Transport across cell membrane questions

Q1.
A scientist investigated the effect of cyanide on the uptake of sodium ions by animal
tissue.
He set up two beakers, J and K.
He put equal volumes of a solution containing sodium ions and equal masses of an animal
tissue in each beaker.

• He added cyanide to beaker J.

• He did not add cyanide to beaker K.

He measured the concentration of sodium ions remaining in the solution in each beaker,
for 80 minutes. The graph shows his results.

(a) Calculate the rate of uptake of sodium ions by the tissue in beaker K for the first 30
minutes. Show your working.

Answer ____________________ arbitrary units per minute

(2)

(b) Adding cyanide affects the uptake of sodium ions by the tissue. Use the graph to
describe how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 1 of 45
 (2)

(c) Cyanide is a substance which affects respiration.

Use information in the question to explain the effect of cyanide on the uptake of
sodium ions by the tissue.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q2.
Some substances can cross the cell-surface membrane of a cell by simple diffusion
through the phospholipid bilayer. Describe other ways by which substances cross this
membrane.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 5 marks)

Q3.
(a) Describe how phospholipids are arranged in a plasma membrane.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Cells that secrete enzymes contain a lot of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and
a large Golgi apparatus.

(i) Describe how the RER is involved in the production of enzymes.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Describe how the Golgi apparatus is involved in the secretion of enzymes.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q4.
(a) The letters P, Q, R, S and T represent ways substances can move across
membranes.

• P – diffusion through the phospholipid bilayer

• Q – facilitated diffusion
• R – active transport
• S – co-transport
• T – osmosis

For each of the following examples of transport across membranes, select the letter
that represents the way in which the substance moves across the membrane.

Write the appropriate letter in each box provided.

Transport through a channel protein

Transport of small, non-polar molecules

Transport of glucose with sodium ions

Page 3 of 45
 (3)

The diagram shows how a plant cell produces its cell wall.

(b) Y is a protein. One function of Y is to transport cellulose molecules across the

phospholipid bilayer.

Using information from the diagram, describe the other function of Y.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) What is the evidence in the diagram that the phospholipid bilayer shown is part of
the cell-surface membrane?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d) In the cell wall, bonds hold the cellulose molecules together side by side.

Tick (✔) one box that describes the type of bond that holds the cellulose molecules
together side by side.

Ester

Page 4 of 45
 Hydrogen

Ionic

Peptide

(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q5.
(a) Endopeptidases and exopeptidases are involved in the hydrolysis of proteins.

Name the other type of enzyme required for the complete hydrolysis of proteins to
amino acids.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) Suggest and explain why the combined actions of endopeptidases and
exopeptidases are more efficient than exopeptidases on their own.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) The diagram shows the co-transport mechanism for the absorption of amino acids
into the blood by a cell lining the ileum.

Page 5 of 45
 The addition of a respiratory inhibitor stops the absorption of amino acids.

Use the diagram to expain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q6.
(a) Contrast the processes of facilitated diffusion and active transport.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 6 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

Students investigated the uptake of chloride ions in barley plants. They divided the plants
into two groups and placed their roots in solutions containing radioactive chloride ions.

• Group A plants had a substance that inhibited respiration added to the solution.
• Group B plants did not have the substance added to the solution.

The students calculated the total amount of chloride ions absorbed by the plants every 15
minutes. Their results are shown in the figure below.

Time / minutes

(b) Calculate the ratio of the mean rate of uptake of chloride ions in the first hour to the
rate of uptake of chloride ions in the second hour for group B plants.

Ratio = ____________________ :1
(2)

(c) Explain the results shown in the figure above.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 7 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7.
A scientist investigated the uptake of sodium ions by animal tissue.
To do this, he:

• used two flasks, F and G

• put equal masses of animal tissue into each flask
• added equal volumes of a solution containing sodium ions to each flask
• added to flask F a solution of a substance that prevents the formation of ATP by
cells
• measured the concentration of sodium ions remaining in the solution in each flask.

The graph below shows his results.

Time / minutes

(a) Calculate the rate of uptake of sodium ions by the tissue in flask G during the first 20
minutes of this investigation.

Answer = ____________________ arbitrary units per minute

(1)

(b) The scientist concluded that the cells in flask G took up sodium ions by active
transport. Explain how the information given supports this conclusion.

___________________________________________________________________

Page 8 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(c) The curve for flask F levelled off after 20 minutes. Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q8.
(a) Describe how you would test a piece of food for the presence of lipid.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

The figure below shows a phospholipid.

