OCR A-Level Biology

Module 2

Foundations in
biology

Mark scheme

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1.

1 hydrogen bond represented as,

horizontal / vertical, dashed line between O on one molecule and H on the
adjacent molecule;
DO NOT CREDIT if >1 H bond is drawn between the same two molecules
2 hydrogen / H, bond label (on any drawn bond between 2 molecules);
3 (delta positive) δ+ on each drawn H
and (delta negative) (2) δ– on each drawn O;
if both molecules drawn, δ + and δ– on all atoms.
ACCEPT d (lower case) for δ
[3]
2. hydrolysis / hydrolytic;
hydrophilic;
ACCEPT phonetic spelling throughout
IGNORE head
[2]
3. ice floats
P1 (ice less dense because) molecules spread out;
P2 molecules form, crystal structure / lattice / AW;
P3 ice forms insulating layer / clearly described;
e.g. acts as a barrier to the cold
P4 water (below ice), does not freeze / still liquid / remains water / kept at
higher temperature;
S1 organisms do not freeze;
DO NOT ACCEPT die (because ‘survival’ stated in stem)
S2 animals / organisms, can still, swim / move;
S3 allows, currents / nutrients, to circulate;
solubility
P5 ions / named ion, polar / charged;
P6 ions /named ion, attracted to / bind to / interact with, water;

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 S4 (named) organisms / plants / animals, uptake / AW, minerals / named
mineral / nutrients;
ACCEPT obtain / enters / goes in / gets
S5 correct use of named, mineral / nutrient, in organism;
needs to be more specific than ‘for growth / metabolism’ suitable
examples include but are not limited to: nitrates for amino acids / protein /
(named) nucleic acid / phosphate for ATP / phospholipids / plasma
membrane / magnesium for chlorophyll etc
temperature stability
P7 many / stable, (hydrogen) bonds between molecules;
Many hydrogen bonds between molecules = 2 marks (gets P7 and H)
P8 at lot of energy to, force apart molecules / break bonds;
ACCEPT heat as alternative to energy
P9 high (specific) heat capacity;
DO NOT CREDIT latent heat capacity
S6 temperature does not change much / small variation in temperature;
could refer to organisms or surrounding water
ACCEPT stays cool in summer / stays warm in winter
DO NOT CREDIT constant alone
S7 effect of temperature on, enzymes / metabolic rate;
ACCEPT any reference to temperature affecting enzyme activity /
metabolic rate
S8 gases remain soluble;
Award once in any section
H hydrogen bonds;
DO NOT CREDIT if in incorrect context
(e.g. they are strong bonds)
7 max
QWC - Award if you see a P mark and an S mark within the same section;
Look for the S mark first, then award QWC if there is a P mark in the same section
in the mark scheme
1
[8]
4.
1 hydrogen bonding;
2 detail; e.g. (electro)negative oxygen atom can hydrogen bond to
(electro)positive H atom/ one water molecule hydrogen
bonds with up to 4 others / H bonds individually weak / large collective effect of
many hydrogen bonds
coral algae
3 (high) thermal stability / temperature remains fairly constant;
4 water has high specific heat capacity;
5 much energy needed to break hydrogen bonds;

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polar bears
6 cooling allows maximum number of hydrogen bonds to form;
7 water molecules space out to allow this;
8 water expands as it freezes / ice is less dense than water;
mussels, filter-feeders and sessile animals
9 water is transport medium for, food particles / gametes;
10 (tentacles / appendages / cilia) create currents bringing food;
11 ref. tides / ocean currents;
12 medium for, male gametes to swim / external fertilisation;
13 no desiccation of gametes;
14 ref to low viscosity / AW;

5. solvent;
liquid; A same
dense;
insulates; A keeps warm R protects / warms
hydrogen; A H / weak R H / H2
+

surface tension / cohesion;

6
[6]
 6. marking points 1, 4, 8, 14, 19, 20 and 22 relate to the bullet points in the
question
1 liquid at normal temperatures;
2 hydrogen bonding between water molecules;
3 molecules more difficult to separate;
4 ice floats on water / water freezes from top down;
5 insulates water beneath;
6 large bodies of water don’t freeze completely / animals can still swim
etc.;
7 (change in density with temperature) causes currents to circulate
nutrients;
8 solvent for, polar / ionic, substances;
9 solubility of gases in environment;
10 allows reactions to take place;
11 transport medium;
12 e.g. (of substance carried in what);
13 transport medium for, gametes / blood cells;

14 water slow to change temperature;

15 lakes / oceans / large volumes, provide thermally stable environment;
16 internal body temperature changes minimised;
17 used for cooling;
18 e.g. (sweating / panting / transpiration);
19 large amount of energy must be removed for water to freeze;
20 organisms can use surface of water (as habitat);
21 e.g.; (of organism)
22 can form (long / unbroken) columns of water;
23 ref. to vascular tissue / xylem;
24 reactant (photosynthesis);
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 25 role in, hydrolysis / condensation;
26 AVP; e.g. transparency
27 AVP; plants can photosynthesise under water
incompressible
hydrostatic skeleton / turgor
buoyancy; guard cell mechanism
support for large organisms on ice (penguins / polar bears)
further detail of any point
9 max
QWC – legible text with accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar; 1
[10]
7. (i) glycosidic; A covalent / C-O-C / oxygen bridge
R oxygen bond / ‘glucosidic’
1
(ii) hydrolysis / hydrolytic; if qualified, needs to be correct
1
[2]
8. 1 no (suitable) enzyme (in gut) to digest sucralose /
sucrase will not act on sucralose / AW;
2 enzymes, are specific / only act on one substrate;
3 complementary shape;
4 idea that (C/ on sucralose instead of OH) gives different, shape /
structure;
5 no ESC (enzyme substrate complex) / substrate will not fit into active
site;
6 AVP; e.g. further detail of enzyme-substrate interaction
4 max
[4]
9. cell wall(s);
β / beta; A B
glycosidic; NOT glucosidic
180;
straight; A polysaccharide / unbranched / linear
hydrogen / H; NOT H2
6
[6]
10. similar ~ allow valid similarities such as
same number, carbon / oxygen / hydrogen (atoms) / OH (groups); A hexose
same formula; R similar / molecule
ring / ring with O (atom) in it; correct ref CH2OH; contain C, H and O;
1 max
different ~ assume candidate is writing about fructose unless told otherwise
allow valid differences such as
(fructose has) 5-membered ring / glucose has 6-membered ring; R pentose
(4 C in ring v. 5C in ring / furanose v. pyranose in glucose)

