1]

(b). A pig farmer crossed one group of pigs, heterozygous for both traits, with another group homozygous recessive
for both traits. The farmer expected to get roughly equal numbers of each of the four possible mixtures of tail and
skin phenotype.
The results that actually occurred are shown in Table 17.2.
Phenotype Observed, O Expected, E

curly pink 20 26
curly black 30 26
straight pink 21 26
straight black 33 26
straight black 33 26
Table 17.2
(i) The farmer thought from these results that the two genes might be autosomally linked.
Calculate x2. (You may wish to use Table 17.2 to write figures for steps in your calculation process.)
Answer_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [3]
(ii) The farmer had concluded that the genes are linked.
Use your calculation and Table 17.3 to justify whether the farmer's conclusion can be supported or not.
Degrees of Probability
freedom 0.95 0.90 0.75 0.50 0.25 0.10 0.05 0.01
1 0.004 0.016 0.102 0.455 1.32 2.71 3.84 6.63
2 0.103 0.211 0.575 1.386 2.77 4.61 5.99 9.21
3 0.352 0.584 1.212 2.366 4.11 6.25 7.81 11.34
4 0.711 1.064 1.923 3.357 5.39 7.78 9.49 13.28
5 1.145 1.610 2.675 4.351 6.63 9.24 11.07 15.09
Table 17.3

[1]

25. The mean levels of human lactose intolerance vary in different parts of the world.
Table 18.1 shows the contrasting levels of lactose intolerance in two ethnic groups from different parts of the
world.
Population Frequency of lactose intolerance

phenotype
Europeans 0.05
Australian aborigines 0.97
Table. 18.1
The Hardy–Weinberg principle states that:
p+q=1
p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1
Where p is the frequency of the dominant allele and q is the frequency of the recessive allele in the genotypes of
a population.
The lactose intolerance allele is recessive to the mutant allele, which prevents lactose intolerance.
Calculate the frequency of the heterozygous genotype in the Australian aborigine population. Show your
working.
Frequency = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [2]

26. The graphs below show the density of two different plant species as proximity to the coast changes.
Which of the following statements correctly describes one aspect of the technique used to collect these data?
A Quadrats were randomly placed using a random number generator and coordinates.
B Larger quadrats were required for species A because their mean density was higher.
C A belt transect has been used to allow calculation of density.
D Abiotic factors were measured at every point of quadrat sampling.
Your answer
[1]

27(a). * Some students investigated the different ways of protecting maize plants against the corn borer moth. In each
of three separate but close-together square plots, in the same field, they planted several hundred maize
seedlings.
Plot A: untreated (control).
Plot B: sprayed daily with Bt toxin.
Plot C: the seedlings planted were genetically modified Bt corn.
On the first day of each week, one student would walk around the edge of a plot and count the number of maize
plants that had collapsed in that plot. Each plot had a student responsible for counting. The results are shown in
Table 20.1.
Number of maize plants collapsed since the last weekly count

Week number Plot A Plot B Plot C
1 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
3 18 22 21
4 0 0 0
5 5 1 0
6 14 11 12
7 5 2 1
8 12 0 1
9 17 1 0
10 30 6 0
11 32 13 1
12 41 17 0
13 38 26 1
14 47 31 1
15 50 44 2
16 49 47 0
Table 20.1
The students' tutor raised a number of concerns about the investigation. In summary:
The methods were not a valid test of what was being investigated.
The results may not be accurate.

Some variables were not controlled.
Explain why these concerns are justified and suggest improvements to the investigation.
[6]
(b). A farmer wants to increase the yield of maize.
A friend recommends planting genetically-modified Bt corn as it would be more effective against European corn
borer larvae rather than spraying unmodified corn with Bt toxin.
Which method would you recommend to the farmer? Justify your answer.
[1]
END OF QUESTION PAPER

