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A-LevelBiologyGas exchangeMay/June 2017Paper 1 Q321 Mark

An athlete who smokes just before a race may not be able to run at their maximum speed because less oxygen is carried by the blood. Which explanation is correct?

ACarbon dioxide binds to haemoglobin forming carbaminohaemoglobin.
BCarbon dioxide binds to haemoglobin forming carboxyhaemoglobin.
CCarbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin forming carbaminohaemoglobin.
DCarbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin forming carboxyhaemoglobin.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin forming carboxyhaemoglobin.

📋 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 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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