Page 9 of 45
 X Y

(b) The part of the phospholipid labelled A is formed from a particular molecule. Name
this molecule.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) Name the type of bond between A and fatty acid X.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d) Which of the fatty acids, X or Y, in the figure above is unsaturated? Explain your
answer.

___________________________________________________________________

Page 10 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

Scientists investigated the percentages of different types of lipid in plasma membranes

from different types of cell. The table shows some of their results.

Type of lipid Percentage of lipid in plasma membrane by mass

Cell lining ileum of Red blood cell of The bacterium

mammal mammal Escherichia coli

Cholesterol 17 23 0

Glycolipid 7 3 0

Phospholipid 54 60 70

Others 22 14 30

(e) The scientists expressed their results as Percentage of lipid in plasma membrane
by mass. Explain how they would find these values.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Cholesterol increases the stability of plasma membranes. Cholesterol does this by making
membranes less flexible.

(f) Suggest one advantage of the different percentage of cholesterol in red blood cells
compared with cells lining the ileum.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(g) E. coli has no cholesterol in its cell-surface membrane. Despite this, the cell
maintains a constant shape. Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 11 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q9.
(a) Give three properties of water that are important in biology.

1. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)

A student investigated the effect of different concentrations of sucrose solution on “chips”

cut from a potato. Each chip had the same dimensions.

The student:

• weighed each chip at the start

• placed each chip in a separate test tube, each containing 10 cm3 of sucrose solution
at a different concentration

• left the chips in the sucrose solution for 24 hours

• dried the surface of the chips and then weighed them again.

The table shows the student’s results.

Concentration Initial mass Final mass of Ratio of final

of sucrose of chip / g chip / g mass to
solution / mol initial mass
dm−3 of chips

0.0 2.79 3.82

0.2 2.75 2.97

0.4 2.78 2.67

0.6 2.69 2.31

0.8 2.72 2.20

1.0 2.77 1.99

(b) The student produced the sucrose solutions with different concentrations from a

Page 12 of 45
 concentrated sucrose solution.

Name the method she would have used to produce these sucrose solutions.

Name of method _____________________________________________________

(1)

(c) Calculate the ratio of final mass to initial mass of potato chips and plot a suitable
graph of your processed data. Express the ratios in the table in part (a) as a single
number (for example 5.26:1 would be expressed as 5.26).

(3)

(d) Explain the result for the chip in 0.8 mol dm−3 sucrose solution.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Page 13 of 45
 (Total 9 marks)

Q10.
A scientist placed plant cells in solutions containing different concentrations of calcium
ions. She measured the rate of uptake of calcium ions by plant cells.
The graph below shows her results.

(a) What can you conclude from the graph about the processes involved in the uptake
of calcium ions by these plant cells?
Use evidence from the graph to support your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(5)

Page 14 of 45
 (b) Suggest one way in which the scientist could have ensured the solutions she used
for curve X contained no oxygen.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

Q11.
Water and inorganic ions have important biological functions within cells.

(a) Give two properties of water that are important in the cytoplasm of cells.
For each property of water, explain its importance in the cytoplasm.

Property 1__________________________________________________________

Biological importance within cells________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Property 2__________________________________________________________

Biological importance within cells________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(b) Other than sodium, name one inorganic ion and give one example of its biological
importance in a cell.

Name of inorganic ion_________________________________________________

Biological importance__________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Compare and contrast the processes by which water and inorganic ions enter cells.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 15 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q12.
(a) Sodium ions from salt (sodium chloride) are absorbed by cells lining the gut. Some
of these cells have membranes with a carrier protein called NHE3.

NHE3 actively transports one sodium ion into the cell in exchange for one proton
(hydrogen ion) out of the cell.

Use your knowledge of transport across cell membranes to suggest how NHE3 does
this.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) Scientists investigated the use of a drug called Tenapanor to reduce salt absorption
in the gut. Tenapanor inhibits the carrier protein, NHE3.

The scientists fed a diet containing a high concentration of salt to two groups
of rats, A and B.

• The rats in Group A were not given Tenapanor (0 mg kg−1).

• The rats in Group B were given 3 mg kg−1 Tenapanor.

One hour after treatment, the scientists removed the gut contents of the rats and
immediately weighed them.

Their results are shown in the table.

Page 16 of 45
 Concentration of Mean mass of contents
Tenapanor / mg kg−1 of the gut / g

0 2.0

3 4.1

The scientists carried out a statistical test to see whether the difference in the
means was significant. They calculated a P value of less than 0.05.

