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A-LevelBiologyNucleic acids and protein synthesisMay/June 2017Paper 1 Q181 Mark

The bacterium Escherichia coli divides once every 50 minutes at 36 °C. E. coli were grown on a medium containing only heavy nitrogen, 15N, until all of the bacterial DNA contained heavy nitrogen (0 minutes). Some of the bacteria were moved from a heavy nitrogen medium and cultured in a medium with only light nitrogen, 14N. Some bacteria were collected after each of three generations. Their DNA was extracted and centrifuged. Hybrid DNA contains heavy and light nitrogen. The diagram shows the possible positions (upper, middle and lower) of the bands of DNA. The actual positions of bands in the first two samples are shown. [Diagram showing test tubes with DNA bands at 0, 50, 100, 150 minutes] Which proportion of the DNA of the sample taken at 150 minutes will be at the upper position?

A25%
B50%
C75%
D100%

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: 75%

📋 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 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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