MODEL SOLUTIONS AND MARKING SCHEME

AREA OF STUDY 1, TEST 2

THE MAKINGS OF CELLS 2

December 20, 2012

Question 1
Part a. Marks were awarded as follows:

Identifying the missing cellular organelle

Correctly describing its function

Sample response:
The missing organelle is the

Part b.

mitochondria, which has the role of being the site of aerobic respiration in cells.

Marks were awarded as follows:

The correct function of each endoplasmic reticulum

Clearly showing that this is a dierence and not a comparison

Sample response:

The smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dier by their function. Whilst the smooth ER is the major site of
synthesis for lipids and steroids, as well as being involved in both regulatory, detoxication, and metabolism roles. The rough
ER has a dierent function, with it being important in providing lysosomal enzymes and other proteins for the cell.
Hence, their function diers.

Part c.

Marks were awarded as follows:

Explaining synthesis in terms of a function of the ribosomes

Explaining packaging in terms of a function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Explaining transport in terms of a function of vesicles and the Golgi complex

Sample response:

Synthesis: A

polypeptide chain grows from the ribosomes and moved into the rough ER via pores, resulting in

the polypeptide (and eventual protein) being created in the rough ER.

Packaging:

Proteins destined for secretion (ie.

not the proteins made by ribosomes that are free in the cytosol) are

wrapped in vesicles that bud o the rough ER into the cytosol.

Transport: Such vesicles are then received in the Golgi complex,
packaged into vesicles for exocytosis.

where they can be

stored

until they are

again

Part d.(i)

Marks were awarded as follows:

Circling the correct response

Explaining the correct response (this mark could only be achieved if the correct response was circled)

Sample response:
Can't be determined. As the question does make make a mention of hydrolase K's optimal pH level, hence, an increase of pH
by the small amount of 0.5 cannot determine activity levels.

Part d.(ii)

Marks were awarded as follows:

Circling the correct response

Explaining the correct response (this mark could only be achieved if the correct response was circled)

Sample response:
Decrease in activity. Despite the questions not making a mention of the optimal temperature for the enzyme, a temperature of
117 degrees Celsius is very high and would result in the denaturisation of the enzyme. Hence, a decrease in activity.

Part d.(iii)

Marks were awarded as follows:

Circling the correct response

Explaining the correct response (this mark could only be achieved if the correct response was circled)

Sample response:
Decrease in activity.

Irreversible competitive inhibitors bind to the enzyme, hence reducing it's functionality by irreversibly

binding to the enzyme's active site. As it is added in excess, it can be assumed every enzyme will be eected. Hence, a decrease
in activity levels.

Part d.(iv)

Marks were awarded as follows:

Circling the correct response

Explaining the correct response (this mark could only be achieved if the correct response was circled)

Sample response:
No change in activity. A double in enzyme concentration will certainly increase the reaction rate, but the

individual activity of

any one enzyme will not decrease or increase, as the substrate is still in excess. Hence, no change in activity levels.

Part e.

Marks were awarded as follows:

Drawing the correct enzyme concentration curve

Drawing the correct enzyme substrate curve

Sample response:

Part f.

One mark would be awarded for correctly explaining the role of cofactors in enzyme action.

Sample response:
A cofactor is essentially a non-protein substance that is essential to the activity of the enzyme by binding to it during it's activity.

Question 2
Part a. One mark would be awarded for the correct result of a faulty BCKDC.
Sample response:
As BCKDC is faulty, the

branched amino acids (ie. leucine, isoleucine, and valine) will not be broken down into Acetyl
extra branched amino acids in the bloodstream or cells (any appropriate example).

Co-A. Hence, there will be

Part b.

Marks were awarded as follows:

For correctly stating that that someone with MSUD would be able to produce Acetyl-CoA

A correct explanation of why this is so

Sample response:
An individual with MSUD

would be able to produce Acetyl-CoA. This is because there are alternate metabolic pathways

to produce the molecule in the body, such as cellular respiration.

Part c.

One mark would be awarded for each correct method of testing.

Sample response (any two of the following):

Identication of the condition through a urine sample

Ordering a blood test to see if there are increased levels of blood plasma concentration of branched amino acids

Genetic screening of the individual as the condition is genetic

A detailed questionnaire that will result in diagnosis being made possible

Part d.

One mark would be awarded for correctly identifying an appropriate diet..

Sample response:
A diet

low in branched amino acids would be advised.

Part e.

One mark would be awarded for correctly explaining the role of enzymes in the context of metabolic processes.

Sample response:

catalyse the process by lowering the activation energy required for the
in order to sustain life.

The role of enzymes in metabolic processes is to

reaction to proceed, hence speeding the process

Question 3
Marks were awarded as follows:

Having a viable hypothesis

Having a viable experimental procedure

Having a viable interpretation of results

Sample response:

hypothesis could be that cats that were fed Cat Cube Blend A (the high ber type) will have a lower resting blood
experiment structure would be
dividing the cats into two equal groups of 30 cats (for example), and have one group being fed Cat Cube Blend A, whilst the
other group being fed Cat Cube Blend B, keep all other variables constant such as water supply, shelter, etc. The result

A possible

pressure than those that were fed Cat Cube Blend B (the low ber type). An appropriate

would be that the average blood pressure of the cats that were fed Cat Cube Blend A would be lower and closer to normal
blood pressure than those that were fed Cat Cube Blend B, as per the hypothesis.