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 (in fructose) 2 CH2OH side chains / 1 CH2OH side chain in glucose;
different angles between C atoms;
ref alignment of H and OH groups (on carbon 3 / carbon 4);
(in fructose) carbon 1 not in ring / carbon 1 in ring in glucose;
1 max
[2]
11.
(i) glycosidic; NOT glucosidic
1
(ii) 1 carbon positions 1 and 2 on glucose and fructose;
2 formation of, water / H2O, from 2 OH groups (plus separation);
3 oxygen bridge / – O –, shown;
2 max
12.
(i) R references to fruit juice
use same volume of glucose solution;
use same volume of Benedict’s solution;
use same concentration of Benedict’s solution; A strength / same
batch
boil for the same length of time; A heat
calibrate colorimeter / AW; A same, filter / colorimeter
2 max
(ii) 6.5;
1
(iii) hydrolyse, filtrate / juice / bond / non-reducing sugar;
either
with acid, neutralise / add alkali
or
treat with, sucrase / invertase;
either, if started with filtrate …
boil with Benedict’s + test filtrate / repeat original procedure; A heat
or, if started with juice …
boil with Benedict’s + test filtrate / repeat original procedure, to
measure difference in absorbance with original;
2 max
[5]
13.
(i) add / use, Benedict’s (reagent);
heat; NOT use water bath alone
(blue to) green / yellow / orange / brown / red (precipitate);
3
(ii) hydrolysis;
boil / heat, with (dilute), acid / HCl; A (dil) NaOH
(add) hydrolytic enzyme / sucrase / invertase;
1 max
[4]

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14. (a)
(i) Mark the first 2 types of biological molecule stated. Absence = neutral
protein; A casein/polypeptide R amino acid
reducing sugar(s); A correctly named reducing sugar(s)
[but only lactose/galactose/glucose]
2
(ii) Mark the first 3 types of biological molecule stated. Absence =
neutral
protein; A casein/polypeptide R amino acid
reducing sugar(s); A correctly named reducing sugar(s)
[but only lactose/galactose/glucose/fructose]
non-reducing sugar; A sucrose
3
(b) Assume ‘it’ = ‘Health-Milk’
‘Health – Milk’ has
less reducing sugar(s); A correctly named reducing sugar(s)
[but only lactose/galactose/glucose/fructose]
less non-reducing sugar; A sucrose
“less sugar” = 1
credit converse statements relating to ‘Energy – Boost’.
2
(c) states ‘no added sugar’/implies low sugar;
contains more sugar than (fresh) milk/high in sugar;
more reducing sugar (than milk); R ‘none in fresh milk’
has non-reducing sugar (compared to none in milk);
fruit (extract) must contain (hidden) sugar;
3 max
(d) milk/drinks, already,
milky/cloudy/white/opaque/‘not see through’/emulsion;
A ‘positive result would not show up’ R precipitate
1
[11]
15.
(i) breaking a bond with the addition of water; A named bond
1
(ii) fatty (acids produced);
[H+] increased / more acidic / products are acidic / acids produced;
‘fatty acids produced’ = 2 marks
2
(iii) do not credit, substrate used up / lack of enzyme / end product inhibition
pH, too low / not optimum; A too acidic
enzyme denatured;
equilibrium reached; further detail;
2 max
[5] 
16. (a) (i) add / mix with, alcohol / ethanol / propanone / (suitable) alevelbiology.co.uk
 organic solvent;
then, add to / add / mix with, water;
water alone = 0
R heat
2
(ii) emulsion / milky colour / cloudy / AW; R precipitate
1
(b) phospholipids have
1 less fatty acid (residue) / 2 fatty acid (residues) not 3; A hydrocarbon
1 less ester bond / 2 ester bonds not 3;
phosphate;
choline / base / nitrogen;
hydrophilic / polar, end / head;
max 3
(c) (i) add, copper sulphate (solution) and sodium hydroxide (solution) /
biuret (reagent);
R Biuret test unqualified
R heat
1
(ii) purple / mauve / lilac; R blue
1
[8]
17.
(a)
(i) L;
M;
J;
If 2nd letter given, no mark
3
(ii) CREDIT answers from clearly drawn diagrams with bonds labelled
1 peptide bond;
ACCEPT peptide link
2 between, amine / J group (of one amino acid) and carboxyl / L group (of
another);
3 H (from amine group) combines with OH (from carboxyl group);
4 condensation reaction
OR
water, lost / eliminated / produced / created / AW;
5 covalent;
3 max
(b)
1 some R groups, attract / repel;
2 disulfide, bridges / bond;
3 between, cysteine / SH / S (atoms);
4 hydrogen / H, bonds;
DO NOT CREDIT in context of secondary structure
5 ionic bonds between, oppositely charged / + and –, R groups;
6 hydrophilic R groups, on outside of molecule / in contact with
water (molecules);

