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Assessment Bundle

Topic 6

Marks 132

Time 178

Questions 15

Q1.
(a) Explain how a resting potential is maintained across the axon membrane in a
neurone.

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(3)

(b) Explain why the speed of transmission of impulses is faster along a myelinated axon
than along a non-myelinated axon.

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(3)

(c) A scientist investigated the effect of inhibitors on neurones. She added a respiratory
inhibitor to a neurone. The resting potential of the neurone changed from –70 mV to
0 mV.

Explain why.

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(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q2.
A student investigated the effects of indoleacetic acid (IAA) on the growth of oat seedlings
(young plants).

The student:

• removed the shoot tip from each seedling and cut out a 10 mm length of shoot
• placed 10 lengths of shoot into each of 5 Petri dishes
• added to each Petri dish an identical volume of 5% glucose solution
• added to each Petri dish 40 cm3 of a different concentration of IAA solution
• left the Petri dishes at 20 °C in the dark with their lids on for 5 days
• removed the shoots after 5 days and measured them
• determined the mean change in length of shoot at each concentration of IAA.

Table 1 shows her results.

Table 1

IAA concentration
added to Petri dish / 10−5 10−3 10−1 1 10
parts per million

Mean change in
0.0 0.1 1.3 2.4 3.1
length of shoot / mm

(a) Explain why the student removed the shoot tip from each seedling.

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(2)

(b) Explain why the student added glucose solution to each Petri dish.

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(2)

(c) Explain why the lids were kept on the Petri dishes.

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(2)

(d) Describe and explain the results shown in Table 1 above and suggest how the
results might have differed if lengths of root had been used.

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(3)

(e) The student produced the different concentrations of IAA using a stock 1 g dm −3
solution of IAA (1 g dm−3 = 1 part per thousand) and distilled water.

Complete Table 2 with the volumes of stock IAA solution and distilled water required
to produce 40 cm3 of 10 ppm (parts per million) IAA solution.

Table 2

Concentration of IAA Volume of stock Volume of distilled

solution / parts per IAA solution / cm3 water / cm3
million
10
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

Q3.
(a) Exercise causes an increase in heart rate.

Describe the role of receptors and of the nervous system in this process.

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 (b) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that regulates a number of
cellular processes. Exercise leads to activation of AMPK.

The diagram shows one effect of activation of AMPK during exercise.

CPT1 is a channel protein that transports fatty acids into mitochondria.

Using the diagram above, explain the benefit of activation of AMPK during exercise.

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(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q4.
(a) Each year, a few people with type I diabetes are given a pancreas transplant.
Pancreas transplants are not used to treat people with type II diabetes.

Give two reasons why pancreas transplants are not used for the treatment of type II
diabetes.

1. _________________________________________________________________

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2. _________________________________________________________________

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(2)

(b) The pancreas produces the hormone insulin.

Put a tick (✔ ) in the box next to the statement which describes incorrectly the action
of insulin.

Activates enzymes involved in the conversion of

glucose to glycogen.

Controls the uptake of glucose by regulating the

inclusion of channel proteins in the surface
membranes of target cells.

Attaches to receptors on the surfaces of target

cells.

Activates enzymes involved in the conversion of

glycerol to glucose.
(1)

(c) Scientists investigated the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to treat
type I diabetes in mice. The scientists used four transcription factors to
reprogramme skin cells to form iPS cells. The scientists then stimulated the in vitro
differentiation of iPS cells into pancreatic cells.

The scientists set up three experimental groups:

• Group A – 30 mice with type I diabetes received pancreatic cell transplants

derived from iPS cells.
• Group B – 30 mice with type I diabetes were left untreated.
• Group C – 30 mice without diabetes were left untreated.

The scientists measured the blood glucose concentration of all the mice on a weekly
basis for 12 weeks.

The results the scientists obtained are shown in the graph.

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 Suggest how transcription factors can reprogramme cells to form iPS cells.

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(2)

(d) Using all the information provided, evaluate the use of iPS cells to treat type I
diabetes in humans.

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(4)
(Total 9 marks)

Q5.

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Guillain–Barré syndrome is a rare disease in which the immune system
damages the myelin sheath of neurones. Myelin sheath damage can cause a
range of symptoms, for example numbness, muscular weakness and muscular
paralysis. Sometimes, neurones of the autonomic nervous system are
affected, causing heart rate irregularities. 5

Huntington’s disease is a disorder caused when a protein called huntingtin

damages the brain. Huntingtin is produced because of a dominant, mutant
allele.

The first successful drug trial to reduce concentrations of huntingtin in the

human brain involved 46 patients. The patients received the drug for 4 10
months. The concentration of huntingtin was reduced in all the patients.
The drug was injected at the base of the spine into the cerebrospinal fluid
bathing the brain and spinal cord. The drug contains single-stranded DNA
molecules. These single-stranded molecules inhibit the mRNA needed to
produce huntingtin.

