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A-LevelBiologyBiological moleculesOct/Nov 2021Paper 1 Q131 Mark

Which row is correct about the structure of proteins? [Table describing primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary protein structures]

Aprimary: determined by the sequence of DNA nucleotides; secondary: occurs by hydrogen bonding between NH and C=O groups of amino acids; tertiary: disulfide, ionic, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are all involved; quaternary: always formed by association of two or more polypeptides
Bprimary: the number of amino acids in each polypeptide chain; secondary: in a single polypeptide it is either an α-helix or a β-pleated sheet; tertiary: the bonds are formed at specific points determined by the primary structure; quaternary: always formed by two or more polypeptides held together by bonds formed between the polypeptides
Cprimary: formed by twenty different amino acids linked in a specific order; secondary: an α-helix is formed by hydrogen bonds between side chains of amino acids; tertiary: only globular proteins have this level of structure; quaternary: always formed by two or more different polypeptides to give the final shape
Dprimary: the sequence of amino acids in each polypeptide chain; secondary: a β-pleated sheet is the result of a folded polypeptide forming hydrogen bonds between adjacent strands; tertiary: reactions between side chains of specific amino acids give a specific 3-D shape; quaternary: always formed by two or more polypeptides and a metal ion

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: primary: determined by the sequence of DNA nucleotides; secondary: occurs by hydrogen bonding between NH and C=O groups of amino acids; tertiary: disulfide, ionic, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are all involved; quaternary: always formed by association of two or more polypeptides

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

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Oct/Nov 2021 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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