Mark Scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance
1 a detect the presence of acid / H+ (1) 1

measure end-point / dependent variable
(1)
b i surface area to volume ratio on x-axis and 4

time on y-axis (1)
plotted points occupy at least half of

available area
and
linear scale on both axes
and
line of best fit drawn (1)
axes labelled time (min) and surface area DO NOT ALLOW if units given for x-axis
to volume ratio / AW (1)
all points plotted correctly (to +/– half a 2 ALLOW ecf for correctly plotted points on
mm grid square) (1) incorrectly-scaled graph
ii time taken for diffusion (to centre of cube), 1 Answer must mention surface area to
increases as surface area to volume ratio volume ratio
decreases, ORA DO NOT ALLOW if colour change is
discussed in place of diffusion
IGNORE rate
ALLOW a description consistent with the
graph the candidate has drawn
iii 0.44 1 ALLOW answer in the range of 0.40 – 0.48

depending on candidate's plotted graph
Answer must be reported to 2 decimal
places
iv test cubes of (known) length between 10 1

and 20 mm
c 0.35 / 0.347 (1) (1) 3 ALLOW 0.69 / 0.694 for 1 mark

mm min–1 ALLOW 0.3 or 0.3472 for 1 mark
ALLOW mm/min
d i cube A, because… 2
time for test 2 different from others (1)
use of processed figures to support (1) ALLOW calculated rates for cube A - E
ALLOW calculated range compared with
that of cubes B - E

Mark Scheme
ii Limitation 3
inconsistency in surface area (1)
cube A (1) ALLOW mark only if one of the other two
marks is awarded
Because
It is the smallest cube so small error in
cutting will have proportionately larger
effect in a small cube / idea that error is a
bigger proportion of total time (1)
Limitation
using human eye and judgement to
determine end point (1)
cube E (1) ALLOW mark only if one of the other two
marks is awarded
Because
largest cube so harder to see through 2cm
of jelly / AW (1)
e idea of involvement of cytoskeleton / 1 IGNORE reference to different diffusion

vesicles (1) resistance
Total 17
2 D 1
Total 1
3 D 1
Total 1

Mark Scheme
4 a i chloroplast 1
ii idea that presence of water may have 1 ALLOW too diluted

altered the RF
b i Rf is 0.61 1 ALLOW 0.60 or 0.62

DO NOT ALLOW 0.6
ii does not support because 3

calculated Rf is not 0.63 (1)
supports because
within range of experimental variability (1)
other Rf values appear to be slightly low
(1)
correct ranking position on chromatogram
(1)
colour is blue / green (1)
Total 6
5 D 1
Total 1
6 B 1
Total 1
7 i one from
volume of ethanol not given (1)
same onion / size of onion epidermis /
position of epidermis in onion not stated (1)
ii 20–30% (1) 2 idea that 100% blue nuclei is not reached

lowest concentration must be between 20 at 20% but is reached at 30%
and 30% (1)
iii idea of more accurate determination of 1

permeability
Total 4

Mark Scheme
8 a i B 2 No Mark for identification of B

comment about detail of organelles (1) e.g. light microscope would not allow
nuclear pores / ribosomes / endoplasmic
comment about shapes of cells (1) reticulum / plasmodesmata to be seen.
e.g. sieve tube elements are angular /
hexagonal.
ii the ability to see more detail / separate two 1

objects (1)
iii Nile blue (1) 2

to increase contrast / to make nuclei visible
/ to show no nuclei in sieve tubes (1)
b i 1.7 mm (1) 1
ii × 50 (1)(1) ALLOW 1 mark for correct working e.g. 80

/ 1.6
ALLOW answer in the range of 48–51
iii air spaces give buoyancy (1) 2

supported by (surrounding) water (1)
Total 10
9 i advantage: 2 Must give one advantage and one

exhibit natural behaviour / less likely to disadvantage.
catch disease from humans (1)
disadvantage:
poaching more likely / could be wiped out
by disease / more difficult to count (1)
ii 3.1 (%) (1)(1) 2 ALLOW one mark if calculation correct but

final figure incorrect e.g. (480 – 254) / 254
× 100 / 29 =
ALLOW 3% or 3.07%
iii three from 3

no evidence of causal effect (1)
the data may be inaccurate as a result of,
indirect methods used / unhabituated
animals hard to find (1)
annual growth rate higher after 1993 (1)
3.2% (per year) before 1993 against 3.8%
after 1993 (1)
figures may not be accurate due to
collection technique (1)
Total 7