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 7 hydrophobic R groups, on inside of molecule / shielded from water
(molecules);
4 max
[10]
18. hydrolysis (of Hb); by enzymes; proteases; breaks peptide bonds; removal of
haem group; reference to, diffusion/active transport/pinocytosis/channel proteins;
AVP;
3 max
[3]
19. primary
sequence / order, of amino acids (in a polypeptide); A R groups
1
secondary
coiling / folding, of the,
polypeptide / chain of amino acids / peptide chain / primary structure;
(α-) helix; (β-) pleated sheet; hydrogen bonds;
between amino acids in (same) chain;
(between) –NH and –CO; AVP; e.g. random coilin

[max 5]
20. (i) AWARD 1 mark per correct row Comparative statements must be made in a
row
glycogen collagen

1 carbohydrate / polysaccharide protein / polypeptide

2 (alpha) glucose (units) amino acid (units)

3 identical units different amino acid units

4 glycosidic, bonds / links peptide, bonds / links

5 branched unbranched / linear

6 non-helical helical

7 one chain (per molecule) three chains (per molecule)

8 no cross links cross links (between chains)

9 contains C H O contains C H O N

2 DO NOT CREDIT beta; 5 ALLOW straight

7 DO NOT CREDIT strands; 9 IGNORE S (for collagen)
3 max
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 (ii) (high tensile) strength / strong;
IGNORE fibrous / tough
does not stretch / is not elastic;
insoluble;
flexible;
Mark the 1st answer on each numbered line
2 max
[5]
21.
(i) polypeptide; A oligopeptide
1
(ii) glycine; A proline / alanine
1
(iii) in this answer assume that
chain = polypeptide
molecule = groups of 3 polypeptide chains
A ecf for named amino acid from (ii) but NOT a name of a base
amino acids / glycine, small (to allow close packing);
the small one is, every 3rd amino acid / at every level in the molecule;
chains, form a tight coil / lie close to each other;
held together by hydrogen bonds; ignore other bonds
bonds form between R groups of lysines;
molecules form, fibres / bonds with adjacent molecules; A fibril
covalent bond between, adjacent molecules / CO-NH groups;
fibres composed of parallel molecules;
ends of parallel molecules staggered;
prevents line of weakness;
2 max
[4]
22. B
[1]
23. 1500;
500 000;
ACCEPT 1400 and 300,000 for 1 max only
[2]
 24. ability to see (two) objects (that are close together) as separate objects / AW;
ACCEPT ability to distinguish two objects
see detail;

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 IGNORE clarity / clear
[2]
25. low resolution; ora
(close) points not easily distinguished;
wavelength (of visible light) is too long;
max resolution of light microscope =, 200 nm / 0.2 µm; A anything close
no more detail visible than seen at, ×1500 / ×1000;
A comparative statements
R reverse arguments for points 2 – 5
2 max
[2]
26.
(i)
A smooth endoplasmic reticulum / SER
B nuclear, membrane / envelope;
C mitochondrion;
D nucleolus;
mark first response on each line only
ACCEPT nucleus, membrane / envelope
ACCEPT mitochondria
DO NOT ACCEPT nucleous
4
(ii) (mitochondria) vary in shape;
longer than wide;
ACCEPT sausage shaped/long and thin
ACCEPT if shown by drawing
cut in different planes / angles / AW;
just divided / growing;
artefact / deformed during preparation of section;
need comparative statement
ACCEPT C has been cut in longitudinal plane, E has
been cut in transverse, section / plane
ACCEPT one cut horizontally, other cut vertically
ACCEPT in different positions / one viewed from
above the other from the side
2 max
(iii) correct answer = two marks
3.75 / 3.8;;
if answer incorrect ALLOW one mark for correct working
ACCEPT if 3.75 or 3.8 is seen anywhere in response
(even if later rounded to 4)
Max 1 if response is 4 with no working
how to award one mark for working e.g.

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 candidate shows correct calculation but wrong answer

OR
candidate uses magnification (× 4000) in calculation:
actual length = 15000 / 4000;
length of C should be 15mm / 15000μm
ACCEPT ecf for working mark if length of C is not
measured correctly but incorrect figure is used in
calculation correctly
2
[8]
27. (i) mitochondrion; A mitochondria
1
(ii) (liver requires) a lot of, energy/ATP;
R statements including ‘produce/create/make, energy’
1
[2]
28. (i) mitochondrion; A mitochondria
1
(ii) aerobic respiration;
ATP production; A provides ATP
energy release; A provides energy R produce / create / make / etc
AVP; e.g. Krebs cycle / regenerate NAD
oxidative phosphorylation
protein synthesis
lipid synthesis
oxidation of fats
ornithine / urea, cycle
2 max

(iii) (energy / ATP needed) for, movement / wafting (of cilia);

R flagellum / molecules
1
(iv) award two marks if correct answer (5) is given
award one mark for calculation 5;;
if answer incorrect, allow 1 mark for
100 +/– 2 (mm) or 10 +/– 0.2 (cm) ÷ 20000
2
[6]
(v) low resolution; ora
(close) points not easily distinguished;
wavelength (of visible light) is too long;
max resolution of light microscope =, 200 nm / 0.2 µm; A anything close
no more detail visible than seen at, ×1500 / ×1000;
A comparative statements
R reverse arguments for points 2 – 5
2 max
[2]
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29. proteins moved to Golgi (apparatus / body);
processed / modified / AW;
e.g. carbohydrate group added
DO NOT ACCEPT reprocessed
into vesicles;
(vesicle) moved to, plasma / cell surface, membrane;
(vesicles) fuse with membrane;
exocytosis;
idea that product of processing is placed into
vesicles for transport
DO NOT ACCEPT vacuole – but do not penalise
more than once
DO NOT ACCEPT ‘cell membrane’
[3]
30. (rough) ER has ribosomes; R produces
for, protein synthesis / translation;
ER transports protein through cell;
forms vesicles;
for transport to / forming, Golgi;
(in Golgi) modification of protein / glycosylation;
2 max
[2]
31. A mitochondrion; A cristae / matrix
B nuclear envelope / nuclear membrane; A nucleus
C nucleolus; A heterochromatin
D (cell) wall; A middle lamella
4
[4]
32. nucleus / DNA
1 controls, activities of cell / transcription / named activity / cell division;
2 contains genetic information that can be transmitted to next generation;
nucleolus
3 produces, ribosomes / rRNA;
smooth ER
4 makes / transports, lipids / steroids / hormones; A named plant e.g.
rough ER / ribosomes
5 protein synthesis;
 
 

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 Feature Epithelial cell from small intestine Prokaryotic cell
33. (a)
Golgi apparatus

Mitochondrion

Nuclear envelope

Plasmid

Ribosome

Mark down, one mark for each correct column;

2

(b) (i) Electron microscope with better resolution/ able

to distinguish between points closer together;
(Beam of electrons) with shorter wavelength;
2
(Ignore refs. to higher magnification/ more detail)
(A reverse argument for light microscope)

(ii) Processes involved in preparation alter/distort cell contents/

introduction of artefacts;
1
[5]

34.

prokaryotic eukaryotic

as chromosomes / chromatin
OR
 
(genetic material) associated
with, proteins / histones;

  (diameter of cell) 20 – 40 µm;

(ribosomes) 18nm;  

cell wall (present);  

DO NOT ACCEPT chromatid

Figures must have correct units
ACCEPT any figure(s) in range 10 – 100 µm
ACCEPT any figure(s) in range 10 – 20 nm
ACCEPT 70 S
DO NOT ACCEPT sometimes or usually present
[4]

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35. (i) 4
eukaryotic cell prokaryotic cell
cell wall    

nuclear envelope  

Golgi apparatus  

ribosomes  

flagellum   sometimes present;

(ii) Golgi apparatus

repackage / transport, proteins;
add carbohydrate group to protein;
max 1
ribosome
site of protein synthesis;
2
[6]
 
36. credit comparative statements on the same line ~ must refer to both
do not credit ref to size of cell
ignore vacuoles / slime layer

prokaryotic eukaryotic
no, nucleus / nucleolus / nucleus / nucleolus /
nuclear membrane / nuclear membrane /
nuclear envelope nuclear envelope
A free DNA A DNA enclosed
circular DNA A loop linear DNA
no, histones /
histones / chromosome
(true) chromosome
A DNA + protein
A naked DNA
membrane-bound organelles/
no membrane-bound
named e.g.
organelles
(Allow up to 2 marks)
cell wall may have cell wall
peptidoglycan / murein, cell
cellulose cell wall (if present)
wall
ribosomes, ribosomes,
18 nm / 70S / smaller 22 nm / 80S / larger
no plasmids
plasmids
(except inside organelles)
AVP e.g. no cytoskeleton AVP e.g. cytoskeleton
flagellum not 9+2 flagellum 9+2
pili no pili
fimbrae no fimbrae
capsule no capsule
mesosome no mesosome
prokaryotic eukaryotic

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 3 max
[3]

