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A-LevelBiologyInfectious diseasesOct/Nov 2022Paper 5 Q120 Marks

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a global problem that has caused scientists to research into antibacterial substances other than antibiotics. Honey has properties that make it a good antibacterial substance. For example, honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which is known to kill bacteria. The most effective honey tested so far for antibacterial activity is Manuka honey. It contains less hydrogen peroxide than many other types of honey, but it does contain an antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), which is not found in other types of honey. A student decided to investigate the effect of two antibacterial substances on the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, which respires aerobically: • MGO in Manuka honey • an antibiotic solution used in cell cultures to prevent contamination. The student wanted to find the lowest concentration of each antibacterial substance that would kill or inhibit the growth of B. subtilis.

📋 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 structured question tests Infectious diseases in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 20 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Oct/Nov 2022 examination, Paper 5 Variant 1.

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