Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

|

Cell Respiration (HL IB Biology)

Exam Questions

5 hours69 questions
1a1 mark

State an appropriate chemical equation to represent the production of ATP in respiration.

1b2 marks

ATP is an energy source required for many processes in the human body.

Identify two uses of ATP in the human body.

1c2 marks

State the word equation for aerobic respiration.

1d4 marks

By filling each cell with either or ✗, complete the table below to compare and contrast anaerobic respiration in yeasts and in humans.

Feature of anaerobic respiration Yeasts Humans
Relatively small ATP yield    
Oxygen required    
Ethanol and CO2 produced    
Lactate produced    

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2a1 mark

When farmers store animal feed, moisture levels need to be kept as low as possible to prevent the growth of fungi. Animal feed was exposed to 10 % moisture and placed into a respirometer. O2 consumption by fungi was monitored using a respirometer over a period of 12 days. The results are shown below.

JsGGj-Bo_e-2a

   

A specific amount of soda-lime was added to the respirometer before data collection began.

State why this alkali was added.

2b2 marks

State two conclusions that could be drawn from the results shown in the graph in part (a).

2c1 mark

List one variable (other than humidity) that should be controlled in this experiment.

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3a2 marks

Define cellular respiration.

3b1 mark

State the word equation for anaerobic respiration in a human striated muscle cell.

3c2 marks

Suggest why anaerobic respiration might occur in a human striated muscle cell.

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4a2 marks

The oxygen consumption rate of the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) was examined in a respirometer at three different water temperatures and at four different body masses.

The experimental set-up used and the results of the experiment are shown below.

e-4b

Suggest how the oxygen consumption rate of Pterois volitans is determined.

4b1 mark

State the relationship between body mass and the oxygen consumption of Pterois volitans.

4c2 marks

Based on the data, suggest what the effects of global warming on aerobic respiration in fish might be.

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5a4 marks

The apparatus shown below was used as a basic respirometer to measure the oxygen consumption of a lizard.

e-a

Describe how the experimental set-up shown above can be used to measure the oxygen consumption of the lizard.

5b3 marks

Discuss the suitability of the apparatus shown in part (a) for measuring the oxygen consumption of a green plant during respiration.

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6a
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2 marks

The diagram shows a mitochondrion.

mitochondria-label-parts-sq

Identify the parts labelled A and B.

6b
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3 marks

The stages of respiration take part in different locations in a cell as shown in the table below.

Complete the missing parts of the table.

Stage of respiration Location in cell
  Cytoplasm
Link Reaction  
Krebs cycle Matrix of mitochondria
Oxidative phosphorylation  

6c
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1 mark

Mitochondria are highly adapted to carry out respiration. One adaptation is a highly folded inner membrane, the cristae.

Describe how the folding of a membrane is an adaptation of an organelle such as the mitochondria.

6d
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1 mark

Anaerobic respiration also occurs in cells, but not in the mitochondria.

State the names of the two types of anaerobic respiration. One type occurs in animal cells and the other type occurs in yeast cells.

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7a
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2 marks

Respiration can be represented by a chemical equation. 

State the balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration.

7b
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1 mark

Respiration involves the oxidation and reduction of chemical compounds. 

Define oxidation in terms of electrons lost or gained. 

7c
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1 mark

The diagram below shows the cyclic formation of ATP from ADP. 

Use the diagram to identify which of processes A and B is the process of phosphorylation. 

WdhpUAhM_-cycling-of-atp-and-adp

7d
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2 marks

Phosphorylation occurs during the process of glycolysis.  

Use the diagram below to describe phosphorylation during glycolysis.

glycolysis-ib-specific

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8a
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1 mark

The Link Reaction is described as an oxidative decarboxylation reaction. 

State which molecule is decarboxylated during the Link Reaction.  

8b
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2 marks

Coenzyme A is a molecule used in the Link Reaction, 

State the role of coenzyme A in the Link Reaction.

8c
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1 mark

During the Krebs cycle, two molecules of carbon dioxide are released. 

