UNIT 8: Metabolism, Respiration and Photosynthesis (AHL)

1. [1 mark]
Antifreeze is a compound called ethylene glycol, which is metabolized in mammals
to poisonous compounds that cause kidney failure, amongst other symptoms. The
first step in metabolism involves an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Two
inhibitors of this enzyme used in treating antifreeze poisoning are ethanol and
fomepizole. The chemical structures of antifreeze and the two inhibitors are shown.

Studies have shown that fomepizole may be preferred to ethanol as a treatment.

What is a reason for this?
A. Fomepizole is a competitive inhibitor and may be given in small doses.
B. Ethanol is a non-competitive inhibitor and may be given in small doses.
C. Fomepizole is a non-competitive inhibitor and must be given in very large doses.
D. Ethanol is a competitive inhibitor and must be given in very large doses.

Markscheme
D
2. [1 mark]
An electron micrograph of a mitochondrion is shown.
The distance between the inner and outer membranes, which are shown by the box,
is always very small. What is the advantage of this small distance?
A. Enables a high concentration of electrons to build up quickly
B. Enables a high concentration of protons to build up quickly
C. Allows fast diffusion of glucose into the mitochondrion
D. Allows fast diffusion of reduced NAD out of the mitochondrion

Markscheme
B
3. [1 mark]
What occurs in the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis?
A. Glycerate 3-phosphate is reduced to triose phosphate.
B. Ribulose bisphosphate is regenerated using reduced NADP.
C. Ribulose bisphosphate is oxidized to two molecules of glycerate 3-phosphate.
D. Both ATP and NADP are used to produce triose phosphate.

Markscheme
A
4a. [3 marks]
A wide variety of organic compounds are used by living organisms.
Draw a diagram to show the ring structure of D-ribose.

Markscheme
a. ring with four carbons and one oxygen atom;
b. CH2OH attached to C4;
c. OH and H attached by single bonds to C1, C2 and C3 with OH facing downwards
on C2 and C3;

Numbering of carbons not required for mpa.

Carbons in the ring can be shown as a junction of single bonds without the letter C, but
oxygen must be shown as O.
For mpc OH can face up or down.
4b. [5 marks]
Describe how ATP is produced by Photosystem II in the light-dependent stage of
photosynthesis.

Markscheme
a. light (energy) absorbed by pigments/chlorophyll/photosystems;
b. excited electrons passed to electron carriers/electron transport chain;
c. protons/hydrogen ions pumped into thylakoid (space);
d. proton gradient/high proton concentration generated;
e. protons pass via ATP synthase to the stroma;
f. ATP synthase phosphorylates ADP/ATP synthase converts ADP to ATP;
g. photophosphorylation/chemiosmosis;
h. ATP synthase/electron carriers/proton pumps/photosystems/pigment are in
the thylakoid membrane;
4c. [7 marks]
Explain how carbohydrates are transported from plant leaves.

Markscheme
a. translocation/movement by mass flow;
b. in phloem sieve tubes;
c. sieve plates/pores in end walls/lack of organelles allows flow (of sap);
d. carbohydrates (principally) transported as sucrose;
e. (sucrose/glucose/sugar/carbohydrate) loaded (into phloem) by active
transport;
f. loading/pumping in (of sugars) by companion cells;
g. high solute concentration generated (at the source);
h. water enters by osmosis (due to the high solute concentration);
i. hydrostatic pressure increased/high hydrostatic pressure generated;
j. pressure gradient causes flow (from source to sink);
k. leaves are a source because carbohydrates are made there;
l. transport to the sink where carbohydrates are used/stored;
5. [1 mark]
The graph shows the effect of increasing substrate concentration on the rate of an
enzyme-catalysed reaction.

Which type of inhibition corresponds to the labelled curves?

Markscheme
B
6. [1 mark]
Where in the mitochondrion does the formation of acetyl CoA occur?

Markscheme
D
7. [1 mark]
Which products of the light-dependent reactions are used in the Calvin cycle?
A. O2 and hydrogen ions
B. ATP and CO2
C. Electrons and reduced NADP
D. ATP and reduced NADP

Markscheme
D
8. [1 mark]
The mitochondrion in the electron micrograph shows some features that make it
efficient for its function. Which labelled feature allows a rapid build-up of proton
concentration for chemiosmosis?
Markscheme
D
9. [1 mark]
Photolysis and carboxylation of RuBP occur during photosynthesis. Where in the
chloroplast do these reactions occur?
Markscheme
B
10a. [3 marks]
Outline reasons for the therapeutic use of stem cells.

Markscheme
a. unspecialized/undifferentiated stem cells can divide/differentiate along
different pathways;
b. (stem cells are accessible as they) come from embryos/bone marrow/umbilical
cord blood/adult tissue;
c. (stem cells) can regenerate/repair/regrow diseased/damaged tissues in people;
d. valid specific example;
e. drugs can be tested on stem cells (in laboratories to see if they are harmful);
10b. [5 marks]
Describe how monoclonal antibodies are produced.

Markscheme
a. mice/rabbit/small mammal injected with one type of antigen;
b. cells from the spleen/antibody-producing cells are removed;
c. plasma cells that produce antibodies (are used);
d. myeloma/tumor cells that divide endlessly (are used);
e. fusion of plasma cells with tumor/myeloma cells / fusion produces hybridoma
cells;
f. selection of hybridoma cells / medium used that only allows growth of
hybridoma cells;
g. fused cells/hybridoma cells are cultured/grown in tissue culture/grown in a
fermenter;
h. (hybridoma) cells divide endlessly and produce the desired antibodies;
10c. [7 marks]
Explain the role of the electron transport chain in the generation of ATP by cell
respiration.

