VIHS / AS

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ANSWERING UNIT 1

Molecular structures & properties of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins & nucleic acids
Circulatory system heart, blood vessels, CVD, Risks of CVD, Benefits and Risks of treatment
Analyze & Interpret Data on CVD, LDL, HDL / Graph Analysis
Gaseous Exchange adaptations of lungs /
Transport across membranes Diffusion, osmosis & active transport)
Cell Membrane Structure & Properties / Enzyme Structure, Function & Properties
DNA Structure & Replication / Protein synthesis full process in detail
Genetics, Mutation & Cystic Fibrosis
Practical Question (on any one of the core practicals)

NOTE:
o Use this compilation only as a guide to revise for your Exam.
o Topics that have been repeatedly asked are cited here
o The best answers that had scored maximum marks are illustrated here.

I.Explain the meaning of the term

a. recessive genetic disorder.
Recessive genetic disorders (RGD) result from inheriting two defective recessive alleles of a gene, one from
each parent
b. causal relationship : Causation is when a change in one variable is responsible for a change in another
variable
c. Biological Catalyst : are molecules that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy , without
getting involved in it

d. Hydrolysis : A chemical reaction which splits a polysaccharide or disaccharide into specific

disaccharides or monosaccharide by addition of water
e. Gene : is a part of a DNA that codes for a specific protein.
f. Allele : is an alternate form of gene found at a specific locus on a chromosome
g. Gene mutation : A gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a
gene,

h. Activation energy : The activation energy is the energy required to start a reaction
i.

cardiovascular disease : Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed
or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.
Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are
considered forms of heart disease.

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j. fluid mosaic model of cell membrane : Fluid means that the molecules can change places within the
membrane. Mosaic means that proteins are randomly embedded into the phospholipid bilayer.
k. osmosis : Osmosis is the spontaneous net movement of solvent molecules through a semi-permeable
membrane into a region of higher solute concentration, in the direction that tends to equalize the solute
concentrations on the two sides

l.

genotype :

m. Mutation :

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n. Genetic code :

II. Differentiate between

a. Monosaccharides and disaccharides
Monosaccharide are single-unit sugars (the smallest) and are the building blocks of the other two whereas
Disaccharide consist of two monosaccharide linked together
Monosaccharides do not have glycosidic bonds whereas Disaccharides are joined in condensation reaction by
glycosidic bonds

b. Diffusion and active transport

Differences: Passive transport doesn't require energy (ATP), active transport does require energy. Passive
transport moves molecules WITH the concentration gradient (high to low), while active transport moves
molecules AGAINST the concentration gradient (Low to High).
Similarities:They both allow the cell to maintain homeostasis by maintaining an equilibrium of subtances in
and out of the cell.They both involve moving material across or through the plasma membrane.

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c. DNA and RNA

The key differences between DNA are RNA are as follows:
DNA:-deoxyribose sugar, -codes genetic information, -contains base thymine (TCAG),-double stranded
-found in nucleus, -B-form
RNA:-ribonucleic sugar,,-codes for proteins,-contains base uracil and not thymine (UCAG)
-single stranded,,-found in nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosome
-A-form
Similarities
Both DNA and RNA are both composed of nucleotide monomers and share three common nitrogenous bases,
including adenine, cytosine, and guanine. Both contain pentose sugars and have phosphate groups in the
nucleotides. The cell needs DNA and RNA to produce proteins

o. Correlation and causation : Causation is when a change in one variable is responsible for a change in
another variable whereas Correlation is when a change in one variable reflects a change in another
variable
d. tRNA and mRNA

e. saturated and unsaturated fatty acids :

Saturated fats (meats, butter, dairy products) are solid at room temperature, whereas unsaturated
fats (vegetable oils) are liquid at room temperature
Saturated fats have no double bond between molecules, which means there are no gaps and
the fat is saturated with hydrogen molecules, whereas Unsaturated fatty acids have either one or more
than one Carbon carbon double bonds (like in MUFA or PUFA )

Saturated Fatty acids are not branched but unsaturated are branched
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f. transcription and translation

Transcription is the process of making an RNA copy of a gene sequence. This copy, called a messenger RNA (mRNA)
molecule, leaves the cell nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where it directs the synthesis of the protein, which it
encodes. Whereas Translation is the process of translating the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a
sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis.

