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A-LevelBiologyThe mitotic cell cycleFeb/Mar 2025Paper 1 Q231 Mark

Telomerase is an enzyme that prevents the shortening of telomeres. It is not present in most normal cells, but is active in an estimated 85% to 95% of human tumour cells. Which statement explains the effect of telomerase on human tumour cells?

ATelomerase triggers a self-destruct process, known as apoptosis, ending the life of the cell.
BTelomerase damages the chromosomes so they become genetically unstable and are unable to replicate and divide.
CTelomerase helps human tumour cells avoid senescence, or cell death, which is usually the expected consequence of repeated cell division.
DTelomerase enables the human tumour cells to divide more rapidly by reducing the time taken for a complete mitotic cell cycle.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: Telomerase helps human tumour cells avoid senescence, or cell death, which is usually the expected consequence of repeated cell division.

📋 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 The mitotic cell cycle in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

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

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