TOPIC 1: MOLECULES, TRANSPORT AND HEALTH

Chapter 1B: Mammalian transport systems

1 Haemoglobin in red blood cells absorbs oxygen. It is a globular protein. The

diagram below shows the structure of a molecule of haemoglobin in aqueous
solution.

(a) How many molecules of oxygen can combine with one molecule of
haemoglobin?

(1)

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(b) What evidence from the diagram indicates that haemoglobin has a
quaternary structure?

(1)

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(c) Name the inorganic ion which is a component of the haem group, shown on
the diagram as H.

(1)

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 (d) Using the terms ‘hydrophilic’ and ‘hydrophobic’ and your answer to 1(c),
explain why a molecule of haemoglobin is globular in shape in aqueous
solution.
Hint: this part of the question is synoptic. To help you answer it revisit Topic
1A on protein structure.

(4)

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(e) The diagram below shows the oxygen dissociation curve for adult
haemoglobin.

Explain why the curve is S-shaped.

(3)

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(Total for Question 1 = 10 marks)

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2 The diagram shows the structure of the human heart.

(a) Label the following structures on the diagram:

Right atrium, left ventricle, septum, bicuspid valve, tricuspid valve, aorta.

(3)

(b) On the diagram use solid arrows to show the path of deoxygenated blood
through the heart and use dotted or dashed arrows to show the path of
oxygenated blood through the heart.

(1)
(Total for Question 2 = 4 marks)

3 Angina is a type of heart disease caused by reduced blood flow in the coronary
arteries. During exercise a person with angina feels pain in the chest and arms.

(a) Explain how reduced blood flow in the coronary artery leads to the
symptoms of angina.

(2)

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 (b) The symptoms of angina can be lessened by drugs that dilate the coronary
artery. State two lifestyle changes that can also reduce the symptoms of
angina.

(2)

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(c) A patient has protein in their urine. The doctor suspects that they might have
high blood pressure.
Explain how high blood pressure can lead to protein in the urine.

(2)

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(Total for Question 3 = 6 marks)

TOTAL FOR ASSESSMENT = 20 MARKS

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