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A-LevelBiologyGas exchangeMay/June 2011Paper 1 Q251 Mark

There is a decreased partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude compared to sea level. Which row is a correct description and reason for the response of the body to high altitude? [Figure: Table with columns 'description' and 'reason']

Amore red blood cells because haemoglobin breaks down more rapidly
Bred blood cells have genes switched on so red blood cells produce more haemoglobin
Coxygen dissociation curve shifts to the right to compensate for an increase in oxygen unloading in tissues
Dpercentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen in lungs decreases so more red blood cells are produced to carry more haemoglobin

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen in lungs decreases so more red blood cells are produced to carry more haemoglobin

📋 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 May/June 2011 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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