Biology 9700/23 May/June 2024: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Biology (9700), Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions, May/June 2024. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
The Zika virus is a pathogen that can infect human cells.
(a) Fig. 1.1 is a drawing of the structure of a Zika virus.
A
B
Fig. 1.1
(i) In Fig. 1.1, structure A is made of protein.
Name structure A.
…… [1]
(ii) In Fig. 1.1, structure B is a single-stranded molecule.
Suggest the name of structure B.
…… [1]
(b) Fig. 1.2 is a transmission electron micrograph of human kidney cells infected with Zika viruses.
Zika viruses
X Y
magnification ×200 000
Fig. 1.2
(i) Calculate the actual diameter of a Zika virus using the line X–Y in Fig. 1.2.
Show your working.
Give your answer in nanometres (nm).
diameter = …… nm [2]
(ii) A magnification of ×200 000 cannot be achieved by a light microscope. The resolution of a transmission electron microscope is also higher than a light microscope.
Describe what is meant by the resolution of a microscope.
…… [1]
(c) The vector for Zika virus is the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito feeds on the blood of an infected person and transmits the virus to another person when it feeds again.
Describe the similarities and differences between the transmission of Zika virus disease and the transmission of malaria.
…… [3]
(d) Zika virus vaccines have been developed by scientists.
One of the vaccines contains small proteins from the Zika virus.
(i) Explain how giving this vaccine to a person can lead to the development of long-term immunity against Zika virus disease.
…… [4]
(ii) Explain how a vaccination programme may limit the spread of Zika virus disease through a population.
…… [2]
[Total: 14]
Mark scheme
1(a)(i) capsid ; 1
A capsomere
A protein coat
1(a)(ii) RNA / DNA ; (actual is RNA) 1
I viral
R dsRNA / dsDNA / mRNA / tRNA / rRNA
1(b)(i) 50 (nm) ; 2
A 50 / 52.5 / 55 / 57.5 / 60 nm
working showing use of correct formula, A = I / M ;
length X–Y / ÷ magnification
1(b)(ii) ability to distinguish between two points ; AW 1
1(c) malaria is transmitted by Anopheles (rather than Aedes) ; 3
plus any two from:
max 1 if incorrect context stated for malarial transmission
both are transmitted by vectors ;
both are transmitted by mosquitoes ;
both, are blood-borne diseases / vectors feed on blood ;
1(d)(i) max three if no correct ref. within response to, memory cells / immunological 4
memory
A T- / B-cells, for, T- / B- lymphocytes
any three from:
1 proteins are, non-self / foreign, antigens ;
2 proteins / antigens, stimulate a primary immune response ;
3 T-lymphocyte / B-lymphocyte, binding / recognition / clonal
selection / activation / described in terms of receptor ;
4 clonal expansion / cell divides by mitosis to produce a clone / AW ;
5 formation of memory, (T- / B-) lymphocytes ;
mps 3, 4, 5 in context of primary immune response
6,7 further detail ;
e.g. (artificial) active immunity
(T- / B-) memory cells, remain in, circulation / the body, for a long time
or
memory cells are long-lived
(for secondary response) larger numbers of lymphocytes (specific to Zika
virus)
greater chance of encountering, Zika virus / pathogen / antigens
secondary immune response is, stronger / faster (than primary immune
response)
faster production / higher concentration, of (specific) antibody
(so) person does not have symptoms of disease when infected with (actual)
Zika virus
1(d)(ii) any two from: 2
ref. to herd immunity ;
A a large proportion of the population is immune (to Zika virus disease) ;
detail; e.g. context is less likely / less chance of / less risk of
people without immunity / unvaccinated people, less likely / unlikely, to
be in contact with an infected person
ora infected person unlikely to be in contact with a non-immune person
idea of increased chance of breaking the transmission cycle
AVP ; e.g. can achieve a high percentage cover
if R0 high, greater percentage of population need vaccinating ora
Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found in many tissues in animals.