Mark Scheme
10 a i two from 2
units on axes (1)
plotted points (1)
title (1)
ii = 5.25 (mm min–1) (1)(1) 2 ALLOW answer in range 5.0 to 6.0 (mm
min–1)
ALLOW one mark for correct working if
final answer incorrect e.g.
b evaporation (1) 2
from upper leaf surfaces (1)
c two from 2 e.g. seal around the plant is not airtight.

not all lower leaf surface covered (1)
leaks in apparatus (1)
shoot not cut under water (1)
error in reading position of meniscus (1)
Total 8
11 D 1
Total 1
12 C 1
Total 1

Mark Scheme
13 i normal rate 4
78.9 bpm (1) ALLOW 1.3 bps.
rate for tachycardia

125 bpm (1) ALLOW 2.1 bps.
percentage increase
58 (%) (1)(1) ALLOW 2 marks
for percentage increase correctly
calculated using candidate's figures for
rates and answer given to nearest whole
number.
ALLOW 1 mark
for correct working [(125 – 78.9) ÷ 78.9 ×
100 or correct use of candidate's figures
for rates]
or
a correctly calculated but unrounded
answer
DO NOT ALLOW answers that divide by
the rate for tachycardia as a percentage
increase is asked for.
ii two from 2
lower (Q)R(S) peak (1)
P and T equal in height (1)
width of T wave greater (1)
Total 6

Mark Scheme
14 i two from 1 Two answers required for 1 mark.

pH
temperature DO NOT ALLOW an answer that includes
substrate / hydrogen peroxide mass of liver / enzyme concentration.
concentration (1)
ii pH 1
take pH reading / ensure hydrogen
peroxide is same pH for
all enzymes concentrations tested (1)
temperature
use liver tissue and hydrogen peroxide at
room temperature / same temperature for
all enzyme concentrations tested (1)
substrate concentration
use same concentration and volume of
hydrogen peroxide for all enzyme
concentrations tested (1)

Mark Scheme
iii * Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6 Relevant points include:

Deduction includes coherent interpretation
of the evidence, clearly linking all ideas to Why
explain why and how activity is regulated.
large quantities of hydrogen peroxide
There is a well-developed line of reasoning and high turnover number of catalase
which is clear and logically structured. The would mean vigorous reaction and lots
information presented is relevant and of oxygen produced very quickly.
substantiated.
Level 2 (3–4 marks)

Deduction includes clear use of some How
evidence to support conclusion but ideas
may not be clearly linked for both how and isolation of catalase in peroxisomes
why. released in small quantities
cells can limit expression of catalase
There is a line of reasoning presented with this effectively limits enzyme
some structure. The information presented concentration and therefore reduces
is in the most-part relevant and supported reaction rate
by some evidence. cells have no control over temperature
or substrate concentration so enzyme
Level 1 (1–2 marks) concentration is the only method of
A simple deduction about how or why control.
based on a limited interpretation of the
evidence.
The information is basic and

communicated in an unstructured way. The
information is supported by limited
evidence and the relationship to the
evidence may not be clear.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.
Total 8

Mark Scheme
15 i for all crops 2 DO NOT ALLOW accounts that describe

initial increase in assimilation with the curve for each crop individually.
increasing temperature (1)
at higher temperatures the assimilation
decreases (1)
ii C3 34.5 and C4 73.5 (1) 2 1 mark for both means calculated

correctly.
CO2 kg ha–1 h–1 (1)
1 mark for correct units given for both.
iii C3 plants assimilate less carbon dioxide 1 ALLOW a conclusion cannot be drawn
than C4 plants because there is not enough data on each
ora type of plant.
iv Sugar cane 2
C4 crop 2 (1)
Barley
C3 crop 1 (1)
Total 7