State how many molecules of carbon dioxide are released in the Krebs cycle per glucose molecule.

8d
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2 marks

The coenzyme NAD is reduced six times during the Krebs cycle stage of respiration. 

Describe the events that occur to the molecule of NAD in order to reduce it. 

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9a
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1 mark

The diagram below shows the process of oxidative phosphorylation. 

8-4-q-4b

Identify enzyme A from the diagram.

9b
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3 marks

Describe the role of enzyme A from the diagram in part (a). 

9c
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2 marks

An important process in respiration is the electron transport chain.  This uses a series of redox reactions where electrons, donated from specific molecules, are transported through a chain of electron carriers.

State the two molecules which act as electron donors in the electron transport chain. 

9d
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3 marks

Oxygen is described as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.  

Explain the importance of oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

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10a
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3 marks

Describe the steps involved in the link reaction. 

10b
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4 marks

Describe the role of the inner membrane of the mitochondria. 

10c
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8 marks

The four main stages of aerobic respiration are glycolysis, the link reaction, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Describe each stage, including the location of each. 

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1a2 marks

ATP is a chemical substance generated in cellular respiration; it is an immediate source of energy for the cell.  ATP can easily be hydrolysed or re-synthesised. 

State two products created when ATP is hydrolysed by water.

1b2 marks

Cells hydrolyse ATP to provide energy for other reactions, or to add phosphate to other substances to make them more reactive. However, ATP needs to be re-synthesised to provide energy for future reactions.

Describe how ATP may be re-synthesised.

1c2 marks

Give two ways in which the properties of ATP make it a suitable source of energy for biological processes. 

1d2 marks

Each day, the human body synthesises more than its weight in ATP during aerobic respiration.

Explain why it is necessary to synthesise such large amounts of ATP.

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2a2 marks

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

biology-2-7-q2a-sq-ib-hl

Suggest what solution X might be and its function within the experiment.

2b3 marks

Describe what ethical concerns the student should consider during this experiment.

2c3 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, give your answer in standard form.

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3a2 marks

The diagram below shows the respirometer apparatus used by a teacher for measuring the rate of oxygen consumption of seeds during aerobic respiration.

biology-2-7-q3a-sq-ib-hl

For the first 12 minutes, the tap attached to tube 1 was left open and the syringe from tube 2 was taken away.

Suggest two reasons why this was done.

3b2 marks

A temperature of 25 oC was used during the experiment. The teacher explained it was very important to keep the temperature constant. 

Explain why it is important to keep the temperature constant.

3c3 marks

After 12 minutes, the tap connected to tube 1 was closed and the syringe was attached to tube 2. Every 60 seconds, the syringe plunger was moved to make the levels in the U-tube identical. The reading on the volume scale of the syringe was then recorded. The results are shown in the table below.

Time (minutes) Reading on volume scale of syringe (cm3)
0 0.86
1 0.83
2 0.80
3 0.77
4 0.75
5 0.73
6 0.70
7 0.68
8 0.65
9 0.62
10 0.59
11 0.57
12 0.54


Predict, with a reason, whether the coloured liquid in the U-tube would move towards tube 1 or tube 2 during the experiment.

3d2 marks

The mass of the seeds was 1.8 g. 

Using the information provided in the table, calculate the rate of oxygen consumption cm3 g–1 hour–1 by the seeds. Show your working.

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4a3 marks

A researcher investigated the use of a new carbohydrate source (substance L) for the production of ethanol as biofuel. The aim was to find the optimum length of time to leave a mixture of yeast and substance L to produce ethanol. They set up an airtight container containing yeast and substance L, then measured the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol over 10 hours.

The results of this experiment are shown in the graph below.

biology-2-7-q4a-sq-ib-hl

Give three reasons why the container, containing the mixture, had to be airtight.

4b2 marks

Explain the relationship seen between the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide between 0 and 2.5 hours.

4c2 marks

A student concluded that the yeast started to respire anaerobically when the oxygen concentration fell below a certain concentration. 

Suggest, with a reason, at what time in the experiment this occurred.

4d1 mark

State the equation to show the type of respiration carried out by the yeast after 2.5 hours.

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5a5 marks

Compare and contrast aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

5b4 marks

During sprint exercise or weight lifting, the body relies on anaerobic respiration to maximise the power of muscle contraction.

Explain why anaerobic respiration can only be sustained for short periods of time.

5c6 marks

Describe and explain the use of yeast in baking.

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6a2 marks

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

Explain why this is.

6b1 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

6c3 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

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

6d1 mark

The diagram below 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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7a3 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 coenzyme.

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

7b2 marks

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

7c2 marks

The diagram below shows the Krebs cycle.q2c_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq-png

Identify the number of carbon atoms (e.g. 1C) at each stage of the Krebs cycle.

7d2 marks

NAD and FAD are important electron carriers produced throughout the stages of respiration.

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

Stage of respiration

Number of NAD molecules

Number of FAD molecules

Glycolysis

 

 

Link reaction

 

 

Krebs cycle

 

 

Electron transport chain

 

 

Chemiosmosis

 

 

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8a3 marks

Describe the role of oxygen in respiration.

8b3 marks

Outline the events of the electron transport chain.

8c2 marks

The diagram below shows part of a mitochondrion. q3c_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq

Suggest, with a reason, which part of the mitochondrion is shown in the diagram.

8d1 mark

Label parts A, B and C in the diagram in part c).

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9a3 marks

Draw an annotated diagram of a mitochondrion as seen through an electron microscope.

Your drawing should be a longitudinal cross-section; it should show the mitochondrion as if it has been cut open end-to-end.

9b1 mark

The diagram below shows the cristae of a mitochondrion viewed with a magnification of x7000.q4c_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq-png

Use the information from the diagram and above to calculate the actual size space between A and B. You may assume that the line AB, when printed on paper, has a length of 3.5 cm. 

9c3 marks

Phosphorylation occurs on the cristae membrane.

  1. Describe the process of phosphorylation of ATP.   
  2. State the stage(s) of respiration in which substrate level phosphorylation occurs.

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10a8 marks

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

10b3 marks

Explain the relationship between the structure of the mitochondria and how it is related to its function.

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1a
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3 marks

A Sports Scientist was investigating aerobic respiration in an athlete. The equation below summarises how ATP is produced, using energy from the oxidation of glucose, for this particular athlete.

      glucose + oxygen + (ADP + Pi) → carbon dioxide + water + ATP

               170 g    124.4 dm3     17.25 kg          124.4 dm        107 g     17.25 kg

Calculate the mass of ATP produced per dm3 of oxygen for the athlete.

1b
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2 marks

The Sports Scientist then decided to measure the volume of oxygen consumed and the mass of ATP produced by the athlete when they ran different length races.

Some of the results for the athlete are shown in the table below.

Length of race/m Volume of oxygen consumed in cell respiration during race/dm3 Mass of ATP produced/kg
1 500 40  
10 000 160  
25 000   48.545
42 000   95.703

Complete the table by calculating the missing values.

1c
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3 marks

The Sports Scientist estimated that during a 100 m race, 95 g of ATP would be needed by the athlete, but the athlete only consumed 0.6 dm3 of oxygen.

(i)
Calculate the difference in grams between the mass of ATP required for a 100 m race and the mass of ATP produced from 0.6 dm3 of oxygen.

[2]

(ii)
Deduce how the remaining ATP required for the 100 m race is being produced.

[1]

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2a2 marks

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

Explain why this is.

2b2 marks

A group of researchers wanted to investigate ATP production in the preparation of isolated mitochondria taken from a person with mitochondrial disease. They suspended the mitochondria in an isotonic solution and added ADP, phosphate and a respiratory substrate. Oxygen was supplied throughout the preparation.

Explain why the solution used was isotonic.

2c
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3 marks

Researchers measured the rate of CO2 production by three groups of insects of the same species at 15 °C, 25 °C and 35 °C. The mean mass of each group of insects was also recorded. Their results can be seen in the table below.

