Skip to main content
A-LevelBiologySelection and evolution9700/42 · Feb/Mar 2024 · Q56 Marks

Complete the following paragraphs using the most appropriate word or words. The theory of evolution describes a process that can lead to the formation of new species from pre-existing species over ____________________________. DNA sequence data of different species can be compared to show evolutionary relationships. Two species that have a more recent common ancestor share more ____________________________ in the DNA nucleotide sequences of their genomes than two species that are more distantly related. Mitochondrial DNA can also be used in the study of evolutionary relationships. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the female gamete, and its nucleotide sequence is unaffected by ____________________________ during the production of gametes. DNA sequence data can be stored in large biological ____________________________, allowing faster comparison of the nucleotide sequences of genomes using computer software. DNA sequence data can also be used to predict the ____________________________ sequences of proteins produced by a species. A ____________________________ can be used to detect many different mRNA molecules at the same time in studies that compare gene expression between different species.

  1. (a)Complete the following paragraphs using the most appropriate word or words. The theory of evolution describes a process that can lead to the formation of new species from pre-existing species over ____________________________. DNA sequence data of different species can be compared to show evolutionary relationships. Two species that have a more recent common ancestor share more ____________________________ in the DNA nucleotide sequences of their genomes than two species that are more distantly related. Mitochondrial DNA can also be used in the study of evolutionary relationships. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the female gamete, and its nucleotide sequence is unaffected by ____________________________ during the production of gametes. DNA sequence data can be stored in large biological ____________________________, allowing faster comparison of the nucleotide sequences of genomes using computer software. DNA sequence data can also be used to predict the ____________________________ sequences of proteins produced by a species. A ____________________________ can be used to detect many different mRNA molecules at the same time in studies that compare gene expression between different species.[6]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (many) generations / (many) years / (a long) time / AW ;
  2. [1] mutations / similarities;
  3. [1] meiosis / crossing over / recombination ;
  4. [1] databases;
  5. [1] amino acid;
  6. [1] microarray;

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Selection and evolution, A-Level Biology (syllabus 9700). Structured question, 6 marks.
Source
A-Level Biology, Feb/Mar 2024 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 5.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Biology questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep