Biology 9700/12 May/June 2023: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Biology (9700), Paper 1 Multiple Choice, May/June 2023. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
A graticule and a micrometer scale can be used to measure the size of biological structures that are viewed with a microscope.
1
2
3
Which row shows the correct locations for the placement of a graticule and a micrometer scale on the microscope shown?
micrometer graticule scale
A 1 2
B 1 3
C 2 3
D 3 1
Six organelles found in eukaryotic cells are shown.
1 2 3
NOT TO
SCALE
4 5 6
Which organelles are involved in the synthesis and secretion of a glycoprotein?
A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2, 4 and 6 C 2, 3 and 5 D 3, 4, 5 and 6
Which cell structures can have mRNA inside them?
1 chloroplast
2 mitochondrion
3 nucleus
4 rough endoplasmic reticulum
A 1, 2, 3 and 4
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 2, 3 and 4 only
D 3 and 4 only
A scientist carried out an experiment to separate the organelles in an animal cell by mass.
The scientist mixed the cells with a buffer solution which had the same water potential as the cells. The cells were broken open with a blender to release the organelles.
The extracted mixture was filtered and then spun in a centrifuge at a high speed to separate the heaviest type of organelle. These sank to the bottom, forming solid pellet 1.
liquid above pellet
solid pellet
The liquid above pellet 1 was poured into a clean centrifuge tube and spun in the centrifuge at a higher speed to separate the next heaviest type of organelle. These organelles sank to the bottom, forming solid pellet 2.
This procedure was repeated twice more to obtain pellet 3 and pellet 4, each containing a single type of organelle.
What is the main function of the type of organelle extracted in pellet 2?
A digestion of old organelles
B production of ATP
C production of mRNA
D synthesis of protein
Which structures are found in palisade mesophyll cells and photosynthetic prokaryotes?
1 cell surface membrane
2 cellulose wall
3 ribosomes
4 chloroplasts
A 1, 2, 3 and 4
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 3 only
D 2 and 4 only
Which polymers are present in all viruses and all prokaryotes?
1 polynucleotides
2 polypeptides
3 polysaccharides
A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Which set of steps is the best method for conducting the emulsion test for lipids?
A Add 2 cm3 of water to the sample.
Pour the water into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of ethanol.
Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy.
B Add 2 cm3 of ethanol to the sample and shake.
Pour the ethanol into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of water and boil.
Lipids are present if the mixture becomes clear.
C Add 2 cm3 of water to the sample and shake.
Pour the water into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of ethanol and boil.
Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy.
D Add 2 cm3 of ethanol to the sample and shake.
Pour the ethanol into a test-tube containing 2 cm3 of water and shake again.
Lipids are present if the mixture becomes cloudy.
A student was provided with a solution of carbohydrate. They removed two samples from the solution and performed tests on each sample, as shown.
carbohydrate solution
sample one sample two
boiled with dilute
Benedict’s test hydrochloric acid
Benedict’s solution neutralised with dilute remained blue sodium hydroxide
Benedict’s test
Benedict’s solution turned yellow
Which statement explains the results?
A Condensation reactions occur in sample two to release reducing sugar.
B Glycosidic bonds in a polysaccharide have been broken to release reducing sugar.
C Sample one shows that sucrose is present in the carbohydrate solution.
D The change in colour to a yellow solution shows that glucose is present.
What describes cellulose?
A a branched chain of 1-4 α-glucose
B a branched chain of 1-4 β-glucose
C an unreactive linear chain of 1-4 α-glucose
D an unreactive linear chain of 1-4 β-glucose
CYP3A4 is an important enzyme in the human digestive system where it is needed to break down a range of different toxins. The activity of CYP3A4 has been shown to be reduced by substances called furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins are found in some fruits and so dangerous concentrations of toxins may develop in the human digestive system when fruits containing furanocoumarins are eaten.
From the information provided, what can be concluded about molecules of the enzyme CYP3A4?
A They lower the activation energy of the toxin breakdown reactions.
B They bind specifically through the active site to a substrate found in some fruits.
C They change permanently when acted upon by furanocoumarin molecules.
D They resume normal activity when concentrations of furanocoumarins decrease.
A fixed volume and concentration of substrate and enzyme were mixed. All other variables were kept constant. The enzyme-catalysed reaction was left until it was complete.
Which graph shows how the rate of reaction changes with time?
A B
rate of rate of reaction reaction
0 0
0 time 0 time
C D
rate of rate of reaction reaction
0 0
0 time 0 time
Which molecules in cell surface membranes are typically involved in cell recognition?
cholesterol glycolipids glycoproteins phospholipids
A key
B = involved
C = not involved
D
What can increase the fluidity of the cell surface membrane?
1 single bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chains
2 cholesterol
3 longer-chained fatty acids
A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 2 only
The three main factors that affect the rate of diffusion across a membrane can be expressed by the relationship shown.
surface area × concentration difference rate of diffusion is proportional to thickness of membrane
Which changes in the factors would result in the rate of diffusion doubling?
