Homework marking scheme 16.

1
Inherited change

Question Expected answer Mark

1 a i  A gene is a sequence of nucleotides forming part of a DNA molecule.

A gene has a specific function, such as coding for a polypeptide, and occupies a particular
place on a chromosome, referred to as the gene locus. [2]
ii Structural genes code for specific structural or functional proteins, such as enzymes, or
other RNA products that are not involved in regulation.
Regulatory genes control the expression of other genes, for example by coding for a
repressor protein. Repressor proteins prevent the transcription of RNA. Regulatory genes
may also code for an activator protein which causes an increase in transcription of RNA.
[2]
b i  A disaccharide consists of two monosaccharide monomers, joined together by means
   of a glycosidic bond. The two monosaccharides monomers in lactose are glucose and
   galactose. [2]
ii From 0 to 3 hours, the log number of cells increases linearly.
From 3 to 4 hours, the log number of cells remains constant.
Then from 4 to 6 hours, the log number of cells increases linearly again.
Overall, the log10 number of cells increases by 4.5. [3]
iii During the first phase of growth, from 0 to 3 hours, the E. coli cells are metabolising
glucose as a substrate for respiration.
In the second phase of growth, the cells are using lactose as an energy source.
Enzymes required for the metabolism of glucose are always present in the cells and
glucose is used preferentially. When glucose has been used up, the enzymes required for
the metabolism of lactose are synthesised. These enzymes include lactose permease and
-galactosidase.
The structural genes for the synthesis of these enzymes are repressed, because a repressor
protein binds to the promoter region of the lac operon, preventing RNA polymerase from
binding.
If lactose is present, it binds with the repressor protein. This allows RNA polymerase to
bind with the promoter region and transcription of the structural genes for enzyme
synthesis begins.
Lactose permease and -galactosidase are synthesised, the cells now metabolise lactose
and growth resumes. [6]
iv Substituting the figures into the equation gives a value for k of 2.99
This means that the number of cells doubles almost three times per hour. [3]
[Total: 18]

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

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 2