User interface language: English | Español

Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.3.sl.TZ0.10
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Explain Question number 10 Adapted from N/A

Question

Vitamins can be water-soluble or fat-soluble.

Explain, at the molecular level, why vitamin D is soluble in fats. Use section 35 of the data booklet.

[2]
a.

State one function of vitamin D in the body.

[1]
b.

Markscheme

«mainly» hydrocarbon/non-polar «structure»

forms London/dispersion/instantaneous induced dipole-induced dipole forces «with fats»

Accept “forms van der Waals’/vdW forces”.

Award [1 max] for “contains only one OH/hydroxyl AND cannot form «enough» H-bonds”.

a.

helps absorb calcium
OR
helps build bones
OR
helps keep bones healthy
OR
helps block the release of parathyroid hormone
OR
helps in muscle function
OR
helps immune system function
OR
cell growth
OR
reduction of inflammation
OR
protection from osteoporosis
OR
prevents rickets

Accept helps prevent colon/breast/prostate cancer.

Accept treat/prevent diabetes/heart disease/high blood pressure/multiple sclerosis.

Accept other correct answers.

b.

Examiners report

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

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 4: Chemical bonding and structure » 4.4 Intermolecular forces
Show 79 related questions
Options » B: Biochemistry » B.5 Vitamins
Options » B: Biochemistry
Core » Topic 4: Chemical bonding and structure
Core
Options

View options