Symptoms of Huntington’s disease can start at any time, but usually develop
between 30 and 50 years of age. The likelihood and age when symptoms start
are linked to the number of CAG base sequence repeats in the gene for
Huntington’s disease. However, recent studies have suggested that
epigenetics may also affect the age when symptoms first start. 15

(a) Damage to the myelin sheath of neurones can cause muscular paralysis (lines 2–4).

Explain how.

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(3)

(b) Sometimes Guillain–Barré syndrome causes heart rate irregularities (lines 4–5).

Suggest and explain why.

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(3)

(c) The first successful drug trial to reduce concentrations of huntingtin in the brain used
single-stranded DNA molecules (lines 13–14).

Suggest and explain how this drug could cause a reduction in the concentration of
the protein huntingtin.

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(3)

(d) Scientists from the first successful drug trial to reduce concentrations of
huntingtin (lines 9–11) reported that the drug is not a cure for Huntington’s disease.

Suggest two reasons why the drug should not be considered a cure.
Do not include repeats of the drug trial in your answer.

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 2 _________________________________________________________________

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(2)

(e) Suggest two reasons why people had the drug injected into the cerebrospinal fluid
(lines 12–13) rather than taking a pill containing the drug.

1 _________________________________________________________________

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2 _________________________________________________________________

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(2)

(f) Suggest and explain one way epigenetics may affect the age when symptoms of
Huntington’s disease start.

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(2)
(Total 15 marks)

Q6.
(a) Describe the role of glucagon in gluconeogenesis.

Do not include in your answer details on the second messenger model of glucagon
action.

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(2)

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(b) The gene that codes for glucagon is 9.531 kilobases in length. The DNA helix makes
one complete turn every 10 base pairs. Every complete turn is 3.4 nm in length.

Use this information to calculate the length in micrometres (µm) of the gene for
glucagon. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

Answer = _____________________________________ µm
(2)

Metformin is a drug commonly used to treat type II diabetes. Metformin’s ability to lower
the blood glucose concentration involves a number of mechanisms including:

• increasing a cell’s sensitivity to insulin

• inhibiting adenylate cyclase.

(c) Explain how increasing a cell’s sensitivity to insulin will lower the blood glucose
concentration.

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(2)

(d) Explain how inhibiting adenylate cyclase may help to lower the blood glucose
concentration.

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(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7.
(a) Describe how ultrafiltration occurs in a glomerulus.

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(3)

(b) Glucose and water are reabsorbed by the proximal convoluted tubule of a nephron.

Put a tick (✓) in the box next to the correct ways in which glucose and water are
reabsorbed.

Glucose by active transport and water against a water

potential gradient

Glucose by diffusion and water down a water potential

gradient

Glucose by facilitated diffusion and active transport

and water against a water potential gradient

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 Glucose by facilitated diffusion and active transport
and water down a water potential gradient

(1)

(c) The equation shows the relationship between urine concentration in arbitrary units
(y) and mean length of the loop of Henle in mm (x).

y = 0.72x + 4
Calculate the mean length of the loop of Henle in an organism that produces urine
with a concentration of 16.56 arbitrary units.

Answer = _________________________ mm
(1)

(d) Scientists investigated the relationship between the thickness of the kidney medulla
of different species of mammals and the concentration of their urine.

The graph shows their results.

Explain the pattern shown by the results in the graph above.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q8.
The iris in the human eye is a muscular structure. The iris changes the size of the pupil.

The diagram below shows the muscles in the iris.

(a) Suggest and explain how the interaction between the muscles labelled in the
diagram above could cause the pupil to constrict (narrow).

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(2)

(b) The fovea of the eye of an eagle has a high density of cones. An eagle focuses the
image of its prey onto the fovea.

Explain how the fovea enables an eagle to see its prey in detail.

Do not refer to colour vision in your answer.

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(3)

(c) The retina of the human eye has an area of approximately 1.094 × 103 mm2

The circular fovea in a human eye has a diameter of 3 × 103µm

Calculate the area of the fovea as a percentage of the area of the retina.

The area of a circle is πr2. Use π = 3.14 in your calculation.

Show your working.

Answer _______________ %
(2)

(d) The retina of an owl has a high density of rod cells.

Explain how this enables an owl to hunt its prey at night.

Do not refer to rhodopsin in your answer.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q9.
Scientists investigated the effect of a decrease in pH on muscle contraction. The scientists
did the investigation with four different preparations of isolated muscle tissue: A, B, C
and D.

A - mouse muscle fibres at typical pH of mouse muscle tissue (control 1).

B - mouse muscle fibres at 0.5 pH units below typical pH.

C - rabbit muscle fibres at typical pH of rabbit muscle tissue (control 2).

D - rabbit muscle fibres at 0.5 pH units below typical pH.

They measured the force of muscle contraction of the muscle fibres at 12 °C, 22 °C
and 32 °C

The graph shows the results the scientists obtained for B and D compared with the
appropriate control.

