1.

The kinetics of an enzyme-catalysed reaction are studied in the absence and presence of an
inhibitor. The graph represents the initial rate as a function of substrate concentration.

(a)

Identify the type of inhibition shown in the graph.

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(1)

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(b)

Determine Vmax and Km in the absence of the inhibitor and in the presence of the
inhibitor.
Absence of inhibitor:
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Presence of inhibitor:
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(3)

(c)

Outline the relationship between Km and enzyme activity.

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(1)
(Total 5 marks)

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2.

In aerobic respiration, the metabolism of glucose takes place using the processes of oxidation
and reduction.
(a)

Identify the molecule that undergoes oxidation and state the half-equation for the process.
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(2)

(b)

Identify the molecule that undergoes reduction and state the half-equation for the process.
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(2)

(c)

Identify two products that are formed when glucose undergoes anaerobic respiration in
the presence of yeast.
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(1)
(Total 5 marks)

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3.

Copper ions are used in electron transport. One reaction that occurs is the oxidation of glucose,
C6H12O6, to form carbon dioxide, CO2. State the half-equations for the oxidation of glucose and
the associated reaction involving copper ions.
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(Total 2 marks)

4.

DNA and RNA both contain a pentose sugar.

(i)

State the names of the sugars in each nucleic acid and outline how their chemical
structures differ.
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(2)

(ii)

State one other structural difference between DNA and RNA.

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(1)
(Total 3 marks)

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5.

(i)

Outline the steps involved in DNA profiling.

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(5)

(ii)

State one use of DNA profiling.

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(1)
(Total 6 marks)

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6.

The structure of thymine is given in Table 21 of the Data Booklet. Thymine is one of four
nitrogen-containing bases present in DNA.
(a)

Explain how thymine forms part of a nucleotide in DNA.

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(2)

(b)

The four nitrogen-containing bases are responsible for the double helix structure of DNA.
Using the structure of thymine below and the structure of one of the other bases in Table
21, draw a diagram to explain how thymine is able to play a role in forming a double
helix.
Identify the type of interactions between the two bases.

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(3)

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(c)

Describe how the order in which the four nitrogen-containing bases occur in DNA
provides the information necessary to synthesize proteins in a cell.
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)

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7.

It is now possible to purchase a work of art made from your own DNA profile.

[Source: www.dna11.com]

Outline the role that restriction enzymes play in making a DNA profile.
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(Total 2 marks)

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8.

Glucose can be used in the body either aerobically or during vigorous exercise, anaerobically.
Compare the aerobic and anaerobic respiration of glucose in terms of the processes of
oxidation/reduction and energy release. Write the overall equation for aerobic respiration.
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(Total 5 marks)

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9.

The nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, are polymers which are formed from nucleotides.
Distinguish between the structures of RNA and DNA.
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(Total 3 marks)

10.

Nucleic acids are natural polymers with exceptionally large relative molecular masses, made up
of nucleotides. All cells in the human body, with the exception of red blood cells, contain
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic
acids and its significance for information transfer in living material.
(i)

Explain how the two helices are linked in the structure of DNA.
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(2)

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(ii)

Describe the role of DNA in the storage of genetic information. The details of protein
synthesis are not required.
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(3)
(Total 5 marks)

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11.

Outline the steps involved in DNA profiling and state two uses.
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(Total 4 marks)

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12.

Pepsin is an enzyme, found in the stomach, that speeds up the breakdown of proteins. Iron is
used to speed up the production of ammonia in the Haber process.
Describe the characteristics of an enzyme such as pepsin, and compare its catalytic behaviour to
an inorganic catalyst such as iron.
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(Total 4 marks)

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13

13.

Enzymes are affected by inhibitors. Lead ions are a non-competitive inhibitor, they have been
linked to impaired mental functioning. Ritonavir is a drug used to treat HIV and acts as a
competitive inhibitor. Compare the action of lead ions and Ritonavir on enzymes, and how
they affect the initial rate of reaction of the enzyme with its substrate and the values of Km and
Vmax.
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(Total 5 marks)

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14

14.

The following graph shows the effect of substrate concentration on the rate of an enzymecatalysed reaction.

(a)

Explain the relationship between enzyme activity and concentration of the substrate.
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(2)

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15

(b)

Determine the Michaelis constant Km from the graph.

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(1)

(c)

Describe why competitive inhibition may take place.

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(1)

(d)

Explain the effect of competitive inhibition on Vmax and Km.

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(4)

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(e)

On the graph of effect of concentration on rate of reaction above, sketch the expected
curve for non-competitive inhibition.
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

15.

Enzymes are proteins which play an important role in the biochemical processes occurring in
the body.
(a)

State the major function of enzymes in the human body.

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(1)

(b)

Describe the mechanism of enzyme action in terms of structure.

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(3)
(Total 4 marks)

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17

16.

The graph below shows how the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction changes as the substrate
concentration is increased.
(i)

Use the graph to determine Vmax and the Michaelis constant, Km.

Vmax: .............................................................................................................................
Km: ...............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Draw a line on the graph to represent the effect of adding a competitive inhibitor.
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

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18

17.

State and explain the effects of heavy-metal ions and temperature increases on enzyme activity.
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(Total 5 marks)

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19

18.

Genetic information is stored in chromosomes which contain very long DNA sequences.
(a)

A nucleotide of DNA contains deoxyribose, a phosphate group and an organic base.

Outline how nucleotides are linked together to form polynucleotides.
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(2)

(b)

Describe the bonding between the two strands in the double helical structure of DNA.
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(2)
(Total 4 marks)

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19.

Describe aerobic respiration of glucose in the human body, with reference to oxidation and
reduction.
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(Total 4 marks)

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