AP Biology 2013 Scoring Guidelines: © 2013 The College Board

AP® BIOLOGY
2013 SCORING GUIDELINES
Question 5
The table below shows the amino acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal segment of a conserved
polypeptide from four different, but related, species. Each amino acid is represented by a three-letter
abbreviation, and the amino acid residues in the polypeptide chains are numbered from the amino end
to the carboxyl end. Empty cells indicate no amino acid is present.
Relative Amino Acid Position

Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
I Val His Leu Val Glu Glu His Val Glu His
II Val His Leu Lys Glu Glu His Val Glu His
III Val His Leu Val Glu Glu His Val
IV Val His Leu Val Arg Trp Ala Cys Met Asp
(a) Assuming that species I is the ancestral species of the group, explain the most likely genetic
change that produced the polypeptide in species II and the most likely genetic change that
produced the polypeptide in species III. (2 points maximum)
Explanation: 1 point per row

NOTE: Specific names of mutation types are not required.
Species Genetic Change in DNA / Bases Result of Change to Polypeptide / Protein
mutation / substitution / point an amino acid change only at position 4 (Val to
II
mutation / missense mutation Lys)
mutation (e.g., substitution / insertion /
deletion / point mutation / frameshift
III termination of the polypeptide after the Val at
mutation / nonsense mutation) that
position 8
introduces a stop codon after the
codon for Val
(b) Predict the effects of the mutation on the structure and function of the resulting protein in
species IV. Justify your prediction. (2 points maximum)
Predicted Change Justification of Prediction

(1 point maximum) (1 point maximum)
Change in amino acid sequence of the protein starting at
Protein may have a different
position 5 could alter the overall structure or local structural
structure and a change in function.
regions, interfering with function of the protein.
Change in amino acid sequence alters the shape /
Protein may have a different
conformation / folding / binding region / regulatory region
structure and no change in
of the protein, but does not affect the critical functional
function.
region(s) of the protein.
Protein structure and function may Change in amino acid sequence does not alter the protein
not be affected. shape / conformation / folding and does not alter function.
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AP® BIOLOGY
2013 SCORING COMMENTARY
Question 5
Question 5 was written to the following Learning Objectives in the AP Biology Curriculum Framework: 3.26,
4.1, and 4.3.
Overview
Question 5 asks students to use models of biological polymers to connect genetic variation with changes
in protein structure and function. Students were presented with the amino acid sequences of a conserved
polypeptide from four related species. Students were asked to explain how specific genetic changes could
have produced the different amino acid sequences shown. Students were then asked to use a model of
protein structure and function to predict how a change in the amino acid composition of a polypeptide might
affect the structure and function of the resulting protein.
Sample: 5A
Score: 4
The response earned 1 point in part (a) for explaining that the most likely genetic change in species II was a
point mutation in which a single nucleotide is altered, and the amino acid being coded for was changed.
The response earned 1 point in part (a) for explaining that the most likely genetic change in species III was
a point mutation that coded a STOP codon which halted the production of the polypeptide prematurely.
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for predicting that a frameshift mutation in species IV causes a
much different protein structure and a radically different protein function.
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for justifying the prediction by stating that the polypeptide chain
was completely altered, which changed the interactions between the amino acids of the protein and
caused the protein’s function to shift.
Sample: 5B
Score: 3
The response earned 1 point in part (a) for explaining that a mutation in the DNA sequence of species II
caused a change only at position 4 of the polypeptide.
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for predicting that the mutation in species IV will change the
structure and function of the protein, resulting in a mutant protein that does not function properly or goes
unused.
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for justifying the prediction by stating that almost the entire amino
acid sequence of the protein was changed and that protein structure determines protein function.
Sample: 5C
Score: 2
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for predicting that the structure and function of the protein in species
IV will be vastly changed.
The response earned 1 point in part (b) for justifying the prediction by stating that a structural and functional
change in the protein is due to changes in the order and content of its amino acids.


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AP® BIOLOGY

2013 SCORING GUIDELINES

Relative Amino Acid Position

Explanation: 1 point per row

Predicted Change Justification of Prediction

© 2013 The College Board.

© 2013 The College Board.

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