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A-LevelBiologyPhotosynthesisFeb/Mar 2024Paper 4 Q710 Marks

The light-dependent stage of photosynthesis occurs within chloroplasts. In this stage, electrons are emitted from the chlorophyll a molecules and passed to electron acceptors. If a redox indicator, such as DCPIP, is added to a suspension of illuminated chloroplasts, electrons will be transferred to DCPIP, causing the colour of the DCPIP to change from blue to colourless. A student investigated the effect of the wavelength of light (colour of light) on the rate of photosynthesis. • DCPIP was added to three colorimeter tubes, each containing a suspension of chloroplasts. The chloroplast suspensions were kept in the dark until required. • The colorimeter tubes were each exposed to light of a different colour: red, blue or green. The intensity of light was the same for all tubes, and each was exposed to light for four minutes. All other conditions were kept the same. • The absorbance of each chloroplast suspension was measured at one-minute intervals using a colorimeter. The results are shown in Fig. 7.1. [Figure 7.1]

📋 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...

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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 Photosynthesis in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 10 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology Feb/Mar 2024 examination, Paper 4 Variant 2.

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