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(a) A student looked at the results and concluded that a decrease in pH does cause a
decrease in the force of muscle contraction.

Use the graph above to evaluate this conclusion.

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(4)

(b) Another group of scientists suggested that a decrease in the force of muscle
contraction is caused by an increase in the concentration of inorganic phosphate, Pi,
in muscle tissues.

Their hypothesis is that an increase in the concentration of Pi prevents the release

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 of calcium ions within muscle tissues.

Explain how a decrease in the concentration of calcium ions within muscle tissues
could cause a decrease in the force of muscle contraction.

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(3)

(c) In muscles, pyruvate is converted to lactate during prolonged exercise.

Explain why converting pyruvate to lactate allows the continued production of ATP
by anaerobic respiration.

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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q10.
Describe the sequence of events involved in transmission across a cholinergic synapse.

Do not include details on the breakdown of acetylcholine in your answer.

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(Total 5 marks)

Q11.
Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited disorder that affects kidney glomeruli of both men
and women. Affected individuals have proteinuria (high quantities of protein in their urine).

(a) Suggest how AS could cause proteinuria.

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(2)

(b) AS results from a sex-linked mutation.

In a male with AS, where would the sex-linked mutation be located?

Tick (✓) one box.

The homologous section of a Y chromosome

The homologous section of an X chromosome

The non-homologous section of a Y chromosome

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 The non-homologous section of an X chromosome

(1)

Scientists investigated the use of transplanted stem cells to treat AS in mice.

The scientists set up four experimental groups.

Group A – 40 wild type* mice

Group B – 40 AS mice
Group C – 40 AS mice that received stem cells from AS mice
Group D – 40 AS mice that received stem cells from wild type mice

*Wild type mice are mice not affected by AS.

After 20 weeks, the scientists measured the quantity of protein in the urine using a scale
from 0 (lowest quantity) to +++++ (highest quantity).

The results the scientists obtained are shown in below table.

Maximum quantity of Percentage of mice

Group protein in urine at 20 with this quantity of
weeks protein

A 0 100

B +++++ 97.5

C +++++ 100

D ++ 68

(c) Using all the information, evaluate the use of stem cells to treat AS in humans.

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 (4)

(d) The scientists carried out further work to investigate how the transplanted stem cells
developed after transplantation.

• The scientists transplanted stem cells from wild type male mice into AS female
mice.
• After 20 weeks, they found that the quantity of protein in the urine of these
female mice had significantly decreased.
• They examined cells from glomeruli in the female mice. Some of these cells
contained a Y chromosome.

Suggest how the transplanted stem cells reduce proteinuria.

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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q12.
The diagram below shows the banding pattern of a single sarcomere.

(a) Explain the banding pattern shown in the diagram above.

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(3)

Creatinine is produced in muscle tissues. Creatinine diffuses into the blood. The kidneys
then excrete creatinine.

A calibration curve can be used to determine the concentration of creatinine in urine. One
method of producing a calibration curve needs:

• creatinine solution of known concentration

• distilled water
• creatinine-detecting solution
• a colorimeter.

Creatinine-detecting solution reacts with creatinine to produce an orange colour.

(b) Use the information provided to describe how you could produce a calibration curve
for creatinine.

Do not include details on the use of glassware in your answer.

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(4)

(c) Describe how you would determine the concentration of creatinine in a urine sample
using your calibration curve.

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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q13.
(a) Neonatal diabetes is a disease that affects newly born children. The disease is
caused by a change in the amino acid sequence of insulin.

This change prevents insulin binding to its receptor. Explain why this change
prevents insulin binding to its receptor.

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(2)

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is an enzyme in several metabolic processes.

The figure below shows the role of PI3K in the control of blood glucose concentration.

(b) A decrease in the activity of PI3K can cause type II diabetes.

Use the figure above to explain why.

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(3)

(c) Using your knowledge of the kidney, explain why glucose is found in the urine of a
person with untreated diabetes.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q14.
Figure 1 shows an investigation into growth factors in plants.

Figure 1

(a) Use your knowledge of indoleacetic acid (IAA) to explain the growth curvature
shown in Figure 1.

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(3)

A bioassay is a method to determine the concentration of a substance by its effect on

living tissues.

Figure 2 shows the practical procedure used in a growth curvature bioassay to determine
the concentration of IAA in shoot tips.

Figure 2

Figure 3 shows the calibration curve for this growth curvature bioassay.

Figure 3

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(b) Using the procedure in Figure 2 and the calibration curve in Figure 3, describe how
you could compare the IAA concentration in shoot tips from two different plant
species.

In your answer you should refer to all the variables that should be controlled to
produce a valid comparison.

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(5)

A scientist investigated the effect of a directional light stimulus on the distribution of IAA in
shoot tips. The scientist set up three experiments as shown in Figure 4. All variables were
controlled apart from exposure to light.

Figure 4

She then used the growth curvature bioassay to compare the IAA concentrations in the
agar blocks from:

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 • experiment 1
• experiment 2
• experiment 3 section A
• experiment 3 section B.

