Questions

Q1.

Polynucleotides include DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA).

Some components of polynucleotides are found in both DNA and mRNA.

Other components are found only in DNA or in mRNA.

A Venn diagram can be drawn to represent this information. Components found in

both DNA and mRNA are written in the part of the diagram where the circles overlap.

Complete the Venn diagram by writing the name of two components in each part of the diagram.
(6)

(Total for question = 6 marks)

Q2. Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your
mind about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a
cross .
Both DNA and RNA are polynucleotides.

(a) The table shows how the components of polynucleotides can be represented.

(i) Which diagram shows a mononucleotide?

(1)
 (ii) Which diagram shows two components joined by a phosphodiester bond?
(1)

(iii) Which diagram shows complementary base pairing?

(1)

(b) The diagram shows a sequence of bases in a DNA template (antisense) strand.

(i) The table shows some statements about the new complementary DNA strand and the mRNA
strand synthesised using
this sequence of bases.
 For each statement, put one cross in the appropriate box, in each row, to show the correct
statement about these strands.
(3)

(ii) Name the process that synthesises a mRNA strand using the DNA template strand.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 7 marks)

Q3. The polynucleotide DNA is composed of mononucleotides linked together.

Two polynucleotides form a DNA molecule.

(a) The diagram shows part of a DNA molecule.

 (i) Draw a circle around one mononucleotide that includes the base labelled R.
(1)

(ii) Which row of the table identifies the bonds labelled S, T and U?
(1)

(iii) The base labelled P is adenine.

Which is the base labelled Q?
(1)
A cytosine
B guanine
C thymine
D uracil

(b) Meselson and Stahl carried out experiments that provided evidence for the semi-conservative
replication of DNA.
Heavy nitrogen (N15) and light nitrogen (N14) were used in these experiments.
The flow chart summarises part of one experiment performed by Meselson and Stahl.
After each stage, a sample of DNA was taken from the bacteria and the DNA molecules separated
using a density gradient in a tube.
The heavier DNA molecules form bands lower down the gradient than the lighter DNA molecules.
The height of each band is proportional to the percentage of DNA molecules in the sample.
(i) Complete the diagram to show the results of this experiment.
Use the dotted lines to help you to position the bands on the diagram.
The first one has been done for you.
(5)

(ii) The experiments of Meselson and Stahl disproved the dispersive theory of DNA replication.
The diagram shows the expected results if the dispersive theory was correct.

Which diagram would show the bands of DNA molecules on the density gradient at stage 2, if the
dispersive theory was correct?
(1)
 (Total for question = 9 marks)

Q4.

Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA.

(a) Each single strand of a DNA molecule is synthesised from mononucleotides.

Draw a diagram to show two mononucleotides joined together in a single strand of DNA.
Use the symbols shown for each component in your diagram.
(3)
(b) The diagram represents part of a DNA molecule.

The pitch is the length of one complete turn in the double helix.
There are 10 base pairs in one pitch.
(i) Calculate the distance between one base and the next base on one strand of DNA.
Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
(1)

Answer ........................................................... nm
(ii) The diagram shows the structure of thymine and four other bases, P, Q, R and S.
Bases P and S can form three hydrogen bonds each and bases Q and R can form two hydrogen
bonds each.
 Explain which of the four bases P, Q, R or S is adenine.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(c) Compare and contrast the structure of messenger RNA (mRNA) with the structure of transfer RNA
(tRNA).
(4)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 10 marks)

Q5.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross
.

Insulin is a small protein composed of two peptide chains, the A chain and the B chain.

Insulin is made from the protein proinsulin.

Proinsulin is composed of the A chain and the B chain joined by a sequence of amino acids called the
connecting region.

The diagram shows how insulin is formed from proinsulin.

