Cambridge A Level Biology 9700 — 2023 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 2

Question 1

1 A graticule and a micrometer scale can be used to measure the size of biological structures that are viewed with a microscope. 1 2 3 Which row shows the correct locations for the placement of a graticule and a micrometer scale on the microscope shown? micrometer graticule scale A 1 2 B 1 3 C 2 3 D 3 1

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

2 Six organelles found in eukaryotic cells are shown. 1 2 3 NOT TO SCALE 4 5 6 Which organelles are involved in the synthesis and secretion of a glycoprotein? A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2, 4 and 6 C 2, 3 and 5 D 3, 4, 5 and 6

Accepted Answer

B

Question 3

3 Which cell structures can have mRNA inside them? 1 chloroplast 2 mitochondrion 3 nucleus 4 rough endoplasmic reticulum A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 2, 3 and 4 only D 3 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

4 A scientist carried out an experiment to separate the organelles in an animal cell by mass. The scientist mixed the cells with a buffer solution which had the same water potential as the cells. The cells were broken open with a blender to release the organelles. The extracted mixture was filtered and then spun in a centrifuge at a high speed to separate the heaviest type of organelle. These sank to the bottom, forming solid pellet 1. liquid above pellet solid pellet The liquid above pellet 1 was poured into a clean centrifuge tube and spun in the centrifuge at a higher speed to separate the next heaviest type of organelle. These organelles sank to the bottom, forming solid pellet 2. This procedure was repeated twice more to obtain pellet 3 and pellet 4, each containing a single type of organelle. What is the main function of the type of organelle extracted in pellet 2? A digestion of old organelles B production of ATP C production of mRNA D synthesis of protein

Accepted Answer

B

Question 5

5 Which structures are found in palisade mesophyll cells and photosynthetic prokaryotes? 1 cell surface membrane 2 cellulose wall 3 ribosomes 4 chloroplasts A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

C

Question 6

6 Which polymers are present in all viruses and all prokaryotes? 1 polynucleotides 2 polypeptides 3 polysaccharides A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 7

7 Which set of steps is the best method for conducting the emulsion test for lipids? A Add 2 cm3 of water to the sample. Pour the water into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of ethanol. Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy. B Add 2 cm3 of ethanol to the sample and shake. Pour the ethanol into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of water and boil. Lipids are present if the mixture becomes clear. C Add 2 cm3 of water to the sample and shake. Pour the water into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of ethanol and boil. Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy. D Add 2 cm3 of ethanol to the sample and shake. Pour the ethanol into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of water and shake again. Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 8

8 A student was provided with a solution of carbohydrate. They removed two samples from the solution and performed tests on each sample, as shown. carbohydrate solution sample one sample two boiled with dilute Benedict’s test hydrochloric acid Benedict’s solution neutralised with dilute remained blue sodium hydroxide Benedict’s test Benedict’s solution turned yellow Which statement explains the results? A Condensation reactions occur in sample two to release reducing sugar. B Glycosidic bonds in a polysaccharide have been broken to release reducing sugar. C Sample one shows that sucrose is present in the carbohydrate solution. D The change in colour to a yellow solution shows that glucose is present.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 9

9 Which molecules contain at least two double bonds? sucrose C A D collagen haemoglobin B

Accepted Answer

B

Question 10

10 What describes cellulose? A a branched chain of 1-4 α-glucose B a branched chain of 1-4 β-glucose C an unreactive linear chain of 1-4 α-glucose D an unreactive linear chain of 1-4 β-glucose

Accepted Answer

D

Question 11

11 Which part of the structure of haemoglobin carries oxygen? A four polypeptide chains B haem groups C hydrogen bonds D hydrophilic R groups

Accepted Answer

B

Question 12

12 What is the maximum number of hydrogen bonds that can form between two single water molecules? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4

Accepted Answer

A

Question 13

13 CYP3A4 is an important enzyme in the human digestive system where it is needed to break down a range of different toxins. The activity of CYP3A4 has been shown to be reduced by substances called furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins are found in some fruits and so dangerous concentrations of toxins may develop in the human digestive system when fruits containing furanocoumarins are eaten. From the information provided, what can be concluded about molecules of the enzyme CYP3A4? A They lower the activation energy of the toxin breakdown reactions. B They bind specifically through the active site to a substrate found in some fruits. C They change permanently when acted upon by furanocoumarin molecules. D They resume normal activity when concentrations of furanocoumarins decrease.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 14