The table below shows the scientist’s results.

Degree of
Experiment curvature in
Bioassay / degrees

1 17.69

2 17.61

3A 11.22

3B 6.50

(c) State two conclusions about IAA that you can make from the results shown in the
table above.

1 _________________________________________________________________

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2 _________________________________________________________________

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(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q15.
Scientists investigated movement in adult pine beetles. Adult beetles emerge from cracks
in tree bark.

The scientists released a newly emerged adult beetle, G, from the centre of a sample area
that had a single light source coming from one direction. They made a drawing of the
beetle’s path of walking. They repeated this with three more beetles, J, P and R.

Figure 1 shows the scientists’ results.

Figure 1

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(a) Name the type of behaviour shown by beetles G, J, P and R, and suggest one
advantage to adult beetles of the type of behaviour shown.

Behaviour __________________________________________________________

Advantage __________________________________________________________

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(2)

At higher temperatures and higher light intensities, adult pine beetles normally

• move more
• fly rather than walk.

When preparing to fly, these adult beetles walk slowly. The scientists investigated the
movement of adult beetles at different temperatures, and in the light and the dark. They
created a box that was half in the light and half in the dark. They released an adult beetle
at the midpoint of the central dividing line between light and dark areas. They recorded the
path of the beetle’s movement and its location after 5 minutes. From this, they calculated
the mean speed of movement. They repeated the experiment with many beetles and at
several temperatures.

Figure 2 shows the scientists’ results.

Figure 2

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(b) After studying these experiments, a student concluded:

• there is a significant change in movement between 35 °C and 37.5 °C

• between 35 °C and 37.5 °C, more beetles move away from the light
• between 35 °C and 37.5 °C, more beetles have a slower walking speed.

Suggest reasons why these conclusions might not be valid.

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(3)
(Total 5 marks)

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Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) 1. Higher concentration of potassium ions inside and higher
concentration of sodium ions outside (the neurone)

OR

potassium ions diffuse out

OR

sodium ions diffuse in;

Accept ‘more’ for ‘higher concentration’.
Accept ‘sodium ions can’t diffuse in (due to alternative
explanation).

2. (Membrane) more permeable to potassium ions (leaving than

sodium ions entering)

OR

(Membrane) less permeable to sodium ions (entering than

potassium ions leaving);
Accept for ‘less permeable to sodium ions’ is ‘impermeable
to sodium ions’ or ‘sodium
gates/channels are closed’ (alternative explanation).

3. Sodium ions (actively) transported out and potassium ions in;

reference to ions or Na+ and K+ is required. If mentioned
once allow for all mark points.
If an answer provides two or three of these mark points
without any reference to ions – award one maximum mark.
Accept 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in but reject if numbers used are
incorrect.
3

(b) 1. Myelination provides (electrical) insulation;

Reject thermal insulation.
Accept description of (electrical) insulation.

2. (In myelinated) saltatory (conduction)

OR

(In myelinated) depolarisation at nodes (of Ranvier);

3. In non-myelinated depolarisation occurs along whole/length (of axon);

Accept action potentials for depolarisation.
‘Messages’ or ‘signals’ disqualifies first of these marks
credited.
3

(c) 1. No/less ATP produced;

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 2. No/less active transport

OR

Sodium/potassium pump inhibited;

Accept Na+ not/fewer moved out and K+ not/fewer moved in.

3. Electrochemical gradient not maintained

OR

(Facilitated) diffusion of ions causes change to 0 mV

OR

(Results in) same concentration of (sodium and potassium) ions

(either side of membrane)

OR

No net movement of (sodium and potassium) ions;

Accept reaches electrical equilibrium/balance.
Accept concentration gradient of sodium and potassium ions
not maintained.
3
[9]

Q2.
(a)
Mark in pairs 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

1. Tip produces IAA;

Accept auxin for IAA.
Accept affects amount of IAA.
Ignore contains/stores IAA.

2. Affects concentration of IAA

OR
Affects (shoot) length/growth/elongation;
Accept affects independent variable.
Accept auxin for IAA.
Ignore affects results.

3. Mitosis/division occurs in shoot tips;

4. Affects (shoot) length/growth/elongation;

Ignore affects results.
2 max

(b) 1. For respiration;

Ignore photosynthesis.
Ignore aerobic/anaerobic (respiration).
Reject glucose used in photosynthesis.

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 2. Provide ATP/energy (for growth);
Reject produce energy.
Do not credit photosynthesis provides ATP.
2

(c) 1. To prevent/reduce evaporation;

Accept evaporation of (IAA/glucose) ‘solution’.
Ignore contamination.

2. (Which) alters concentration of (IAA) solution

OR
(Which) alters water potential;
Accept auxin for IAA.
2

(d) 1. Increase in IAA concentration the higher/greater the mean (change in)
length;
Accept auxin for IAA.

2. (High) IAA stimulates cell elongation;

Accept auxin for IAA.