(a) The connecting region is removed from proinsulin, leaving the A chain connected to the B chain by
disulfide bridges (—S—S—).
Which row of the table shows the position of an amino group (NH2) and a carboxyl group (COOH)?
(1)
(b) Proinsulin is composed of 84 amino acids.
Insulin is composed of 51 amino acids.
(i) What percentage of proinsulin is the connecting region?
(1)

Answer ........................................................... %
(ii) There are three disulfide bridges in insulin. Each disulfide bridge is formed between the R groups
of two cysteine amino acids.
Give the ratio of amino acids forming disulfide bridges in insulin to those not forming disulfide bridges
in insulin.
(1)

Answer ...........................................................

(c) Suggest how insulin is synthesised from proinsulin.

Use the information in the diagram to support your answer.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(d) Insulin lowers the levels of glucose in the blood. This glucose is taken up by the liver and stored as
glycogen.
Compare and contrast the structure of glucose with the structure of glycogen.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
*(e) Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that can result from ineffective or insufficient insulin. It is a risk factor
for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Cinnamon is a spice that has been shown to:

• increase the uptake of glucose from the blood into the liver

• increase the synthesis of glycogen.

In a study using rats, the effects of a cinnamon extract on levels of glucose in the blood was
determined.
In this study a group of healthy rats and a group of rats with induced diabetes were used. The rats
were given either the cinnamon extract or water, each day for 30 days.
The table shows the results of this study.

Explain the results of this study.

(6)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................(Total for question = 14 marks)

Q6. Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a very rare genetic disorder.

A drug has been developed to treat AHP.

(a) This drug was tested in a clinical trial involving 94 patients from 18 countries.
The drug was given to 48 of the patients. The other 46 patients were a control group.
(i) Comment on the design of this clinical trial.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Each patient was given 2.5 mg of the drug per kg of body mass, once a month.
The drug is available as a solution with a concentration of 189 mg cm−3.
Calculate the volume of drug that was given each month to a patient with a body mass of 64 kg.
(2)

Answer ...........................................................
(iii) Nausea was experienced by 27% of the patients receiving this drug.
Calculate the number of patients who experienced nausea.
(2)

Answer ...........................................................

(b) This drug is a double-stranded RNA molecule.

(i) The diagram shows part of the base sequence on one of the RNA strands.
Complete the diagram to show the base sequence on the other RNA strand.
(2)
 (ii) Describe the bonding in this double-stranded RNA molecule.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) In AHP, toxic porphyrin molecules build up.
The synthesis of the haem component of haemoglobin involves several steps.
Each step in the synthesis of haem is catalysed by a different enzyme.
This drug works by interfering with the mRNA copies from the gene coding for one of these
enzymes.
Explain how the action of this drug helps patients with AHP.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................(Total for question = 14 marks)

Q7.

Answer the question with a cross in the boxes you think are correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross
.

Lactase is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of lactose.

(a) (i) The diagrams show symbols for lactase, lactose and the monosaccharides of lactose.

(ii)
Which diagram shows the sequence of events for the hydrolysis of lactose?
(1)

(ii) Which of the following are the monosaccharides present in lactose?

(1)
A fructose and sucrose
B galactose and glucose
C glucose and fructose
D sucrose and galactose
(b) The graph shows the energy changes for the hydrolysis of lactose, with and without lactase.

Which row in the table describes line P and identifies the letter that shows the decrease in activation
energy due to lactase?
(1)
(c) The graph shows the relationship between substrate concentration and the rate of reaction of lactase.

(i) Explain why substrate concentration affects the rate of reaction.

(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(ii) The reaction rate (V) at each substrate concentration can be calculated using the formula

Vmax is the maximum rate of reaction

K is the substrate concentration when the rate of reaction is half the rate of Vmax
S is the substrate concentration.
Calculate the reaction rate (V) at a substrate concentration of 4 a.u.
(2)

Answer ...........................................................

(Total for question = 7 marks)

Q8. A gene contains the genetic code for the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
The table shows the genetic codes found in DNA.

The genetic codes TAA, TAG and TGA are stop codons, that do not code for amino acids.

*(a) Explain the nature of the genetic code.

Use information in the table to support your answer.
(6)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(b) The diagram shows the sequence of nucleotide bases in part of a DNA template (antisense) strand.