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g. MUFA and PUFA

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are fatty acids that are missing one hydrogen pair on their chain. They are
associated with lowering LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol while at the same time increasing the production of
the 'good' cholesterol, HDL cholesterol. You find monounsaturated fats in vegetable oils like canola, peanut and
olive oil, as well as in nuts. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are missing two or more hydrogen pairs on their fatty acid chains. They
trigger lower blood/serum cholesterol as well as lower LDL and HDL production. You can find these fats in vegetable
oils like corn, sesame, sunflower, safflower and soybean, as well as in fatty fish. These fats are usually liquid at
room temperature.

h. Capillary and vein

Capillaries carry blood away from the body and exchange nutrients, waste, and oxygen with tissues at
the cellular level. Veins are blood vessels that bring blood back to the heart and drain blood from
organs and limbs.

i. LDL and HDL

LDL cholesterol is usually referred to as bad cholesterol because it deposits its cholesterol on the
walls of arteries. LDL is also the type of cholesterol that becomes oxidized and damages the lining of
your arteries, setting the stage for mineral and fat deposits.
HDL hangs on tightly to the cholesterol it carries and wont let it get loose to attach to arterial walls. In
some cases, it may even snatch up additional cholesterol already stuck to a wall, reducing the size of a
plaque or buildup. HDL keeps cholesterol in solution and moves it safely throughout the body. For
these reasons, HDL cholesterol is considered to be good cholesterol.

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j. Amylose and amylopectin

k. CVD and CHD

Coronary heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease. The four most common types of
cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease (which includes heart attack and angina pectoris
or chest pain), stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Other forms include rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease, congenital cardiovascular defects,
arrhythmias (disorders of heart rhythm); diseases of the arteries, arterioles and capillaries (including
rhythm); diseases of the arteries, arterioles and capillaries (including atherosclerosis and Kawasaki
disease); bacterial endocarditis; cardiomyopathy; valvular heart disease; diseases of pulmonary
circulation; diseases of veins and lymphatics and other diseases of the circulatory system.
A cardiovascular disease is a disease effecting the cardiovascular system, the heart and blood
vessels. A heart disease is a kind of cardiovascular disease which is specific to the heart.
Cardiovascular disease is an illness that affects the heart and blood vessels.
It include coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease); stroke (brain
attack); high blood pressure (hypertension); and rheumatic heart disease.
l. Fibrous and globular protein

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m. Primary and secondary structure of protein

1.Water structure and property

1. Explain why water is an effective molecule for transporting other molecules around living organisms. (3)
(Jan 2014)
1.idea that water is a solvent ;
2. idea that water is {slightly charged / dipole /polar / eq} ;
3. idea that {polar molecules / ions / eq} can dissolve in water ;
4. idea that water is {viscous / fluid / eq} ;
5. idea of water as a liquid assists mass flow
6. correct reference to cohesion / adhesion ;

2.Carbohydrates structure and function

(1) Describe how two monosaccharides join to form a carbohydrate. (3)
Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides join together by the dehydration synthesis reaction
resulting in a glycosidic bond between the two monosaccharide molecules. The reaction produces water as a
side product.

2.Enzymes act as biological catalysts. Amylase is an enzyme present in saliva that catalyzes the hydrolysis of
starch into maltose.
(i)* Describe the structure of starch. (5) Jan 2013
(ii) Describe the structure of starch and explain why this structure makes it a suitable molecule for storing
energy. (4)

Starch is a Polysaccharide made up of many glucose residues linked by glycosidic bonds. Its made
up of amylose and amylopectin
Amylose : Amylose is composed of glucose residues linked by 1,4-glycosidic bonds formed by
condensation reactions , The unbranched chain is then coiled into an amylose helix due to formation
of H bonds between the glucose residues, Six glucose residues per turn of the helix

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Amylopectin : Also made up of glucose residues. However the glucose residues form a branched
chain, Branches formed due to 1,6-glycosidic bonds, 1,4-glycosidic bonds are found in unbranched
part , Branches form after every 20 to 30 glucose residues

Function: energy storage molecule in plant cells

Compact so it takes up less space in the cell
Insoluble so cannot leave the cell easily & it does not have an osmotic effect
Insoluble and unreactive so it does not get involved in chemical reactions of the cell
Amylose and amylopectin can be easily be hydrolysed by enzymes into maltose