They concluded that Tenapanor did reduce salt absorption in the gut.

Use all the information provided and your knowledge of water potential to explain
how they reached this conclusion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(c) High absorption of salt from the diet can result in a higher than normal concentration
of salt in the blood plasma entering capillaries. This can lead to a build-up of tissue
fluid.

Explain how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Page 17 of 45
Q13.
In mammals, in the early stages of pregnancy, a developing embryo exchanges
substances with its mother via cells in the lining of the uterus. At this stage, there is a high
concentration of glycogen in cells lining the uterus.

(a) Describe the structure of glycogen.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) During early pregnancy, the glycogen in the cells lining the uterus is an important
energy source for the embryo.

Suggest how glycogen acts as a source of energy.

Do not include transport across membranes in your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Suggest and explain two ways the cell-surface membranes of the cells lining the
uterus may be adapted to allow rapid transport of nutrients.

1. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 18 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) In humans, after the gametes join at fertilisation, every cell of the developing embryo
undergoes mitotic divisions before the embryo attaches to the uterus lining.

• The first cell division takes 24 hours.

• The subsequent divisions each take 8 hours.

After 3 days, the embryo has a total volume of 4.2 × 10−3 mm3.

What is the mean volume of each cell after 3 days? Express your answer in
standard form.

Show your working.

Answer = ____________________ mm3

(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q14.
(a) What is a monomer?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) Lactulose is a disaccharide formed from one molecule of galactose and one
molecule of fructose.

Other than both being disaccharides, give one similarity and one difference between
the structures of lactulose and lactose.

Similarity ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 19 of 45
 Difference __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Following digestion and absorption of food, the undigested remains are processed
to form faeces in the parts of the intestine below the ileum.

The faeces of people with constipation are dry and hard. Constipation can be
treated by drinking lactulose. Lactulose is soluble, but is not digested or absorbed in
the human intestine.

Use your knowledge of water potential to suggest why lactulose can be used to help
people suffering from constipation.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) Lactulose can also be used to treat people who have too high a concentration of
hydrogen ions (H+) in their blood.

The normal range for blood H+ concentration is 3.55 × 10–8 to 4.47 × 10–8 mol dm–3

A patient was found to have a blood H+ concentration of 2.82 × 10–7 mol dm–3
Calculate the minimum percentage decrease required to bring the patient’s blood H+ concentration
into the normal range.

Page 20 of 45
 Answer = ____________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q15.
The diagram outlines the digestion and absorption of lipids.

(a) Tick (✔) the box by the name of the process by which fatty acids and glycerol enter
the intestinal epithelial cell.

Active transport

Diffusion

Endocytosis

Page 21 of 45
 Osmosis

(1)

(b) Explain the advantages of lipid droplet and micelle formation.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(c) Name structure Q in the diagram above and suggest how it is involved in the
absorption of lipids.

Name _____________________________________________________________

How it is involved ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q16.
A student investigated the effect of surface area on osmosis in cubes of potato.

• He cut two cubes of potato tissue, each with sides of 35 mm in length.

• He put one cube into a concentrated sucrose solution.
• He cut the other cube into eight equal-sized smaller cubes and put them into a
sucrose solution of the same concentration as the solution used for the large cube.
• He recorded the masses of the cubes at intervals.

His results are shown in the graph.

Page 22 of 45
(a) Describe the method the student would have used to obtain the results in the graph.
Start after all of the cubes of potato have been cut. Also consider variables he
should have controlled.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 23 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) The loss in mass shown in the graph is due to osmosis. The rate of osmosis
between 0 and 40 minutes is faster in B (the eight small cubes) than in A (single
large cube).

Is the rate of osmosis per mm2 per minute different between A and B during this
time?
Use appropriate calculations to support your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q17.
(a) Give two similarities in the movement of substances by diffusion and by osmosis.

1. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 24 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

A scientist measured the rate of uptake of a monoglyceride and a monosaccharide by

epithelial cells of the small intestine of mice. A monoglyceride is a molecule of glycerol
with one fatty acid attached. She did this for different concentrations of monoglyceride and
monosaccharide.

Her results are shown in the graph.

(b) Use your knowledge of transport across membranes to explain the shape of the
curve in the graph for uptake of monosaccharides between concentrations:

A and B ____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

C and D ____________________________________________________________

Page 25 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(c) The graph is evidence for monoglycerides being lipid-soluble molecules.

