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A-LevelBiologyEnzymesMay/June 2014Paper 1 Q131 Mark

The drug ritonavir is sometimes used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Ritonavir consists of three amino acids and is a competitive inhibitor of HIV protease. HIV this protease to be made inside human cells. Ritonavir produces many side effects as it interferes with many metabolic processes in human cells. Which statements about ritonavir are correct? 1 Ritonavir has a shape complementary to the active site of HIV protease. 2 Ritonavir will enter human cells directly through the lipid bilayer and not require any transport proteins. 3 Ritonavir is likely to inhibit many of the enzymes of human cells. 4 Complete hydrolysis of ritonavir would require the addition of three water molecules.

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 4
D3 and 4

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: 1 and 3 only

📋 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 Enzymes in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2014 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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