UNIT 1 past papers

Question 1

Explain how differentiation of tissue stem cells leads to the production of
specialised cells such as red blood cells.

Answer 1

they produce the proteins characteristic for that type of cell

Question 2

Research has developed a type of stem cell that can be cultured in a laboratory
directly from a patient’s own somatic cells.
Suggest a benefit to the patient of using these stem cells in therapeutic
treatments.

Answer 2

patient does not need a donor

Question 3

Suggest an advantage of using a heat tolerant form of DNA polymerase during
PCR.

Answer 3

it will not be denatured when heated

Question 4

Describe how alternative RNA splicing leads to the formation of different proteins.

Answer 4

different exons are retained

Question 5

suggests how introns being retained in the mature mRNA transcript may affect the structure of the protein formed

Answer 5

the sequence of amino acids will have changed

Question 6

Explain why some individuals with mitochondrial disease are unable to
carry out endurance activities such as long distance running.

Answer 6

Their mitochondria does not produce enough ATP

Question 7

Describe the role of oxygen after ATP has been synthesised

Answer 7

final electron acceptor which combines with hydrogen ions and electrons to form water