Markscheme
a. electron transport chain performs chemiosmosis / chemiosmosis generates
ATP;
b. receives energy/electrons from oxidation reactions/from Krebs
cycle/glycolysis;
c. receives electrons from reduced NAD/NADH/reduced FAD/FADH;
d. energy released as electrons pass from carrier to carrier (in the chain);
e. release of energy (from electron flow) coupled to proton pumping;
f. protons pumped into intermembrane space;
g. creates proton gradient;
h. protons diffuse back/move down the concentration gradient (across
membrane);
i. protons pass through ATP synthase;
j. protons return to the matrix;
k. flow of protons provides energy for generating ATP;
l. electrons transferred to oxygen at end of electron transport chain;
11. [1 mark]
Some bacteria can synthesize the amino acid isoleucine from threonine, a process
involving five enzymes (E1 to E5) and four intermediary products (P, Q, R and S). The
production of isoleucine is controlled by end-product inhibition.
Which statement describes this end-product inhibition?
A. If isoleucine accumulates, it inhibits the production of P.
B. End-product inhibition causes a build-up of intermediary products.
C. Isoleucine inhibits E5, so no more isoleucine is produced.
D. Isoleucine affects the structure of threonine.

Markscheme
A
12. [1 mark]
Where are protons pumped, to allow chemiosmosis in aerobic respiration to occur?
A. From outside the mitochondrion through the double membranes
B. From carrier to carrier in the inner mitochondrial membrane
C. From the matrix of the mitochondrion to the space between the membranes
D. From the space between the membranes to the cytoplasm outside the
mitochondrion

Markscheme
C
13. [1 mark]
The diagram shows some of the intermediate compounds produced during the
Calvin cycle. At what stage does carboxylation take place?
Markscheme
C
14. [1 mark]
A plant is allowed to photosynthesize in an atmosphere containing radioactive 14C.
Where in the plant stem would radioactive sugars be found?
[Source: sinhyu/123rf.com.]

Markscheme
B
15a. [4 marks]
Plants have developed efficient methods for transport and for synthesis of foods.
Outline how the properties of water make it an ideal transport medium in plants.

Markscheme
a. polarity of water;
b. hydrogen bonds between water molecules;
c. cohesion between water molecules/water molecules stick together;
d. cohesion allows tensions/low pressures/transpiration pull/movement
upward/against gravity;
e. adhesion to cellulose/cell walls generates tensions/pull (in xylem)
OR
adhesion to xylem walls/vessel walls causes capillary rise/upward movement;
f. solvent for many substances / many substances dissolve;
g. liquid at most temperatures experienced by plants / liquid so can flow;
Polarity of water and/or hydrogen bonding can be shown in an annotated diagram.
15b. [4 marks]
Distinguish between the xylem and phloem of plants.

Markscheme

15c. [7 marks]
Explain how the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis rely on the light-
dependent reactions.

Markscheme
a. light-dependent reactions produce ATP/reduced NADP;
b. ATP generated by chemiosmosis/by photophosphorylation/by ATP synthase;
c. reduced NADP produced by/using electrons from Photosystem I;
d. RuBP + CO2 to glycerate 3-phosphate (in light independent reactions);
e. glycerate 3-phosphate reduced to triose phosphate (in light independent
reactions);
f. ATP/reduced NADP used in the light-independent reactions;
g. reduced NADP provides electrons/hydrogen / to reduce (glycerate 3-phosphate)
OR
reduced NADP used to convert glycerate 3-phosphate to triose phosphate;
h. ATP provides energy (for reduction of glycerate 3-phosphate);
i. ATP needed to regenerate RuBP
j. ATP/reduced NADP run out in darkness
k. Calvin cycle only possible with light/in the day/is indirectly dependent on light;
16a. [4 marks]
Proteins carry out many important functions in cells and in organisms.
Outline the process of protein denaturation.

Markscheme
a. change to conformation/shape/tertiary structure/3-D shape;
b. bonds within the protein/intramolecular bonds broken/changed;
c. pH and temperature (outside tolerated ranges) can cause denaturation;
d. vibrations/heat at high temperatures breaks bonds;
e. high pH/low pH/extreme pH alters ionization/charges (of amino acids and breaks
ionic bonds);
f. protein cannot carry out its function
OR
active site of enzymes cannot bind substrates/catalyze reaction/no enzyme-
substate complex;
g. permanent/irreversible change (usually)
OR
soluble proteins become insoluble/precipitate;
Allow any mark points if made clearly on an annotated graph or diagram.
16b. [7 marks]
Explain the production of antibodies in humans.

Markscheme
a. antigens stimulate antibody production;
b. antibodies produced by lymphocytes;
c. macrophages/phagocytes ingest/engulf pathogens and display antigens from
them;
d. T-cells activated by binding antigen/by macrophage displaying antigen;
e. activated T-cells cause activation of B-cells;
f. mitosis/division of (activated) B-cells (to produce a clone of cells)
g. plasma cells formed from divided/activated/growing/differentiating B-cells;
h. plasma cells/plasma B-cells secrete antibodies;
i. clonal selection / plasma cells make same type of antibody/antibody specific to
same antigen;
j. some activated B-cells become memory cells;
16c. [4 marks]
Distinguish between competitive and non-competitive enzyme inhibition.
Markscheme

Accept mpd in a graph.

Accept mpa, mpb or mpc on an annotated diagram.
[Source: Enzyme inhibition curves,
ImranKhan1992, Available at: https://
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Enzyme_kinetics_curve.png#/media/
File:Enzyme_kinetics_curve.png CC0 1.0
Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/
zero/1.0/deed.en Source adapted.]
17. [1 mark]
Which equation is an example of decarboxylation?
A. Pyruvate → Acetyl CoA + CO2
B. CO2 + H2O H2CO3
C. CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O
D.

