A-LevelBiologyCell membranes and transportOct/Nov 2015Paper 1 Q171 Mark

What explains the effect on a red blood cell of being placed into pure water?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Cell membranes and transport in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

ALess water leaves the cell than enters it, so the cell shrinks.

BMore water enters the cell than leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.

CWater enters the cell and none leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.

DWater enters the cell and more leaves it, so the cell shrinks.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: More water enters the cell than leaves it, so the cell swells and bursts.

📋 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 Cell membranes and transport in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Oct/Nov 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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