A2 Biology Exam Doctor

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Question Question Question

1 2 3
A2 Biology Exam Doctor
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

QUESTION 1
The graph below shows the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.

(a) What is the limiting factor in region X?

[1]
(b) Comment on the shape of the graph at Y.

[3]
The graph below shows the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.

(a) What is the limiting factor in region X?

Temperature. [1]
(b) Comment on the shape of the graph at Y.
The rate of photosyntheis is slowing down. There is almost
too much light and another factor like water or CO2 is now
slowing it down. [3]
The graph below shows the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.
(a) What is the limiting factor in region X? [1]
(b) Comment on the shape of the graph at Y. [3]

MARK SCHEME
(a) light intensity; 1
(b) rate of increase is slowing;
light intensity is not limiting the rate;
carbon dioxide concentation or temperature is now limiting; 3
TOTAL 4
 The graph below shows the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.

(a) What is the limiting factor in region X?

No, over that steep part of the graph it is light intensity that is
Temperature.  holding back the rate. You can tell this because as the light [1]
intensity increases, so does the rate.
(b) Comment on the shape of the graph at Y.
The rate of photosyntheis is slowing down. There is almost
too much light and another factor like water or CO2 is nowMP 3
slowing it down. We simply do not know this
 [3]
No it isn’t! Over the whole of Y, as light intensity increases, so does the rate
of photosynthesis. However, it would be true to say that the rate of increase
is slowing down – the curve is getting less steep. So, what is happening is
that as the light intensity increases, it is having progressively less
stimulating effect. This is because another factor, possibly light or CO 2
concentration is now limiting the overall rate.
Total 1 out of 4
A2 Biology Exam Doctor
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

QUESTION 2
The graph shows results of investigations into the mechanism of stomatal
opening.

(a) Describe the relationship between stomatal aperture width and starch concentration
(i) between: 8.00 am and noon.
[1]
(ii) between: 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
[1]
(b) Using information from the graph and your own knowledge, suggest a
mechanism for stomatal opening.

[4]
The graph shows results of investigations into the mechanism of stomatal
opening.

(a) Describe the relationship between stomatal aperture width and starch concentration
(i) between: 8.00 am and noon.
Starch concentration goes down as width increases. [1]
(ii) between: 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
Starch concentration increases as width decreases. [1]
(b) Using information from the graph and your own knowledge, suggest a
mechanism for stomatal opening.
Starch is being broken down into glucose in the morning. The sugars are
respired and used to make ATP which enables the guard cells to open the
stomata. At 4.00 pm the starch runs out, ATP production stops and the guard
cells close.
[4]
 The graph shows results of investigations into the mechanism of stomatal
opening.
(a) Describe the relationship between stomatal aperture width and starch
concentration between:
(i) 8.00 am and noon.
(ii) 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
(b) Using information from the graph and your own knowledge, suggest a
mechanism for stomatal opening.
MARK SCHEME
(a)(i) stomatal width increases as concentration of starch decreases; 1
(ii) stomatal width decreases as concentration of starch increases; 1

(b)(i) light stimulates conversion of starch to sugars;

therefore as light intensity increases, starch decreases;
sugars reduce water potential of guard cells;
water enters osmotically;
as guard cells swell, stomatal pore opens;
ref uneven thickening of guard cell walls; max 4
TOTAL 6
 The graph shows results of investigations into the mechanism of stomatal
opening.

(a) Describe the relationship between stomatal aperture width and starch concentration
(i) between: 8.00 am and noon. Good concise description
Starch concentration goes down as width increases.  [1]
(ii) between: 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
Starch concentration increases as width decreases. [1]
(b) Using information from the graph and your own knowledge, suggest a
mechanism for stomatal opening.
The examiner has awarded the mark as a combination of MP 1+2
Starch is being broken down into glucose in the morning.The sugars are
respired and used to make ATP which enables the guard cells to open the
stomata. At 4.00 pm the starch runs out, ATP production stops and the guard
cells close. The student hasn’t looked at the graph closely enough, nor considered why
the examiner asked points (i) and (ii). The examiner was trying to tell the [4]
Total 3 out of 6 student that light may be involved in stomatal opening.
A2 Biology Exam Doctor
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

QUESTION 3
The diagram below shows the ultrastructure of a chloroplast
A C
B

(a)(i) Identify structures A, B and C.

A
B
C [3]
(ii) In which part of the chloroplast does the light independent reactions occur?
[1]
(b) Distinguish between oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation.

[4]
The diagram below shows the ultrastructure of a chloroplast
A C
B

(a)(i) Identify structures A, B and C.

A the matrix
B a granum
C a ribosome [3]
(ii) In which part of the chloroplast does the light independent reactions occur?
The light independent reaction occurs in the matrix.. [1]
(b) Distinguish between oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation.
Oxidative phosphorylation generates ATP from the oxidation of reduced
coenzymes. Photophosphorylation generates ATP from light energy and
produces reduced NAD.

[4]
The diagram below shows the ultrastructure of a chloroplast
A C
B

(a)(i) Identify structures A, B and C.

(ii) In which part of the chloroplast does the light independent reactions occur?
(b) Distinguish between oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation.

MARK SCHEME
(a) (i) A = stroma; B = granum/stack of thylakoids; C = ribosome;
3
(ii) stroma;
1

(b) oxidative phosphorylation uses energy gained from oxidation;

of reduced coenzymes/NADH; to produce ATP;
photophosphorylation uses light energy; to produce ATP;
and reduced NADPH; 4
 The diagram below shows the ultrastructure of a chloroplast
A C
B

(a)(i) Identify structures A, B and C.

A the matrix A is the stroma. The matrix is found in the mitochondrion.
B a granum 
C a ribosome  [3]
(ii) In which part of the chloroplast does the light independent reactions occur?
The light independent reaction occurs in the matrix.  [1]
But don’t waste time repeating the question. Accept matrix here – it was penalised above.
(b) Distinguish between oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation.
MP3
MP2 
Oxidative phosphorylation generates ATP from the oxidation of reduced
MP4
 MP2
coenzymes. Photophosphorylation generates ATP from light energy and
produces reduced NAD.

Photosynthesis uses NADP/NADPH, respiration uses NAD/NADH.
[4]
Total 7 out of 8