37. if only ticks, assume blank boxes =

If only crosses, assume blank boxes = ; reject hybrid ticks

4 4
[4]
4

38.
(a) hydrogen peroxide;
(b) (i) to release catalase from within liver cells; 1
(ii) Any 2 of: same weight of liver/same species/animal for liver/same
volume of buffer at same pH/keep cool or at 40 C /homogenise in
blender for same time;; 2
(c) vary temperature of water bath/incubator; 100 C intervals over suitable
range (eg. 0 – 700 C); same standard homogenate of liver in each case;
measure volume of oxygen produced in a standard time/in 1 minute;
repeat experiment at each temperature and calculate means; allow
acclimatisation time at each temperature before adding peroxide;
max 5
(d) Any two of: volume of oxygen is affected by changes in
temperature/pressure/ concentration of catalase in different liver extracts may
vary/ some oxygen may be retained in conical flask by frothing;;
2
[11]
39. (a) amylase; reject ‘pancreatic amylase’ 1
(b) (i) acts as cofactor/allosteric effector; binds to the enzyme changing its
molecular shape; so that the active site becomes operative/can bind
with substrate;
max 2
(ii) pH too low/acid; enzyme is denatured;
2
(c) Enzyme = maltose; Juice = intestinal/succus entericus; Product =
glucose; 3
[8]
40. (a) (i) substrate concentration is the limiting factor; some active sites free;
(thus) increase in substrate concentration can increase rate;
3
(ii) number of active sites is limiting factor/all available active sites
occupied with substrate; number of substrate molecules exceed number of
active sites; (thus) increase in substrate concentration cannot increase rate;
3
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 (b) enzymes have an optimum pH (at which they work at maximum rate); pH
changes from optimum cause changes in shape/charges/ionisation state of
active site; therefore reduces number of enzyme-substrate complexes; (and
thus) reduce the rate; 4
[10]
41.
(a) a specific series of linked reactions; each step of which is catalysed by a
specific enzyme; named example/glycolysis/Krebs/any other example; max 2
(b) removes CO2 from (carboxylic) acid group/decarboxylation; 1
(c) modifies/changes enzyme so that it can function/acts as a cofactor; (reject
‘gives energy’) 1
(d) once a certain amount of adrenaline/nor-adrenalin has been produced; nor-
adrenaline inhibits conversion of tyrosine to dopa/feedback inhibition/end
product inhibition; 2
(e) adrenal medulla/sympathetic nerve synapses; 1
[7]
42.
(a) substance/chemical which is structurally similar to normal substrate; and
competes with it for active site of enzyme; 2
(b) number of substrate molecules exceeds number of molecules of
inhibitor/substrate molecules occupy most /many of the active sites; therefore
little inhibition/inhibition reversed by high substrate concentration; 2
(c) competitive inhibitors (CIs) structurally similar to substrate, non-competitive
inhibitors(NCIs) not similar; CIs bind to active site, NCIs bind elsewhere on
enzyme; effect of NCI is permanent/cannot be reversed by increasing
substrate concentration whereas Cl effect is temporary/can be reversed by
high substrate concentration; 3
[7]
43. (a)
(i) X is a protease/peptidase/splits peptide bonds/hydrolyses peptide bonds;
causes inactive enzyme precursor to change shape/conformation; produces
active/catalytic form/exposes active sites; 3
(ii) precursor fits into complementary active site of enzyme X; credit reference
to specificity; 2
(iii) metabolic control/control of reaction rates/prevent cell lysis/protection of gut
wall; 1
(b) either: pepsinogen; HCl; or: trypsinogen; enterokinase; (accept any correct
example) max 2
[8]
44.
(a) raise temperature of water in waterbath to 65°C (checking with
thermometer); maintain by adding hot water/thermostatic control; keep sucrase
and sucrose in separate tubes until both solutions are 65°C/equilibrate for at
least 5 minutes; add sucrase to sucrose and mix gently; 4
(b) forms a brick-red precipitate with reducing sugars/glucose/fructose; sucrose
is a non-reducing sugar/does not react with Benedicts reagent; but if sucrose is
digested (by sucrase) will give a positive Benedicts test; max 2
(c) (i) reaction fastest at 40°C; because higher kinetic energy/more collisions
between enzyme and substrate/ref to optimum temperature/ enzyme substrate
complexes formed quicker; 2 alevelbiology.co.uk
 (ii) initial colour change may indicate early enzyme activity; but kinetic
energy/molecular excitation/high temperature; caused denaturation/disruption
of active site/breakage of hydrogen bonds/disulphide bridges/loss of tertiary
structure; 3
[11]
45. (i) deoxyribose (sugar);
phosphate (group);
DO NOT CREDIT dioxyribose
DO NOT CREDIT phosphate head or phosphate backbone
(nitrogenous / purine or pyrimidine) base / one correctly named base;
DO NOT CREDIT letter instead of named base
DO NOT CREDIT uracil
DO NOT CREDIT incorrect spelling of thymine with ‘a’
3
46. double helix;
anti-parallel;
sugar-phosphate;
hydrogen;
[4]
47. (i) percentages / amount, C & G similar (in all organisms);
percentages / amount, A & T similar (in all organisms);
different / named, organisms have different proportions of,
bases / named base / AW;
greatest similarity between human and grasshopper;
least similarity between E coli and the other three;
E. coli has similar proportions of all bases /
E.coli has slightly more CG than AT /
(named) eukaryote has more AT than CG;
mp 1 & 2 DO NOT CREDIT ref to a single organism
mp 1 & 2 IGNORE ref to complementary
DO NOT CREDIT statements in context of organism size
e.g. statement that human has more A than E. coli /
human has the most AT / E. coli has the most CG
This mark is for a general statement
comparative figs with units to support any statement;
e.g. human C = 19.8% and G = 19.9%
human A = 30.9% and E. coli A = 24.7%
‘human has more A (30.9%) than wheat (27.3%)’ = 2
(mp 3 & 7)
3 max
(ii) (suggests) A, bonds / pairs / links / connects / joins, to T;
(suggests) C, bonds / pairs / links / connects / joins, to G;
(suggests) purine bonds to pyrimidine;
(evidence for) complementary base pairing /
which bases pair with each other / base pairing rules;

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 suggests bases point ‘inwards’ rather than ‘outwards’;
IGNORE A – T or A = T unqualified
IGNORE C – G or C = G unqualified
ACCEPT ‘bond’ instead of ‘pair’
2 max
[5] 
48. Award 1 mark per correct row

feature DNA RNA

number of strands two / double one / single

thymine / T uracil / U
(+ adenine (+ adenine
Bases present
+ cytosine + cytosine
+ guanine) + guanine)

Sugar present deoxyribose ribose

If a choice of answers is given, do not credit unless both

answers are valid (e.g. two and double strands for DNA /
ribose and pentose sugar)
ACCEPT letters instead of names of bases
Names of bases must be unambiguous, so
DO NOT CREDIT adenosine / thiamine / cysteine / etc.
If more bases mentioned than T and U, then all bases
must be included
DO NOT CREDIT dioxyribose / oxyribose/ hexose / sugar
IGNORE pentose
[3]
49. carries / transfers, the (complementary DNA),
code / genetic information / copy of gene;
out of the nucleus;
(transfers it) to the, ribosome / RER / site of translation;
for, protein / polypeptide, synthesis;
IGNORE transcription
DO NOT CREDIT ref to the whole DNA code / molecule
ACCEPT ‘to make protein’
[2]
50. (i) deoxyribose sugar;
a nitrogenous/ nitrogen containing, base / named base; ecf for thiamine
phosphate group;
AVP; e.g. deoxyribose is a pentose sugar/correct diagram of same

