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A-LevelBiologyNucleic acids and protein synthesisMay/June 2022Paper 1 Q181 Mark

Telomeres prevent the loss of genes from the ends of chromosomes during DNA replication, but they become shorter each time they are copied. In cancer cells and stem cells, the telomeres remain the same length. Which statement is correct for all human cells?

AIf telomeres become too short, a cell may stop dividing.
BAdding telomeres could increase the rate of ageing of cells.
CTelomeres are repaired by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
DTelomeres prevent all damage occurring to DNA molecules.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: If telomeres become too short, a cell may stop dividing.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

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...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Biology Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Nucleic acids and protein synthesis in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2022 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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