Respiration in blowfly larvae, Calliphora erythrocephala, can be studied by determining the respiratory quotient (RQ). A student used the apparatus set up as shown in Fig. 2.1 to measure oxygen uptake by blowfly larvae during respiration. Five replicates were carried out. [Figure 2.1]
- (a)State the role of substance X in Fig. 2.1.[1]
- (b)Predict which direction the meniscus in the manometer will move during the experiment. Explain your answer. direction ..................................................................................................................................... explanation .................................................................................................................................[1]
- (c)To calculate the RQ, the student determined the volume of carbon dioxide produced by the blowfly larvae. Describe how the apparatus in Fig. 2.1 was modified so that the volume of carbon dioxide produced was determined.[2]
- (d)State two variables that should be standardised each time the student carried out the experiments.[1]
- (e)The result for replicate 1, ringed in Table 2.1, is anomalous. Suggest two possible causes for this anomaly other than measurement error.[2]
- (f)Use the data in Table 2.1 and Fig. 2.2 to calculate the volume of oxygen taken up by the blowfly larvae in one minute for replicate 5. Space for working. volume of oxygen taken in = .............................................. mm³ min-1[2]
- (g)Use the answer from (f) to calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ) for replicate 5. Space for working. RQ = ....................................................................................[2]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] to, absorb / remove / take up, the carbon dioxide produced (during respiration of blowfly larvae) ;
- [1] direction the coloured fluid will, move upwards and explanation (oxygen is, taken in / used in respiration) so, decreases the, volume / pressure of gas (in test-tube) ;
- [2] remove substance X ;
- [2] replace X with an inert material / glass beads / AW ;
- [1] temperature ;
- [1] number of, (blowfly) larvae ;
- [1] mass of, (blowfly) larvae ;
- [1] age of, (blowfly) larvae ;
- [1] food source for, (blowfly) larvae ;
- [1] mass/number of, substance X / inert material / beads ;
- [1] time to, equilibrate ;
- [1] time, for measurement (of meniscus movement) ;
- [2] the larvae were not fully adjusted / equilibrated ;
- [2] the larvae were at a lower temperature (than the apparatus) ;
- [2] the larvae were less active ;
- [2] 5.34 ;; incorrect answer max one for working: (π× 0.5² × 68)÷10;
- [2] 0.56;; incorrect answer max one for working: 3.00/5.34;
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