Markscheme
A
18. [1 mark]
What does electron tomography allow mitochondria researchers to do?
A. To produce images of cristae.
B. To produce images of ATP synthase molecules.
C. To trace the movement of electrons through the electron transport chain.
D. To visualize oxidation/reduction reactions.

Markscheme
A
19. [1 mark]
Which process does not take place in the stroma of chloroplasts?
A. Synthesis of carbohydrates
B. Fixation of carbon
C. Reduction of NADP
D. Synthesis of ribulose bisphosphate

Markscheme
C
20. [1 mark]
A summary diagram of photosynthesis is shown. Which molecule represents ATP?

Markscheme
A
21. [1 mark]
What molecule functions as the final electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron
transport chain?
A. Oxygen
B. ATP
C. Reduced NAD
D. Reduced FAD

Markscheme
A
22. [1 mark]
The Hill reaction occurs when isolated chloroplasts are exposed to sunlight in the
presence of DCPIP. DCPIP replaces NADP as the final electron acceptor for the light-
dependent reactions of photosynthesis. What are products of the Hill reaction?
A. H2O and ATP
B. ATP and CO2
C. O2 and ATP
D. C6H12O6 and O2

Markscheme
C
23a. [2 marks]
The image shows part of a plant cell with a chloroplast in close proximity to
mitochondria.

[Source: Photo © E. Newcomb.]

State two structural similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts.
1.
2.
Markscheme
a. (a loop of) DNA ✔
b. 70S ribosomes ✔
c. double membrane ✔
d. electron transport chains/enzyme complexes in (internal) membranes ✔
e. enzymes in a region of fluid/in stroma and matrix ✔
f. large area of (internal) membrane/cristae and thylakoids ✔
Only two answers should be marked – the first on each line.
Do not award marks for functions rather than structures, for example ATP production.
Allow spaces inside cristae and thylakoids for mpf.
23b. [2 marks]
Compare and contrast mitochondria and chloroplasts in terms of the substrates they
use and the products they produce.

Markscheme
a. ATP produced by both / ADP used by both ✔
b. oxygen produced by chloroplasts and used by mitochondria ✔
c. carbon dioxide produced by mitochondria and used by chloroplasts ✔
d. carbon/organic compounds built up in chloroplasts/anabolism and broken down
in mitochondria/catabolism ✔
Do not award mpd for statements about carbohydrates or glucose (because the
pyruvate used by mitochondria is not a carbohydrate).
23c. [3 marks]
Outline how the compounds produced by chloroplasts are distributed throughout
the plant.

Markscheme
a. in phloem ✔
b. loading into sieve tubes/by active transport/by cotransport/by companion cells
✔
c. entry of water (to phloem) by osmosis/because of high solute concentration ✔
d. causes high/hydrostatic pressure ✔
e. flow from high pressure to lower pressure down pressure gradient ✔ from
source to sink ✔
Do not award mpa if xylem included with phloem.
Do not award a mark solely for mentioning the term ‘translocation'.
24a. [4 marks]
Cellular processes at the molecular level are regulated by enzymes.
Outline the process of DNA profiling.

Markscheme
a. sample of DNA obtained from person/hair/blood/mouth/crime scene ✔
b. PCR used to amplify/make copies of DNA (in sample) ✔
c. using Taq DNA polymerase / using DNA polymerase from thermophilic bacteria
✔
d. tandem repeats amplified/used ✔
e. gel electrophoresis used to separate DNA (into bands) ✔
f. separation according to length of fragments/number of repeats
OR
fragments of same length/number of repeats travel same distance ✔
g. pattern of bands/numbers of repeats is the profile/is unique to the individual ✔
h. example of application/forensics/crime investigation/paternity ✔
Do not accept ‘determine ancestry’ for mph. Other genes/chromosomes are more often
used for that.
Accept STR for (short) tandem repeat in mpd.
24b. [4 marks]
Outline the role of DNA polymerase III in DNA replication.

Markscheme
a. binds to template strand adjacent to a primer/at the primer ✔
b. adds nucleotides to template strand/to single stranded DNA ✔
c. using complementary base pairing ✔
d. links nucleotides with sugar-phosphate/phosphodiester bonds ✔
e. adds nucleotides/builds new strand in 5' → 3' direction ✔
f. lagging strand is built in short segments/Okazaki fragments/synthesis is
discontinuous ✔
Accept A to T and G to C instead of ‘complementary’ in mpc.
For mpb it must be clear that nucleotides, not bases, are added to an existing strand of
DNA. Do not accept ‘to replication fork’ for this.
24c. [7 marks]
Explain the factors that affect the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions in cells.

Markscheme
a. temperature increases rate up to optimum and higher temperatures decrease rate
/ graph ✔
b. faster molecular movement as temperature rises (so more substrate-active site
collisions) ✔
c. high temperature/heat causes denaturation/irreversible change to active site (so
rate reduces) ✔
d. rate decreased if pH is above and below optimum/if pH is too high or low / graph
✔
e. pH affects shape/structure of enzyme/active site /affects ionization (of amino
acids) ✔
f. increases in substrate concentration cause rate to rise towards a plateau/WTTE /
graph ✔
g. greater chance of substrate-active site collisions with higher substrate
concentration
OR
active sites saturated/all full at high substrate concentrations ✔
h. higher enzyme concentration increases rate (as there are more active sites) ✔
i. enzyme inhibitors/competitive inhibitors/non-competitive inhibitors reduce the
rate ✔
j. end-product inhibitors switch off metabolic pathway / act on enzyme at start of
pathway rate ✔
OR
allosteric site used to control enzyme activity by binding of (non-competitive)
inhibitor
Graphs can be used for mpa, mpd mpf and mph but x-axis must have the variable
indicated.
For mpa there must be exponential rise to optimum then faster drop.
For mpd there must be a bellshaped curve but it need not be exactly symmetrical.
For mpf and mph there must be decreasing increases in rate towards a plateau.
25a. [7 marks]
Explain the role of hydrogen ions used in photosynthesis.