1 Surface area has doubled.
2 Concentration difference has halved.
3 Thickness of membrane has doubled.
4 Thickness of membrane has halved.
A 1, 2 and 4 B 1 and 3 C 1 and 4 only D 2 and 3
A student measured the time taken for complete diffusion of a dye into agar blocks of different sizes which were suspended in the dye.
The results are shown.
size of agar block time for
/ mm × mm × mm diffusion / s
5×5×5 6.2
10 × 10 × 10 16.1
15 × 15 × 15 34.5
5 × 10 × 15
What is the predicted time for complete diffusion of the dye into the agar block measuring
5 mm × 10 mm × 15 mm?
A 6.2 s
B 16.1 s
C 34.5 s
D more than 34.5 s
An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of concentration of sucrose solution on cells in a plant tissue.
A sample of plant tissue was cut into seven cylinders of equal length and diameter. The mass of each cylinder was recorded.
Each of the seven cylinders was put into a different sucrose solution concentration.
bung
test-tube
sucrose solution plant tissue cylinder
After two hours, the cylinders were removed, blotted dry and reweighed. The percentage change in mass of each cylinder was recorded.
The graph shows the results of this investigation.
20
15
10
5 percentage change in mass of plant 0 tissue cylinder 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
–5
–10
–15
–20 concentration of sucrose solution / mol dm–3
Which row explains the results if plant tissue cells were put in a sucrose solution of 0.45 mol dm–3?
water potential of the cytoplasm change in volume of the of the cells at the start of the vacuoles of the cells at the end experiment compared with the of the experiment, that were water potential of 0.45 mol dm–3 initially placed in 0.45 mol dm–3 sucrose solution sucrose solution
A less negative decreased
B less negative increased
C more negative decreased
D more negative increased
The diagram shows part of the organisation of a section of a DNA molecule and the associated histones, P and R, in prophase of mitosis.
P
Q
R
Which statement about the features labelled P, Q and R during prophase of mitosis is correct?
A The coiled DNA molecule forms Q and wraps around histone R to form small clusters held in place by histone P.
B The groups of histones, P, and its associated DNA, Q, move closer together as the chromosome condenses around R.
C The histones P and R are made of protein around which the DNA molecule, Q, is wrapped so that the DNA molecule can fit inside the nucleus.
D The linked groups of histones P and R and the associated DNA, Q, form strands that fold and twist together to form a chromatid.
How many copies of each DNA molecule will be found in a cell at the start of the stages of the mitotic cell cycle shown?
G1 of cytokinesis interphase
A 1 1
B 1 2
C 2 1
D 2 2
One characteristic of DNA is that it is a universal genetic code.
What is meant by a universal genetic code?
A All living organisms use the same triplet code for amino acids.
B All DNA triplets code for a different amino acid.
C Not all DNA triplets code for an amino acid.
D All living organisms contain the same four nucleic acids.
Which statement about mRNA is correct?
A It is a polymer made of nucleotides all joined with hydrogen bonds.
B Each nucleotide subunit contains the sugar ribose.
C It always has an equal proportion of adenine and uracil.
D The mRNA sequence is identical to the template strand of DNA.
The diagram shows part of the process of translation.
Z
X
Y
What are the names of the structures labelled X, Y and Z?
X Y Z
A anticodon codon mRNA
B anticodon codon tRNA
C codon anticodon mRNA
D codon anticodon tRNA
The DNA triplets of genes are translated as amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis.
The table shows some of these triplets.
name of
DNA triplet amino acid
ATA tyrosine
ATG tyrosine
ACA cysteine
ACG cysteine
ATC stop signal
ACC tryptophan
What could be the effects of one substitution mutation in a triplet coding for tyrosine?
1 The triplet is translated as cysteine.
2 The triplet is translated as tryptophan.
3 The triplet is translated as tyrosine.
4 Translation stops at this triplet.
A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1, 3 and 4 D 2, 3 and 4
Which row identifies cells with plasmodesmata?
phloem sieve companion xylem vessel tube element cell element
A key
B = plasmodesmata present
C = plasmodesmata not present
D
Which statements about the apoplast and symplast pathways are correct?
1 In the apoplast pathway, water molecules move through free spaces in the cellulose cell walls of plant roots.
2 In the symplast pathway, water molecules diffuse through the cytoplasm and plasmodesmata of cells.
3 Water molecules travelling through plant tissue move by mass flow along the apoplast pathway.
4 The Casparian strip blocks the symplast pathway and forces all water molecules to enter the cytoplasm of endodermis cells.