3. In roots, growth/elongation less/inhibited;

Accept auxin for IAA.
Accept decrease in (mean) change in length but
reject ‘decreases length’ on its own.
Accept ‘opposite results or ‘negative correlation’.
3

(e) 0.4 and 39.6;

Both numbers required and must be in order shown.
1
[10]

Q3.
(a) 1. Chemoreceptors detect rise in CO2 / H+ / acidity / carbonic acid / fall in pH
OR
Baro / pressure receptors detect rise in blood pressure;
2. Send impulses to cardiac centre / medulla;
3. More impulses to SAN;
4. By sympathetic (nervous system for chemoreceptors / CO2)
OR
By parasympathetic (nervous system for baro / pressure receptors /
blood pressure);
1. Ignore: location of receptors.
1. Ignore: chemoreceptors detect oxygen.
2 and 3. Accept: action potentials.
2. Reject: ‘messages’, ‘signals’, ‘an impulse’ or an ‘action
potential’.
3. Ignore: messages’, ‘signals’, ‘an impulse’ or an ‘action
potential’ as emphasis here is on increase in frequency.
4

Page 33 of 46
 (b) 1. Less / no malonyl-CoA;
2. (More) fatty acids transported / moved into mitochondria;
3. Respiration / oxidation of fatty acids provides ATP;
1. ‘Inhibition of malonyl-CoA’ on its own is not enough but
accept production of malonyl-CoA is inhibited.
2. Accept: ‘transport of fatty acids into mitochondria is not
inhibited’.
2. Ignore: method of entry.
3. Accept: for respiration any stage of aerobic respiration
e.g. Krebs (cycle), link (reaction) etc.
3. Reject: production of energy, but accept production of
energy in the form of ATP.
3. Accept: acetyl CoA can enter Krebs cycle /
mitochondria to provide ATP.
3
[7]

Q4.
(a) 1. (Usually)Type II produce insulin;
2. Cells / receptors less sensitive / responsive (to insulin)
OR
Faulty (insulin) receptors;
3. (Treated / controlled by) diet / exercise;
2. Accept: cells / receptors do not respond.
2. Accept: ‘fewer receptors’
3. Accept: (Treated / controlled by) weight loss /
medication / drugs.
3. Ignore: diabetes is caused by diet / exercise.
2 max

(b) Tick in box 4

1

(c) 1. Attach to gene / DNA / promoter region;

2. Stimulate / inhibit transcription / RNA polymerase;
Note: Genes being expressed / inhibited or switched on / off
is not enough on its own.
2

(d) 1. (Effective as) group A / with iPS / treated lower than group B / with
diabetes;
2. (Effective as) group A similar to group C / without diabetes;
3. (Investigation) done on mice not humans;
4. Only shows results for 12 weeks / short-time period / long-term effects
not known;
Ignore: Only one study / not repeated / sample size.
2. Accept: ‘healthy’ or ‘normal’ or control for group C.
4
[9]

Q5.
(a) 1. (Refers to) saltatory conduction

Page 34 of 46
 OR
(Nerve) impulses/depolarisation/ions pass to other neurones
OR
Depolarisation occurs along whole length (of axon);
Accept suitable description that refers to (transmission) from node
to node (of Ranvier).
Accept action potential for depolarisation.
1 and 2. Accept action potentials for impulses.
1, 2 and 3. Reject first mark awarded if answer refers to
messages/signals for impulses. Reject even if impulse/s also
referred to.

2. (Nerve) impulses slowed/stopped;

3. (Refers to) neuromuscular junction

OR
(Refers to) sarcolemma;
3

(b) 1. Slower/fewer impulse(s) along sympathetic/parasympathetic

(pathway/neurones);
Accept action potentials for impulses.
Reject no impulses.
1, 2 and 3. Ignore ‘information’ but reject first mark awarded if
answer refers to messages/signals for impulses. Reject even if
impulse/s also referred to.

2. (Impulses) from cardiac centre

OR
(Impulses) from medulla;

3. To SAN;
3

(c) 1. It/DNA is complementary to (m)RNA;

Accept (transcription) results in complementary (m)RNA.
Ignore miRNA/siRNA/transcriptional factors.

2. Binds to mRNA (for huntingtin);

3. Prevents translation;
Ignore transcription.
3

(d) 1. Small sample size

OR
Only 46;

2. Only four-months
OR
short period (of trial);

3. Huntingtin/protein reduced
OR
Huntingtin/protein still produced
OR

Page 35 of 46
 Huntingtin/protein not removed;
Accept huntington for huntingtin.
Ignore miRNA/siRNA/transcriptional factors.

4. Allele/gene/mutation/mRNA (for Huntington’s) still present

OR
(May be) temporary
OR
Drug treatment repeated;

5. Brain already damaged

OR
Brain damage may continue;
2 max

(e) 1. (Drug/DNA) will directly/quickly reach brain

OR
(Cerebrospinal) fluid bathes the brain;

2. (Drug/DNA) not destroyed by acid

OR
(Drug/DNA) not digested (by enzymes);
Reject protein is digested.
Ignore location of enzymes.
Accept Drug/DNA denatured.
2

(f)
Mark in pairs but if no mark credited allow one
mark for any reference to transcription or gene
expression being affected.

