9700_s23_qp_22
A paper of Biology, 9700
Questions:
6
Year:
2023
Paper:
2
Variant:
2

Login to start this paper & get access to powerful tools

1
2
is a photomicrograph of a longitudinal section (LS) through a root tip. Two different regions are visible: • the root apical meristem • the root cap. Cells in the root cap synthesise a gel-like, sticky secretion known as mucilage, which is important in reducing friction between soil and the growing root. It is composed mainly of polysaccharides and also contains some amino acids and enzymes. root apical meristem cells 1mm root cap cells Describe three differences, visible in , between root apical meristem cells and root cap cells. Mucilage acts as a glue to bind tiny soil particles together, forming small clumps close to the root. These small clumps help to maintain the soil water around the root tip and prevent the loss of water. With reference to the cohesive and adhesive properties of water, suggest and explain how the formation of small clumps of soil helps to maintain the soil water around the root tip. Enzymes present in mucilage catalyse the breakdown of organic compounds in the soil. This increases the presence of mineral ions in the soil. State the term used to describe enzymes that act outside the cells that synthesise them. The polysaccharides and amino acids present in the mucilage are a source of nutrients for soil microorganisms that live in the area surrounding the root. Some of these microorganisms can break down soil compounds to release mineral ions. Explain what is meant by a polysaccharide. The soil microorganisms use amino acids to synthesise proteins. All of the twenty different amino acids that are present in proteins have the same general structure. Draw the general structure of an amino acid in the space provided and use this drawing to explain how it is possible to have many different amino acids. Mineral ions are usually present in the soil in very low concentrations. The action of mucilage enzymes and soil microorganisms can help to increase the presence of mineral ions. Root hair cells are specialised for the uptake of these mineral ions and for the absorption of water from the soil. Suggest and explain how the presence of mineral ions in the root hair cell can increase the absorption of water by the root hair cells.
3
4
5
Nucleotide and nucleoside analogues are therapeutic drugs that have a similar structure to nucleotides or nucleosides of RNA and DNA. A nucleoside is composed of a nitrogenous organic base and a pentose sugar. The names of the bases present in RNA and DNA nucleotides can be abbreviated using a single letter. These are shown in Table 5.1. Complete Table. 5.1 by stating: • the name of each base • whether the base is a purine or pyrimidine • whether the base is present – only in an RNA molecule (write RNA in the table) – only in a DNA molecule (write DNA in the table) – in RNA and in DNA molecules (write the word both in the table). Table 5.1 base name of base purine or pyrimidine present in RNA, DNA, or both A C G T U Abacavir is an analogue drug used in the treatment of some viral diseases. It enters a cell infected by a virus and is metabolised to the analogue carbovir triphosphate. shows the molecular structure of abacavir and carbovir triphosphate. HO N N N NH NH2 NH2 N HO HO O HO O O O OH P P P O O O abacavir carbovir triphosphate N N N N H Carbovir triphosphate can be inserted into an elongating polynucleotide chain instead of a nucleotide. This interferes with the action of DNA polymerase during the synthesis of viral DNA. With reference to , explain whether carbovir triphosphate will replace a purine or a pyrimidine nucleotide in the elongating polynucleotide chain. With reference to and the action of DNA polymerase, suggest why the conversion of abacavir to carbovir triphosphate increases the chance of the analogue being added to the viral polynucleotide chain. Suggest and explain how carbovir triphosphate interferes with the action of DNA polymerase and how this may prevent the synthesis of viral DNA.
6
The Weibel Lung model was developed after an extensive study of the gas exchange system. The model includes detailed measurements of airway diameters (lumen diameters of the airways). In the model, different parts of the gas exchange system are identified with a generation number, as outlined in . airway generation number trachea X terminal bronchioles bronchioles respiratory bronchioles alveolar ducts alveolar sacs alveoli The Weibel Lung model describes how each airway divides into two. Name the airways in generation 1, labelled X in , that branch from generation 0. The airways are well supplied with blood. However, the airways from generation 0 to generation 16, shown in , are not able to carry out gas exchange. Suggest why the airways from generation 0 to generation 16 are not able to carry out gas exchange. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an imaging technique that is used to obtain measurements of airway diameters in people with a pulmonary disease. Regular, repeated imaging must be avoided because it involves exposure to harmful radiation. Scientists researched the use of a different technique, HP gas MRI, that does not involve harmful radiation. Two types of MRI image, known as projection and multi-Slice, were used to obtain measurements of airway diameters. shows the results of the HP gas MRI study compared with the Weibel Lung model, for generations 0 to 5. The Weibel Lung model was used as a standard reference for airway diameters. 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 airway diameter / cm airway generation projection multi-Slice Weibel Lung model Key State the relationship shown in between airway diameter and airway generation for the Weibel Lung model data. With reference to the data in , explain whether HP gas MRI could be a useful alternative to HRCT in obtaining airway diameter measurements.