Suggest how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q18.
(a) Cells lining the ileum of mammals absorb the monosaccharide glucose by co-
transport with sodium ions. Explain how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 26 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________
(3)

A student set up the experiment shown in the diagram below.

The material from which Visking tubing is made is partially permeable.

After 15 minutes, the student removed samples from the liquid in the beaker and from the
liquid inside the Visking tubing. She carried out biochemical tests on these samples. She
drew the table below to record her results.

(b) Complete the table by placing a tick (✔) in each box that you expect to have shown
a positive result.

Liquid from Liquid inside

Biochemical test
beaker Visking tubing

Biuret reagent

Iodine in potassium
iodide

Benedict’s solution

(3)

(c) Justify your answers to part (b).

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

Page 27 of 45
 (Total 9 marks)

Q19.
The image below shows the cell-surface membrane of a red blood cell seen with a
transmission electron microscope.

(a) The cell-surface membrane can be seen with a transmission electron microscope
but not with an optical microscope.

Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) No organelles are visible in the cytoplasm of this red blood cell.

Suggest why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) Before the cell was examined using the electron microscope, it was stained. This
stain caused parts of the structure of the cell-surface membrane to appear as two
dark lines.

Suggest an explanation for the appearance of the cell-surface membrane as two

dark lines.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 28 of 45
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d) Describe how substances move across cell-surface membranes by facilitated

diffusion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q20.
(a) Glucose is absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into epithelial cells.
Explain how the transport of sodium ions is involved in the absorption of glucose by
epithelial cells.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 29 of 45
 (5)

(b) Oxygen and chloride ions can diffuse across cell-surface membranes. The diffusion
of chloride ions involves a membrane protein. The diffusion of oxygen does not
involve a membrane protein.

Explain why the diffusion of chloride ions involves a membrane protein and the
diffusion of oxygen does not.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(5)
(Total 10 marks)

Q21.
The diagram shows the structure of the cell-surface membrane of a cell.

(a) Name A and B.

A _________________________________________________________________

B _________________________________________________________________

Page 30 of 45
 (2)

(b) (i) C is a protein with a carbohydrate attached to it. This carbohydrate is formed
by joining monosaccharides together. Name the type of reaction that joins
monosaccharides together.

Name the type of reaction that joins monosaccharides together.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Some cells lining the bronchi of the lungs secrete large amounts of mucus.
Mucus contains protein.

Name one organelle that you would expect to find in large numbers in a
mucus-secreting cell and describe its role in the production of mucus.

Organelle______________________________________________________

Description of role _______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Page 31 of 45
Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) 2 marks for correct answer 0.2
Accept concentration ÷ time

1 mark for 6 / 30;

2

(b) 1. (Uptake) decreases / slower, then no further uptake / uptake stops;

2. (Decreases) to 20 - 22 / no uptake after 20 / 22 minutes;

Accept: (only) 1.6 (arbitrary units) absorbed / (only) drops to
8.4
Is for correct use of data from graph
2

(c) 1. Stops / reduces / inhibits respiration;

Accept: inhibits respiratory enzymes

2. No / less energy released / ATP produced;

Ignore: less energy produced / made

3. (ATP / energy needed) for active transport;

Accept ref to Na+ pump / description of active transport
Ignore consequences of less Na+ in cell
3
[7]

Q2.
By osmosis (no mark)
No mark awarded for naming terms e.g. osmosis, facilitated
diffusion, active transport, co-transport etc.

1. From a high water potential to a low water potential / down a water potential
gradient;

2. Through aquaporins / water channels;

QWC ignore large / small WP

By facilitated diffusion (no mark)

QWC ignore reference to high / low concentrations of water
or high / low concentration of solution

3. Channel / carrier protein;

4. Down concentration gradient;

By active transport (no mark)

QWC ignore ‘ along’ concentration gradients

Page 32 of 45
 5. Carrier protein / protein pumps;

6. Against concentration gradient;

7. Using ATP / energy (from respiration);

Co-transport subsumed into mark scheme for active
transport and facilitated diffusion

By phagocytosis / endocytosis (no mark)

Can award MP2, 3, 5 for 3 marks with no context given

8. Engulfing by cell surface membrane to form vesicle / vacuole;

Ignore lipid diffusion as in stem of question

By exocytosis / role of Golgi vesicles (no mark)

9. Fusion of vesicle with cell surface membrane;

5 max
[5]