14 A fixed volume and concentration of substrate and enzyme were mixed. All other variables were kept constant. The enzyme-catalysed reaction was left until it was complete. Which graph shows how the rate of reaction changes with time? A B rate of rate of reaction reaction 0 0 0 time 0 time C D rate of rate of reaction reaction 0 0 0 time 0 time

Accepted Answer

C

Question 15

15 Which molecules in cell surface membranes are typically involved in cell recognition?

cholesterol glycolipids glycoproteins | phospholipids
A J Jv x x
B J x x Jv
Cc x Jv Jv x
D x x Jv JV

key
JV = involved

X = not involved

Accepted Answer

C

Question 16

16 What can increase the fluidity of the cell surface membrane? 1 single bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chains 2 cholesterol 3 longer-chained fatty acids A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 2 only

Accepted Answer

D

Question 17

17 The three main factors that affect the rate of diffusion across a membrane can be expressed by the relationship shown. surface area × concentration difference rate of diffusion is proportional to thickness of membrane Which changes in the factors would result in the rate of diffusion doubling? 1 Surface area has doubled. 2 Concentration difference has halved. 3 Thickness of membrane has doubled. 4 Thickness of membrane has halved. A 1, 2 and 4 B 1 and 3 C 1 and 4 only D 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

C

Question 18

18 A student measured the time taken for complete diffusion of a dye into agar blocks of different sizes which were suspended in the dye. The results are shown. size of agar block time for / mm × mm × mm diffusion / s 5 × 5 × 5 6.2 10 × 10 × 10 16.1 15 × 15 × 15 34.5 5 × 10 × 15 What is the predicted time for complete diffusion of the dye into the agar block measuring 5 mm × 10 mm × 15 mm? A 6.2 s B 16.1 s C 34.5 s D more than 34.5 s

Accepted Answer

A

Question 19

19 An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of concentration of sucrose solution on cells in a plant tissue. A sample of plant tissue was cut into seven cylinders of equal length and diameter. The mass of each cylinder was recorded. Each of the seven cylinders was put into a different sucrose solution concentration. bung test-tube sucrose solution plant tissue cylinder After two hours, the cylinders were removed, blotted dry and reweighed. The percentage change in mass of each cylinder was recorded. The graph shows the results of this investigation. 20 15 10 5 percentage change in mass of plant 0 tissue cylinder 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 –5 –10 –15 –20 concentration of sucrose solution / mol dm–3 Which row explains the results if plant tissue cells were put in a sucrose solution of 0.45 mol dm–3? water potential of the cytoplasm change in volume of the of the cells at the start of the vacuoles of the cells at the end experiment compared with the of the experiment, that were water potential of 0.45 mol dm–3 initially placed in 0.45 mol dm–3 sucrose solution sucrose solution A less negative decreased B less negative increased C more negative decreased D more negative increased

Accepted Answer

A

Question 20

20 The diagram shows part of the organisation of a section of a DNA molecule and the associated histones, P and R, in prophase of mitosis. P Q R Which statement about the features labelled P, Q and R during prophase of mitosis is correct? A The coiled DNA molecule forms Q and wraps around histone R to form small clusters held in place by histone P. B The groups of histones, P, and its associated DNA, Q, move closer together as the chromosome condenses around R. C The histones P and R are made of protein around which the DNA molecule, Q, is wrapped so that the DNA molecule can fit inside the nucleus. D The linked groups of histones P and R and the associated DNA, Q, form strands that fold and twist together to form a chromatid.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 21

21 How many copies of each DNA molecule will be found in a cell at the start of the stages of the mitotic cell cycle shown? G1 of cytokinesis interphase A 1 1 B 1 2 C 2 1 D 2 2

Accepted Answer

B

Question 22

22 One characteristic of DNA is that it is a universal genetic code. What is meant by a universal genetic code? A All living organisms use the same triplet code for amino acids. B All DNA triplets code for a different amino acid. C Not all DNA triplets code for an amino acid. D All living organisms contain the same four nucleic acids.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 23

23 Which statement about mRNA is correct? A It is a polymer made of nucleotides all joined with hydrogen bonds. B Each nucleotide subunit contains the sugar ribose. C It always has an equal proportion of adenine and uracil. D The mRNA sequence is identical to the template strand of DNA.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 24

24 The diagram shows part of the process of translation. Z X Y What are the names of the structures labelled X, Y and Z? X Y Z A anticodon codon mRNA B anticodon codon tRNA C codon anticodon mRNA D codon anticodon tRNA

Accepted Answer

B

Question 25

25 The DNA triplets of genes are translated as amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. The table shows some of these triplets. name of DNA triplet amino acid ATA tyrosine ATG tyrosine ACA cysteine ACG cysteine ATC stop signal ACC tryptophan What could be the effects of one substitution mutation in a triplet coding for tyrosine? 1 The triplet is translated as cysteine. 2 The triplet is translated as tryptophan. 3 The triplet is translated as tyrosine. 4 Translation stops at this triplet. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1, 3 and 4 D 2, 3 and 4

Accepted Answer

C

Question 26

26 Which row identifies cells with plasmodesmata?

phloem sieve
tube element

companion
cell

xylem vessel
element

Jv v Jv key
/ = plasmodesmata present

X = plasmodesmata not present

v v x
v x v
x v v

Accepted Answer

B

Question 27

27 Which statements about the apoplast and symplast pathways are correct? 1 In the apoplast pathway, water molecules move through free spaces in the cellulose cell walls of plant roots. 2 In the symplast pathway, water molecules diffuse through the cytoplasm and plasmodesmata of cells. 3 Water molecules travelling through plant tissue move by mass flow along the apoplast pathway. 4 The Casparian strip blocks the symplast pathway and forces all water molecules to enter the cytoplasm of endodermis cells. A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 1 and 2 only D 3 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 28

28 Where does water evaporate from during transpiration? A intercellular spaces B leaf surface C mesophyll cell walls D stomatal pores

Accepted Answer

C

Question 29

29 The diagram shows the outline of three xerophytic leaves of the same type in three different conditions, P, R and S. layer Y layer Y layer Y P R S Which description of the water potential of the cells in layer Y is correct? water potential of cells in layer Y P R S A higher than R and S lower than P and S lower than P B higher than S lower than P higher than P C lower than R higher than S higher than R D lower than R and S higher than P lower than P

Accepted Answer

A

Question 30

30 The photomicrograph shows a transverse section of the leaf of a species of grass. The grass is specially adapted to grow in a dry habitat. Which row correctly explains how the features help the grass to grow in this habitat? hair-like structures leaf shape A increase internal humidity decrease external humidity B decrease external humidity increase internal humidity C increase internal humidity increase internal humidity D decrease external humidity decrease external humidity

Accepted Answer

C

Question 31

31 Which statement supports the theory of active loading of sucrose into companion cells? A The pH decreases in the cell wall of the companion cells compared with the cytoplasm. B The pH decreases in the cytoplasm of the companion cells compared with the cell wall. C The pH decreases in the companion cells and sieve tube elements. D The pH decreases in the sieve tube elements compared with the companion cells.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 32

32 Which properties of water are essential for its role in the transport of blood in mammals?

high latent heat solvent for polar
of vaporisation substances
A v x key
B x v ¥ = essential
Cc v v X = not essential
D x x

Accepted Answer

B

Question 33

33 The diagram shows some of the events that happen between the plasma and the red blood cells in the circulatory system. plasma red blood cell 1 1  +  H2O H2CO3 4 2 3 Hb 4 2 What do the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent? 1 2 3 4 A Cl – HCO3 – H+ CO2 B CO2 HCO3 – H+ Cl – C HCO3 – Cl – CO2 H+ D CO2 H+ HCO3 – Cl  –

Accepted Answer

B

Question 34

34 The diagrams show the valves in the heart when viewed in cross-section from above at different stages in the cardiac cycle. semilunar valve atrioventricular valve diagram 1 diagram 2 Which stages in the cardiac cycle are shown? diagram 1 diagram 2 A diastole ventricular systole B atrial systole diastole C ventricular systole diastole D diastole atrial systole

Accepted Answer

A

Question 35

35 Where are squamous epithelial cells found in the human gas exchange system?

trachea bronchus alveolus

v v v key
v = found

X = not found

0 OD >
x « &
x < x
KK

Accepted Answer

D

Question 36

36 Which statement about gas exchange between air in the alveoli and blood in the pulmonary capillaries is correct? A The oxygen concentration in the capillaries leaving the pulmonary artery is higher than the oxygen concentration in the alveoli. B Gases must diffuse across the endothelium of the pulmonary capillaries and the endothelium of the alveoli. C The elastic fibres in the alveoli walls allow the alveoli to expand to increase the surface area available for diffusion into the pulmonary capillaries. D Breathing out reduces the carbon dioxide concentration gradient between the blood in the pulmonary capillaries and the air in the alveoli.

Accepted Answer

C

Question 37

37 The average thicknesses for some structures in the human respiratory system are shown. average structure thickness of structure / nm human cell membrane 5 cytoplasm of alveolar wall cells 190 cytoplasm of capillary wall cells 90 tissues between alveolar wall and capillary wall 300 A molecule of oxygen is in the alveolar air space next to the wall of the alveolus. What is the shortest distance that the molecule needs to diffuse from its current position to the haemoglobin that completely fills a red blood cell in the nearest capillary? (Assume that the red blood cells touch the walls of a capillary.) A 595 nm B 600 nm C 605 nm D 610 nm

Accepted Answer

C

Question 38

38 The statements refer to the disease tuberculosis (TB). 1 The pathogen is not accessible to the immune system. 2 The bacterial pathogen reproduces slowly. 3 The pathogen is not very sensitive to antibiotics. Which statements explain why antibiotic treatment for TB takes a long time? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only TURN OVER FOR QUESTIONS 39 AND 40.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 39

39 The average sizes of some pathogens are shown.

pathogen average size
HIV particle 100
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 3000
Plasmodium 20000
Vibrio cholerae 1500

One type of air filter has been shown to be effective at preventing any pathogens of 1um or
larger from entering the air system of a room.

Based on their size and mode of transmission, which diseases would the air filter prevent from
entering the air system of a room?

HIV
infection

malaria cholera

key
/ = prevented

X = not prevented

x KOK

Accepted Answer

D

Question 40

40 A successful vaccination programme provides a level of immunity where the majority of a

population is protected.

There are several factors that can affect the success of a vaccination programme.

Which row correctly shows the factors that can affect the success of a vaccination programme?

frequent mutation of
the pathogen

vaccination from
eight weeks old

pathogen is able to
invade T-cells

booster vaccinations
needed frequently

A Jv Jv x J
B Jv x J J
Cc x Jv J x
D v x Jv x
key
¥ = affects

X = does not affect

Accepted Answer

B

Question paper20 pages

Mark scheme3 pages

Questions as text

Q1 · A graticule and a micrometer scale can be used to measure the size of biological…

Q2 · Six organelles found in eukaryotic cells are shown

Q3 · Which cell structures can have mRNA inside them?

Q4 · A scientist carried out an experiment to separate the organelles in an animal cell by mass

Q5 · Which structures are found in palisade mesophyll cells and photosynthetic prokaryotes?

Q6 · Which polymers are present in all viruses and all prokaryotes?

Q7 · Which set of steps is the best method for conducting the emulsion test for lipids?

Q8 · A student was provided with a solution of carbohydrate

Q9 · Which molecules contain at least two double bonds?

Question 10

Q11 · Which part of the structure of haemoglobin carries oxygen?

Q12 · What is the maximum number of hydrogen bonds that can form between two single water…

Q13 · CYP3A4 is an important enzyme in the human digestive system where it is needed to break…

Q14 · A fixed volume and concentration of substrate and enzyme were mixed

Q15 · Which molecules in cell surface membranes are typically involved in cell recognition?

Q16 · What can increase the fluidity of the cell surface membrane?

Q17 · The three main factors that affect the rate of diffusion across a membrane can be…

Q18 · A student measured the time taken for complete diffusion of a dye into agar blocks of…

Q19 · An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of concentration of sucrose…

Q20 · The diagram shows part of the organisation of a section of a DNA molecule and the…

Q21 · How many copies of each DNA molecule will be found in a cell at the start of the stages…

Q22 · One characteristic of DNA is that it is a universal genetic code

Q23 · Which statement about mRNA is correct?

Q24 · The diagram shows part of the process of translation

Q25 · The DNA triplets of genes are translated as amino acids or stop signals during protein…

Q26 · Which row identifies cells with plasmodesmata?

Q27 · Which statements about the apoplast and symplast pathways are correct?

Q28 · Where does water evaporate from during transpiration?

Q29 · The diagram shows the outline of three xerophytic leaves of the same type in three…

Q30 · The photomicrograph shows a transverse section of the leaf of a species of grass

Q31 · Which statement supports the theory of active loading of sucrose into companion cells?

Q32 · Which properties of water are essential for its role in the transport of blood in mammals?

Q33 · The diagram shows some of the events that happen between the plasma and the red blood…

Q34 · The diagrams show the valves in the heart when viewed in cross-section from above at…

Q35 · Where are squamous epithelial cells found in the human gas exchange system?

Q36 · Which statement about gas exchange between air in the alveoli and blood in the pulmonary…

Q37 · The average thicknesses for some structures in the human respiratory system are shown

Q38 · The statements refer to the disease tuberculosis (TB)

Q39 · The average sizes of some pathogens are shown

Q40 · A successful vaccination programme provides a level of immunity where the majority of a…

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