(i) Give the sequence of amino acids that is coded for by these bases.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain the possible effects on a protein if there is a substitution mutation in the 9th base in this
DNA strand.
Use information in the table to support your answer.
(5)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................(Total for question = 12 marks)

Q9.

An average-sized human chromosome contains a DNA molecule with about 300 million nucleotides,
arranged in pairs.

(a) Describe the structure of a nucleotide pair.

(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(b) Before a cell can divide, the DNA molecule has to replicate. This takes place in the S phase of the cell
cycle.
Human DNA replicates at a rate of 50 nucleotides per second.
Calculate how long it would take, to the nearest hour, for 150 million nucleotides to replicate.
Assume that replication starts at one end of the molecule and continues to the other end.
(2)

Answer ........................................................... hours

(c) In human cells, replication of DNA occurs at several sites along the molecule. These sites are called
replication bubbles.
The photograph shows a replication bubble.
 The diagram shows how the DNA is replicated in one replication bubble.

(i) Explain the role of DNA polymerase in a replication bubble.

Use the information in the diagram and your own knowledge to support your answer.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) In human cells, S phase lasts about 10 hours.
Suggest why each DNA molecule is replicated using many replication bubbles.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 10 marks)

Q10.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross
.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) are involved in protein synthesis.

(a) The diagram shows the sequence of bases in part of a DNA template (antisense) strand and the
mRNA molecule formed during protein synthesis.

(i) Complete the diagram to show the sequence of bases in this mRNA.
(1)

(ii) Name this stage of protein synthesis.

(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Name the enzyme used in this stage of protein synthesis.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................

(b) The diagram shows part of a tRNA molecule.

 Compare and contrast the structure of an mRNA molecule with that of a tRNA molecule.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 6 marks)

Q11.

Collagen is an insoluble, fibrous protein.

(a) Describe the roles of RNA in the synthesis of collagen.

(5)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
 (b) Explain how the primary structure of collagen determines its properties.
(4)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 9 marks)

Q12.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross
.

Insects and other invertebrates are a good source of protein, unsaturated fatty acids, iron and other
nutrients.

Recent research has shown that some insects and other invertebrates have a high antioxidant content.

(a) How many of the following statements are true for proteins?

• Proteins contain only the elements carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen.

• Proteins can be made of more than one polypeptide chain.
• Proteins contain hydrogen bonds.
(1)
A 0
B 1
C 2
D 3
(b) Which row of the table is correct for an unsaturated fatty acid?
(1)

(c) Name one organic molecule that contains iron.

(1)
.............................................................................................................................................

(d) Explain why dietary antioxidants are important.

(4)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
(e) The antioxidant activity of some insects and arachnids was investigated.
The table shows the dietary habits of the organisms used in this investigation.

The graph shows the mean antioxidant activity of extracts made from these organisms.
 (i) The antioxidant activity of orange juice is 0.80 a.u. per 100 g.

Calculate how many times more antioxidant activity there is in 100 g of grasshopper extract.
Give your answer to two significant figures.
(1)

Answer ...........................................................
(ii) Calculate the percentage difference between the antioxidant activity in black scorpions and
crickets.
(1)

Answer ........................................................... %
(iii) Comment on the results of this investigation.
Use the information in the table and the graph to support your answer.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(Total for question = 12 marks)

Q13.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross
.

The sequence of bases in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide.

The table shows four amino acids and their genetic codes.

(a) The diagram shows a DNA base sequence.

(i) Complete the diagram to show the sequence of amino acids coded by this DNA base sequence.
(1)
(ii) Explain why only five amino acids are coded by this sequence of bases.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Explain why some amino acids, such as alanine, have more than one genetic code.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(c) Of the 64 possible genetic codes, 61 code for amino acids.

(i) Calculate the percentage of genetic codes that code for amino acids.
Give your answer to four significant figures.
(1)

Answer ........................................................... %
(ii) Explain the role of the other three genetic codes.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................

(d) Messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) are involved in the synthesis of a polypeptide
chain from DNA.
Which row of the table shows the codon on mRNA and the anticodon on tRNA that correspond to
tryptophan?
(1)

(Total for question = 10 marks)