Mark Scheme
16 i glycosidic 1
ii two from 2
19 × greater in modified (1)
1811% increase in modified compared with
unmodified (1)
standard deviation indicates greater spread
of data for modified (1)
iii two from 4

sucrose unloaded at sinks and invertase
converts sucrose into, glucose /
monosaccharide (1)
increases sucrose concentration gradient
between phloem and sink (1)
causes increased unloading of sucrose
from phloem (1)
two from
increases solute gradient between source
and sink (1)
removal of water from phloem increases
pressure gradient between source and sink
(1)
contributes to increased movement in
phloem (1)
iv modified produce fewer and larger tubers 3

(1) ora
modified produce greater mass of tuber (1)
ora
109.34 g for modified and 89.04 g for not
modified (1)
Total 10

Mark Scheme
17 i pigment A contains 2, components / 3

molecules (1)
pigments B and D contain 1, component /
molecule (1)
pigment C contains 3, components /
molecules (1)
idea that pigments A and C share 2,
components / molecules (1)
idea that pigments A and D
OR pigments B and C
OR pigments C and D
share 1, component / molecule (1)
all pigments are soluble (in liquid phase)
(1)
ii 0.35 ± 0.01 (1)(1) 2 ALLOW 1 mark for evidence of 19 ÷ 55

1 mark maximum for incorrect s.f.
Total 5
18 i axis labelled ‘concentration of malate 4 ALLOW landscape OR portrait graph

(mmol dm–3)’ DO NOT ALLOW any other units, e.g. mM
AND dm–3 / mM/dm3 / mmol/dm3 (since units are
y axis labelled ‘rate of reaction of malate provided on table)
dehydrogenase (mmol dm–3 s–1)’ (1) ALLOW ‘conc.’
DO NOT ALLOW inversion of axes
ALLOW solidus instead of brackets
plotted points use ≥50% of area provided
AND NOTE x axis data are non-linear
equidistant scales on x and y axes (1)
points plotted correctly ± 1 mm (1)
smooth line of best fit (1) DO NOT ALLOW points joined by straight
lines (since candidates should recognise
shape of curve)
ii 6.1 (1)(1) 3 1 mark for evidence of:

mmol dm–3 s–1 (1) (92.3 – 37.7) ÷ 9
2 max if answer is not to 2 SF
ALLOW mmol dm–3/s
iii not an enzyme inhibitor / does not inhibit 3

malate dehydrogenase (1)
idea that similar curve would be expected
in absence of inhibitor / in normal
conditions (1)
allows enzyme / malate dehydrogenase to
work at optimal rate / Vmax (1)
idea that may inhibit a different enzyme (1)
Total 10

Mark Scheme
19 i 2 DO NOT ALLOW species of leaves

DO NOT ALLOW surface area
IGNORE age of leaf (as this is correlated
with surface area)
temperature (1) IGNORE air bubbles in potometer, etc.
humidity (of air) (1) DO NOT ALLOW ‘warmth’ or ‘heat’
ALLOW water (vapour) potential
air currents (1) DO NOT ALLOW ‘moisture’ or ‘water
light intensity (1) levels’ alone
idea of health of leaves (1) ALLOW wind
ALLOW ‘leaves should not be damaged’
ii high rate of transpiration does not matter 1 IGNORE references to hydrophyte

because: adaptations
(plant lives in an) aquatic / AW habitat, so
water lost is easily / AW, replaced (1)
Total 3

Mark Scheme
20 Please refer to the marking instruction

point 10 for guidance on how to mark
this question.
In summary:
Read through the whole answer. (Be
prepared to recognise and credit
unexpected approaches where they show
relevance.)
Using a ‘best-fit’ approach based on the
science content of the answer, first decide
which of the level descriptors, Level 1,
Level 2 or Level 3, best describes the
overall quality of the answer.
Then, award the higher or lower mark
within the level, according to the
Communication Statement (shown in
italics):
award the higher mark where the

Communication Statement has been
met.
award the lower mark where aspects of
the Communication Statement have
been missed.
The science content determines the

level.
The Communication Statement
determines the mark within a level.

