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A-LevelBiologyNucleic acids and protein synthesisFeb/Mar 2018Paper 1 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]

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

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The correct answer is C. This question tests the candidate's understanding of nucleic acids and protein synthesis within the Biologysyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

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Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

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About This A-Level Biology Question

This multiple-choice question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) Feb/Mar 2018 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Nucleic acids and protein synthesis and is worth 1 mark.

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