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A-LevelBiologyGas exchangeOct/Nov 2015Paper 1 Q301 Mark

Red blood cells may contain a molecule known as 2,3-bisphophoglycerate (2,3BPG). When 2,3BPG binds to haemoglobin a higher partial pressure of oxygen is needed to bring about 50% saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen. Which statements about the effect of 2,3BPG are correct? 1 2,3BPG in red blood cells causes the oxygen dissociation curve to shift to the right. 2 The binding of 2,3BPG to haemoglobin reduces the Bohr effect. 3 The binding of 2,3BPG to haemoglobin lowers the affinity of the haemoglobin for oxygen. 4 When 2,3BPG is absent, oxyhaemoglobin is less likely to unload oxygen.

A1 and 2
B1 and 3
C2 and 3
D3 and 4

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The correct answer is B. This question tests the candidate's understanding of gas exchange 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) Oct/Nov 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Gas exchange and is worth 1 mark.

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