Q3.
(a) 1. Bilayer;
Accept double layer
Accept drawing which shows bilayer

2. Hydrophobic / fatty acid / lipid (tails) to inside;

3. Polar / phosphate group / hydrophilic (head) to outside;

2. & 3. need labels
2. & 3. accept water loving or hating
2 max

(b) (i) 1. (Rough endoplasmic reticulum has) ribosomes;

accept “contains / stores”

2. To make protein (which an enzyme is);

Accept amino acids joined together / (poly)peptide
Reject makes amino acids
Ignore glycoprotein
2

(ii) (Golgi apparatus) modifies (protein)

OR

packages / put into (Golgi) vesicles

OR

transport to cell surface / vacuole;

Accept protein has sugar added
Reject protein synthesis

Page 33 of 45
 Accept lysosome formation
1
[5]

Q4.
(a)
Transport through a channel protein
1

Transport of small, non-polar molecules

1

Transport of glucose with sodium ions

1

(b) 1. (Y is) an enzyme/has active site/forms ES complex;

Accept catalyst
2. That makes cellulose/attaches substrate to cellulose/joins β glucose;
OR
3. Makes cellulose/forms glycosidic bonds;
4. From β glucose;
Mark in pairs (1&2 or 3&4)
2

(c) Cell wall forms outside cell-surface membrane/has cellulose on it

(on the outside);
1

(d) (Tick in box next to) Hydrogen;

1
[7]

Q5.
(a) Dipeptidase/s;
Accept: membrane bound dipeptidase/s.
1

(b) 1. Endopeptidases hydrolyse internal (peptide bonds)

OR
Exopeptidases remove amino acids/hydrolyse (bonds) at end(s);
Accept: break for hydrolyse.
Accept: endopeptidases break (proteins) into shorter chains.
2. More ends or increase in surface area (for
exopeptidases);
2

(c) 1. No/less ATP produced

OR
No active transport;
2. Sodium (ions) not moved (into/out of cell);

Page 34 of 45
 Accept: sodium (ions) increase in cell.
Accept: sodium (ions) cannot diffuse into cell.
3. No diffusion gradient for sodium (to move into cell with
amino acid)
OR
No concentration gradient for sodium (to move into cell with amino acid);
Accept: converse for all three points.
Note: no active transport of sodium (ions) equals 2 marks.
3
[6]

Q6.
(a) 1. Facilitated diffusion involves channel or carrier proteins whereas active
transport only involves carrier proteins;
2. Facilitated diffusion does not use ATP / is passive whereas active
transport uses ATP;
3. Facilitated diffusion takes place down a concentration gradient whereas
active transport can occur against a concentration gradient.
Since ‘contrast’, both sides of the differences needed
3

(b) 3.3:1.
Correct answer = 2 marks
If incorrect, allow 1 mark for 470–360 / 60 for rate in second
hour
2

(c) 1. Group A – initial uptake slower because by diffusion (only);

2. Group A – levels off because same concentrations inside cells and
outside cells / reached equilibrium;
3. Group B – uptake faster because by diffusion plus active transport;
4. Group B fails to level off because uptake against gradient / no
equilibrium to be reached;
5. Group B – rate slows because few / fewer chloride ions in external
solution / respiratory substrate used up.
4 max
[9]

Q7.
(a) 0.22;
1

(b) 1. Uptake in flask G much greater than in flask F;

2. Showing use of ATP in flask G;
3. Sodium ion concentration in flask G falls to zero;
4. Showing uptake against a concentration gradient.
4

(c) 1. (Uptake of sodium ions occurring by) facilitated diffusion;

2. Equilibrium reached / sodium ion concentrations in solution and in cells
the same.

Page 35 of 45
 2
[7]

Q8.
(a) 1. Dissolve in alcohol, then add water;
2. White emulsion shows presence of lipid.
2

(b) Glycerol.
1

(c) Ester.
1

(d) Y (no mark)

Contains double bond between (adjacent) carbon atoms in hydrocarbon chain.
1

(e) 1. Divide mass of each lipid by total mass of all lipids (in that type of cell);
2. Multiply answer by 100.
2

(f) Red blood cells free in blood / not supported by other cells so cholesterol helps
to maintain shape;
Allow converse for cell from ileum – cell supported by others
in endothelium so cholesterol has less effect on maintaining
shape.
1

(g) 1. Cell unable to change shape;

2. (Because) cell has a cell wall;
3. (Wall is) rigid / made of peptidoglycan / murein.
2 max
[10]