A 1, 2, 3 and 4
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 2 only
D 3 and 4 only
The diagram shows the outline of three xerophytic leaves of the same type in three different conditions, P, R and S.
layer Y layer Y layer Y
P R S
Which description of the water potential of the cells in layer Y is correct?
water potential of cells in layer Y
P R S
A higher than R and S lower than P and S lower than P
B higher than S lower than P higher than P
C lower than R higher than S higher than R
D lower than R and S higher than P lower than P
The photomicrograph shows a transverse section of the leaf of a species of grass.
The grass is specially adapted to grow in a dry habitat.
Which row correctly explains how the features help the grass to grow in this habitat?
hair-like structures leaf shape
A increase internal humidity decrease external humidity
B decrease external humidity increase internal humidity
C increase internal humidity increase internal humidity
D decrease external humidity decrease external humidity
Which statement supports the theory of active loading of sucrose into companion cells?
A The pH decreases in the cell wall of the companion cells compared with the cytoplasm.
B The pH decreases in the cytoplasm of the companion cells compared with the cell wall.
C The pH decreases in the companion cells and sieve tube elements.
D The pH decreases in the sieve tube elements compared with the companion cells.
Which properties of water are essential for its role in the transport of blood in mammals?
high latent heat solvent for polar of vaporisation substances
A key
B = essential
C = not essential
D
The diagram shows some of the events that happen between the plasma and the red blood cells in the circulatory system.
plasma red blood cell
1 1 + H2O
H2CO3
4
2 3 Hb
4
2
What do the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent?
1 2 3 4
A Cl – HCO3– H+ CO2
B CO2 HCO3– H+ Cl –
C HCO3– Cl – CO2 H+
D CO2 H+ HCO3– Cl –
The diagrams show the valves in the heart when viewed in cross-section from above at different stages in the cardiac cycle.
semilunar valve atrioventricular valve
diagram 1 diagram 2
Which stages in the cardiac cycle are shown?
diagram 1 diagram 2
A diastole ventricular systole
B atrial systole diastole
C ventricular systole diastole
D diastole atrial systole
Which statement about gas exchange between air in the alveoli and blood in the pulmonary capillaries is correct?
A The oxygen concentration in the capillaries leaving the pulmonary artery is higher than the oxygen concentration in the alveoli.
B Gases must diffuse across the endothelium of the pulmonary capillaries and the endothelium of the alveoli.
C The elastic fibres in the alveoli walls allow the alveoli to expand to increase the surface area available for diffusion into the pulmonary capillaries.
D Breathing out reduces the carbon dioxide concentration gradient between the blood in the pulmonary capillaries and the air in the alveoli.
The average thicknesses for some structures in the human respiratory system are shown.
average structure thickness of structure / nm
human cell membrane 5 cytoplasm of alveolar wall cells 190 cytoplasm of capillary wall cells 90 tissues between alveolar wall and capillary wall 300
A molecule of oxygen is in the alveolar air space next to the wall of the alveolus.
What is the shortest distance that the molecule needs to diffuse from its current position to the haemoglobin that completely fills a red blood cell in the nearest capillary?
(Assume that the red blood cells touch the walls of a capillary.)
A 595 nm B 600 nm C 605 nm D 610 nm
The statements refer to the disease tuberculosis (TB).
1 The pathogen is not accessible to the immune system.
2 The bacterial pathogen reproduces slowly.
3 The pathogen is not very sensitive to antibiotics.
Which statements explain why antibiotic treatment for TB takes a long time?
A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only
TURN OVER FOR QUESTIONS 39 AND 40.
The average sizes of some pathogens are shown.
average size pathogen
/ nm
HIV particle 100
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 3 000
Plasmodium 20 000
Vibrio cholerae 1 500
One type of air filter has been shown to be effective at preventing any pathogens of 1 µm or larger from entering the air system of a room.
Based on their size and mode of transmission, which diseases would the air filter prevent from entering the air system of a room?
HIV
TB malaria cholera infection
A key
B = prevented
C = not prevented
D
A successful vaccination programme provides a level of immunity where the majority of a population is protected.
There are several factors that can affect the success of a vaccination programme.
Which row correctly shows the factors that can affect the success of a vaccination programme?
frequent mutation of vaccination from pathogen is able to booster vaccinations the pathogen eight weeks old invade T-cells needed frequently
A
B
C
D
key
= affects
= does not affect
Answer
B
Checked your answers against these? Let AI mark the whole paper, on your own working.
It's multiple choice: one mark for each correct answer, and nothing taken off for a wrong one. The mark scheme is the answer key.
Check your answers against it
Done this paper? Upload your script and CIE Buddy's AI marker marks it question by question against this exact scheme, puts the ticks on your own working and says what each lost mark needed.
Where can I find the 9700/12 May/June 2023 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Biology 9700/12, May/June 2023 (9700_s23_ms_12), and the question paper (9700_s23_qp_12), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9700/12 out of?+
Biology 9700/12 for May/June 2023 is out of 40 marks, with 1 hour 15 minutes to answer it.
Can I get my 9700/12 answers marked?+
Yes. Upload your answers to 9700/12/M/J/23 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.