Temperature / °C Mean mass / g

Rate of CO2 release

/ µdm3 min-1

Rate of CO2 release per gram

/ µdm3 g-1 min-1

15 0.051 0.15  
25 0.050 0.39  
35 0.052 0.61  

(i)

Calculate the rate of carbon dioxide release per gram for each temperature in the table. Give your answer to two decimal places.

[1]

(ii)
Sketch a graph of your values against temperature.

[2]

2d3 marks
(i)
Describe the effect of temperature on the rate of CO2 release for these insects.

[1]

(ii)
Explain this effect.

[2]

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3a5 marks

A researcher used the apparatus shown below to measure the rate of respiration in yeast. The researcher placed the flask in a water bath with the bung open (so that the yeast culture reached a constant temperature), before adding the alkaline pyrogallol, inserting the bung and starting the investigation. In an alkaline solution, pyrogallol absorbs oxygen from the air.

screenshot-2022-07-14-13-19-38

When the researcher inserted the bung and began the experiment, the coloured liquid initially moved to the right. After a period of time, the coloured liquid slowed, stopped and reversed its direction, moving to the left.

Use the diagram above and your knowledge of respiration to explain these observations.

3b
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4 marks

When the coloured liquid in part (a) moved to the left, the researcher measured that the coloured liquid moved 1.8 cm in 16 hours. The internal diameter of the capillary tubing was 1.3 mm. The volume of the capillary tubing is given by πr2l, where l = length.

Calculate the volume of gas produced and from this, the rate of gas production in mm3 hr–1. Show your working and give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

3c5 marks

The researcher then wanted to measure and compare the rate of aerobic respiration in different species of beetle (with different masses) using the experimental set-up shown below.

screenshot-2022-07-14-14-07-15

(i)
Outline the different measurements that the researcher would need to take in order to calculate the aerobic respiration rate and to accurately compare these respiration rates between different beetle species.

[4]

(ii)
Suggest suitable units of respiration rate, based on the different measurements that the researcher would need to take.

[1]

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4a
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1 mark

The diagram below shows the process of glycolysis. Glycolysis is the first stage of respiration. It takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell and involves trapping glucose in the cell by phosphorylating the molecule and then splitting the glucose molecule in two.

screenshot-2022-07-14-17-25-23

Give the net ATP production from glycolysis.

4b3 marks

Explain how temperature influences the rate of ATP production in respiration.

4c2 marks

Identify the overall process that is occurring as shown in the diagram below and the condition under which this process must be occurring.

screenshot-2022-07-14-17-52-05

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5a6 marks

Scientists investigated the effect of exercise on muscle fibres in mice. The mice were split into two groups. Group A undertook regular exercise for 8 weeks, Group B was not exercised. After 8 weeks the scientists compared how long each group of mice could carry out prolonged exercise.

(i)
Identify which group was able to exercise for longer periods

[1]

(ii)
Using the idea of respiration, explain the scientists' findings.

[5]

5b4 marks

The scientists then investigated the effect of cyanide on the uptake of oxygen in mitochondria isolated from mice cells. Cyanide acts as an inhibitor of several enzymes involved in respiration. The scientists compared the mice's mitochondria with mitochondria isolated from plant cells. They prepared a flask of suspension of each type of mitochondria and recorded the oxygen concentration in each flask over time.

  • After 10 minutes they added ADP and a respiratory substrate to each suspension.
  • After 20 minutes they added cyanide to each suspension.

Their results are shown in the graph below. During time A to C the results of the two flasks overlap.

screenshot-2022-07-14-10-01-02

(i)
Describe the differences in results between lines C to D (mice mitochondria) and C to E (plant mitochondria).

[2]

(ii)
Explain these differences.

[2]

5c7 marks
(c)
Compare and contrast aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

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6a
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1 mark

Most plants can respire aerobically and anaerobically.  The diagram below shows a summary of anaerobic respiration.

process-a-and-b

State precisely in the cell where Process A occurs.