(a) Describe the structure of a collagen molecule and the structure of a collagen fibre.
collagen molecule ……
collagen fibre ……
[5]
(b) Some amino acids in collagen can be modified to improve the stability of the protein. For example, the amino acid lysine can be modified to form hydroxylysine.
Fig. 2.1 shows a disaccharide bonded to the amino acid hydroxylysine in a collagen molecule.
The disaccharide is made from two monosaccharides, which are indicated by the labels D and E in Fig. 2.1.
NH2
CH2
CH2OH
OH O
E H O C H
OH H
H
H CH2
CH2OH H
O
H O H
D H CH2
OH H
OH
H OH O amino amino
N C C acid acid
H H
hydroxylysine
Fig. 2.1
(i) Give the precise name of the monosaccharide labelled D in Fig. 2.1.
…… [1]
(ii) On Fig. 2.1, label the glycosidic bond with the letter G.
Write your answer on Fig. 2.1. [1]
(iii) On Fig. 2.1, draw a circle around the R group of hydroxylysine and label the circle with the letter R.
Write your answer on Fig. 2.1. [1]
(c) Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease that results from a deficiency in collagen.
Suggest how a named tissue or structure is affected in a person who has this disease.
…… [2]
[Total: 10]
Mark scheme
2(a) max 1 in molecule section if mps from collagen fibre included as features of a 5
molecule
max 1 in fibre section if mps from molecule included as features of collagen fibre
or
if polypeptide described in molecule section and all features in fibre section are
descriptive for a collagen molecule
any five from:
molecule (to max 4)
1 three, helical / AW, polypeptides / chains I quaternary structure
or
triple helix ;
2 (helical chains) tightly wound ;
3 hydrogen bonds between, polypeptides / chains ;
4 (generally) every third amino acid (in each, polypeptide / chain) is glycine ;
fibre (to max 4)
5 cross links / covalent bonds , between molecules ;
6 molecules arranged in parallel ;
7 molecules (in fibril / fibre) are, staggered / ends not aligned / AW ;
8 AVP ;
e.g. detail of H bonds
collagen fibre can be composed of collagen fibrils made of (parallel)
collagen molecules
glycosylated (amino acids in polypeptide) / hydroxylated
2(b)(i) α-glucose / alpha glucose ; 1
2(b)(ii) label to glycosidic bond labelled G ; 1
2(b)(iii) NH2CH2CHCH2CH2 circled and labelled R ; 1
2(c) correct named tissue or structure ; 2
e.g. blood vessels / cartilage / bone / ligaments / skin / tendons
(is/are) weaker / deformed / easily broken / AW ;
A description of how function is affected
Arteries, capillaries and veins are three types of blood vessel.
(a) Table 3.1 shows some features of these three types of blood vessel.
Complete Table 3.1 by using a tick (3) if the feature is present in the blood vessel and a cross
(✗) if the feature is absent from the blood vessel.
Put a tick (3) or a cross (✗) in every box.
Table 3.1
feature artery capillary vein
smooth muscle
endothelium
tunica media
[3]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a transmission electron micrograph of part of an alveolus and part of the adjacent capillary.
alveolar capillary lumen air space
Fig. 3.1
(i) Draw two labelled arrows on Fig. 3.1 to show the direction of movement of oxygen and the direction of movement of carbon dioxide during gas exchange in the lungs. [1]
(ii) Suggest and explain how a steep oxygen concentration gradient is maintained in the lungs.
…… [4]
(c) The passage outlines the roles of blood vessels associated with the heart.
Complete the passage by using the most appropriate scientific terms.
The …… carries blood to the left atrium. After passing from the left
atrium to the left ventricle, blood is pumped into the aorta. The aorta is one of two large
arteries that carry blood away from the ventricles of the heart. Blood that leaves the heart to
enter these arteries must pass through the …… valves.