Q9.
(a) Accept any three suitable properties e.g.:
• Is a metabolite
• Is a solvent
• Has a (relatively) high heat capacity
• Has a (relatively) large latent heat of vaporisation / evaporation
• Has cohesion / hydrogen bonds between molecules;
No explanations are needed
However do not accept ‘polar’ unqualified
3 max

(b) Dilution series;

Accept serial dilution
1

(c) 1. Axes correct way round with linear scales;

2. Axes labelled with mol dm−3 and ratio without units;
3. Correct values correctly plotted and suitable curve drawn;

Page 36 of 45
 3. Accept point to point or smooth curve but no
extrapolation
NFP – 3. Graph starts just below 1.4 and finishes just above
0.7 and looks right.
3

(d) 1. (0.8 mol dm−3 sucrose) solution has a more negative / lower water
potential than potato (cytoplasm);
OR
potato (cytoplasm) has a less negative / higher water potential than (0.8 mol
dm−3 sucrose) solution;
2. (therefore) water moves out (of potato) into the (sucrose) solution by
osmosis (so cells decrease in mass);
1. Accept sucrose solution is hypertonic / potato
cytoplasm is hypotonic
2. Accept water moves down a water potential gradient
2
[9]

Q10.
(a) 1. Between 0 and 0.1 calcium (ions) cannot enter by facilitated diffusion
OR
No diffusion gradient for entry into the cell.

2. Between 0.1 and 0.3 calcium (ions) enter by facilitated diffusion;

3. As calcium (ions) enter without oxygen

OR
Oxygen is not required for facilitated diffusion;

4. Between 0 and 0.1 calcium (ions) enter by active transport;

5. Movement is against the concentration gradient;

6. As calcium (ions) only enter in presence of oxygen / oxygen is required for

active transport.
Accept ‘they’ refers to calcium ions
5 max

(b) (She could have used) boiled (and cooled) water

OR
Layer of oil in top of solution;
1
[6]

Q11.
(a) 1. Polar molecule;

2. Acts as a (universal) solvent;

OR

Page 37 of 45
 3. (Universal) solvent;

4. (Metabolic) reactions occur faster in solution;

OR

5. Reactive;

6. Takes place in hydrolysis / condensation / named reaction;

Polar molecule so acts as (universal) solvent so (metabolic
reactions are faster = 3 marks
4

(b) Name of ion;

Correct function within cell;

Ions other than sodium in specification are H+, Fe2+ and PO43–
but accept any correct ion (other than sodium) plus relevant
function = 2.
Allow ion to be named in words but not as element, e.g, iron
ion but not iron.
2

(c) 1. Comparison: both move down concentration gradient;

2. Comparison: both move through (protein) channels in membrane;

Accept aquaporins (for water) and ion channels

3. Contrast: ions can move against a concentration gradient by active transport

3
[9]

Q12.
(a) 1. Co-transport;
2. Uses (hydrolysis of) ATP;
3. Sodium ion and proton bind to the protein;
4. Protein changes shape (to move sodium ion and / or proton across the
membrane);
3. Accept ‘Na + and H + bind to protein’ but do not allow
incorrect chemical symbols
3 max

(b) 1. Tenapanor / (Group)B / drug causes a significant increase;

OR
There is a significant difference with Tenapanor / drug / between A and
B;
2. There is a less than 0.05 probability that the difference is due to chance;
3. (More salt in gut) reduces water potential in gut (contents);
4. (so) less water absorbed out of gut (contents) by osmosis
OR
Less water absorbed into cells by osmosis
OR
Water moves into the gut (contents) by osmosis.

Page 38 of 45
 OR
(so) water moves out of cells by osmosis.
1. and 2. Reject references to ‘results’ being significant / due
to chance once only.
2. Do not credit suggestion that probability is 0.05% or 5.
2. Accept ‘There is a greater than 0.95 / 95% probability
that any difference between observed and expected is
not due to chance’
4

(c) 1. (Higher salt) results in lower water potential of tissue fluid;

2. (So) less water returns to capillary by osmosis (at venule end);
OR
3. (Higher salt) results in higher blood pressure / volume;
4. (So) more fluid pushed / forced out (at arteriole end) of capillary;
For ‘salt’ accept ‘sodium ions’.
Do not allow mix and match of points from different
alternative pairs
3. Accept higher hydrostatic pressure.
2
[9]

