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A-LevelBiologyGas exchangeMay/June 2017Paper 1 Q331 Mark

Some of the requirements of an efficient gas exchange system are a large surface area and a short diffusion distance. What is correct about how alveoli are adapted to meet these requirements? [Table with columns 'large surface area', 'short diffusion distance' and rows A, B, C, D]

Alarge surface area collagen and elastin fibres that allow the alveoli to stretch, short diffusion distance an extracellular layer round the alveolus wall contains blood capillaries
Blarge surface area gases dissolve in a layer of liquid to speed up diffusion, short diffusion distance walls of alveoli are squamous epithelium
Clarge surface area many folded interconnected alveoli, short diffusion distance capillaries are next to alveolus wall
Dlarge surface area sac shape of alveoli formed by squamous cells, short diffusion distance red blood cells are very close to capillary walls

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: large surface area many folded interconnected alveoli, short diffusion distance capillaries are next to alveolus wall

📋 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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