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A-LevelBiologyNucleic acids and protein synthesis9700/12 · Feb/Mar 2018 · Q231 Mark

A culture of bacteria was allowed to reproduce using nucleotides containing the heavy isotope of nitrogen (¹⁵N). After several generations, all of the bacterial DNA molecules contained heavy nitrogen. DNA was extracted from a sample of the culture, mixed with caesium chloride solution and spun at high speed in a centrifuge. In this process, DNA molecules of different masses separate into bands at different positions in the centrifuge tube. The heavier the DNA molecules, the closer to the bottom of the centrifuge tube that a band forms. The diagram shows the position of the DNA molecules containing heavy nitrogen in the centrifuge tube. [Figure showing centrifuge tube with bands K, L, M] The culture of bacteria was then allowed to reproduce using nucleotides containing the light isotope of nitrogen (¹⁴N). DNA samples were taken and separated by centrifugation after the bacteria had divided once and again after the bacteria had divided twice. In which positions would the DNA be found after the cells had divided once and after the cells had divided twice? [Table showing "after dividing once" and "after dividing twice" positions]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Ahalf at K and half at L, quarter at K, quarter at M and half at L
Bhalf at K and half at M, quarter at K, quarter at M and half at L
Call at L, half at K and half at L
Dall at M, half at L and half at M

✓ Correct answer

C: all at L, half at K and half at L

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Topic
Nucleic acids and protein synthesis, A-Level Biology (syllabus 9700). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
A-Level Biology, Feb/Mar 2018 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 23.

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