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 accept A, T, G and C in place of names. max 3
(ii) hydrogen bonds between bases;
complementary base pairing;
purine to pyrimidine;
A to T and G to C;
AVP; further detail e.g. 2 H bonds between A and T / 3 H bonds
between
C and G
DNA polymerase
max 4
[7]
51. ribose (instead of deoxyribose);
uracil / U, replaces thymine;
single stranded (instead of double stranded);
smaller molecule / different 3-D structure to DNA;
[3]
52.
1 untwist / unwind;
DO NOT CREDIT unravel
S 2 unzip / described;
DO NOT CREDIT strands separating without qualification
S 3 H bond breaks;
4 both strands act as template;
N 5 (aligning of) free (DNA) nucleotides;
DO NOT CREDIT bases
N 6 complementary, base / nucleotide, pairing;
N 7 C to G and T to A / purine to pyrimidine;
6 & 7 Do not consider for QWC if mark awarded in the context of
breaking apart or DNA structure only, rather than forming new double helix
R 8 hydrogen bonds reform;
R 9 sugar-phosphate back bone forms;
R 10 (using) covalent / phosphodiester, bond;
11 semi-conservative replication;
12 DNA polymerase;
CREDIT at any stage in the process
13 AVP;
e.g. ligase / helicase / gyrase used in correct context
C – G 3 H bonds / T – A 2 H bonds
activation of free nucleotides (with 2 phosphates)
synthesis in the 5’ to 3’ direction

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 Okazaki fragments on lagging strand
6 max
QWC - correct sequence - 1 S mark, then 1 N mark, then 1 R mark;
It should be clear that candidate realises that the sequence is S, then N then R - even
if not written in that order
DO NOT CREDIT if any ref to transcription / translation
1
[7]
53. (i) polypeptide / protein / primary structure / a sequence of amino acids;
DO NOT CREDIT ‘codes for an amino acid’
IGNORE enzyme / named protein
1
(ii) different, sequence of amino acids / primary structure / AW;
different protein / protein folds up differently / different tertiary structure;
(product) no longer functions / different function;
DO NOT CREDIT ‘product’ or incorrect biochemical (e.g.
carbohydrate)
ACCEPT suitable example, e.g. active site of enzyme no longer
complimentary to substrate
2 max
[3]
54. 1 mark per correct row
Look for both ticks and crosses.
If a table consists of ticks ONLY or crosses ONLY, then assume that the blank
spaces are the other symbol.
If a table consists of ticks, crosses and blanks then the blanks represent no
attempt at the answer.

Nucleotides line up along an exposed DNA strand.

The whole of the double helix ‘unzips’. X

Uracil pairs with adenine. X

A tRNA triplet pairs with an exposed codon. X X

Both DNA polynucleotide chains act as templates.

Adjacent nucleotides bond, forming a sugar-phosphate backbone.

The original DNA molecule is unchanged after the process. X

Adenine pairs with thymine.

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55. (i) 4;
1
(ii) deoxyribose; NOT ribose
phosphate;
nitrogen(ous) / organic / named, base; A purine / pyrimidine
NOT uracil
NOT letter
NOT thiamine / thyamine
take a correct base from a list unless that list includes uracil
3
[4]
56. 1 2, molecules / helices, (of DNA) produced;
2 identical (molecules of DNA produced);
3 (each made up of) 1, original / parent / old, strand;
4 1 new strand;
5 original / parent / old, strands, act as template / described;
6 ref to (free DNA) nucleotides;
3 max
[3]
57. (a) (i) U A C C G G A U U C A C;;
1 error = 1, 2 errors = 0
allow 1 mark for giving T throughout instead of U
(i.e. T A C C G G A T T C A C = 1 mark)
2
(ii) transcription / transcribed; R transcriptase
1
(b) (i)
J anticodon; R anticodons
K transfer RNA / tRNA;
L ribosome / rRNA;
M codon; R codons
4
(ii)
1 DNA triplet / codon / M / mRNA triplet, codes for specific amino acid;
2 order of, triplets / bases, determines the order of amino acids;
3 tRNA / K, has, corresponding / complementary, triplet / anticodon;
4 (tRNA / K) attached to specific amino acid;
5 activation of amino acid;
6 2 (tRNA) binding sites on the ribosome;
7 codon and anticodon bind; A match
8 A to U and C to G;
9 adjacent amino acids join;
10 peptide bond;
4 max
(c) 1 attaches to ribosome;
2 removes, base / portion, of ribosome;

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 A stops ribosome assembling / changes shape of ribosome
3 prevents ribosome, attaching to / reading, mRNA;
4 prevents codons being exposed;
5 prevents, tRNA / anticodon, attaching to, mRNA / codon;
6 prevents / inhibits enzyme responsible for, formation of
peptide linkages;
7 AVP; e.g. further detail of any of the above points
2 max
[13]
58.
1 (acting as) antigens;
2 identification / recognition, (of cells) as, self / non-self / AW;
ACCEPT foreign for non-self
3 cell signalling / described;
ACCEPT description e.g. communication between cells / cell responds
to, chemical / signal, from another cell
4 receptor / binding site, for, hormone / (chemical) signal / (medicinal /
named) drugs;
ACCEPT description of attachment process for receptor / binding site
DO NOT ACCEPT molecule unqualified
ACCEPT binding site for foreign antigen
5 ref. to receptor / binding site / trigger, on transport proteins / AW;
ACCEPT ref to receptors on ion channels
6 cell adhesion / to hold cells together (in a tissue);
ACCEPT bind to other cells for cell adhesion
7 attach to water molecules (to stabilise membrane / cell);
4 max for description
Look for description not list of functions
Do not credit repetition of same point
QWC: three technical terms used and spelt correctly;
Any three from:
receptor, antigen, hormone, cell signal(ling), adhesion,
recognition, facilitated diffusion, active transport
[5]
59. (a)
(i) D cholesterol;
E protein / glycoprotein / intrinsic protein / protein channel /
protein pump / transport protein / carrier protein;
F phospholipid (bilayer) / phospholipid head;