6b
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2 marks

The diagram below shows a summary of the processes involved in aerobic respiration. 

aerobic-respiration

Explain how Process D enables Process A to continue

6c
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3 marks

Aerobic respiration produces more ATP per molecule of glucose than anaerobic respiration. 

Explain why.

6d
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3 marks

Different stages of respiration can be inhibited by a range of substances. DNP is a steroid drug used in the weight loss industry. It inhibits respiration by preventing a proton gradient being maintained across membranes. When added to isolated mitochondria it caused the following effects:

  • Less ATP produced
  • Increase in heat production
  • No change in the uptake of oxygen 

Explain how DNP caused these changes.

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7a
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3 marks

The Krebs cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. The process releases hydrogen ions which provide a source of energy for the synthesis of ATP, using co-enzymes and carrier proteins.

Describe the role of co-enzymes and carrier proteins in the production of ATP. 

7b
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2 marks

The following reaction takes place in the Krebs cycle.

Enzyme
Succinate ——→ Fumarate

A student investigated the effect of the enzyme inhibitor malonate on this reaction. The structure of malonate is similar to the structure of succinate.

In the investigation, the student added malonate and the respiratory substrate, pyruvate, to a suspension of isolated mitochondria. She also bubbled oxygen through the suspension.

Explain why the student used pyruvate and not glucose as a respiratory substrate.  

7c
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2 marks

The structures of succinate and malonate and shown in the diagram below.

succinate-malonate-structures

Suggest how malonate inhibits the formation of fumarate from succinate. 

7d
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2 marks

The student measured the uptake of oxygen by the mitochondria during the investigation. The uptake of oxygen decreased when malonate was added.

Explain why.

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8a
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2 marks

A group of scientists measured the mean rate of respiration in soil found under trees and soil that was not from under trees within the same woodland. The mean rate of photosynthesis in leaves was also measured. The measurements were taken throughout a 24 hour period during the summer.  

The diagram below shows the scientists' results. 

lcstjsko-image

Suggest an explanation for the mean rate of respiration in soil not under the trees between midday and sunset. 

8b
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2 marks

The mean rate of respiration is higher in soil under the trees throughout the 24hours. The scientists suggested the mean rate of photosynthesis was the cause of this. 

Suggest how the rise in the mean rate of photosynthesis could lead to the rise in the mean rate of respiration in soil under trees.

8c
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1 mark

Suggest why there is a delay between the rise in the mean rate of photosynthesis and the rise in the mean rate of respiration. 

8d
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2 marks

State the measurements needed for the scientists to calculate the rate of carbon dioxide production. 

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9a
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3 marks

The diagram below shows the main stages of aerobic respiration.

8NENyROy_image

 Name substances A, B and C

9b
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2 marks

Annotate on the diagram,

(i)
with an X, where oxidation occurs


(ii)
[1]

with a Y, where decarboxylation occurs

[1]

9c
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1 mark

State precisely where in the cell Process 2 is occurring. 

9d
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2 marks

Compare the roles of NAD+ and NADH in Process 1 and Process 3.

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10a
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5 marks

One mark is available for clarity of communication throughout this question.

A large number of disorders are being linked to mitochondrial disease, MD. MD can affect the skeletal muscles, causing fatigue and weakness. Some mitochondrial diseases are caused by mutations of mitochondrial genes inside the mitochondria. Most mitochondrial diseases are caused by mutations of genes in the cell nucleus that are involved in the functioning of mitochondria. 

One form of MD is caused by a mutation of a mitochondrial gene that codes for a tRNA. which changes the anticodon on the tRNA.  This results in the formation of a non-functional protein in the mitochondrion.

Suggest how a  change in anticodon on the tRNA can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue.

10b
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3 marks

A person with MD often has a decreased uptake of oxygen in their respiring cells. This has been attributed to an inhibitory compound of the Krebs cycle.

Explain why an inhibitor of the Krebs cycle would decrease the rate of oxygen uptake by cells.

10c
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7 marks

Explain the role of chemiosmosis in the process of oxidative phosphorylation 

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