3. Fats and carbohydrates such as glycogen are important energy storage molecules. These are broken down
during exercise.
(i)Describe the structure of glycogen and explain why it is a suitable molecule for storing energy. (4) Jan 2012
Made up of glucose residues. However the glucose residues form a branched chain
Branches formed due to 1,6-glycosidic bonds, 1,4-glycosidic bonds are found in unbranched part
Branches form after every 8 to 10 glucose residues
Glycogen is compact so it takes up less space in the cell
It is insoluble so it cannot leave the cell easily and does not have an osmotic effect.
It is relatively unreactive so it does not get involved in chemical reactions in cell
Easily hydrolysed by enzymes into glucose and used for respiration in cells
(ii)Describe the structure of glycogen. (3) Jan 2015

3.Circulatory System (Heart / Blood vessels) structure & function

4. Many animals, such as mammals, have a heart and circulation. This helps them to meet their requirements
by overcoming the limitations of diffusion.
*(i) Describe the structure of the mammalian heart. (5) Jan 2012

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5.Giraffes are very tall mammals found roaming the plains of Africa.
Two giraffes are shown in the photograph below.
(i)Using the information in the photograph and your own knowledge, explain
the importance of the heart and circulation to the giraffe. (4) Jun 2012

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Many animals have a heart and circulatory system.

(ii) Explain why animals need a heart and circulatory system. (4) Jan 2016

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(iii) Explain why multi-cellular animals require a respiratory system and a circulatory system. (4) Jun 2014

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6. Describe and explain the events that occur during ventricular systole in the cardiac cycle (4) (sample paper)
Ventricles contract from base upwards increasing the pressure, pushing the blood up and out
through semilunar valves into the aorta on the left side and the pulmonary artery on the right
side.

The pressure of blood against the atrioventricular valves closes them and prevents and prevents
back-flow into the atria.

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7.* Describe the role of the heart valves in the cardiac cycle. (6) Jan 2015
The valves of the heart are located within the chambers of the heart and are critical to the proper flow
of blood through the heart. All of the valves, when functioning normally, act as one-way valves,
allowing blood to flow either from one chamber to another, or allowing blood to flow out of the heart,
in only one direction.
The valves control the flow of blood through the heart by opening and closing during the contractions
of the heart.
The opening and closing functions of the valves are controlled by pressure differences generated
within the heart, as well as some muscles located within the heart.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

atria contract / reference to atrial systole ;

atrioventricular valves open so blood flows from atria to ventricles ;
ventricles contract / reference to ventricular systole ;
atrioventricular valve closes to prevent backflow of blood into atria ;
semilunar valves open so blood {leaves ventricles / enters named artery} ;
ventricles relax / reference to ventricular diastole ;
semi lunar valves close ;
to prevent backflow of blood {from the aorta or pulmonary arteries / to the ventricle} ;

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8.(i)Explain how the structure of the aorta relates to its function. (3) Jan 2013
1.idea that wall of the aorta is {thick / contains collagen} 2. to withstand pressure ;
3. wall of the aorta contains {elastic fibres / elastic tissue / elastin} ;
4. allowing (the wall of) the aorta to stretch and recoil ;
5. (recoil) helps to maintain {high pressure / rapid flow / eq} ;
6. (semilunar) valve present (at the start of aorta) ;
7. that prevents back flow of blood (during diastole) ;
1. Idea that there is a {thick wall / lots of collagen / thick layers / thick tunica media / eq} ;
2. Idea that it needs {to avoid rupture / to withstand high pressure / eq} ;
3. {elastic / muscular / eq} {layer / fibres / wall/ eq} ;
4. Control the flow of blood / maintain blood pressure / elastic recoil / eq ;
5. smooth endothelial wall / eq ;
6. to reduce {friction / resistance / eq} ;
7. semi lunar valve present ;
8. to prevent backflow (during diastole) ;
9. large lumen ;
10. idea of accommodating large volumes of blood / eq ;
11. branches ;
12. to supply blood to different parts of the body (including coronary arteries) / eq ;

(ii) When the human heart contracts, blood from the left ventricle enters the aorta. Describe how the
structure of the aorta is related to its function. (4) Jan 2016

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9.Asim has been warned by his doctor that he is at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) because
of his current high-fat diet and low activity levels.
*(a) Explain why the combination of a high-fat diet and low activity levels may lead to CVD. (5) (Jan 2014)
1.idea of energy imbalance ; 2. idea of individual becoming {overweight / obese / eq } ;
3. idea of increased blood pressure ; 4. idea of obesity leads to diabetes (a CVD risk
factor) ;
5. idea of increased (blood) {cholesterol / LDL levels / LDL to HDL ratio} ;
6. idea of {damage to endothelium / overloading of receptors} ;
7. formation of { atheroma / plaque / atherosclerosis } / eq ;
8. idea of {loss of elasticity of artery / narrowing of lumen / eq } ;

10.Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for many deaths.

