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Date November 2016 Marks available 1 Reference code 16N.3.SL.TZ0.2
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term Suggest Question number 2 Adapted from N/A

Question

The enzyme amylase was extracted from the digestive system of horses and added to whole cereal grains (seeds) in test tubes at 39°C to determine which grain was digested quickest. Each test tube received equal quantities of the enzyme. The quantity of starch remaining in the grains after 15 minutes was measured.

Suggest one reason for differences between the cereal grains, in the percentage of starch remaining after 15 minutes.

[1]
a.

Suggest one method that could have been used to keep the tubes at a constant temperature.

[1]
b.

Explain the importance of having equal quantities of the enzyme at the start of the experiment.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

a. different types/amounts of starch

b. grains are different sizes/numbers
OR
time taken for amylase to penetrate differs between grains
OR
seed coat thickness varies
OR
different surface area to volume ratio

 

 

a.

placed in the same waterbath
OR
use metal hot-blocks

Allow any viable suggestions.

Do not accept refrigeration (as enzyme need warmer temperatures)

Do not accept monitored by a thermometer as this does not keep constant temperature.

Do not accept “keep in a temperature controlled environment” as too vague.

 

 

b.

a. there should only be one variable in the experiment
OR
the only difference between the tubes should be the type of grain
OR
experiment should be fair/reliable/consistent

b. experiments should have a control

c. less enzyme may make the reaction go slower
OR
more enzyme may make the reaction go faster
OR
changing the amount of enzyme could affect the rate of reaction

 

 

 

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 2: Molecular biology » 2.5 Enzymes
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