Markscheme
a. hydrogen ions (and oxygen) are obtained from photolysis of water ✔
b. (excited) electrons (from Photosystem II) contribute to generate a hydrogen
ion/proton gradient
OR
protons build up in the thylakoid space/inside the thylakoid ✔
c. ATP synthase generates ATP by chemiosmosis/using the proton gradient/by
movement of protons from the thylakoid space to the stroma ✔
d. (two) high energy/excited electrons (from Photosystem II) are passed through an
electron transport chain ✔
e. NADP accepts H+ (from the stroma) / electrons to produce NADPH+/reduced
NADP ✔
f. ATP/reduced NADP/NADPH+ are used by light-independent reactions/Calvin
cycle in the stroma ✔
g. (in Calvin cycle) carbon fixation to ribulose bisphosphate/RuBP produces G3P ✔
h. ATP is used to transform G3P to TP ✔
i. reduced NADP/NADPH+ is used to transform G3P to TP ✔
Accept answers in an annotated diagram.
Accept NADPH2/NADPH/NADPH + H+ in place of NADPH+.
25b. [4 marks]
Describe how the structure of the chloroplast is adapted to its function in
photosynthesis.
Markscheme
a. thylakoids have a small internal volume to maximize hydrogen gradient / quickly
increase concentration gradient ✔
b. many grana / thylakoids give large surface area ✔
c. (grana) contain (photosynthetic) pigments/electron carriers/ATP synthase
enzymes ✔
d. (photosynthetic) pigments/chlorophyll arranged into photosystems allowing
maximum absorption of light energy ✔
e. stroma has suitable pH/ enzymes of Calvin/light independent cycle ✔
f. lamellae connect/separate grana maximizing photosynthetic efficiency ✔
Accept diagram showing the disposition in space.
25c. [4 marks]
The enzyme Rubisco is used in carbon fixation during photosynthesis. Identify four
other examples of proteins that illustrate the wide range of functions of this group
of biochemicals in living organisms.

Markscheme
a. insulin receptors start the cellular signalling pathway/other receptor
b. leptin is a hormone / other protein hormone ✔
c. immunoglobulins/antibodies defend body from disease ✔
d. rhodopsin/photosystems convert light energy to electrical impulses ✔
e. keratin/collagen/other example is a structural protein ✔
f. tubulin/microtubules part of cytoskeleton/ involved in cell division
g. ATP synthase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of ATP / other enzyme
and function ✔
h. fibrin/fibrinogen is a protein involved in clotting ✔
i. hemoglobin/sodium potassium pump/other example is a transport protein ✔
j. actin/myosin/other example is involved in muscle contraction ✔
k. any other named example and function ✔
l. a second other named example and function ✔
m. spider silk is used to form spider webs/capture prey ✔
Accept only one example of each protein type for example only one enzyme or only one
hormone etc.
Mp k can be awarded only once.
Mp I can be awarded only once.
26. [1 mark]
Sulfanilamide inhibits an enzyme that catalyses a reaction involving PABA, an
intermediate in the synthesis of folate in bacteria. The structures of sulfanilamide
and PABA are shown.

The graph shows the rate of reaction with increasing substrate concentration and
with fixed low concentration of different types of inhibitors. Which line on the graph
represents the effect of sulfanilamide?
Markscheme
D
27. [1 mark]
The diagram shows a section through a thylakoid. Electrons move from X to Y.

[Source: Courtesy Alyse Da Quynh.]

What do the letters X, Y and Z represent?

Markscheme
B
28. [1 mark]
Two reactions of the Krebs cycle are shown.

What type of reactions are isocitrate and oxalosuccinate undergoing?

Markscheme
D
29a. [2 marks]
The electron micrograph shows part of a cell including a mitochondrion.

[Source: Used with permission of McGraw-Hill Education, from Harrison’s Principles

of Internal Medicine,
J L Jameson et al., 16th edition, 2004; permission conveyed through Copyright
Clearance Center, Inc.]
Outline how the structures labelled X and Y are adapted to carry out the function of
the mitochondrion.
X:

Y:
Markscheme
X: large/increased SA area for ATP production/electron transport/oxidative
phosphorylation/proton pumping
OR
X: small/narrow intermembrane space for generating proton gradient
(rapidly/steeply);
Y: contains enzymes for Krebs cycle/link reaction;
29b. [4 marks]
Explain how ATP is generated in mitochondria by chemiosmosis.

Markscheme
a. protons pumped across inner membrane of mitochondria/into intermembrane
space;
b. using energy released by flow of electrons/by electron transport/by electron
carriers;
c. proton gradient established/maintained / proton motive force generated;
d. protons pass/diffuse back through inner membrane/membrane of cristae/to
matrix;
e. through ATP synthase;
f. ATP production coupled to flow of protons / ATP from ADP and Pi using energy
from protons;
Marks can be awarded in an annotated diagram.
30a. [1 mark]
Sodium alginate beads were prepared containing a suspension of Chlorella algae.
These beads were placed in nine small jars containing hydrogencarbonate indicator
solution. Hydrogencarbonate indicator is commonly used to detect changes in pH.
The jars were placed at different distances from a lamp, which was the only light
source. The distances ranged from 40 to 130 centimetres. Jars were placed one at a
time to avoid the jars from shading each other. Colour changes were observed.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

State the name of the process which occurs in the chloroplasts of Chlorella, that uses
CO2.

