AS

BIOLOGY
7401/2
Paper 2
Mark scheme
June 2021
Version: 1.0 Final

*216A7401/2/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk

Copyright information

AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their
own internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.

Copyright © 2021 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Mark scheme instructions to examiners

1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• Extra information to help the examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what
is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area
in which a mark or marks may be awarded.

The extra information in the ‘Comments’ column is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-
hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the
diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.

2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is
used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for the same mark are indicated by the use of OR.
Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a/; eg allow smooth/free movement.

3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students
have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is
that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.

Each error/contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of

errors/contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question,
no marks can be awarded.

However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the

‘Comments’ column of the mark scheme) are not penalised.

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

3.2 Marking procedure for calculations

Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer, without any working shown.
However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct
substitution/working and this is shown in the ‘Comments’ column or by each stage of a
longer calculation.

3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’

Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the
correct subject.
3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic errors
Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted to calculation
questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ECF or consequential in the mark
scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in
the mark scheme. Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an
incorrect transfer of a numerical value from data given in a question.

3.5 Phonetic spelling

The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a
possible confusion with another technical term.
3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded
but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.

3.7 Ignore/Insufficient/Do not allow

Ignore or insufficient is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not
enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking
point.
Do not allow means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is
given, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

01.1 Carboxyl; 1 Accept carboxylic acid

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

01.2 Type of R group

1. Unsaturated (fatty acid/hydrocarbon); 1. Accept alkene
2
Explanation 2. Accept for ‘double bond’,
C=C
2. Double bond (between carbons);

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

01.3 1. Add ethanol/alcohol then add water and 1. Reject heating the emulsion
shake/mix test

OR 1. Accept ‘Add Sudan III and

mix’
Add ethanol/alcohol and shake/mix then
pour into/add water; 2 1. Ignore a second shake

2. White/milky (emulsion) 2. Ignore cloudy

OR 2. Reject precipitate

(emulsion) test turns white/milky; 2. Accept (for Sudan III) top

(layer) red

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

01.4 (Similarity)
Accept 2 marks max if
1. is not achieved
1. Both have a phospholipid bilayer

OR

Both have fatty acid/hydrophobic tails pointing

in/face each other

OR

Both have phosphate/polar/hydrophilic heads

pointing out

OR
2., 3., 4., and 5.
accept first answer
Both have protein;
refers to 1935 model
3 max unless otherwise
(Differences)
stated
2. No channel/carrier proteins, whereas fluid
2. Accept for ‘no
mosaic does
channel/carrier’, no
intrinsic
OR
2. Accept only one
Protein layer outside (phospholipids), fluid mosaic
type of protein
is 'dotted';
whereas fluid
mosaic has many
3. Cholesterol is not present whereas it is present
(types)
in fluid mosaic;

4. Glycoprotein is not present whereas it is present

in fluid mosaic;

5. Glycolipid is not present whereas it is present in

fluid mosaic;

TOTAL 8

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

02.1 Mark in pairs: 1 and 2 OR 3 and 4

1. Flattened cells 1. Reject thin cell

wall/membrane
OR 1. Accept thin cells
1. Accept ‘one cell
Single layer of cells; 2 thick’

2. Reduces diffusion distance/pathway;

3. Permeable; 4. Ignore gas

exchange
4. Allows diffusion of oxygen/carbon dioxide;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

02.2 Correct answer for 2 marks = 1.10–1.15;;

Accept for 1 mark, 2

0.6(1) : 1 (correct FEV1 : FEC ratio)

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

02.3 1. Less carbon dioxide exhaled/moves out (of lung)

OR

More carbon dioxide remains (in lung);

2. (So) reduced diffusion/concentration gradient

(between blood and alveoli); 3

3. Less/slower movement of carbon dioxide out of

blood

OR

More carbon dioxide stays in blood;

TOTAL 7

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

03.1 Binomial; 1

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

03.2 1
(A factor that) increases (the rate of) mutations;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

03.3 Correct answer - 60, 31 and 30;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

03.4 Name of mutation Ignore

homologous
1. Non-disjunction;
2. Accept
Explanation reference to
first division
2. (In) meiosis; or second
division as
3. Chromosomes not separated indicating
3
meiosis
OR 2. Ignore
mitosis
All chromosomes stay in one cell
3. Accept
OR 'move to
one side'
Chromosomes do not form (homologous) pairs; OR 'move to
one pole'
Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

3.5 1. Random fusion of gametes 1. Accept for

2 ‘gametes’,
OR

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Reproductive
Random fertilisation;
cells
2. (Produces) new allele combinations
2. Ignore
genes
OR

(Produces) new maternal and paternal chromosome

combinations;

TOTAL 8

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

04.1 1. Cell(-surface) membrane;

2. Ribosomes; 2. Ignore 70S

2 max
3. Cytoplasm;

4. DNA;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

04.2 Mark in pairs: 1 and 2 OR 3 and 4 1. Accept for ‘protein

synthesis’,
1. (Amino acids used in) protein synthesis; translation

2. (So) more enzymes (for DNA/plasmid

replication)

OR 2

(So) more DNA polymerase;

3. (Amino acids used in) respiration;

4. (So) more energy/ATP (for DNA/plasmid

replication);

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

04.3 1. Circular DNA is bigger/heavier/denser; 1. and 2. Accept

converse for plasmids
2
2. (Because band) moved further/is lower (in
tube)/closer to bottom (of tube);

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

04.4 1. Plasmid replication continues/increases (with X) 1. Accept for

as band is wider; ‘replicate’, copy OR
reproduce
2. Circular DNA replication stops/not increased
(with X) as band is identical; 1. Accept for
2 ‘continues’, is not
affected
1. Accept for ‘wider’,
thicker OR ‘there
are more’

