SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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2012 Biology
Southern Vales Christian College
2011 Biology
Semester 1 Exam
Time: 3 hours
NAME SACE REG. No. .
Dictionaries and calculators approved by SACE
may be used subject to SACE regulations.
Instructions to Candidates
1. You will have 10 minutes to read the paper. You must not write in your question booklets, or
on your multiple choice answer sheet, or use your calculator during this reading time but you
may make notes on the scribbling paper provided.
2. This paper contains four sections: Section A, Section B, Section C, Section D.
3. In sections B and C there is no need to fill all the space provided; clear, well-expressed
answers are required. If you delete part or all of an answer you should clearly indicate your
final answer and label it with appropriate question number.
4. The allocation of marks and suggested allotment of time are as follows:
Section A 50 marks 40 minutes
Section B 100 marks 90 minutes
Section C 20 marks 20 minutes
Section D 30 marks 30 minutes
Total 200 marks 3 hours
5. At the end of the examination, place the multiple-choice answer sheet inside the question
booklet.
Section Max Marks Obtained
A 50
B 100
C 20
D 30
Total 200
% Grade
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Circle the correct letter on the multiple choice response sheet.
1. Carcinogens are chemicals that
J. increase the rate of cell division by causing harmful mutations.
K. decrease the rate of cell division by causing beneficial mutations.
L. increase the rate of cell division by causing beneficial mutations.
M. decrease the rate of cell division by causing harmful mutations.
2. Which statement about macromolecules is FALSE?
J. Both DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.
K. A monosaccharide is a long-chain polymer formed of simple sugars.
L. Both cellulose and starch are polymers of glucose.
M. Triglycerides (or simple lipids) contain fatty acids and glycerol.
Use the following diagrams, showing stages of cell division (in no particular order), labelled
A, B and C to answer questions 3 and 4.
A B C
3. The correct order of division is:
J. A B C
K. C B A
L. B C A
M. B A C
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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4. Stage B is called:
J. Interphase.
K. Metaphase.
L. Telophase.
M. Anaphase.
5. When mitosis has ended, the number of chromosomes in a daughter cell is:
J. Equal to the number in a mother cell.
K. Double the number in the mother cell.
L. Half the number in the mother cell.
M. Unrelated to the number in the mother cell.
6. In a plant cell, which of the following is correct for a cellular process, where it occurs and
what is produced?
Cellular Process Location in the Cell Product
J. Respiration Mitochondria Carbon Dioxide
K. Photosynthesis Mitochondria Oxygen
L. Respiration Nucleus Messenger RNA
M. Respiration Chloroplast Oxygen
The next two questions refer to the diagram on the right.
7. The diagram represents a portion of:
J. mRNA
K. tRNA
L. DNA
M. Protein
8. The correct sequence of lettered parts in the complementary strand of this molecule is:
J. TAGACT
K. AGTCTA
L. TCAGAT
M. GACTCG
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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9. Enzymes will usually react with only one substance. This can be explained by the “lock
and key” theory. If this theory is correct, which of the following substances, represented by
J, K, L and M, would be acted on by enzyme A?
A J K
L M
10. DNA fingerprinting has become a familiar forensic tool and has been cited in recent
criminal trials. It is possible to do DNA fingerprinting with even a minute sample of DNA
because:
J. DNA contains only four different types of nitrogenous bases.
K. There are large quantities of DNA in each cell of the body.
L. DNA determines a very specific polypeptide chain.
M. The polymerase chain reaction can be used.
11. William and Mary are brother and sister and they are twins.
Ignoring mutations, which one of the following cells is genetically identical to a liver cell
from William?
J. A liver cell from Mary.
K. A sperm cell from William.
L. A muscle cell from William.
M. An egg cell from Mary.
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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12. Cells with a concentration of 0.2% glucose inside were placed in a solution of 0.9%
glucose. The cells would most probably:
J. Burst due to diffusion of glucose in.
K. Shrivel due to the osmotic movement of water out of the cell.
L. Shrivel due to diffusion of glucose out.
M. Burst due to the osmotic movement of water into the cell.
13. The following procedure was performed on three sheep; Sheep 1, Sheep 2 and Sheep 3,
and resulted in the birth of Sheep 4:
A cell was removed from the mammary gland tissue of Sheep 1
An unfertilised egg was taken from Sheep 2. The nucleus of the egg was then
removed.
The nucleus of the cell was then implanted in the uterus of Sheep 3 where it
developed to form Sheep 4.
Sheep 3 gave birth to Sheep 4.
Which sheep would be genetically identical?