Q13.
(a) 1. Polysaccharide of α-glucose;
OR
polymer of α-glucose;
2. (Joined by) glycosidic bonds
OR
Branched structure;
2

(b) 1. Hydrolysed (to glucose);

2. Glucose used in respiration;
1. Ignore ‘Broken down’
2. ‘Energy produced’ disqualifies mp2
2

(c) 1. Membrane folded so increased / large surface area;

OR
Membrane has increased / large surface area for (fast) diffusion /
facilitated diffusion / active transport / co-transport;
2. Large number of protein channels / carriers (in membrane) for facilitated
diffusion;
3. Large number of protein carriers (in membrane) for active transport;
4. Large number of protein (channels / carriers in membrane) for co-
transport;
1. Accept ‘microvilli to increase surface area’
1. Reject reference to villi.
Note feature and function required for each marking point
and reference to large / many / more.

Page 39 of 45
 List rule applies.
2 max

(d) 3.3 × 10−5 OR 3.28 × 10−5 OR 3.281 × 10−5;

1 mark for
Evidence of 128 (cells)
Correct numerical calculation but not in standard form gains 1 mark
(0.00003281 OR 0.0000328 OR 0.000033);
Accept any number of significant figures as long as rounding
correct (3.28125 × 10 −5 scores 2 marks)
2
[8]

Q14.
(a) (a monomer is a smaller / repeating) unit / molecule from which larger molecules /
polymers are made;
Reject atoms / elements / ’building blocks’ for units /
molecules
Ignore examples
1

(b) Similarity
1. Both contain galactose / a glycosidic bond;
Ignore references to hydrolysis and / or condensation

Difference
2. Lactulose contains fructose, whereas lactose contains glucose;
Ignore alpha / beta prefix for glucose
Difference must be stated, not implied
2

(c) 1. (Lactulose) lowers the water potential of faeces / intestine / contents of the
intestine;
Accept Ψ for water potential

2. Water retained / enters (due to osmosis) and softens the faeces;

Accept descriptions of soft faeces, eg faeces is less dry /
less hard
2

(d) (-) 84.1(%);;

Accept (-) 84.15(%)
Allow 1 mark for
84
OR

OR

Page 40 of 45
 2
[7]

Q15.
(a) Diffusion
Automarker
1

(b) 1. Droplets increase surface areas (for lipase / enzyme

action);
2. (So) faster hydrolysis / digestion (of triglycerides /
lipids);
3. Micelles carry fatty acids and glycerol /
monoglycerides to / through membrane / to (intestinal
epithelial) cell;
1. Context is important
1. Reject micelles increase surface area
2. Ignore ‘breakdown’
3. Ignore ‘small enough’
3. Accept description of membrane
3. Reject any movement through membrane proteins
3

(c) 1. Golgi (apparatus);

2. Modifies / processes triglycerides;
3. Combines triglycerides with proteins;
4. Packaged for release / exocytosis
OR
Forms vesicles;
Ignore ‘processes and packages’ unqualified
2. Reject synthesises triglycerides
3. Accept ‘forms / are lipoproteins’
4
[8]

Q16.
(a) 1. Method to ensure all cut surfaces of the eight cubes are exposed to the
sucrose solution;
Credit valid method descriptions to fulfil mp1, 2 and 3 (no
explanation is required).

2. Method of controlling temperature;

Accept ‘at room temperature’ for method

3. Method of drying cubes before measuring;

4. Measure mass of cubes at stated time intervals;

Page 41 of 45
 Accept time intervals between every 5 minutes with
maximum of every 40 minutes.
Accept ‘weigh the cubes at stated time intervals’
3 max

(b) Yes or No (no mark)

Calculation of rate per mm2 for both sets of data, accept answers in the range
1.6 × 10–5 to 1.8 × 10–5 and
1.5 × 10–5 to 1.6 × 10–5;;; Both correct = 3

One correct = 2

Neither correct – look below for max 2

Allow 1 mark for calculation of surface area of two (sets of) cubes 7350 (mm 2) and
14700 (mm2)

Allow 1 mark for calculation of both rates of osmosis shown in first 40 minutes –
between 0.12 and 0.13 and between 0.22 and 0.23

If surface area and/or rate of osmosis is incorrect then, allow 1 mark for (their)
calculated rate divided by (their) calculated surface area
Accept answers not given in standard form or to any number
of significant figures ≥2sf as long as rounding correct.
3 max
[6]