Markscheme
photosynthesis/light independent reaction (of photosynthesis)
30b. [1 mark]
The colours of the indicator in the jars ranged from yellow to purple after five hours.
Predict the distribution of indicator colours in jars 1 to 9.

Markscheme
the jars closer to the light had more purple colours
OR
the jar the furthest from the light was yellow
OR
purple to yellow
Allow for answers indicating colours for each jar within this range.
30c. [3 marks]
Explain the scientific reasoning for your hypothesis.

Markscheme
a. high light (intensity) increases photosynthesis;
b. photosynthesis consumes CO2;
c. (more photosynthesis/less CO2) increases pH/decreases acidity;
d. less light means more respiration (than photosynthesis);
e. respiration produces CO2 AND lowers pH/increases acidity;
Allow inverse for all answers.
Do not accept reference to colour only instead of pH.
30d. [1 mark]
Suggest one other factor that has to be kept constant in all the jars during the
experiment.

Markscheme
temperature/volume of indicator/identical jars/number of beads/size of beads /
density of Chlorella / other reasonable answer
Do not accept light/pH/humidity.
31. [1 mark]
The grey line in each of the graphs below represents the rate of reaction catalysed
by an uninhibited enzyme as substrate concentration is increased.
Which graph shows expected results if a competitive inhibitor was added to the
reaction?
[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Markscheme
B
32. [1 mark]
The diagram shows the link reaction between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Which type of reaction is occurring?
A. Pyruvate is carboxylated.
B. CO2 is oxidized.
C. NAD+ is reduced.
D. Pyruvate is phosphorylated.

Markscheme
C
33. [1 mark]
Which structure in the chloroplast diagram is adapted to carry out chemiosmosis?

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Markscheme
A
34. [1 mark]
The first enzyme in the metabolic pathway that produces isoleucine is threonine
deaminase. Which graph illustrates the relationship between threonine deaminase
activity and threonine concentration?
[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Markscheme
B
35. [1 mark]
The electron micrograph shows a section through part of an animal cell.
[Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion#/media/File:Mitochondria,mammali
an_lung_-TEM.jpg,
by Louisa Howard.]

Which process is occurring on the structures labelled X?

A. The Krebs cycle
B. The link reaction
C. Glycolysis
D. Phosphorylation of ADP

Markscheme
D
36. [1 mark]
Which process is common to photosynthesis and cell respiration?
A. Photolysis
B. The Calvin cycle
C. The Krebs cycle
D. Chemiosmosis

Markscheme
D
37. [1 mark]
The diagram shows compounds in the Krebs cycle labelled as X, Y and Z.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

How many carbon atoms are there in Y and in the acetyl group of acetyl CoA?
Markscheme
A
38a. [3 marks]
Outline the functions of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.

Markscheme
a. ribosomes on RER synthesize/produce polypeptides/proteins ✔
b. proteins from RER for secretion/export/use outside cell/for lysosomes ✔
c. Golgi alters/modifies proteins/example of modification ✔
d. vesicles budded off Golgi transport proteins «to plasma membrane»
OR
exocytosis/secretion of proteins in vesicles from the Golgi ✔
Accept “for use inside and outside the cell” for mpb.
38b. [5 marks]
Outline the control of metabolism by end-product inhibition.
Markscheme
a. metabolism is chains/web of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
OR
metabolic pathway is a chain of enzyme-catalyzed reactions ✔
b. end product/inhibitor is final product of chain/pathway ✔
c. inhibits/binds to/blocks the first enzyme in chain/pathway ✔
d. non-competitive inhibition ✔
e. end-product/inhibitor binds to an allosteric site/site away from the active site ✔
f. changes the shape of the active site/affinity of the active site «for the substrate» ✔
g. prevents intermediates from building up
OR
prevents formation of excess «end» product/stops production when there is enough
OR
whole metabolic pathway can be switched off ✔
h. negative feedback ✔
i. binding of the end product/inhibitor is reversible
OR
pathway restarts if end product/inhibitor detaches/if end product concentration is
low ✔
j. isoleucine inhibits/slows «activity of first enzyme in» threonine to isoleucine
pathway ✔
Allow mark points shown in clearly annotated diagrams.
To gain mpd, mpe and mpf the answer must be in the context of end-product inhibition,
not enzyme inhibition generally.
38c. [7 marks]
Explain how hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties contribute to the arrangement
of molecules in a membrane.

Markscheme
a. hydrophilic is attracted to/soluble in water and hydrophobic not
attracted/insoluble ✔
b. hydrophilic phosphate/head and hydrophobic hydrocarbon/tail in phospholipids
✔
c. phospholipid bilayer in water/in membranes ✔
d. hydrophilic heads «of phospholipids» face outwards/are on surface ✔
e. hydrophobic tails «of phospholipids» face inwards/are inside/are in core ✔
f. cholesterol is «mainly» hydrophobic/amphipathic so is located among
phospholipids/in hydrophobic region of membrane ✔
g. some amino acids are hydrophilic and some are hydrophobic ✔
h. hydrophobic «amino acids/regions of» proteins in phospholipid bilayer «core» ✔
i. hydrophilic «amino acids/regions of» proteins are on the membrane surface ✔
j. integral proteins are embedded in membranes due to hydrophobic
properties/region
OR
transmembrane proteins have a hydrophobic middle region and hydrophilic ends ✔
k. peripheral proteins on are on the membrane surface/among phosphate heads due
to being «entirely» hydrophilic
OR
«carbohydrate» part of glycoproteins is hydrophilic so is outside the membrane ✔
l. pore of channel proteins is hydrophilic ✔
Allow mark points shown in clearly annotated diagram.
In any part of the answer, accept polar instead of hydrophilic and non-polar or apolar
instead of hydrophobic.
39a. [4 marks]
Outline the roles of helicase and ligase in DNA replication.