*(a) One cause of CVD is atherosclerosis. Describe how atherosclerosis develops. (4)

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11.A stroke can be caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD) affecting arteries leading to the brain. Callums
family has a history of strokes.
(i) Explain why a blood clot in an artery leading to the brain could cause a stroke. (3) June 2013
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

idea of {reduced blood flow / bleeding} ;

{less/no} {oxygen /glucose} (reaches brain) ;
idea of {less/no} (aerobic) respiration ;
idea of {less / no} ATP produced ;
idea that brain needs lots of {energy / ATP} to function ;
lactic acid produced (from anaerobic respiration);
lactic acid {inhibits enzymes / toxic / eq };

12.There are many venomous (poisonous) snakes in the world. Many of the venoms from these snakes affect
the blood clotting process. *(a) Describe the blood clotting process. (4) Jan 2010

4.Gaseous Exchange
13(i) Describe and explain how the lungs of a mammal are adapted for rapid gas exchange. (5) (June 2013)
(ii) Living organisms exchange gases with their environment. Describe how the structure of the human
lungs is adapted for efficient gas exchange. (4) Jan 2015
(iii) The circulatory system is vital for efficient gas exchange in mammals.
Explain how the circulatory system in mammals enables efficient gas exchange. (5) (Jan 2014)
(iv) Explain why multi-cellular animals require a respiratory system and a circulatory system. (4) June 2014
(v)Use your knowledge of the structure of the lung and its adaptations for gas exchange to explain why a
person with emphysema has problems with gas exchange. (4) (Jan 2009)

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*(vi) Using the information shown in the photograph and your own knowledge, suggest how gas exchange
occurs in an amoeba. (4) Jan 2012

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5.PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION & PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

14. Describe the replication of DNA. (5) (June 2014)

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15*(i) Translation follows transcription. Describe how translation produces a polypeptide chain, using the code
from this template strand of DNA. (6) (June 2015)

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(ii)Messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) are important nucleic acids involved in the process of
protein synthesis. (a) Describe how a molecule of mRNA is made during transcription. (4) Jan 2013

*(iii) Describe how RNA is involved in the synthesis of proteins. (5)

(iv)Describe how mRNA is synthesized. (4) Jun2011

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6.Protein structure & Enzyme

16.*(i) Enzymes are proteins. Explain how the primary structure of an enzyme determines its threedimensional structure and properties. (5) June 2014

(ii)Using the diagram and your own knowledge of enzymes, explain the importance of the primary structure of
an enzyme to its function. (5) Jan 2011

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(iii)Describe the three-dimensional (tertiary) structure of an enzyme. (3) Jan 2012

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When referring to the structure and functioning of an enzyme, always write about
the shape of the active site.
(iv)Lipoproteins are composed of phospholipids, cholesterol and proteins.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. Describe how amino acids join together to form the three-dimensional
structure of a protein. (4) Jan 2013
1. reference to peptide bonds (joining amino acids);

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

between amino group (of one amino acid) and carboxyl group (of another) / eq ;
the sequence of amino acids is the primary structure of the protein / eq ;
reference to folding (of primary structure) held together by bonds / eq ;
{disulfide bridges / eq} / {hydrogen / H} bonds / ionic bonds / Van der Waals forces ;
between the R groups / eq ;

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7.Mutations

17.(i) Galactose is broken down by an enzyme called Gal-1-PUT. In some types of galactosaemia, this enzyme
does not function properly. Explain why a mutation in the gene coding for the enzyme Gal-1-PUT could lead to
the inability to break down galactose. (4) Jan 2014 /
(ii)Explain how a change in the DNA sequence of the PAH gene might lead to a loss of enzyme activity. (3) Jan
2015
(iii)Cystic fibrosis and glycogen storage disease type (II) are examples of recessive genetic disorders.
Glycogen storage disease type (II) is caused by mutations in the GAA gene. This results in a deficiency of an
enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase.
* Explain how a mutation in the GAA gene could result in a change in the activity of the enzyme acid alphaglucosidase. (5)
(iv) Suggest how a mutation in the GALC gene could result in a change in the enzyme galactocerebrosidase. (3)
Jun 2012

