Homework marking scheme 1.

1
A: Cell structure and B: Viruses

Question Expected answer Mark

1 a The term magnification means how many times bigger an object appears than its actual size.
For example, if an object is magnified 10, it will appear to be 10 times bigger than its actual
size. [1]
Resolution refers to the ability to distinguish structures separately, when they are close together.
Higher resolution gives more detail of an object. [1]
b An electron microscope has much higher resolution than a light microscope. [1]
This is because an electron microscope uses a beam of electrons, with a much shorter wavelength
than visible light. [1]
An electron microscope gives both high magnification and high resolution, which are needed to
observe the fine structures, such as thylakoids, within a chloroplast. [1]
c i Maximum length of cell = 75 mm.
[1]
ii 75 mm = 75 000 m. To calculate the magnification, you divide the measured (apparent)
size by the actual size, i.e. 75 000  200 = 375. The magnification is, therefore,  375. [2]
iii Both of these organelles are surrounded by a double membrane. They also both contain
small, circular DNA. [2]
d Functions of ATP in plant cells include:
• providing energy for active transport
• providing energy for the synthesis of macromolecules such as proteins
• synthesis of organic molecules in the light independent stage of photosynthesis. [2]

[Total: 12]
2 a A virus essentially consists of a protein coat, or capsid, which encloses the genetic material.
The following structures, present in a typical prokaryotic cell, are not found in viruses:
• cell wall
• cell surface membrane
• cytoplasm
• ribosomes [2]
b Classification of viruses is based on the nature of their genetic material. Viruses may contain
either RNA or DNA. The RNA and the DNA may be single-stranded or double-stranded. [2]
[Total: 4]

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 1