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A-LevelBiologyCell structureMay/June 2016Paper 1 Q41 Mark

A scientist carried out an experiment to separate the organelles in an animal cell by mass. The scientist mixed the cells with a buffer solution which had the same water potential as the cells. He then broke the cells open with a blender to release the organelles. The extracted mixture was filtered and then spun in a centrifuge at a speed that separates the heaviest organelle. This organelle sank to the bottom, forming a solid pellet, 1. liquid above pellet solid pellet- The liquid above pellet 1 was poured into a clean centrifuge tube and spun in the centrifuge at a higher speed to separate the next heaviest organelle. This organelle sank to the bottom, forming a solid pellet, 2. He repeated this procedure twice more to obtain pellet 3 and pellet 4, each containing a single organelle. What is the function of the organelle extracted in pellet 4?

Adigestion of old organelles
Bproduction of ATP
Cproduction of mRNA
Dsynthesis of protein

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: synthesis of protein

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

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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