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A-LevelBiologyGas exchangeOct/Nov 2025Paper 1 Q341 Mark

The diagram shows the Bohr shift in actively respiring cells. [Graph showing percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen against partial pressure of oxygen/kPa, with curves L and M] What causes the shift from L to M?

ACarbonic acid dissociates to release protons that bind to oxyhaemoglobin, affecting the conformation of haemoglobin to reduce its affinity for oxygen.
BHydrogencarbonate ions produced by carbonic anhydrase alter the charge of oxyhaemoglobin, reducing its ability to bind oxygen.
CHydrogen ions combine with chloride ions in tissue fluid to produce hydrochloric acid, distorting oxyhaemoglobin and causing it to lose bound oxygen.
Dlow concentration of oxygen in actively respiring cells causes oxyhaemoglobin to release oxygen more quickly down the concentration gradient.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: Carbonic acid dissociates to release protons that bind to oxyhaemoglobin, affecting the conformation of haemoglobin to reduce its affinity for oxygen.

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

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Oct/Nov 2025 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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