Carbohydrates and lipids: past paper questions
Real questions on carbohydrates and lipids
The newest 20 of 69 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(i)[1]
Complete Table 2.1 to show the amino acids coded by the DNA nucleotide sequence in Table 2.1. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(ii)[3]
The sequence of amino acids that you have worked out is representative of the whole of the collagen polypeptide. Explain how the sequence of amino acids makes the polypeptide suitable as a component of a collagen molecule.
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(iii)[2]
Two mutations, P and Q, can have an effect on the primary structure of the polypeptide. • • Mutation P is a deletion of the first nucleotide pair in the DNA nucleotide sequence shown in Table 2.1. Mutation Q is a substitution of G with T as the first base in the DNA nucleotide sequence shown in Table 2.1. State the eff...
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
State the meaning of monomers of DNA.
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[1]
State how ATP differs in structure from the phosphorylated nucleotide shown in Fig. 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(iii)[1]
State the process occurring in all cells that results in the production of ATP.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(ii)[3]
In the genetic test for MLD, PCR and gel electrophoresis are carried out before DNA sequencing. Suggest and explain reasons why PCR and gel electrophoresis are carried out before DNA sequencing.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[1]
Calculate the number of copies of DNA that are obtained if PCR is run for 35 cycles. Assume that there is only 1 copy of DNA at the start of PCR. Give your answer in standard form to two significant figures.
See it on the paper → - 9700/51 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[2]
The scientists standardised temperature, pH (pH 4.8) and time in the investigation. State two other variables that the scientists should standardise in this investigation.
See it on the paper → - 9700/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1d(i)[2]
Explain why the proportion of rough ER to smooth ER may be different in the root hair cells of barley plants compared with the root hair cells of sorghum plants.
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[3]
S. epidermidis and S. aureus are prokaryotes. Table 3.1 shows some cell features that could apply to typical prokaryotic cells or to typical eukaryotic cells or to both types of cell. Complete Table 3.1 by using a tick () if the feature applies to the type of cell or a cross ( ) if the feature does not apply to the...
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[3]
One way that S. aureus can infect humans is through wounds (breaks) in the skin. Populations of S. aureus develop on human skin as part of a biofilm. The biofilm contains cells of S. aureus within a mixture of polymers that have been secreted by the cells. S. epidermidis produces a protease enzyme that prevents the gro...
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[3]
Two of the domains contain only prokaryotic species. With reference to the two prokaryotic domains, describe the features used to classify prokaryotic species into two different domains.
See it on the paper → - 9700/43 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[3]
For the human insulin gene to be successfully expressed in bacteria, one method chosen to obtain the gene is to extract mRNA from β-cells in the pancreas. The gene coding for insulin is not expressed in the bacterial host when it has been obtained by cutting it out of genomic DNA. Suggest and explain how the structural...
See it on the paper → - 9700/43 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
State the role of DNA ligase in the formation of recombinant plasmids.
See it on the paper → - 9700/43 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Explain why a promoter, as well as the gene, may have to be transferred into the plasmid.
See it on the paper → - 9700/43 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[3]
Explain how a marker gene coding for a fluorescent product could be used.
See it on the paper → - 9700/43 · May/June 2025 · Q5d[2]
The unicellular fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of yeast that has been used to produce human insulin. S. cerevisiae cells are able to take up recombinant plasmids. Suggest advantages of using yeast compared to using bacteria for human insulin production.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3c[1]
Some transcription factors increase the rate of transcription of genes involved in the closure of stomata. State where transcription factors bind to cause an increase in the rate of transcription.
See it on the paper → - 9700/22 · May/June 2023 · Q5b(i)[1]
With reference to Fig. 5.1, explain whether carbovir triphosphate will replace a purine or a pyrimidine nucleotide in the elongating polynucleotide chain.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates correctly made the link between the double ring structure in carbovir triphosphate and purine nucleotides.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9700/22 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates needed to refer back to Fig. 5.1 to see that carbovir triphosphate has a structure more closely resembling an activated purine nucleotide than abacavir and so would be more likely to be mistaken for a DNA nucleotide and added to the polynucleotide chain. Many noted the addition of phosphate groups in their response or gave a detail of DNA polymerase action and polynucleotide chain forma...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9700/22 Q5(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Candidates were not expected to know how carbovir triphosphate acts as a therapeutic drug to prevent viral DNA synthesis, and all reasonable suggestions were credited. Those who did well showed an understanding that, although carbovir triphosphate can substitute for a DNA nucleotide during the replication of DNA, its insertion into the polynucleotide chain would somehow prevent the formation of th...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9700/22 Q5(b)(iii) (Cambridge)
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