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 DO NOT ACCEPT amino acid chain
DO NOT ACCEPT extrinsic protein
DO NOT ACCEPT lipids / bilayer
3
(ii) D stabilise the membrane OR maintain / affect / control / AW,
fluidity OR reduces permeability to, polar / charged, particles;
E allow communication across membrane OR allow, polar /
charged, particles to pass through membrane;
F to act as a barrier (to, polar / charged, particles) / select
what enters or leaves cell;
mark independently of (a)(i) i.e. NO ecf
DO NOT ACCEPT refs to rigidity / support / strength
ACCEPT reduces / affects, lateral movement of phospholipids
ACCEPT cell recognition / receptor site / cell signalling /
cell attachment
ACCEPT (acts as) selectively permeable or partially
permeable membrane
ACCEPT allows small / fat soluble molecules to pass
through
DO NOT ACCEPT separates inside from outside
3
(b) (i) communication between cells / AW;
cell, recognition / identification;
cells work together / coordination between action of different cells;
to trigger, response / reaction ( inside the cell);
ACCEPT example to illustrate the point, e.g. action of
hormone / cytokines
2 max
(ii) (receptor) specific shape / described;
complementary to (shape of), trigger / named trigger /
communicating;
molecule;
(trigger / AW) binds / attaches to receptor;
ACCEPT tertiary structure
DO NOT ACCEPT ref to active site
ACCEPT fits / idea of lock & key in correct context
DO NOT ACCEPT ‘matches’
DO NOT ALLOW joins / bonds / links / combines / fits
2 max
[10]

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60. (a) (i) A phospholipid;
B protein;
F cholesterol;
3
(ii) 7nm; A correct conversion to other units
1
(b) (i) hydrophilic / polar/AW, head;
hydrophobic / non-polar / AW tail;
AVP; e.g. ref. saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
max 2
(ii) allow, small / charged, molecules through membrane;
1
(iii) stabilises membrane structure by forming hydrogen bonds with water
molecules;
antigens for cell recognition;
binding sites, for, chemicals/ drugs / hormones / neurotransmitters/
antibodies /T cells;
receptors for cell signalling / triggers chemical reactions inside cell;
max 3
[10]
61. (i) fluid mosaic; A Singer-Nicholson
1
(ii) A phospholipid; A layer R bilayer
B cholesterol; A (free) fatty acids/fat-soluble vitamins
C glycolipid;
D carbohydrate; A glycoprotein/glucose residue/glycocalyx
4
[5]
62. at surface
S1 separate cell from environment;
S2 control, entry/exit (of molecules/ions/suitable substance);
A selective/partial R semi-permeable
S3 use of phospholipid layer (in allowing or preventing passage) of
suitable example;
S4 reference to facilitated diffusion;
S5 reference to active uptake; R channel protein
S6 reference phagocytosis/pinocytosis/endocytosis/exocytosis;
S7 cell recognition/cell surface antigens;
S8 cell to cell attachment;
S9 receptor (for hormones/neurotransmitters etc.);
S10 AVP; microvilli increase surface area of cell
enzyme attachment
further role max 6
within
W1 compartmentalise/surrounds organelles;

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 W2 prevents disruption of, reactions/process; A reaction more efficient
W3 e.g. reaction/process, and organelle;
W4 reactions take place on membranes; A named example of membrane
W5 enzymes attached to membranes; A named example
W6 isolates/separates, DNA/nucleus;

W7 (nuclear pore) permits RNA to leave nucleus;

W8 (forms) ER/(Golgi) vesicles/lysosomes/other named organelle;
(not the same e.g. as W3 or W6)
W9 attachment of ribosomes;
W10 intracellular transport;

W11 protects cells from contents of lysosomes;

W12 (tonoplast) surrounds/controls content of, vacuole;
W13 AVP; increases (internal) surface area of organelle
attachment of pigments
formation of mesosomes
further role max 6
9 max
QWC – legible text with accurate punctuation, spelling and grammar 1
[10]
 63. (i) glycoprotein;
1
(ii) (cell) recognition / antigen;
attachment / receptor; NOT carrier
holds enzymes;
AVP; e.g. stabilises membrane in aqueous environment
1 max
[2]
64.
(i)
J allows passage of, polar substances / water soluble substances /
ions / suitable e.g. (allow water); R large molecule alone
allows facilitated diffusion;
1 max
K cell recognition / antigen / receptor / cell adhesion /
binds to water molecules to stabilise membrane;
R enzyme / receptor cell / effect at a distance
1
L allows passage of lipid soluble substances (A water / O2 / CO2) /
prevents passage of water soluble substances;
forms, barrier / boundary / AW;
1 max
M regulates, fluidity / stability;
restricts movement;
influences permeability of membrane;
storage;
1 max
(ii) 7 nm;
1
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 [5]
65. growth (of tissue / organism);
replace (cells) / repair (tissues);
asexual reproduction/cloning / producing genetically identical
cells;
maintain chromosome number in all cells;
initially mark first response on each line
if not all lines used, go back and credit further
correct points
DO NOT ACCEPT growth of cells
DO NOT ACCEPT repair of cells
ACCEPT ref to maintain, haploid / diploid, number
[3]
66. Q, T, P, R;;;;
Allocate marks for the following pairs:
S–Q Q–T T–P P–R
[4]
 67 (a) R “I” and “II” throughout
(i) prophase;
1
(ii) interphase / S phase;
1
(iii) telophase; ignore cytokinesis
1
(b)
1 attach to spindle;
2 by centromere;
3 centromere, divides / splits; R breaks
4 spindle fibres shorten / AW;
5 chromosomes / chromatids, pulled to, poles / centrioles /
different ends of cell / different ends of spindle;
nucleus / 1 of each pair
6 centromere leading;
7 detachment from spindle fibres;
8 (start to) unravel / uncoil / decondense / lengthen / AW;
4 max
[7]
 68. (a) look for shading in A
not credit if more than 1 chromosome shaded
corresponding homologous chromosome correctly shaded on A;

