Respiration (Edexcel A (SNAB) A Level Biology)

Exam Questions

46 mins5 questions
1a
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2 marks

The following statements all relate to cellular respiration.

  1. Cellular respiration is also called ventilation
  2. It is a series of chemical reactions that usually requires oxygen to break down a respiratory substrate
  3. Cellular respiration produces energy in the form of ATP
  4. Cellular respiration occurs in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells
(i)

Which of the statements are correct? 

(1)

  A I, II and IV
  B II and III
  C II and IV
  D II, III and IV

(ii)

Which of the following processes does not require ATP? 

(1)

  A Protein synthesis
  B Osmosis
  C Active transport of ions
  D Muscle contractions

1b
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2 marks

The following apparatus was set up to measure the rate of aerobic respiration by a student.

3zd_KYIC_1

Identify solution X and state its function within the experiment.

1c
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3 marks

The student monitors the movement of the water droplet over time.

(i)

Draw an arrow on the diagram at part (b) to show the direction of movement of the water droplet.

(1)

(ii)

Explain the movement of the water droplet.

(2)

1d
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3 marks

The student found the water droplet had moved by 2 cm in 24 hours. The diameter of the lumen of the tube is 1 mm. 

The volume of the tubing is given by the equation πr²l.
Use the value of 3.14 to represent π and note that l refers to the length.

Use the equation to calculate the volume of gas produced in cm³ hour⁻¹ and give your answer in standard form.

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2a
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2 marks

Mitochondrial diseases in humans cause their mitochondria to malfunction. Individuals that suffer from mitochondrial disease are only able to endure an intense exercise for a short period of time.

Explain the reason for this.

2b
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1 mark

The diagram below shows a mitochondrion.

q1b_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq

Identify the structures labelled A and B in the diagram.

2c
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3 marks

Some forms of mitochondrial dysfunction result in mitochondria that lack fully formed cristae as shown in the diagram below.

q1c_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq

Deduce, with a reason, the effect of this on the production of ATP.

2d
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1 mark

The following diagram shows glycolysis.

q1d_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq

State the net production of ATP and reduced NAD during glycolysis.

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3a
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4 marks

The following graph shows the lactate concentration of an athlete during and after exercise.

gftrcoHK_lactic-acid-graph

(i)

State the type of respiration that is occurring in the muscle cells of the athlete.

(1)

(ii)

Explain why the type of respiration mentioned at part (i) cannot continue for long in the muscle cells.

(3)

3b
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2 marks

Use the information in the graph at part (a) to calculate the percentage increase in the lactate concentration between 10 and 20 minutes. Give your answer to three significant figures.

3c
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2 marks

The athlete stopped exercising after 15 minutes.

Describe and explain the shape of the graph between 15 and 20 minutes.

3d
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2 marks

State two things that can happen to lactate after it is produced.

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4a
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3 marks

The Krebs cycle, which takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, releases hydrogen ions.
These hydrogen ions provide a source of energy for the synthesis of ATP, using coenzymes.

Describe the role of the coenzymes in the synthesis of ATP.

4b
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2 marks

Explain why the link reaction is described as an oxidative decarboxylation reaction.

4c
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2 marks

The diagram below shows the Krebs cycle.

12-2-fig-4-1

Identify the number of carbon atoms (e.g. 1C) in the compounds at each stage of the Krebs cycle (A to D).

4d
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2 marks

Reduced NAD and FAD are produced throughout the stages of respiration. 

Stage of respiration Number of reduced NAD molecules Number of reduced FAD molecules
Glycolysis    
Link reaction    
Krebs cycle    
Oxidative Phosphorylation    

Complete the table above to show how many molecules of reduced NAD and FAD are produced at each stage per molecule of glucose.

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5a
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1 mark

Which of the following is not considered an advantage of anaerobic respiration? 

  A ATP is still produced even when the availability of oxygen is low
  B It allows for short, quick bursts of energy
  C Lactate accumulates in the cells
  D Muscle fibres are still able to contract in low oxygen conditions

5b
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2 marks

During aerobic respiration, glucose is broken down into stages. Each stage consists of a series of chemical reactions controlled by intracellular enzymes.

Explain the importance of this to a living organism.

5c
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1 mark

Which of the following represents the correct description and location of the stages of respiration? 

      Stage Description Location
  A Oxidative phosphorylation Production of ATP through the reduction of H atoms Inner membrane of mitochondria
  B Glycolysis Phosphorylation and production of ATP Cytoplasm
  C Krebs cycle Cyclical pathway where citrate is converted back to oxaloacetate Mitochondrial matrix
  D Link reaction Oxidation of acetate to form acetyl CoA Cristae of mitochondria

5d
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6 marks

Describe the mechanism by which ATP is formed in the mitochondria.

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