J. Sheep 1 and Sheep 4.
K. Sheep 2 and Sheep 4.
L. Sheep 3 and Sheep 4.
M. Sheep 1 and Sheep 3.
14. Thyroxine is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of body temperature in human
beings.
Which one of the following responses will result from an increase in body temperature?
J. An increased release of thyroxine, resulting in a decreased cell metabolism.
K. A decreased release of thyroxine, resulting in a decreased cell metabolism.
L. A decreased release of thyroxine, resulting in an increased cell metabolism.
M. An increased release of thyroxine, resulting in an increased cell metabolism.
15. When the nucleus is removed from an Amoeba and replaced within two days the cell
survives. If it is not replaced the cell dies. Which of the following statements best explains
these results?
J. The nucleus is the major site of energy production in the cell.
K. The nucleus contains DNA which controls cell division.
L. The nucleus supplies information which is necessary for enzyme synthesis in
the cell.
M. The nucleus is the major site of protein synthesis in the cell.
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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16. Semi-conservative replication of DNA occurs:
J. As part of protein synthesis.
K. Before mitosis.
L. Only in sperm and egg cells.
M. In the cytoplasm of cells.
17. Refer to the following photomicrograph, which shows an organelle from a cell in a
multicellular organism.
This organelle is the site of:
J. starch formation.
K. photosynthesis.
L. ATP synthesis.
M. glycogen storage.
18. The synthesis of protein within the cell involves:
J. The attachment of a molecule of DNA to the surface of the ribosome.
K. The attachment of a molecule of messenger RNA to an amino acid molecule.
L. The attachment of a molecule of amino acid to a molecule of transfer RNA.
M. The attachment of a molecule of DNA to a molecule of amino acid.
19. Using genetically engineered bacteria to produce insulin does NOT involve the following
processes:
J. Transferring the ability to produce a new protein to the bacteria.
K. Inserting a recombinant plasmid into a bacterial cell.
L. Extracting the recombinant plasmids from the bacterial cell to get copies of
the desired gene.
M. Using restriction enzymes to cut the DNA exposing the sticky ends in the cut
DNA.
20. What would NOT be an expected consequence of changing one amino acid in a given
protein?
J. The primary structure would be changed.
K. The tertiary structure would remain unchanged.
L. The biological activity of this protein might be altered.
M. The number of amino acids present would stay the same.
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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21. In plants the process of anaerobic respiration of glucose:
J. Produces ethanol.
K. Produces lactic acid.
L. Consumes carbon dioxide.
M. Consumes oxygen.
22. The synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate results
J. from an input of energy from the breakdown of glucose.
K. in an output of energy from the breakdown of glucose.
L. in an output of energy from the synthesis of glucose.
M. from an input of energy from the synthesis of glucose.
23. Which statement concerning living eukaryotic cells is false?
J. Membranes control which molecules pass into and out of the cell.
K. Vacuoles and mitochondria are each bounded by a single membrane.
L. Membranes are usually fluid at 37°C.
M. Membranes contain phospholipids and proteins.
24. Which one of the following combinations correctly matches a type of transmission, the
relative speed of transmission, and the duration of the response?
Type of Transmission Relative Speed of
Transmission
Duration of Response
J. Hormonal Slow Long
K. Nervous Fast Long
L. Nervous Slow Short
M. Hormonal Fast Short
25. A length of DNA that codes for part of a polypeptide is known to contain 633 base
pairs. Which one of the following combinations of number of codons and number of amino
acids in the polypeptide is most likely to be associated with this length of DNA?
Number of codons Number of amino acids in
the polypeptide
J. 1266 422
K. 633 211
L. 422 422
M. 211 211
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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Section B: Short Answer Questions
Answer each questions giving as much detail as necessary.
1. Explain the meaning of the statement “the cell membrane is a dynamic structure.”
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(3 marks)
2. The following diagram shows a cell that has been viewed through a microscope.
Answer the following questions that relate to the diagram above.
a) State whether it is plant or an animal cell and give a reason for your answer.
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(3 marks)
b) Name a cellular organelle that you can see clearly and state its function.
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(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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c) What type of microscope was used to view this cell?
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(1 mark)
3. Refer to the following diagram, which shows various molecules and processes, which
occurs during protein synthesis.
a) Name the process at 1.
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(1 mark)
b) Name:
Molecule 2
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Molecule 3
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Molecule 7
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(3 marks)
b) State one function of tRNA in protein synthesis.
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(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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4. Many reactions occur owing to the presence of specific enzymes.
a) What feature of the structure of an enzyme results in its specificity? (A labelled
diagram might help).