1. (Increased) methylation of DNA/gene/allele;

Reject acetylation of DNA.
Accept gene expression for transcription but
ignore gene switched on/off.
Ignore methylation of histones.
Accept DNA-histone complex as equivalent to histone(s).

2. Inhibits/prevents transcription;

OR

3. Decreased methylation of DNA/gene/allele;

4. Stimulates/allows transcription;

OR

5. Decreased acetylation of histone(s);

6. Inhibits transcription;

OR

7. Increased acetylation of histone(s);

Page 36 of 46
 8. Stimulates/allows transcription;
2 max
[15]

Q6.
(a) 1. (Attaches to receptors on target cells and) activates/stimulates enzymes;
Reject ‘produces enzymes’.

2. Glycerol/amino acids/fatty acids into glucose;

Reject ‘glucagon converts’ as context suggests enzyme action.
Ignore lipids/fats/proteins but reject glycogen.
Reject occurs in pancreas.
2

(b) 1. Correct answer of 3.24 = 2 marks;;

2. Incorrect but multiplies by 34 (with decimal point in any position) =

1 mark
OR
Incorrect but shows sequence 324 = 1 mark
OR
3.2 = 1 mark;
2

(c) 1. (More) insulin binds to receptors;

2. (Stimulates) uptake of glucose by channel/transport proteins

OR
Activates enzymes which convert glucose to glycogen;
Accept activates enzymes for glycogenesis.
Reject active transport.
Accept carrier proteins or GLUT 4 for channel proteins.
Accept insulin stimulates addition of channel proteins in
membranes.
2

(d) 1. Less/no ATP is converted to cyclic AMP/cAMP;

2. Less/no kinase is activated;

3. Less/no glycogen is converted to glucose

OR
Less/no glycogenolysis;
If no indication of less/no for any of the mark points award
max 2 marks.
Accept all marks in context of adrenaline.
Ignore gluconeogenesis.
3
[9]

Q7.
(a)
Ignore references to podocytes

Page 37 of 46
 1. High blood/hydrostatic pressure;
Ignore references to afferent and efferent arterioles
Ignore ‘increasing/higher blood pressure’ as does not necessarily
mean high

2. Two named small substances pass out eg water, glucose, ions, urea;
Accept correct named ions
Accept mineral ions/minerals
Accept amino acids/small proteins
Ignore references to molecules not filtered

3. (Through small) gaps/pores/fenestrations in (capillary) endothelium;

Accept epithelium for endothelium

4. (And) through (capillary) basement membrane;

3 max

(b) ☑ Glucose by facilitated diffusion and active transport and water down a water
potential gradient
1

(c) 17.4;
Accept any number of fours after the decimal point.
1

(d) 1. Thicker medulla means a longer loop (of Henle);

2. (The longer the loop of Henle means) increase in sodium ion

concentration (in medulla)
OR
(The longer the loop of Henle means) sodium ion gradient maintained for
longer (in medulla)
OR
(The longer the loop of Henle means) more sodium ions are moved out
(into medulla);
Must have idea of increase/longer/more

3. (Therefore) water potential gradient maintained (for longer), so more

water (re)absorbed (from loop and collecting duct);
OR
More water is (re)absorbed from the loop (of Henle) / collecting duct by
osmosis;
Reject water being reabsorbed into the loop of Henle
Direction is important
Accept Ψ for water potential
3
[8]

Q8.
(a) 1. Circular muscle contracts;

2. Radial muscle relaxes;

Accept, for one mark ‘both muscles contract’ or ‘both

Page 38 of 46
 muscles relax’ as names of muscles are in the diagram.
Reject muscles constrict.
2

(b) 1. High (visual) acuity;

2. (Each) cone is connected to a single neurone;

Accept no retinal convergence.
Accept ‘bipolar/nerve cell’ for neurone.

3. (Cones send) separate (sets of) impulses to brain;

Accept ‘optic nerve’ for brain.
Reject ‘signals’, ‘messages’ for ‘impulses’.
Accept ‘action potential’.
3

(c) 1. Correct answer of 0.6 (%) = 2 marks;;

Ignore any numbers after 0.6, 2.58, 2.6 and after 0.43.

2. Incorrect answer but shows number sequence 7065 / 7068 / 7069 /

(ignore position of decimal point) = 1 mark

OR

Final answer number sequence has 64 / 65 (ignore preceding

zeros, numbers that follow and position of decimal point) = 1 mark

OR

Final answer is 2.58 / 2.6 (%) = 1 mark

OR

Final answer of 0.43 (%) = 1 mark;

2

(d) 1. High (visual) sensitivity;

Accept retinal convergence.