8.Cell Membrane Models

18.(i) The fluid mosaic model has been developed from the knowledge of the structure and properties of cell
membranes. It can explain how molecules can enter and leave a cell.
Describe the structure of a cell membrane. (You may use a labelled diagram to support your answer). (5)
(June 2013)

(ii) Explain why the phospholipid molecules form a bilayer. (3)

(iii)

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Explain how the properties of the parts labelled A and B contribute to the structure of the cell surface membrane. (3)
June 2014

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9.Cystic Fibrosis

19.(i)Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that can affect many body systems, including the respiratory system.
*Explain how a gene mutation causes a buildup of mucus in the respiratory system of a person with cystic
fibrosis. (5) Jun2010
(ii) People with cystic fibrosis have a reduced rate of gaseous exchange and lower peak flow rates than people
who do not have this condition. Explain why people with cystic fibrosis have a lower peak flow rate.
(4) (June 2015)
(iii)Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by one of a number of possible gene mutations. Prenatal testing
can be used to determine whether or not a fetus has cystic fibrosis.
Name one method of prenatal testing and explain how it can be used to detect cystic fibrosis. (3) Jun 2009
(iv)Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that can affect many body systems, including the digestive system. In a
carrier of this disorder, preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be used to detect the presence of an allele for
cystic fibrosis. *(a) Explain how cystic fibrosis affects the digestive system. (4) Jun 2011
(v)Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that can affect many body systems, including the respiratory system.
*Explain how a gene mutation causes a buildup of mucus in the respiratory system of a person with cystic
fibrosis. (5) June2010

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Genetic Diagram & Probability

20.(i) Using your knowledge of monohybrid crosses, calculate the probability of having a child with cystic
fibrosis if both partners are found to be carriers. Draw a genetic diagram to explain how you calculated this
probability. (5) Jan 2010
(ii)Two parents are both carriers of the recessive allele for Krabbe disease. In the space below, draw a genetic
diagram to show the possible genotypes and phenotypes of their children. Use the genetic diagram to find the
probability of these parents having a child with Krabbe disease. (5) Jun 2012

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(iii) Achondroplasia is an inherited condition that results in restricted growth in humans. This condition is
caused by a dominant allele (A). Fetuses which are homozygous for the allele for achondroplasia are rarely
born alive. Two parents who both have achondroplasia would like to have children.
They are concerned about the risk of their child inheriting two dominant alleles and dying before birth.
In the space below, draw a suitable genetic diagram to show the probability of a child from these parents
growing up without achondroplasia. (4) Jun 2013
(iv) The pedigree diagram below shows the inheritance of galactosaemia in a family. Use a genetic diagram to
calculate the probability that Sahan and Alinas first child will be heterozygous (a carrier) if Sahan is
heterozygous. (4) Jun2010

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10.Gene Therapy

21*(i) Suggest how somatic gene therapy could enable cells lining the lungs to function normally in people
with cystic fibrosis. (4) June 2013
(ii) Gene therapy could potentially be used to treat beta thalassemia. Suggest how gene therapy could be
carried out to treat this disorder. (4) (Jan 2011)

(iii)Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. One aim of somatic gene therapy
is to overcome the effects of defective genes. Describe the difference between somatic gene therapy and
germ line gene therapy. (2)
*(iv) Suggest how somatic gene therapy could enable cells lining the lungs to function normally in people with
cystic fibrosis. (4) Jun 2013
(v)Explain how preimplantation genetic diagnosis is performed to detect cystic fibrosis. (3) Jun2011
(vi)*Suggest how somatic gene therapy could enable cells lining the lungs to function normally in people with
cystic fibrosis. (4) June 2013