Q17.
(a) 1. (Movement) down a gradient / from high concentration to low concentration;
Ignore along / across gradient
Reject movement from gradient to gradient

2. Passive / not active processes;

OR
Do not use energy from respiration / from ATP / from metabolism;
OR
Use energy from the solution;
Reject do not use energy unqualified
2

(b) 1. Movement through carrier proteins;

OR
Facilitated diffusion;
Between A and B
Accept MP1 in either section
Ignore co-transport / active transport
Accept channel proteins

2. Rate of uptake proportional to (external) concentration;

Between C and D
Accept description of proportional

Page 42 of 45
 3. All channel / carrier proteins in use / saturated / limiting;
Accept used up
Accept transport proteins
3

(c) 1. Rate of uptake is proportional / does not level off (so diffusion occurring);
Accept as one increases the other increases

2. (Lipid-soluble molecules) diffuse through / are soluble in phospholipid (bilayer);

2
[7]

Q18.
(a) 1. Sodium ions actively transported from ileum cell to blood;

2. Maintains / forms diffusion gradient for sodium to enter cells from gut (and with
it, glucose);

3. Glucose enters by facilitated diffusion with sodium ions;

3

(b)

Biochemical Liquid from Liquid inside

test beaker Visking tubing

Biuret reagent ✔

I2/KI ✔ or blank

Benedict’s ✔ ✔

1 mark for each correct row

3

(c) 1. Biuret: protein molecules too large to pass through tubing;

Neutral: enzyme molecules

2. Iodine in potassium iodide solution: starch molecules too large to pass through
tubing;
If no tick in 04.2, allow no starch hydrolysed

3. Benedict’s: starch hydrolysed to maltose, which is able to pass through tubing.

Reject: glucose
3
[9]

Q19.
(a) Electron microscope has higher resolution (than optical microscope).
1

(b) Cytoplasm of red blood cell filled with haemoglobin.

Page 43 of 45
 1

(c) 1. Membrane has phospholipid bilayer;

2. Stain binds to phosphate / glycerol;

3. On inside and outside of membrane.

Accept phospholipid head / protein
3

(d) 1. Carrier / channel protein;

2. (Protein) specific / complementary to substance;

3. Substance moves down concentration gradient;

Allow down electrochemical gradient
Reject ‘along’ concentration gradient
3
[8]

Q20.
(a) 1. Na+ ions leave epithelial cell and enter blood;
Penalise for Na without ions once.
2. (Transport out is by) active transport / pump / via carrier
protein using ATP;
Reject channel protein
3. So, Na+ conc. in cell is lower than in lumen (of gut);
Maintains diffusion gradient for Na+ from lumen/into cells;
4. Sodium/Na+ ions enter by facilitated diffusion;
Accept diffusion/from high to low concentration through a
symport/cotransport protein
5. Glucose absorbed with Na+ ions against their
concentration/diffusion gradient / glucose absorbed down an
electrochemical gradient;
Accept glucose absorbed with sodium ions by indirect active
transport
5

(b) 1. Chloride ions water soluble/charged/polar;

Penalise chloride molecules only once
Ignore ref to size
Accept not lipid soluble
2. Cannot cross (lipid) bilayer (of membrane);
3. Chloride ions transported by facilitated diffusion OR diffusion
involving channel/carrier protein;
4. Oxygen not charged/non-polar;
Accept oxygen lipid soluble
5. (Oxygen) soluble in/can diffuse across (lipid) bilayer;
5
[10]

Page 44 of 45
Q21.
(a) 1. A: phospholipid (layer);
1. Reject hydrophobic / hydrophilic phospholipid

2. B: pore / channel / pump / carrier / transmembrane / intrinsic / transport

protein;
2. Ignore unqualified reference to protein
2

(b) (i) Condensation (reaction);

1

(ii) Organelle named; Function in protein production / secretion;

Function must be for organelle named
Incorrect organelle = 0

eg

1. Golgi (apparatus);
1. Accept smooth endoplasmic reticulum

2. Package / process proteins;

OR

3. Rough endoplasmic reticulum / ribosomes;

3. Accept alternative correct functions of rough endoplasmic
reticulum. ER / RER is insufficient
3. Accept folding polypeptide / protein

4. Make polypeptide / protein / forming peptide bonds;

OR

5. Mitochondria;

6. Release of energy / make ATP;

6. Reject produce / make energy
6. Accept produce energy in the form of ATP

OR

7. Vesicles;

8. Secretion / transport of protein;

2
[5]

Page 45 of 45