Markscheme
helicase:
a. unwinds/uncoils the DNA «double helix» ✔
b. breaks hydrogen bonds «between bases» ✔
c. separates the «two» strands/unzips the DNA/creates replication fork ✔
ligase:
d. seals nicks/forms a continuous «sugar-phosphate» backbone/strand ✔
e. makes sugar-phosphate bonds/covalent bonds between adjacent nucleotides ✔
f. after «RNA» primers are removed/where an «RNA» primer was replaced by DNA
✔
g. «helps to» join Okazaki fragments ✔
39b. [7 marks]
Explain how natural selection can lead to speciation.

Markscheme
a. variation is required for natural selection/evolution/variation in
species/populations ✔
b. mutation/meiosis/sexual reproduction is a source of variation ✔
c. competition/more offspring than the environment can support ✔
d. adaptations make individuals suited to their environment/way of life ✔
e. survival of better adapted «individuals)/survival of fittest/converse ✔
f. inheritance of traits/passing on genes of better adapted «individuals»
OR
reproduction/more reproduction of better adapted/fittest «individuals» ✔
g. speciation is formation of a new species/splitting of a species/one population
becoming a separate species ✔
h. reproductive isolation of separated populations ✔
i. geographic isolation «of populations can lead to speciation» ✔
j. temporal/behavioral isolation «of populations can lead to speciation» ✔
k. disruptive selection/differences in selection «between populations can lead to
speciation» ✔
l. gradual divergence of populations due to natural selection/due to differences in
environment ✔
m. changes in the gene pools «of separated populations»/separation of gene pools
✔
n. interbreeding becomes impossible/no fertile offspring «so speciation has
happened» ✔
39c. [4 marks]
Outline the features of ecosystems that make them sustainable.

Markscheme
a. recycling of nutrients/elements/components/materials ✔
b. carbon/nitrogen/another example of recycled nutrient/element ✔
c. decomposers/saprotrophs break down organic matter/release «inorganic»
nutrients ✔
d. energy supplied by the sun
OR
energy cannot be recycled «so ongoing supply is needed»
OR
energy is lost from ecosystems as heat ✔
e. energy flow along food chains/through food web/through trophic levels ✔
f. photosynthesis/autotrophs make foods/trap energy
OR
autotrophs supply the food that supports primary consumers ✔
g. oxygen «for aerobic respiration» released by autotrophs/photosynthesis/plants
✔
h. carbon dioxide «for photosynthesis» released by respiration ✔
i. populations limited by food supply/predator-prey/interactions/competition
OR
populations regulated by negative feedback
OR
fewer/less of each successive trophic level «along the food chain»/OWTTE ✔
j. supplies of water from rainfall/precipitation/rivers/water cycle ✔
40a. [4 marks]
Outline energy flow through a food chain.

Markscheme
a. energy from the sun/light energy is converted to chemical energy by
photosynthesis ✔
b. «chemical» energy flows through the food chains by feeding ✔
c. energy is released «from carbon compounds» by respiration
OR
energy from respiration is used by living organisms and converted to heat ✔
d. heat is not recyclable / heat is lost from food chains
OR
heat cannot be converted to other forms of energy ✔
e. energy is lost in excretion/uneaten material/egestion/feces ✔
f. energy losses between trophic levels limits the length of food chains
OR
energy transfer is only 10 % between trophic levels ✔
40b. [3 marks]
Draw a fully labelled graph of the action spectrum for photosynthesis.

Markscheme
a. axes correctly labelled «wavelength and rate of photosynthesis» ✔ Accept rate of
oxygen production for rate of photosynthesis.
b. 400 and 700 nm as limits ✔
c. correct shape of curve involving two peaks at the correct places, broader in the
blue-violet range not starting at zero and a narrower peak in the orange-red range
with the trough in the green range that does not reach zero ✔
d. peaks of activity at 430 nm AND at 660 nm ✔
e. peaks indicated as «violet» blue light AND peak indicated as «orange» red light ✔

40c. [8 marks]
Explain Calvin’s experiment and what was discovered about photosynthesis through
his work.

Markscheme
a. Calvin cycle is light-independent ✔
b. carbon fixation
OR
carboxylation of ribulose bisphosphate/RuBP occurs ✔
c. algae placed in thin glass container/“lollipop” apparatus ✔
d. given plenty of light and bicarbonate/ CO2 ✔
e. at start of experiment algae supplied radioactive carbon/HCO3-/14C ✔
f. samples taken at intervals / heat/alcohol killed samples ✔
g. C-compounds separated by chromatography ✔
h. 14C/radioactive-compounds identified by autoradiography ✔
i. showed that RuBP was phosphorylated ✔
j. after five seconds/immediately more glycerate-3-phosphate/3-PGA labelled than
any other compound ✔
k. shows glycerate-3-phosphate/3-PGA first «carboxylated» compound/the first
stable product ✔
l. next compound to be detected containing radioactive carbon was triose
phosphate/G3P/glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate ✔
m. showed that a wide range of carbon compounds was quickly made in sequence ✔
n. showed that a cycle of reactions was used to regenerate RuBP ✔
41. [1 mark]
What are final products of photosynthesis and of aerobic respiration?

Markscheme
B
42. [1 mark]
The graph shows the effect of substrate concentration on the rate of an enzyme-
catalysed reaction with and without an inhibitor.
What do the curves J, K and L on the graph indicate?

Markscheme
B
43. [1 mark]
What term is used for ATP synthesis coupled to electron transport and proton
movement?
A. Chemiosmosis
B. Oxidation
C. Glycolysis
D. Cell respiration
Markscheme
A
44. [1 mark]
The diagram shows the structure of a chloroplast. Where is chlorophyll located?

