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A-LevelBiologyEnzymesOct/Nov 2020Paper 1 Q141 Mark

The painkiller ibuprofen reduces the activity of an enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandin. Ibuprofen binds reversibly to the active site of the enzyme. Which type of enzyme inhibition describes this example and why?

Acompetitive inhibition because ibuprofen alters the shape of the enzyme
Bcompetitive inhibition because ibuprofen and the substrate cannot bind at the same time
Cnon-competitive inhibition because ibuprofen blocks the active site
Dnon-competitive inhibition because ibuprofen has the same shape as the substrate

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: competitive inhibition because ibuprofen and the substrate cannot bind at the same time

📋 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 Enzymes in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Oct/Nov 2020 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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