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*(vii) Tay-Sachs disease is caused by a gene mutation that results in the buildup of lipid in the brain. It is hoped
that gene therapy will be able to treat this disease in the future. Sheep can also suffer from Tay-Sachs disease.
Investigations have found that gene therapy increases the life span of these animals.
Suggest how these gene therapy investigations could have been carried out. (5) Jan 2013
1. {isolation / identification / eq} of normal gene / eq ;
2. {inserted / eq} into vector / stem cells / eq ;
3. vector named as {liposome / virus} ;
4. injection of {vector / modified stem cells} into {blood / brain / target cells / eq} / eq ;
5. ref to use of control injection ;
6. further detail of control injection e.g. use empty liposome / virus without gene inserted ;
7. progression of disease monitored / eq ;
8. life spans recorded / eq ;
9. reference to appropriate comparison with control eg untreated sheep ;
10.idea that treatment needs to be repeated;
11.idea of replication of investigation;

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Genetic screening can be used to identify the cystic fibrosis allele. By considering contrasting ethical
viewpoints, discuss one reason in favour and one reason against genetic screening for cystic fibrosis.
Award one mark for identifying a potential benefit and a further mark for an explanation of the benefit.
For example
1. to determine whether or not a parent is a carrier;
2. therefore can make informed decision about having
children;
or
3. determine whether or not embryo has disease;
4. informed decisions can be made about {future care for child / termination of pregnancy} / treatment could
start
immediately;
Award one mark for identifying a potential disadvantage and a further mark for an explanation of the
disadvantage.
For example
5. ref to false positives / negatives;
6. decisions on whether to terminate a pregnancy or not are
based on wrong information;
or
7. other abnormalities may be found;
8. some social implication e.g. life insurance, finding {partner
/ job}, depression;
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11.PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
1. DAPHNIA PRACTICAL

(i)A friend of the student suggested that herbal tea might have a lower caffeine content than these drinks.
The student decided to use Daphnia to compare the caffeine content of herbal tea with the caffeine content
of these other drinks.
Describe an experiment that the student could perform, using Daphnia, to confirm that herbal tea has the
lowest caffeine content. (4) (Jan 2010)
(ii)The hypothesis that higher concentrations of caffeine will increase heart rate can be investigated practically
using Daphnia (water fleas).
Describe a reliable procedure that could be used to test this hypothesis. (6) (Sample paper)
Award one mark for each of the following points in context to a maximum of three.
1. place Daphnia on {cavity slide / eq} with caffeine;
2. (focus on heart) using microscope;
3. ref. to range of caffeine concentrations;
4. ref. to repeats;
5. ref. to {water as control / zero caffeine concentration};
Award one mark for each of the following points in context to a maximum of three.
1. control temperature;
2. reference to similar organisms used;
3. accurate measurement of DV;
4. reference to pretreatment;

2.VITAMIN C PRACTICAL

(i) Describe how this chemical can be used to measure the vitamin C content of samples of broccoli. (3) (June
2013)
(ii)The photograph below shows broccoli, a green vegetable. Green vegetables are a source of
vitamin C. Cooking can reduce the vitamin C content of vegetables. Describe how the vitamin
C content of broccoli could be measured. (4) Jan 2016
(iii)Paran state is another region in South America that produces camu-camu fruit. The camu-camu fruit from
this region have a different vitamin C content from those grown in the Amazon region.
Describe how an investigation could be carried out to compare the effect of storage time on the vitamin C
content of the Paran state camu-camu fruit with those from the Amazon region. (5) Jun 2009
*(iv) It has been suggested that cooking food in a microwave oven does not reduce the nutrient content of
foods by as much as cooking in boiling water. A student wanted to test this idea on the vitamin C content of
carrots.
Describe an investigation that the student could carry out to compare these two methods of cooking on the
vitamin C content of carrots. (5) Jun2011

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3. MEMBRANE PERMEABILITY (BEETROOT)

(i) The size and solubility of molecules has an effect on their ability to be taken up by cells.
* Describe an experiment you have carried out to investigate the permeability of cell membranes. (5) Jan 2011

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4.ENZYME PRACTICAL

*(i) Describe an experiment to investigate the effect of cooking on catalase activity in potatoes. (6)(June 2015)

(iii)Describe how this apparatus could be used to compare the catalase activity in two different types of
mussel. (4) Jan 2012
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*(iv) Describe an experiment to investigate the effect of cooking on catalase activity in potatoes. (6) Jun 2015
(v)Describe an experiment that could be carried out to investigate the effect of enzyme concentration on the
initial rate of reaction. (4) June 2013
*(vi) The action of lipase can be investigated using a triglyceride as the substrate. Describe an experiment,
using lipase and a triglyceride, that could be carried out to collect data to plot a graph similar to the one
shown in part (a). (5) Jun 2012

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