Eunoia Junior College H2 Biology Remedial JC1 2017

Remedial: Enzymes & Cell Structure & Membranes

Name:

Class:

Question 1:

The browning which occurs when many types of vegetables and fruits are peeled is caused by
enzymes called phenol oxidases. These catalyze the relatively slow conversion of naturally
occurring phenolic compounds into dark brown melanins.

phenol oxidase
phenols + air melanins
(colourless) (dark brown)

(a) Define the term enzyme.

The following results were obtained from an investigation into the browning of apple.

Tube Contents of tube (cm3) Appearance

number Catechol Apple Buffer Dilute Dilute of contents
extract (pH 7) acid alkali after 10
mins at
room
temperature.
1 2 5 Colourless
2 2 2 3 Dark brown
3 2 2 3 Colourless
4 2 2 3 Light brown
5 2 5 Light brown
6 2 2# 3 Colourless
# Extract had been previously boiled.

(b) With reference to the table above, state what the apple extract contains. [1]
(c) Give a reason for your answer in b) [2]
(d) Provide an appropriate explanation for the results obtained in tubes 3 and 4 in the light of
your understanding of enzymes. [4]
(e) Suggest what type of substance is catechol, and its role in this investigation. [1]
(f) Suggest why a light brown appearance is obtained in tube 5 even in the absence of
catechols. [2]

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Eunoia Junior College H2 Biology Remedial JC1 2017

Question 2:

Fig. 2.1 shows a section through part of the fluid mosaic model of the cell surface membrane with a
Na+/K+ pump protein.

Fig. 2.1
(a) Explain why the cell surface membrane is described as fluid mosaic. [2]
(b) Describe how the channel surface of the protein differs from its surface facing the
phospholipid tails. [2]
(c) Explain why Na+ and K+ cannot pass freely across the phospholipid bilayer. [2]
(d) Cholesterol and glycolipids are associated with cell surface membrane. State one
function of each compound in membrane. [2]

Question 3:

Fig.3.1 shows a cell which synthesizes the hormone, insulin, which is a protein that is secreted out
of the cell.
B

Nucleus
Granules (stained black)
containing insulin Fig.3.1

(a) Name the cell structures labelled A and B. [2]

(b) Suggest, with reasons, how the cell in Fig.3.1 is different, in terms of its organelles,
compared to a cell that is metabolically inactive and not secreting proteins. Do not include
in your answer, the organelles labeled in the micrograph above. [2]
(c) Describe two ways in which the structure of the nucleus is related to its role in the
synthesis of insulin. [3]
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Eunoia Junior College H2 Biology Remedial JC1 2017

Fig.3.2 shows the mechanism that triggers insulin release in response to glucose uptake.

The uptake of glucose through GLUT2(Glucose Transporter 2) causes a rise in ATP levels in the
cell. This in turn closes the potassium channel and leads to depolarization of the membrane, causing
the voltage-gated calcium channel to open. The influx of calcium ions leads to the release of insulin.

Fig. 3.2

(d) With reference to Fig.3.2, describe how GLUT2 transports glucose into the cell. [3]
(e) With reference to Fig.3.2, describe one similarity and one difference in the way
potassium ions and insulin are transported. [2]