TOTAL 8

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

05.1 1. Amylase hydrolyses starch;

2
2. (To) maltose;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

05.2 1. (E) Amylase/enzyme is denatured; 1. Accept a

description of
2. (F) amylase is needed for/causes starch denaturation
hydrolysis/breakdown/digestion
2
OR 2. Ignore ‘it is a
control’
(F) water (alone) does not (cause starch)
hydrolysis/breakdown/digestion;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

05.3 1. Heat in Benedict’s (solution); 1. Reject description

of non-reducing
2. Red/green/orange (precipitate/colour) (shows 2 sugar test
maltose/reducing sugar); 2. Accept for ‘heat’,
water bath

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

05.4 Correct answer for 2 marks = 7;;

Accept for 1 mark,

7.2 (correct answer but not rounded)

OR
2
Evidence of 1.6 ÷ 4.0/0.4/40% (correct dilution
factor)

OR

Evidence of 0.08 (correct amylase volume in

0.2cm3)

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

1. Reduces (human) error/uncertainty;

05.5 Ignore can only
2. (It is) the resolution of a ruler; measure to whole
numbers
3. (For a ruler measurement) the uncertainty is 1 max
±1(mm) Ignore reliability and
precision
OR

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

(For a ruler measurement) the true value lies Accept, the

with ±1(mm); uncertainty of a ruler
reading is (±)0.5(mm)
OR readings of <1mm
are not accurate

TOTAL 9

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

3. Accept converse for

06.1 1. Different primary structure/amino acid sequence; S
AD
2. Different tertiary structure/shape of active site; 3. Accept is more
3 complementary
3. Enzyme-substrate complexes more likely (with
F
enzyme from AD allele);

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

06.2 Avoids bias

OR 1

Results (likely to be) reliable/repeatable;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

F
06.3 1. Flies with AD /allele have selective advantage Accept converse for
(in presence of alcohol); ADS
F
2. So insects (with AD more likely to) reproduce; 1. Accept description
4 of selective
3. Pass on ADF (allele/gene); advantage

4. (So) allele frequency increases;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

06.4 Answer = Directional selection 1

TOTAL 9

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

07.1 1. and 2. Accept for 2 marks correct names of three 1. and 2. Accept for 1
components adenine, ribose/pentose, three mark, correct name of
phosphates;; two components
1. and 2. Accept for 1
mark, ADP and
3. Condensation (reaction);
phosphate/Pi
4. ATP synthase;
1. and 2. Ignore
4 adenosine

1. and 2. Accept
suitably labelled
diagram

3. Ignore
phosphodiester

4. Reject ATPase

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

07.2 Correct answer for 1 mark = 57/57.1; 1

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

07.3 1. (Amino acid uptake by) active transport; 1. Accept for

‘transport’, process
2. Cyanide reduces/stops amino acid uptake;

3. ATP production stops on membranes

OR
3 max
Enzymes not working on membranes;

4. ATP production continues in cytoplasm

OR

Enzymes active in cytoplasm;

TOTAL 8

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

08.1 All three correct and no other substances = 1 mark

1 Accept in any order
Gluconic acid, water, green pigment;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

3
08.2 Correct answer for 3 marks = 544 and nm ;;;

Accept for 2 marks:

612 (cage volume occupied by enzymes)

OR

68 (volume of HRP)
3
OR

544 (correct answers with no unit)

Accept for 1 mark:

6800 (cage volume)

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

08.3 1. (Trapping) increases enzyme/GOx/HRP activity; 3. Accept for ‘standard

deviations’, error bars
2. Difference/increase is significant

OR 3

Difference is not (likely to be) due to chance;

3. (Because) SDs do not overlap;

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

08.4 Denatured enzymes Accept any valid

method of
OR denaturing/inactivation

Inactivated enzymes 1
OR

Empty cages (in water);

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

TOTAL 8

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

09.1 1. A metabolite in condensation/hydrolysis/

photosynthesis/respiration; 3. For ‘buffer’ accept
‘resist’.
2. A solvent so (metabolic) reactions can occur
4. Reject latent heat of
OR evaporation

A solvent so allowing transport of substances; 5. For ‘columns of

water’ accept
3. High (specific) heat capacity so buffers changes ‘transpiration
in temperature; stream’. Do not
credit ‘transpiration’
4. Large latent heat of vaporisation so provides a alone but accept
cooling effect (through evaporation); description of
‘stream’.
5. Cohesion (between water molecules) so 5. For ‘columns of
supports columns of water (in plants); water’ accept
‘cohesion-tension
6. Cohesion (between water molecules) so 5 max (theory)’.
produces surface tension supporting (small) 5. and 6. For cohesion
organisms; accept hydrogen
bonding

Ignore reference to pH.

Allow other suitable
properties but must
have a valid
explanation.
For example
• ice floating so
maintaining aquatic
habitat beneath
• water transparent so
allowing light
penetration for
photosynthesis

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 MARK SCHEME – AS BIOLOGY – 7401/2 – JUNE 2021

Question Marking Guidance Mark Comments

09.2 1. DNA helicase unwinds DNA/double helix

OR

DNA helicase breaks hydrogen bonds;

2. Both strands act as templates; 2. Accept description

of ‘template’, eg
3. (Free DNA) nucleotides line up in exposed bases on
complementary pairs/A-T and G-C; 5 max single
(polynucleotide)
4. DNA polymerase joins nucleotides (of new strands
strand);
4. Reject forms
5. Forming phosphodiester bonds; hydrogen
bonds/joins bases
6. Each new DNA molecule consists of one
old/original/template strand and one new strand;

TOTAL 10

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