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 i.e. bottom one
1
(b) mark (i) and (ii) independently
(i) metaphase; R ref to metaphase I or II
1
(ii) (individual) chromosomes align at,
metaphase plate / equator / centre (of cell);
join to, spindle / microtubules;
by centromeres;
ref to bivalents / homologous pairs = max 1
2 max
(c) C;
A;
2
[6]
69.
prophase;
centromere; A kinetochore
R centrosome
membrane / envelope;
chromosomes / centromeres; A chromatids
R homologous chromosomes / bivalents
anaphase;
poles / ends; A centrioles / asters
R sides
cytokinesis; R telophase / cytokinin
genetically;
[8]
70. only award marking points 1, 6, 9, 14 and 16 if descriptions of the stages
are correct- do not award simply for identifying the stages – ignore
ref to centrioles
prophase
1 C;
2 chromosomes / chromatids, condense / coil / shorten and thicken;
3 become visible;
4 consist of two chromatids;
5 joined by a centromere; A kinetochore NOT centrosome

metaphase
6 A;
7 chromosomes align at, equator / metaphase plate;
8 attached to spindle by centromeres;

anaphase
9 B;
10 centromere splits;
11 chromatids separate;
12 move to opposite poles;
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 13 by, contraction / shortening, of spindle;
telophase
14 E;
15 chromosomes uncoil;

interphase
16 D; A for a description of early prophase
17 DNA replication;
18 transcription / formation of mRNA;
19 AVP; these must relate to behaviour of chromosomes
20 AVP; e.g. spindle made of microtubules
chromatin becomes chromosomes (in prophase)
ora in interphase
centromere leads chromatid to pole
gene switching during interphase
9 max
QWC – clear well organised using specialist terms; 1
award the QWC mark if three of the following are used in correct context,
but Q = 0 if names or names of stages of mitosis are used inappropriately
chromatin equator / metaphase plate
chromatid DNA replication
centromere transcription
spindle
[10]
71. (a) treat references to ‘replication’ or ‘chromosome number’ as neutral
makes cells / cell division; A nuclei
genetically identical / clone;
growth; R ‘of cell’
repair (of tissues); R ‘of cell’
asexual reproduction;
max 3
(b)
(i) treat ‘growth’ and ‘cytokinesis’ as neutral
replication of DNA;
centrioles replicate;
production of (named) organelles;
protein synthesis; A named e.g.
RNA / nucleotide, synthesis;
respiration / active transport / named e.g. of usual cellular activity;
AVP; e.g. semi-conservative
chromosome = 2 chromatids
max 3
(ii) clockwise arrow head drawn;
1
 (c) ignore refs. to late or early stage - except in (i)

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 any ref. to I or II = 0
invalid choice = 0
(i) (early) anaphase; A (late) metaphase
1
(ii) prophase;
1
(iii) telophase;
1
(iv) anaphase;
1
(v) metaphase;
1
[12]
72. (i) crossing over; treat chiasma(ta) as neutral
1
(ii) prophase;
1
(iii) have different, alleles/base sequence of DNA;
A sister chromatids have same alleles/non sister have different allele
1
[3]
73. two different genes represented in each gamete ie Q or q and R or r;
four correct combinations i.e Q and R, Q and r, q and R, q and r;
2
[2]
74. (i) semi-conservative replication;
DNA, polymerase / helicase;
breaks hydrogen bonds between two DNA strands / unzips DNA;
each DNA strand acts as a template / both strands copied;
complementary base-pairing (with free DNA nucleotides);
sugar-phosphate backbone forms;
2 max
(ii) crossing-over;
in prophase;
recombination of, non-sister / maternal and paternal, DNA;
AVP; e.g. matching cuts in DNA
DNA ligase
2 max
(iii) synapsis / to hold, (homologous) chromosomes / bivalent, together;
(so close enough) for crossing-over;
so can be evenly segregated;
AVP; e.g. to package or support chromosomes,
avoid DNA breaking,
easier to move DNA
2 max
[6]
 75. (i) A, B and E ;
1
(ii) apply ora throughout
produced by, sexual reproduction / fusion of gametes / fertilisation ;
ref to random mating ; random fertilisation = 2 marks alevelbiology.co.uk
 contain chromosomes from two individuals / diploid organisms ;
more alleles ;
2 max
(iii) C and D are haploid organisms ;
haploid cells have, one set of chromosomes / half the number of
chromosomes ;
meiosis requires pairing of homologous chromosomes ;
ref to maintaining chromosome number when gametes fuse / gametes
must be haploid ;
2 max
[5]
76. marking points 1,6 and 9 must be linked to correct statements as to what is
taking place in these stages to gain the mark.
1 prophase 1 ;
2 synapsis / homologous chromosomes pair up / bivalents form ;
3 crossing over ;
4 chiasma(ta) occur ;
5 DNA / alleles, exchanged ; A linked genes separated ;
6 metaphase 1 ;
7 independent / random, assortment ;
8 bivalents line up on equator, independent of each other / randomly ;
9 metaphase 2 ;
10 independent assortment of chromatids ;
11 chromosome mutation ;
12 named example ; e.g. non-disjunction
13 AVP ; e.g. ref to non-sister / non-identical, chromatids. 7 max
QWC − clear well organised using specialist terms ;
award the QWC mark if four of the following are used in correct context
prophase, metaphase, homologous, bivalent, chiasma, crossing over,
independent assortment
1
[8]
77.
(i) Q, S, P, N, M, R ;
1
(ii) accept correct names of stages
Q; A prophase 1
M; A anaphase 2
Q/S; A prophase 1 / metaphase 1
S; A metaphase 1
R; A telophase 2
5
(iii) DNA replication ;
synthesis of proteins / named protein ; A transcription / translation
synthesis of membrane ;
synthesis of, organelle(s) / named organelle ;
respiration ;
AVP ; e.g. centrioles replicate ;
2 max
[8]
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