Skip to main content
A-LevelBiologyControl and coordinationFeb/Mar 2025Paper 4 Q107 Marks

(a) Fig. 10.1 shows chemoreceptor cells in a taste bud. Two of the chemoreceptor cells have formed synapses with sensory neurone dendrites. [Figure 10.1] Describe how the contact of sodium ions with the microvilli of the chemoreceptor cell can lead to the release of a neurotransmitter by the cell. (b) Some of the neurotransmitters in the brain are produced through a series of reactions (reaction pathway) from a chemical called DOPA. DOPA is also involved in other reaction pathways. For example, in the skin and eyes, DOPA is part of a different reaction pathway that depends on the TYR gene. Describe and explain the phenotypic consequences for the skin and eyes of a person who is homozygous for a mutated, non-functional allele of the TYR gene.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is . This question tests the candidate's understanding of control and coordination within the Biologysyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

📋 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...

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Answer

Sign up for free to reveal the correct answer, the official mark scheme breakdown, and the examiner trap analysis for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Biology Question

This structured question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) Feb/Mar 2025 examination, Paper 4 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Control and coordination and is worth 7 marks.

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers.

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine