Cambridge A Level Biology 9700 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2

Question 1

1 Which combination of lenses for a light microscope will give the greatest magnification? eyepiece lens objective lens A 5 100 B 10 40 C 15 40 D 15 100

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

2 The diagram shows an electron micrograph of virus particles in a human nucleus. virus particle ×24 000 What is the diameter of the labelled virus particle? A 1.5  100 m B 1.5  10–2 m C 1.5  100 nm D 1.5  102 nm

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

3 What is correct about the synthesis and release of the glycoprotein mucin in goblet cells? 1 The protein is produced on ribosomes and a carbohydrate chain is added in the Golgi body. 2 The glycoproteins are packed into vesicles in the Golgi body forming lysosomes. 3 Secretory vesicles containing the glycoprotein move from the Golgi body and fuse with the cell surface membrane. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

4 What are functions of microtubules? 1 allowing movement of cilia in a bronchus 2 attachment to centromeres during metaphase 3 moving secretory vesicles around a cell A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 5

5 Which organelles contain nucleic acids? Golgi body B A C mitochondrion D chloroplast

Accepted Answer

D

Question 6

6 Some features of cells are listed. 1 cell wall 2 cell surface membrane 3 ribosomes Which features can be found in plant cells and in prokaryotic cells? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 7

7 Which bonds are present in all viruses? 1 phosphodiester 2 peptide 3 covalent A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 8

8 A student carried out the Benedict’s test on four different concentrations of glucose solution and then recorded the time taken for the first appearance of a colour change (the end-point). The student found it difficult to identify the first appearance of a colour change and consistently timed each solution for two seconds after the colour change first appeared. This introduced a source of error into the experiment. Which statements about this error are correct? 1 The effect of the error will be reduced if the student performs three repeats at each concentration of glucose. 2 The error will prevent the student from identifying which solution has the highest concentration of glucose. 3 The error is systematic as the student consistently timed each solution for two seconds after the end-point. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 3 D 3 only

Accepted Answer

D

Question 9

9 Which statements about amylopectin and glycogen are correct? 1 Amylopectin and glycogen contain 1-4 glycosidic bonds. 2 Amylopectin contains -glucose. 3 Glycogen contains more 1-6 branches than amylopectin. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 1 only D 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

B

Question 10

10 How many statements about fatty acids are correct?  Fatty acids are either saturated or unsaturated.  Fatty acids always have at least two double bonds.  Long chains of fatty acids are very good energy stores.  Fatty acids are insoluble in water and do not affect the water potential of the cell. A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4

Accepted Answer

C

Question 11

11 The diagram represents an amino acid. H R O N C C H H OH R represents a variable side chain. What is not a possible side chain? A CH3 B CH2CH2SCH3 C CH2CONH2 D HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH

Accepted Answer

D

Question 12

12 The graph shows the effect of an enzyme on a reaction. transition state X energy of system Y substrate Z product time Which row identifies X, Y and Z? X Y Z A catalysed reaction uncatalysed reaction energy lost by product B catalysed reaction uncatalysed reaction overall energy lost during reaction C uncatalysed reaction catalysed reaction energy gained by product D uncatalysed reaction catalysed reaction overall energy released during reaction

Accepted Answer

D

Question 13

13 The graph shows the results of two experiments on the effect of increasing substrate concentration on the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction. One experiment was at a high concentration of enzyme and the second was at a low concentration of enzyme. All other variables were standardised. high enzyme concentration initial rate low enzyme X concentration of reaction substrate concentration What would limit the initial rate of reaction at point X? A enzyme concentration B pH C substrate concentration D temperature

Accepted Answer

A

Question 14

14 Which statements about the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of an enzyme are correct? 1 At the Km value, half the active sites of the enzyme should be occupied by the substrate. 2 Km represents the substrate concentration at which the enzyme is working at half its maximum rate. 3 The lower the Km value, the lower the affinity of the enzyme to its substrate. 4 When an enzyme has a high Km value, the enzyme-catalysed reaction will proceed very slowly to its maximum rate. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 15

15 Which component of cell surface membranes helps to reduce fluidity of the phospholipids at high temperatures? A phosphate groups B unsaturated fatty acids C cholesterol D proteins

Accepted Answer

C

Question 16

16 Plant cells were left for 50 minutes in three different sugar solutions, 10%, 5% and 1%. The water potential in the cytoplasm of the three cells was the same at the start of the experiment. The diagrams show the appearance of the cells after 50 minutes, using a light microscope. cell P cell Q cell R Which conclusion is correct? A Cell P has the same concentration of sugar inside and outside the cell. B Cell Q is flaccid and cell P is plasmolysed. C Cell Q was placed in the 1% solution. D The sugar solution outside cell R has a less negative water potential than inside cell R.

Accepted Answer

C

Question 17

17 The graph shows the effect of increasing the side length of agar cubes on the surface area and the volume of the cubes. surface 1 area or volume 2 0 0 side length Which row correctly identifies line 1, line 2 and the effect of increasing side length on the surface area : volume ratio of the cubes? surface area : line 1 line 2 volume ratio A surface area volume decreases B surface area volume increases C volume surface area decreases D volume surface area increases

Accepted Answer

C

Question 18

18 A human embryo consists of 12 cells at the start of day 1. The cells divide by mitosis for 4 complete days at a rate of 1 division every 32 hours. What is the maximum number of cells in the embryo at the end of day 4? A 48 cells B 96 cells C 192 cells D 384 cells

Accepted Answer

B

Question 19

19 Which diagrams show roles of mitosis? 1 2 3 4 A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 1 and 2 only D 3 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 20

20 Which events are part of the mitotic cell cycle? 1 interphase 2 anaphase 3 cytokinesis A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 21

21 Which statement correctly describes a feature of a DNA molecule? A It has two parallel strands twisted into a double helix. B It has complementary bases all held together by three hydrogen bonds. C It has phosphodiester bonds that are formed using DNA ligase. D It has a backbone of phosphate molecules and nucleotides.

Accepted Answer

C

Question 22

22 Which diagram correctly shows the replication of DNA? A B 5′ 5′ S2 S1 3′ 3′ 5′ 5′ S1 S2 3′ 3′ C D 5′ 5′ S2 S1 3′ 3′ 5′ 5′ S1 S2 3′ 3′ key direction of replication S1 leading strand S2 lagging strand

Accepted Answer

C

Question 23

23 The RNA codon wheel is a tool used to find which amino acid would be translated from an mRNA sequence. Gly Phe Leu Glu Asp Ser CUAG CU AG AG CUAG UC Tyr Ala UCAG G U UC Stop A C AG C A Cys UCAG UC Val Stop U G U G A G Trp Arg AG G UCAG A C U UC Leu Ser A C AG UCAG Lys UC C A U G Pro Asn CUAG CU AG G CUAG His Thr ACU Gln Met Arg Ile Codon position 1 is in the centre of the wheel, codon position 2 is in the middle of the wheel and codon position 3 is near the edge of the wheel. The three letters on the outside edge of the wheel identify the amino acid. The diagram shows a section of DNA coding for one amino acid. The template strand is outlined in a box and the DNA base sequence is read in the 5′ to 3′ direction. template strand Which amino acid is coded for by this section of DNA? A Gly B Pro C Trp D Thr

Accepted Answer

C

Question 24

24 Four students sketched diagrams of the apoplast pathway and the symplast pathway. Which sketch is the most accurate diagram of the two pathways? Casparian strip symplast A xylem apoplast Casparian strip symplast B xylem apoplast Casparian strip apoplast C xylem symplast Casparian strip apoplast D xylem symplast

Accepted Answer

D

Question 25

25 The photomicrograph shows some xerophytic adaptations in leaf tissue. 1 2 3 Which row shows the correct functions for structures 1, 2 and 3? reduces the water vapour concentration reduces evaporation traps a layer of gradient between from the epidermis moist air the inside and outside of the leaf of the leaf A 1, 2 and 3 3 only 2 only B 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 C 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 D 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1 only

Accepted Answer

B

Question 26

26 Which processes are required for the transfer of assimilates from a source cell into a phloem sieve tube? A active transport, facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion B active transport and exocytosis C active transport and simple diffusion only D active transport only

Accepted Answer

A

Question 27

27 When sucrose is loaded into the phloem it has to travel from mesophyll cells to a companion cell and then into the phloem. Which row shows the relative concentrations of sucrose in each type of cell in order for this process to take place? relative concentration of sucrose / arbitrary units mesophyll companion phloem sieve cell cell tube element A 5 10 15 B 5 15 10 C 15 10 5 D 15 5 10

Accepted Answer

B

Question 28

28 Which feature of transport in plants is correct for xylem and phloem? A It is passive. B It occurs by mass flow. C It occurs from source to sink. D It occurs only in one direction.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 29

29 The diagram shows an anterior view of a vertical section through the human heart. 1 4 2 3 Which row shows the correct labels for the diagram? 1 2 3 4 A aorta atrioventricular semilunar valve pulmonary artery valve B pulmonary vein semilunar valve atrioventricular pulmonary vein valve C pulmonary artery semilunar valve atrioventricular vena cava valve D pulmonary vein atrioventricular semilunar valve vena cava valve

Accepted Answer

C

Question 30

30 What does the inner layer of veins and capillaries contain? A collagen fibres B elastic fibres C endothelium D smooth muscle

Accepted Answer

C

Question 31

31 The graph shows the changes in blood pressure and water potential across a blood capillary from the arterial end of the capillary to the venous end of the capillary. water potential of plasma blood water pressure potential blood pressure arterial venous end end distance What could result in an accumulation of excess tissue fluid? A an increase in concentration of large proteins in the blood plasma B an increase in blood pressure C a decrease in the concentration of small proteins in tissue fluid D a decrease in blood pressure

Accepted Answer

B

Question 32

32 Which statement is correct about a red blood cell that has just entered a capillary in a respiring muscle? A There is a net decrease in chloride ions. B There is a net decrease in haemoglobinic acid. C There is a net increase in carbonic anhydrase. D There is a net increase in carbaminohaemoglobin.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 33

33 The graph shows some blood pressure changes that occur in a human during one cardiac cycle. X pressure in aorta W pressure pressure in left ventricle T U V Y pressure in left atrium time When does systole start and end in the right atrium and in the right ventricle? in right atrium in right ventricle systole systole systole systole starts ends starts ends A T V V X B T U V Y C U V W X D V W W Y

Accepted Answer

A

Question 34

34 Which statements about all bronchioles are correct? 1 They have goblet cells. 2 They have epithelial cells. 3 They have muscle tissue. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Accepted Answer

D

Question 35

35 What is shown in the electron micrograph? ×850 A scanning electron micrograph of bronchial epithelium and lymphocytes B scanning electron micrograph of lung squamous epithelium and red blood cells C transmission electron micrograph of bronchial epithelium and lymphocytes D transmission electron micrograph of lung squamous epithelium and red blood cells

Accepted Answer

B

Question 36

36 Which statement correctly describes infectious diseases? A They are diseases caused by environmental factors that are not passed from one person to another. B They are diseases caused by a fault in the DNA that can be passed from a parent to their offspring. C They are diseases caused by a lack of a nutrient in the diet, such as a vitamin or mineral. D They are diseases caused by a pathogen such as a bacterium, fungus, protoctist or virus.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 37

37 Organism X produces molecule Y, which blocks the activity of 70S ribosomes.
An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of Y on bacterial cells.

An agar plate with bacteria growing all over its surface had four wells cut into the agar. Different
substances were added to each well and the agar plate with bacteria was incubated for a week.

The diagram shows the results after a week.

intact cells of organism X sterile distilled water only

bacterial growth

concentrated solution
made from the cytoplasm
of lots of organism X cells

commonly used antibiotic

no bacterial growth

Which conclusions can be made from these results?

molecule Y would

molecule Y
molecule Y also affect the
: cannot be . .
functions as an synthesis of proteins
tas released from cells
antibiotic from nuclear DNA

of organism X ;
in a human cell

A Jv v v key

B v v x /¥ = can be concluded

Cc v x v X = cannot be concluded
D x J J

Accepted Answer

B

Question 38

38 A patient has had repeated infections from the same pathogen over a few months. The patient has been treated with the same antibiotic on each occasion. Which treatment could prevent an increase in the antibiotic resistance of the pathogen? A a narrow spectrum antibiotic to treat a non-cellular pathogen B a repeat prescription for the same antibiotic at a higher dose C a specific antibiotic after testing for the pathogen D a wide spectrum antibiotic to treat different strains of the pathogen

Accepted Answer

C

Question 39

39 A patient with kidney failure can be given a kidney transplant. In a kidney transplant, a healthy kidney is taken from another person and put into the patient’s body. Sometimes the donated kidney cells are killed by the patient’s body. In this primary immune response, T-lymphocytes bind to antigens on the donated kidney cells and are activated. The statements describe the next stages of the primary immune response. 1 Activated T-lymphocyte secretes cytokines. 2 B-lymphocytes differentiate into plasma cells and make antibodies. 3 T-killer cells bind to antigens on donor kidney cells. 4 T-killer cells release toxins that destroy the donor kidney cells. 5 T-lymphocytes multiply by mitosis and differentiate into T-killer cells. Which order correctly explains how donor kidney cells are killed? A 1  5  2  3 B 1  5  3  4 C 3  1  5  2 D 3  5  4  1

Accepted Answer

B

Question 40

40 The diagram shows the simplified structure of an antibody. X U V W Which statement is correct? A U and X allow the antibody to bind to two different antigens. B V allows the antibody to be flexible to bind to two antigens. C W can bind to one specific antigen. D X can bind with a specific phagocyte receptor.

Accepted Answer

B

Question paper20 pages

Mark scheme3 pages

Questions as text

Q1 · Which combination of lenses for a light microscope will give the greatest magnification?

Q2 · The diagram shows an electron micrograph of virus particles in a human nucleus

Q3 · What is correct about the synthesis and release of the glycoprotein mucin in goblet cells?

Q4 · What are functions of microtubules?

Q5 · Which organelles contain nucleic acids?

Q6 · Some features of cells are listed

Q7 · Which bonds are present in all viruses?

Q8 · A student carried out the Benedict’s test on four different concentrations of glucose…

Q9 · Which statements about amylopectin and glycogen are correct?

Q10 · How many statements about fatty acids are correct?

Q11 · The diagram represents an amino acid

Q12 · The graph shows the effect of an enzyme on a reaction

Q13 · The graph shows the results of two experiments on the effect of increasing substrate…

Q14 · Which statements about the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of an enzyme are correct?

Q15 · Which component of cell surface membranes helps to reduce fluidity of the phospholipids…

Q16 · Plant cells were left for 50 minutes in three different sugar solutions, 10%, 5% and 1%

Q17 · The graph shows the effect of increasing the side length of agar cubes on the surface…

Q18 · A human embryo consists of 12 cells at the start of day 1

Q19 · Which diagrams show roles of mitosis?

Q20 · Which events are part of the mitotic cell cycle?

Q21 · Which statement correctly describes a feature of a DNA molecule?

Q22 · Which diagram correctly shows the replication of DNA?

Q23 · The RNA codon wheel is a tool used to find which amino acid would be translated from an…

Q24 · Four students sketched diagrams of the apoplast pathway and the symplast pathway

Q25 · The photomicrograph shows some xerophytic adaptations in leaf tissue

Q26 · Which processes are required for the transfer of assimilates from a source cell into a…

Q27 · When sucrose is loaded into the phloem it has to travel from mesophyll cells to a…

Q28 · Which feature of transport in plants is correct for xylem and phloem?

Q29 · The diagram shows an anterior view of a vertical section through the human heart

Q30 · What does the inner layer of veins and capillaries contain?

Q31 · The graph shows the changes in blood pressure and water potential across a blood…

Q32 · Which statement is correct about a red blood cell that has just entered a capillary in a…

Q33 · The graph shows some blood pressure changes that occur in a human during one cardiac cycle

Q34 · Which statements about all bronchioles are correct?

Q35 · What is shown in the electron micrograph?

Q36 · Which statement correctly describes infectious diseases?

Q37 · Organism X produces molecule Y, which blocks the activity of 70S ribosomes

Q38 · A patient has had repeated infections from the same pathogen over a few months

Q39 · A patient with kidney failure can be given a kidney transplant

Q40 · The diagram shows the simplified structure of an antibody

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