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(4 marks)
b) How does a change in the acidity of a cell affect the activity of an enzyme?
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(2 marks)
5. Certain deep-sea fish have a lux gene that causes some parts of their bodies to glow
in the dark. Genetic engineers are attempting to produce trees that glow in the dark.
These trees could be used for living Christmas trees or for street lighting.
a) Name the factor that would have to be transferred from the cells of one of these
deep-sea fish to the cells of a tree to make the tree glow in the dark.
___________________________________________________________________________________
(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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b) Several techniques can be used to transfer the factor from the cells of the deep-sea
fish to the cells of a tree. One technique is to coat tiny particles of gold or tungsten with
the factor and then to shoot them into the cells of the tree. The treated cells can then be
grown into trees. It is expected that fewer than 10% of these trees will glow in the dark.
State one reason why such a small percentage of the trees would be expected to
glow in the dark.
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(2 marks)
6. Using an example, explain why exchange surfaces must have a large surface area.
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(3 marks)
7. Respiration and photosynthesis are both processes that are involved in the energy cycle
of the cell.
a) Write out the balanced equation of photosynthesis.
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(4 marks)
b) State one reason why aerobic respiration and photosynthesis must involve a series of
small-regulated steps.
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(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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c) In the diagram below, indicate the letters that refer to:
i) The site of the organelle where part of aerobic respiration occurs.
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(1 mark)
ii) The site of transcription in the cell.
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(1 mark)
d) Complete the following table, which compares aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic Respiration
Products in a human cell
Products in a plant cell
(4 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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8. Human beings use genetic engineering to modify foods.
State one advantage and one disadvantage that arise from the genetic modification of foods
by human beings.
Advantage:
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Disadvantage:
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(4 marks)
9. Complete the table below which describes features of structures found inside cells.
Organelle Structural Function Special Function
Small structures composed of
RNA either in the cytoplasm or
attached to the endoplasmic
reticulum
Bound by a double membrane,
contains DNA in the form of
chromatin and chromosomes
Contains the ‘blue print’ for
protein and RNA synthesis
Vacuole Maintenance of water and salt
balance for the cell, storage of
nutrients in solution
(4 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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10. For a multicellular organism to function in a healthy state, its cells must divide and stop
dividing at the appropriate time. One way of regulating cell division is to use hormones
called growth factors (GF’s).
Use the following diagram, showing a series of steps initiated by a growth factor, to answer
the questions below it.
SIGNAL CELL
Growth Factor
Receptor
Relay
Proteins
TARGET CELL
DNA
NUCLEUS Transcription
Translation
Protein that stimulates
cell division
a) What type of macromolecule is the receptor molecule most likely to be?
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(2 marks)
b) There are several different proteins involved in this process, each being
distinguished by its different shape. Why would the proteins differ in their shape?
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(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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11. Some human cells contain more mitochondria than other cells.
a) What does this indicate about the function of these cells?
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(1 mark)
b) Name one complex molecule (apart from lipids) found in an animal cell and the
simple molecules (monomers) from which it is synthesised.
Complex Molecule
Simple Molecule
(2 marks)
12. Explain why red blood cells have a
particular biconcave shape by referring
to their surface area to volume ratio and
diffusion.
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(3 marks)
13. a) If the following is a segment of DNA showing its base sequence, write down the
sequence that would be present in a molecule of messenger RNA that it would be used to
make.
A T G C C T T A G G C A A T C C C C A T A
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(2 marks)
b) How many codons are present and hence how many amino acids would be present
in the polypeptide chains that this segment would code for?
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(1 mark)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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14. Cyanide is an inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase, an enzyme vital to aerobic
respiration.
a) State one way cyanide could inhibit the functioning of cytochrome oxidase.
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(2 marks)
b) Explain why the addition of cyanide would reduce the amount of ATP production in a
cell.
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(2 marks)
c) Name one cell activity besides respiration that would be altered as a result of the
action of cyanide.
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(1 mark)
d) Why is it that enzymes are very effective even though they are only present in small
quantities in cells?
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(2 marks)
15. Human beings use microscopic organisms such as yeasts and bacteria in a variety of
ways.
Early Europeans used fermentation by yeasts to sterilise water. Similar methods are used
today in the production of beer and wine.
a) Name the substrate required for fermentation by yeasts.
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(2 marks)
b) Yeasts are eukaryotic cells that can reproduce by ‘budding’, which results in
genetically identical offspring.
Name the type of cell division that yeasts use to reproduce by budding.
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(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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c) State one disadvantage that producing genetically identical offspring has for yeasts.
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(2 marks)
16. The adjacent diagram represents a microscopic view of a eukaryotic cell during mitosis.
X
X
a) List the four stages of mitosis.
(1 mark)
b) Identify the stage which the cell has reached.
(1 mark)
c) What happens to the chromosomal DNA during interphase?
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(1 mark)
d) Give one important result of mitosis.
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(1 mark)
e) What is the haploid number of this cell?
(1 mark)
17. a) Name the organ system in the human body that is specialised for the exchange of
oxygen and carbon dioxide.
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(2 marks)
b) Name a type of cell that aggregates to form a tissue in the human body.
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(2 marks)
18. State three uses of the energy that is released in the ATP cycle.
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(3 marks)
X
X
X
X
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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19. Consider the following types of cells and their role and identify what organelle
they would have a larger amount of compared to an unspecialised cell.
Cell Role Organelle
Sperm Cell To fertilise an ovum. Swims tirelessly
using its flagella.
Mucosal Cell in
Stomach lining
Creates enzymes as well as other
proteins to protect the gastric lining
from acid.
Macrophage: A
type of white
blood cell
Involved in immunity, ingests and
digests foreign material.
Leaf cell Photosynthesises to provide a source of
chemical energy for the plant.
(4 marks)
20. Proteins can be viewed as a progression of shapes. Explain each stage in the formation
of a protein and what this means about the final shape of the protein.
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(4 marks)
21. Using an example explain how the nervous or endocrine system maintain a steady
internal environment.
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(6 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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Section C: Practical Question
1. A group of researchers wished to compare the ability of two different treatments to
relieve tension headache pain. They set up the following test procedure that ran over
a six-month period:
They selected 57 volunteers and divided the volunteers into three groups.
Group A: 15 persons received treatment A (a commonly used tablet).
Group B: 22 persons received treatment B (a medicated ointment applied
to the temples of the volunteers).
Group C: 20 persons received treatment C (an inactive mint extract
applied to the temples of the volunteers).
The volunteers were given the prescribed treatments to use each time they suffered from a
headache. At fixed times after the start of the treatment each volunteer recorded the
severity of the headache using the following rating scale:
0 = no headache 3-4 = moderate headache
1-2 = mild headache 5 = severe headache
The results for each group were averaged and are tabulated below:
SEVERITY OF HEADACHES (AVERAGES)
MINUTES AFTER
TREATMENT
GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C
0 3.70 4.00 3.60
5 3.80 3.40 3.65
10 3.60 3.15 3.70
20 3.20 2.75 3.40
45 2.50 2.25 3.00
120 2.10 1.80 2.60
a) Plot this data on a single set of axes below. (6 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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b) State the hypothesis which was being tested in this experiment.
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(4 marks)
c) From the graph you have drawn, which treatment seems to give the most rapid
response?
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(2 marks)
d) What was the dependent variable in this experiment?
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(2 marks)
e) List one considerations that researchers would have needed to make in selecting
the sample of volunteers so that their test could be regarded as being valid.
________________________________________________________________________
(1 mark)
f) One variable in this experiment that was difficult to control was the severity of
the pain experienced by each person before the experiment began. How was the
problem overcome?
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(3 marks)
g) The severity of the headaches is listed in the table as an average. Give two
reasons why this was necessary.
i) ______________________________________________________________________
ii) ______________________________________________________________________
(2 marks)
SACE Stage 2 Biology 2012 Mid-Year Exam Southern Vales Christian College
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Section D: Extended Response
Answer 2 of the 3 questions in this section.
Write your answer on the script pages following. Begin each answer on a new page.
You should spend about 30 minutes on this section, 5 to 10 minutes planning and 20 to 25
minutes writing.
Credits will be given for clear, well-expressed answers that are well organised and relevant
to the questions.
1. The cell membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of cells.
a) Describe the structure of the cell membrane;
b) Discuss the role of the membrane in both the active and passive movement of
molecules.
(15 arks)
2. Human beings can manipulate DNA.
a) Describe how genetic manipulation is used to obtain protein products, such as
human insulin, from bacteria.
b) Discuss one benefit of this application of genetic engineering and one problem it
may cause.
(15 arks)
3. Cancer was the second most common cause of death in 2007, accounting for
approximately three of every ten deaths. Cancer is caused by mutations.
a) Identify and explain one type of mutation and how it can affect cell
metabolism.
b) Explain how a mutation in one cell causes a cancerous cell and then the
development into cancerous tissue.
(15 marks)
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