Oxygenated blood is supplied to the cardiac muscle cells through the
[3]
[Total: 11]
Mark scheme
3(a) 3
feature artery capillary vein
smooth muscle X
endothelium
tunica media X
;;;
one mark per correct row
if 0 or 1 mark, check columns to allow max 2
3(b)(i) labelled arrows for 1
oxygen, leaving alveolar space / entering capillary lumen
and
carbon dioxide, leaving capillary lumen / entering alveolar space ;
3(b)(ii) any four from: 4
1 blood arriving (in alveolar capillaries), is deoxygenated / has low(er) partial
pressure of oxygen ;
A low, concentrations / levels, of oxygen or oxygen-poor
2 oxygen taken up by haemoglobin (from plasma) / formation of
oxyhaemoglobin ;
3 idea that newly oxygenated blood is, constantly / continually, removed ;
A oxygenated blood passed to pulmonary vein
A oxygen that diffuses, from alveoli / into blood, is transported away (by
blood flow)
4 (because of) many / large network of capillaries ; context is alveolar capillaries
5 ventilation / breathing / inhalation and exhalation / AW, qualified ;
e.g. allows (more) oxygen in (to alveolar space)
idea of constantly replaces alveolar air
6 AVP ; e.g. ventilation maintains a large concentration difference between
alveolar space and capillary
3(c) pulmonary vein ; 3
semilunar ; A aortic and pulmonary
coronary ;
Lignin and suberin are polymers that are present in plant tissues.
(a) Describe and explain the roles of lignin and suberin in the transport of water through the roots and stem of a plant.
…… [4]
(b) The enzyme laccase catalyses the formation of lignin in plants.
Fig. 4.1 is a diagram of the mode of action of laccase.
copper ion
laccase
start of lignin chain
monolignols
Fig. 4.1
Describe and explain the mode of action of laccase when catalysing the formation of lignin.
…… [5]
[Total: 9]
Mark scheme
4(a) Max 3 for suberin, max 3 for lignin 4
any four from:
1 lignin / suberin, is, hydrophobic / (partially) impermeable to water / AW ;
e.g. waterproof / barrier to water
suberin
2 suberin found in, Casparian strip / endodermal cells / endodermis ;
3 water must move from apoplast (pathway) to, symplast (pathway) / cytoplasm
(at endodermis) ;
4 allows control of solutes / AW, before entering, endodermal cells / xylem ;
A helps to prevent, toxins / bacteria / AW, entering xylem in context of mp3
lignin
5 lignin found in, cell walls of xylem vessel elements / walls of xylem vessels ;
A xylem / vessel, elements
6 idea of lignin / lignified wall, prevents water leaving xylem / loss of water from
xylem ;
7 lignified walls, prevents, (inward) collapse of / compression of / AW, xylem ;
R bursting
8 provides strength / secondary thickening, for (structural) support (of xylem) ;
9 AVP ; e.g. ref. to lignin as part of endodermis
adhesion of water molecules to hydrophilic parts of lignin prevents
collapse of water column / AW
lignification causes death of xylem vessel elements context of
producing empty xylem vessels for transport
4(b) max 4 if no reference to laccase / monolignols 5
allow substrate(s) for monolignols
any five from:
1 laccase uses induced fit ;
2 idea that active site shape not fully complementary to (shape of) monolignols ;
3 active site changes shape to, fit / bind to, monolignols ; AW
4 becomes fully complementary ;
5 forming enzyme-substrate complex ;
6 lowers, activation energy / energy of activation;
7 suggestion of how activation energy is lowered ;
8 laccase returns to original shape, after product leaves active site / for
re-use / AW ;
9 AVP ; e.g. suggestion that, copper ions are, cofactors / necessary for enzyme
action
suggestion that monolignols are held in place by (temporary) H bonds
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are enzymes that regulate the cell cycle.
(a) Cell signalling by ligands causes the activation of CDKs in target cells.
Outline the main stages in the process of cell signalling by ligands that can cause specific responses in target cells.
…… [2]
(b) The activity of CDKs is reduced by CDK inhibitors. Many of these inhibitors occur naturally in cells.
Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of a CDK inhibitor binding to a CDK molecule.
inhibitor
CDK
active site
Fig. 5.1
State and explain how the CDK inhibitor in Fig. 5.1 prevents the activity of the CDK molecule.
…… [2]
(c) Table 5.1 lists three different CDKs, their roles in the cell cycle and molecules that inhibit them.
Table 5.1
name of CDK role of CDK in the cell cycle CDK inhibitor regulates cell progression from
CDK1 RO-3306
G2 to mitosis regulates the processes of the
CDK2 p21Cip1
S phase regulates cell progression from
CDK4 palbociclib
G1 to the S phase
(i) With reference to Table 5.1, state which CDK inhibitor is likely to result in a cell containing one chromatid per chromosome. Explain your answer.
inhibitor ……
explanation ……
[2]
(ii) With reference to Table 5.1, state which CDK inhibitor is likely to result in a cell with:
• a relatively high concentration of mitochondria
• two chromatids per chromosome.
Explain your answer.
inhibitor ……
explanation ……
[2]
(d) Scientists have developed CDK inhibitors that are synthetic.
Explain why CDK inhibitors can be used to treat cancerous tumours.
…… [2]
[Total: 10]
Mark scheme
5(a) any two from: 2
cells secrete ligands
or
transport of ligands, through blood / in circulatory system ;
ligands bind to (complementary / specific) receptors ; context of target cells
(binding) sets off reactions within the (target) cell / triggers secondary
messengers / sets off an enzyme cascade ;
A cyclic AMP for secondary messengers
5(b) (non-competitive inhibitor) binds to, allosteric site / site other than active 2
site / AW ;
(binding causes) change in shape of active site ;
active site no longer complementary to the substrate / AW ;
5(c)(i) Palbociclib / p21Cip1 ; 2
(in S phase), stops DNA replication occurring / DNA replication occurs
or
identical /sister, chromatid formed in S phase ;
A idea of p21Cip1 disrupts normal DNA replication (in S phase)
5(c)(ii) RO-3306, qualified 2
1 cell cycle stops (in G2) after mitochondria have, divided / increased in number
or
mitochondria, divide / increase in number, in (G1 and) G2 / before mitosis ;
A no, mitosis / cytokinesis, so numbers of mitochondria remain high
2 idea that DNA replication will have occurred / sister chromatids will have
formed, in S phase, but the cell cannot carry out mitosis ;
5(d) cell cycle is stopped before, mitosis / cytokinesis / cell division ; 2
idea of stops uncontrolled cell division (increasing tumour size) ;
DNA and RNA are polynucleotides.
(a) Describe three ways in which the structure of messenger RNA (mRNA) differs from the structure of DNA.
In each of your answers, include information about the structure of mRNA and the structure of DNA.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
(b) Scientists have synthesised four synthetic bases, Z, P, S and B. The base pairings of the synthetic bases are shown in Fig. 6.1.
Key d = site where bond forms with
H H deoxyribose
O2N N H O H 3C O H N N
N N
N H N N N H N N d d
N N d O H N d N H O
H H
Z P S B
Fig. 6.1
(i) State the letters that represent the two purine synthetic bases in Fig. 6.1.
…… [1]
(ii) State and explain which DNA base pair is most similar to the synthetic base pairs in
Fig. 6.1.
…… [2]
[Total: 6]
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Mark scheme
6(a) must have correct matching information about mRNA and DNA 3
any three correct (rows) from:
mRNA DNA
one strand / single-stranded / one two strands / double-stranded / two
polynucleotide chain polynucleotide chains ;
A double helix
RNA, bases not paired / base pairing DNA base pairing present ;
not present
ribose (sugar) deoxyribose (sugar) ;
uracil, (adenine, cytosine, guanine) thymine, (adenine, cytosine guanine)
(base(s) / nucleotide(s)) (base(s) /nucleotide(s)) ;
shorter / fewer nucleotides longer / more nucleotides ;
6(b)(i) P and B ; 1
6(b)(ii) C and G ; 2
held together by three hydrogen bonds (same as the artificial base pairs) ;
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