Markscheme
D
45. [1 mark]
Which is a reduction reaction?
A. ATP changing to ADP
B. Maltose changing to glucose
C. FAD changing to FADH2
D. NADPH changing to NADP

Markscheme
C
46a. [1 mark]
Mutagens can be removed from the body by converting them to readily excreted
metabolites. NNK is converted to a metabolite, NNAL-Gluc, which can be used as a
biomarker for the uptake of NNK. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, is an indicator
of tobacco smoke uptake. The graph shows the relationship between these two
metabolites in the urine of 233 smokers.

State the highest concentration of cotinine in the urine, giving the units.

Markscheme
42 nmol ml–1 ✔
46b. [1 mark]
Deduce, with a reason, whether the concentrations of cotinine and NNAL-Gluc
would be higher in the urine or in the blood plasma of a smoker.

Markscheme
higher in urine due to concentration of waste products «during the process of urine
production»
OR
higher in urine because water is reabsorbed «from glomerular filtrate/in the
collecting duct»/ because «waste products» are not reabsorbed ✔
46c. [1 mark]
Suggest one advantage of using the urine concentration of cotinine rather than
NNAL-Gluc to give a measure of the amount of tobacco smoke inhaled by a person.

Markscheme
higher «concentrations» so easier to measure/identify/find
OR
wider spread/greater range «of values/concentrations»
OR
units are larger/nmol rather than pmol ✔
47a. [1 mark]
Boreal forests stretch across Canada, Russia and Scandinavia. This northern
ecosystem accounts for 29 % of the world’s forest areas. The long, cold winters
favour tall evergreen trees with either needles or scale-like leaves. These trees are
wind-pollinated and their seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. The photograph shows a
typical boreal forest in winter.

Identify the dominant plant phylum in the boreal forest.

Markscheme
coniferophyta/conifer/coniferous/gymnosperms/pinophyta ✔
47b. [2 marks]
In some areas there are gaps in the boreal forest where trees fail to grow and peat
tends to accumulate. Suggest reasons for this.
Markscheme
a. waterlogged soils/poor drainage
OR
acidic soil
OR
anaerobic conditions/soil ✔
b. organic matter not «fully» decomposed «leading to peat formation»
OR
decomposers/saprotrophs less active/fewer in cold «temperatures» ✔
47c. [2 marks]
An increase in global temperatures poses a critical threat to boreal forests. Explain
the consequences of climate change to this northern ecosystem.

Markscheme
a. higher temperatures so more transpiration/droughts/dehydration/water
shortage ✔
b. more forest fires ✔
c. more/new pests/diseases because of the changed conditions ✔
d. competition from trees/plants «that colonize/spread to boreal forests» ✔
e. trees/«named» organisms «of boreal forests» not adapted to warmer conditions
OR
trees/«named» organisms migrate/change their distribution due to warmer
conditions ✔
f. trees die so loss of habitat for animals ✔
g. faster decomposition/nutrient cycling «so conditions in the ecosystem change» ✔
h. standing water/floods due to more snow/permafrost melting ✔
47d. [1 mark]
Suggest one advantage for the evergreen trees of the boreal forest being pollinated
by wind.

Markscheme
animals/insects/mutualistic «relationships» not needed «for pollination»
OR
pollen not eaten by animals/insects ✔
47e. [2 marks]
Discuss the advantages of the production of seeds enclosed in fruit.

Markscheme
a. seeds are protected «inside the fruit» ✔

b. seed dispersal by fruits ✔

c. example of a strategy for seed dispersal by a fruit ✔
d. dispersal reduces competition/spreads seeds away from parent plant/to colonize
new areas ✔
For mpc suitable strategies are dispersal by wind, by animals ingesting/carrying away
succulent fruits, by animals being attracted to colourful/sweet/tasty fruits, by animals
burying nuts, by burrs or other hooked fruits sticking to animals and by self-explosion.
47f. [2 marks]
The boreal forests are situated close to the north pole and even in summer the
intensity of sunlight is lower than at the equator. Sketch a graph showing the effect
of light on the rate of photosynthesis, labelling the axes.

Markscheme
a. x-axis labelled as light intensity/amount of light AND y-axis labelled as rate of
photosynthesis/rate of oxygen release/rate of carbon dioxide uptake ✔
b. curve starting at/slightly to the right of the x-axis origin and rising rapidly and
then more slowly and plateauing but never dropping ✔
47g. [2 marks]
In some boreal species, Rubisco is down-regulated during the winter months.
Describe the role of Rubisco in photosynthesis.

Markscheme
a. carbon fixation/fixes carbon dioxide/carboxylation
OR
rubisco is used in the Calvin cycle/light independent stage ✔
b. carbon dioxide linked to RuBP/ribulose bisphosphate «by rubisco» ✔
c. glycerate 3-phosphate/glycerate phosphate produced «by rubisco» ✔
48a. [3 marks]
Calcium is absorbed from food in the human gut by both active and passive
processes. Outline active transport, including the benefits of the process.