2. Several rods connected to a single neurone;

Accept ‘bipolar/nerve cell’ for neurone
Accept 2, ‘many’ or

3. Enough (neuro)transmitter to reach/overcome threshold

OR

Spatial summation to reach/overcome threshold; more for ‘several’

Reject ‘signals’, ‘messages’ for ‘impulses’.
Accept named neurotransmitter.
Accept depolarisation, ‘action potential’ or ‘generator
potential’ for ‘to reach threshold’.
Generator potentials combine to reach threshold/
depolarisation/action potential/generator potential.
3

Page 39 of 46
 [10]

Q9.
(a) 1. Lower (force of contraction) in mouse/B (than control/100%) below 29 °C
OR
Lower (force of contraction) in rabbit/D (than control/100%) below
26.5 °C;
Accept any temperature below 29 °C for mouse/B or any specified
temperature below 26.5 °C for rabbit/D.
Accept 27 °C for 26.5 °C and accept 28.5 °C for 29 °C.

2. Higher (force of contraction) in mouse/B (than control/100%) above

29 °C
OR
Higher (force of contraction) in rabbit/D (than control/100%) above
26.5 °C;
Accept any temperature above 29 °C for mouse/B or any
temperature above 26.5 °C for rabbit/D.
Accept 27 °C for 26.5 °C and accept 28.5 °C for 29 °C.

3. Only (used) mouse and rabbit

OR
No other organism/species used;
Accept only two animals/species used.

4. Body temperature of mouse/rabbit higher (than temperatures

investigated);
Accept body temperature of mouse/rabbit not known

5. Only used one/0.5 pH (below typical pH)

OR
(Should) use more pH values;

6. (Used) isolated muscle tissue;

7. No stats test to see if (difference is) significant;

Ignore SD.
4 max

(b) 1. (Less/No) tropomyosin moved from binding site

OR
Shape of tropomyosin not changed so binding site not
exposed/available;
Ignore troponin.
Reject active site only once.

2. (Fewer/No) actinomyosin bridges formed;

Accept actin and myosin do not bind.
Reject active site only once.

3. Myosin head does not move

OR
Myosin does not pull actin (filaments)
OR

Page 40 of 46
 (Less/No) ATP (hydrol)ase (activation);
Reject ATP synthase.

Do not penalise reference to calcium rather than calcium ions.

Credit all mark points even if context relates to what happens
when calcium ions are present.
3

(c) 1. Regenerates/produces NAD

OR
oxidises reduced NAD;
Reject NADP and any reference to FAD.
Accept descriptions of oxidation e.g. loss of hydrogen.

2. (So) glycolysis continues;

Accept description of glycolysis e.g. glucose to pyruvate.
Accept ‘for oxidising/converting triose phosphate to pyruvate’.
2
[9]

Q10.
1. Depolarisation of presynaptic membrane;
Accept action potential for depolarisation.

2. Calcium channels open and calcium ions enter (synaptic knob);

Accept Ca2+.

3. (Calcium ions cause) synaptic vesicles move to/fuse with presynaptic

membrane and release acetylcholine/neurotransmitter;
Accept abbreviations for acetylcholine as term is in the
question.

4. Acetylcholine/neurotransmitter diffuses across (synaptic cleft);

Accept abbreviations for acetylcholine as term is in the
question.

5. (Acetylcholine attaches) to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane;

6. Sodium ions enter (postsynaptic neurone) leading to depolarisation;

Accept Na+.
Accept ‘action potential’ or ‘generator potential’ for
depolarisation.
5 max
[5]

Q11.
(a) 1. Affects/damages basement membrane

OR

More protein channels/carriers in basement membrane;

Page 41 of 46
 2. Proteins can pass into the (glomerular) filtrate/tubule;
Ignore nephron.
2

(b) Box 4 The non-homologous section of an X chromosome

1

(c) 1. Effective as D has lower protein (than B/C);

Accept descriptions of each group e.g. A = wild type mice. B
= AS mice. C = AS mice that received AS stem cells. D =
mice that received wild type stem cells.
Accept ‘healthy’ or ‘without AS’ for ‘wild type’.

2. Not fully effective as D has higher protein than A;

3. Do not know all results for other mice in D

OR

Only shows results for 68% of mice;

4. Some of D mice may have been cured

OR

Some of D may have died;

5. Do not know actual/numerical quantity of protein;

6. (Investigation) only on mice

OR

(Investigation) not on humans;

Accept ‘rats’ for ‘mice’.

7. Rejection may occur;

Accept ‘immune response’ for rejection.