Mark Scheme
Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6 Indicative scientific points may include:

Includes detailed explanations for most of shorter roots
the observations, with clear links to the high auxin concentrations / auxin in
correct hormone treatment and including addition to the natural production inhibits
relevant biochemical details where root growth
appropriate.
taller
There is a well-developed line of gibberellins promote stem elongation
reasoning, which is clear and logically- by stimulating cell elongation and division
structured and uses scientific terminology
at an appropriate level. All the information growth timing
presented is relevant and forms a gibberellins promote seed germination by
continuous narrative. activating genes for amylase and protease
enzymes, which break down food stores.
Includes explanations for some of the side branches
observations, with some links to the correct auxin maintains apical dominance and
hormone treatment and / or including inhibits the growth of lateral shoots /
relevant biochemical details. branches.
There is a line of reasoning presented with delayed fruit and leaf fall
some structure and use of appropriate (a small addition of) auxin slows down fruit
scientific language. The information drop and leaf fall. Auxin inhibits abscission
presented is mostly relevant. by preventing ethene production from
increasing.
A limited number of observations included
in the response, without clear links to the
correct hormone treatment and / or
including only limited biochemical detail.
There is a logical structure to the answer.

The explanation and use of scientific
language, though basic, is clear.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.
Total 6

Mark Scheme
21 i radioactive, labels / tags (1) 2

fluorescent, labels / tags (1)
UV, light / radiation (1)
(named) visible stain (1)
ii X placed on any fragment below Y (1) 1 X can be placed in any of the 9 lanes, but
must be touching a DNA band that is lower
in the image (nearer the cathode) than Y
Total 3
22 i 8 0.0964 0.0093 3
(1) (1) (1)
ii A has greater richness (1) ORA 2

B has greater evenness (1) ORA
iii stratified AND random (within each area) 3 ALLOW description of stratified
(1)
idea that the number of samples within

each area should be proportional to their
size (1)
correct suggestion for the number of e.g. 8 in conifer area, 24 in marshy area,
samples taken within each area (1) 32 in grazed area
Total 8
23 idea that minimum period of darkness 3

required for flowering is between 6.5 and
8.5 hours (1)
idea that cockleburs flower when day
length / period of exposure to light
decreases (1)
idea that red light prevents flowering (1) ALLOW red light has no effect on flowering
idea that far red light reverses / resets the

effect of red light (1)
idea that far red light reduces the period of
darkness required for flowering (1)
Total 3

Mark Scheme
24 a i parental genotypes 5 ALLOW alternative letters only if clear key

TtDd TtDd (1) given.
gametes Mark each line independently but offspring

TD, Td, tD, td, (TD, Td, tD, td) (1) phenotypes must be correctly linked to
genotype.
offspring genotypes
TTDD TtDD TTDd TtDd TTdd Ttdd ttDD
ttDd ttdd (1)
offspring phenotypes ALLOW phenotypes and genotypes in

curly / pink curly / black straight / pink Punnett squares.
straight / black (1)
phenotype ratio
9:3:3:1 (1)
ii higher proportion, heterozygous / like 1 DO NOT ALLOW genes.

parents
OR
alleles not completely re-mixed / AW
b i Phenotype O E O – E (O – 1 Correct answer with no working shown

E)2 = 3 marks.
curly pink 20 26 6 36 1.38
ALLOW correct answer in the working if
curly black 30 26 4 16 0.62 the answer line is left blank.
straight 21 26 5 25 0.96
pink
If O – E incorrect, allow ecf for (O – E)2 line
straight 33 26 7 49 1.88
only
black
✓ ✓
If (O – E)2 incorrect, allow ecf for
χ2 = 4.84 (1)
line only
ii (conclusion cannot be supported because 1 ALLOW not significant.

results) not significantly different from IGNORE ‘farmer wrong’, ‘due to chance’.
expected (at 95% confidence) (1) ALLOW ecf from incorrect chi-square
result.
Total 10