Markscheme
a. moved against a concentration gradient/lower to higher concentration ✔
b. energy/ATP required/used ✔
c. pump/carrier «protein» «carries out active transport» ✔
d. absorption «by active transport» into a cell is possible even if exterior
concentrations are «very» low
OR
allows all/nearly all of/more of the substance/calcium to be absorbed «whereas
diffusion can only even out concentrations»
OR
unidirectional/allows the direction of movement to be controlled
OR
allows a concentration gradient to be built up/potential energy to be
stored/membrane potential to be generated/maintained
OR
allows a specific concentration to be maintained «in a cell» ✔
48b. [5 marks]
Describe the role of oxygen in aerobic cell respiration.
Markscheme
a. terminal/final electron acceptor ✔
b. at the end of electron transport chain ✔
c. oxygen also accepts protons/hydrogen ions ✔
1
d. water produced/ 2O2 + 2 electrons + 2H+ → H2O ✔

e. helps to maintain proton gradient «across inner mitochondrial membrane by

removal of protons from the stroma» ✔
f. oxygen is highly electronegative/electrons strongly attracted to oxygen ✔
g. avoids anaerobic respiration/buildup of lactic acid ✔
h. allows more electrons to be delivered to the electron transport chain
OR
allows NADFAD to be regenerated/reduced NAD/FAD converted back to
NAD/FAD ✔
i. oxygen allows maximum yield of energy «from glucose» allows complete oxidation
of glucose/allows fats to be used in respiration ✔
48c. [7 marks]
Adult humans may absorb more than five hundred litres of oxygen per day. Explain
how gas exchange is maintained in the human respiratory system.

Markscheme
a. ventilation/inhaling brings fresh air/air with high oxygen concentration to the
lungs
OR
ventilation/exhaling gets rid of stale air/air with high concentration of carbon
dioxide ✔

b. ventilation due to muscle contractions causing pressure/volume changes in the

thorax ✔
c. contraction of external intercostal muscles AND diaphragm occurs during
inspiration
OR
contraction of internal intercostal muscles/abdomen wall muscles during «forced»
expiration ✔
d. alveoli surrounded by «many» capillaries ✔
e. blood flow/pumping of heart «brings blood to/takes blood away from
alveoli/lungs» ✔
f. concentration gradients «of oxygen/ CO2» maintained «by ventilation/blood
flow» ✔
g. O2 AND CO2 diffuse ✔
h. CO2 from capillaries/blood/vessel to alveolus/air AND O2 from alveoli into
capillaries/blood/vessel ✔
i. large numbers of alveoli increase surface area ✔
j. short distance so rapid diffusion/gas exchange ✔
k. type I pneumocytes/alveolus wall/capillary walls are one cell thick/very thin ✔
l. alveoli «lining» moist for dissolving of gases/rapid diffusion
OR
type II pneumocytes keep the «lining of» the alveolus moist ✔
m. type II pneumocytes secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension/prevents
alveoli from collapsing ✔
49. [1 mark]
What happens when pyruvate is converted to acetyl CoA in the link reaction?
A. Decarboxylation
B. Phosphorylation
C. Hydrolysis
D. Reduction of pyruvate

Markscheme
A
50. [1 mark]
ATP is needed to change products of the carboxylation of ribulose bisphosphate into
triose phosphate. What other substance is also needed?
A. Rubisco
B. NADP
C. NAD
D. Reduced NADP

Markscheme
D
51. [1 mark]
Metabolic pathways are dependent on enzyme-catalysed reactions. Which term
corresponds with the description?

Markscheme
D
52. [1 mark]
The following processes occur in aerobic cell respiration.
I. Decarboxylation of pyruvate
II. Diffusion of protons through ATP synthase
III. Phosphorylation of glucose
Which is the correct sequence for these processes?
Markscheme
D
53. [1 mark]
What is reduced by Photosystem I ?
A. ADP
B. NADP
C. NAD
D. FAD

Markscheme
B
54. [1 mark]
What is used to reduce NADP in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
A. Conversion of ATP into ADP+Pi
B. Electrons from Photosystem I
C. Protons from the thylakoid space
D. Oxygen released by photolysis of water

Markscheme
B
55a. [2 marks]
The sketch shows the relationship between the reaction rate and substrate
concentration in the presence and the absence of a competitive inhibitor.

Explain the effect of the competitive inhibitor on the reaction rate.

Markscheme
a. competitive inhibitor «slows the reaction rate as it» competes for the active site
OR
competitor has similar shape/structure/composition to substrate «and slows the
reaction rate»
b. binding of competitor is reversible
c. «as the substrate concentration increases» more substrate binds to the active site
than the competitor «and reaction rate increases»
d. «as the substrate concentration increases» the reaction rate reaches the
maximum plateau «same as with no inhibitor»
55b. [1 mark]
The enzyme ATP synthase has an essential role in aerobic cell respiration.
Describe its location.

Markscheme
the inner mitochondrial membrane critstae/thylakoid membrane
55c. [2 marks]
Describe its function.
Markscheme
a. protons build up in the intermembrane space due to electron transport chain
OWTTE
b. protons move through ATP synthase down the concentration gradient
Accept H+ ions in place of protons
c. catalyses formation of ATP OWTTE
56. [1 mark]
The graph shows an example of an enzyme-catalysed reaction.

What does the curve labelled X represent?

A. No inhibition
B. Competitive inhibition
C. Non-competitive inhibition
D. Reversible inhibition

Markscheme
C
57. [1 mark]
Which process requires oxygen in aerobic cell respiration?
A. Oxidation of triose phosphate
B. Reduction of hydrogen carriers
C. Maintaining an oxygen concentration gradient in mitochondria
D. Accepting electrons at the end of the electron transport chain
Markscheme
D
58. [1 mark]
The electron micrograph shows part of a plant cell. Where do the light-independent
reactions of photosynthesis take place?

Markscheme
B
59a. [2 marks]
Identify the following processes as either anabolism or catabolism by placing a tick
(√) in the correct box.
Markscheme

59b. [4 marks]
Outline the importance of enzymes to metabolic processes.

Markscheme
a. increase rate of reaction/speed up reaction
b. lower activation energy
c. a specific enzyme for each reaction/substrate
d. metabolic process/pathway blocked if an enzyme is inhibited/absent
e. end-product inhibition can control metabolic pathways
f. differences in metabolism as cells produce different enzymes during
differentiation