8. Only shows results for 20 weeks/short-time period

OR

Long-term effects not known;

Ignore answers relating to sample size or statistical test.
4 max

(d) 1. (Transplanted stem cells) differentiate/specialise;

2. Reduce loss of protein at the glomerulus

OR

Prevents protein moving into filtrate;

Accept Bowman’s/renal capsule.
2
[9]

Page 42 of 46
Q12.
(a) 1. Light/I band only actin;

2. H zone/band only myosin;

3. Darkest/overlapping region actin and myosin;

Accept any suitable descriptions that distinguishes these
regions e.g. ‘white band’ for 1, ‘light grey’ for 2 and ‘dark
grey’ for 3.
Ignore references to A band.
3

(b) 1. Use (distilled) water and creatinine solution to produce dilutions (series);
Accept description of dilutions (series).

2. Addition of (creatinine-)detecting solution (to each solution);

The addition of a known/specific volume of
(creatinine-)detecting solution = 2 marks.

3. Using a known/specified/constant volume of a solution (e.g. diluted creatinine

solution);
The addition of a known/specific volume of
(creatinine-)detecting solution = 2 marks.

4. Record absorbance/transmission of solution/s using a colorimeter;

Reject calorimeter. Ignore details provided on ‘blank’.
Accept description of absorbance or transmission.

5. Plot dilution/concentration of (creatinine) solution against

absorbance/transmission;
Accept absorption for ‘absorbance’.
Accept description of absorbance or transmission.
4 max

(c) 1. Use same volumes of solutions as used in producing (calibration curve)

OR

Add (creatinine-)detecting solution (to urine);

Ignore ‘add indicator’ on its own.
Ignore calorimeter in this part of the question.

2. Read off (creatinine) concentration against absorbance/transmission (value)

obtained;
Ignore ‘line of best fit’.
Accept ‘compare’ for ‘read off’.
2
[9]

Q13.
(a) 1. Changes tertiary structure;
Reject change in tertiary structure of receptor.

Page 43 of 46
 2. No longer complementary (to receptor);
Reject ‘active site’ or reference to enzyme or substrate.
2

(b) 1. Less/no AKT activated;

2. Fewer/no vesicles move to membrane

OR

Fewer/no (channel) proteins in membrane;

Accept ‘fuse with membrane’.

3. Less/no glucose diffuses into cell (so high blood glucose);

3

(c) 1. High concentration of glucose in blood/filtrate;

Accept tubule for filtrate.

2. Not all the glucose is (re)absorbed at the proximal convoluted tubule;

Reject no glucose is (re)absorbed.

3. Carrier/co-transport proteins are working at maximum rate

OR

Carrier/co-transport proteins/ are saturated;

Accept all carrier/co-transport proteins are ‘in use’ but reject
all carriers are ‘used up’.
Accept symport for carrier protein.
Accept not enough carrier proteins to absorb all the glucose.
3
[8]

Q14.
(a) 1. Tip produces IAA;
Accept source/release for produces but ignore
contains/stores IAA.

2. IAA diffuses (into shoot);

Accept auxin for IAA.
Accept IAA diffuses down.

3. (More) elongation of cells on one side (than other);

Accept (more) elongation of cells on left side.
Reject any reference to shaded/dark side or away from light.
3

(b) 1. Size of shoot/tip;

2. Number of shoot tips;

3. Size/type of agar (block);

Accept ‘amount of agar’.

Page 44 of 46
 4. (Shoots) at same stage of growth/development;
Accept (Shoots/plants) are same age.

5. Time (period) tips kept on agar

OR

Time (period) agar/block kept on (cut shoot)

OR

Time (period shoots) kept in dark;

6. Temperature;
Mark points 1 to 6 = max 3.
Ignore pH, species, carbon dioxide, humidity, nutrients,
water and light.

7. (Repeat several times and) calculate a mean;

8. Compare/read degree of curvature (on calibration curve) to determine (IAA)

concentration

OR

Higher the degree of curvature the higher the IAA concentration;

5 max

(c) 1. (IAA) is not broken down by light

OR

(IAA) is produced in the dark OR

Light/dark does not affect (IAA) production;

2. (IAA) moves away from light

OR

(IAA) moves to shaded side;

IAA accumulates on shaded side is not enough on its own,
idea of movement is required.
2
[10]

Q15.
(a) Behaviour

1. (Positive photo) taxis;

Reject negative (photo) taxis

Advantage

2. Accept any suitable suggestion, eg to avoid competition, to find a

mate, increase dispersal, to avoid predators;

Page 45 of 46
 Neutral – to move into the open or to move out of the tree
bark
2

(b) 1. No stats test, so do not know if change (in movement away from
light) is significant;

2. Between 35 °C and 36.5 °C more than half of beetles are still

found on the light side;

3. (At higher temperatures/above 35 °C) beetles might be flying (not walking)

OR

(Y-axis) states speed of movement, might not just be walking speed;

4. Slowing of movement happens before 35 °C;

5. Slowing of movement could be due to beetles preparing to fly (and

not temperature);

6. Speed (of movement) not recorded above 35 °C/ between 35 and

37.5 °C/between 35 and 40 °C;

OR

Speed (of movement) not recorded at 37.5 °C

7. (Mean speed could mean) some might walk very quickly and others stay
still/not move;
3 max
[5]

Page 46 of 46