Mark Scheme
25 0.04 (1)(1) 2 ALLOW correct answer in the working if

the answer line is left blank.
If the answer is 0.03, award 2 marks for
rounding from calculations using more than
2 decimal places.
If the answer is incorrect, award 1 mark
for (2pq =) 2 × 0.02 × 0.98.
If the answer is not given to 2 decimal
places, max 1 mark.
Total 2
26 C 1
Total 1

Mark Scheme
27 a * Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6 IGNORE professions of agreement with

A complete explanation detailing objections the tutor.
and improvements for validity, accuracy
and control. Indicative scientific points may include:
The evaluation of the data / procedures is Results not valid
critical, providing refinements that address Objections:
all the significant issues concerned.
cause of collapse not recorded / plants
There is a well-developed line of reasoning may have collapsed for different
which is clear and logically structured. The reasons
information presented is relevant and number of collapsed less meaningful
substantiated. than percent
Level 2 (3–4 marks) Improvements:

A partial explanation detailing objections
and improvements for some of the determine which plants collapsed due
teachers concerns to corn borer
OR dissect stems to seek larvae
objections and improvements for all of the use percent collapsed out of, original /
teachers concerns. still standing, numbers.
A range of aspects of the data / procedures
are evaluated resulting in sound but not
comprehensive refinements. Results may not be accurate
Objections:
There is a line of reasoning presented with
some structure. The information presented collapsed plants may have been
is in the most-part relevant and supported counted twice from plot-edge
by some evidence. some collapsed plants may not have
been noticed from plot-edge
Level 1 (1–2 marks) students may have counted differently
A simple explanation, linking some from each other
objections or improvements to some of the
teachers concerns. Improvements:
Evaluation and / or refinement, links to
data / procedure in some respects but links remove / mark, collapsed when
are not clearly shown. counted
use narrow strips as plots so that
The information is basic and collapsed not missed
communicated in an unstructured way. The have all plots counted by the same
information is supported by limited student
evidence and the relationship to the have more than one student counting
evidence may not be clear. average the counts.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of Variables not controlled
credit. Objections:
no account of natural variation in plant

susceptibility

Mark Scheme

genetic variations between Bt and
regular corn
Improvements:
use, cloned / genetically identical,

plants in each plot.
perform genetic modification to Bt on
same clones as used for other plots.
ALLOW references to repeating the

procedure.
b recommend GM Bt corn, because spray 1

may not reach all larvae / larvae are inside
plant (stem) / shielded from spray (1)
Total 7
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Answer all the questions.

1(a). Biological processes can be investigated using models.

The results are shown in Table 22.1 on the insert.

What was the role of the universal indicator in this experiment?

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(ii) Describe the pattern shown by your graph.

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Is more likely to affect cube ….. because

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Suggest a reason for this observation.

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Which option correctly describes what is happening at point Z?

A pressure inside lungs is low

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Liquid extract from the leaf cells was dried thoroughly.

Fig. 24.1 shows the results of the procedure.

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(i) Calculate the Rf value for pigment Y on Fig. 24.1.

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What is the rate of oxygen consumption in the experiment?

B 3.0 dm3 min−1

C 5.0 dm3 min−1

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The student followed this method:

Table 21.1 shows the student's results.

(i) Identify one limitation of the method the student followed.

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(ii) State what is meant by the resolution of a microscope.

Stain Cell feature stained

Which stain had the student used? Explain your answer.

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(i) Measure the width of the stem between points A and B.

(ii) Calculate the magnification of the image in Fig. 22.1.

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Year Population in Virunga

Show your working.

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Number of Position of meniscus (mm) at

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(ii) Use the graph to calculate the minimum rate of transpiration.

Show your working.

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(c) Suggest two possible sources of error in this investigation.

What percentage of the filtrate is reabsorbed back into the blood?

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Colours observed after testing

Identify the unknown sugar.

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(ii) The most obvious feature of tachycardia is an increased heart rate.

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Hydrogen peroxide is detoxified by the enzyme catalase:

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Sugar cane, which grows in warm climates.

parental genotypes

gametes