A transect runs from a shaded wall into a lawn. Mean plant counts per quadrat at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 m are 1, 3, 6, 6 and 5 respectively.
.1
Describe the pattern in the data without claiming a cause.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain how to investigate whether light accounts for the pattern.
[2 marks]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
An engineer wants all cells of a new plant to contain an introduced gene. Another proposal would insert the gene into just a few cells of a fully grown leaf.
.1
Explain why introducing the gene at an early developmental stage is more suitable for the first aim.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain a limitation of inserting the gene only into a mature leaf.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A patient with influenza asks for antibiotics and takes a painkiller to reduce fever.
.1
Explain why antibiotics do not cure influenza and why the painkiller may still help.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain why developing drugs against viruses can be difficult.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A news report claims that a gene is a whole chromosome and the genome is the collection of proteins in a cell.
.1
Correct both claims using the relationships between DNA, genes, chromosomes and the genome.
[2 marks]
.2
Suggest two benefits of studying human genomes.
[2 marks]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Researchers record 48 freshwater invertebrate species at an unpolluted site and 18 at a site with low dissolved oxygen. The sites also differ in temperature and water flow.
.1
Calculate the percentage decrease in species count relative to the unpolluted site.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate the claim that low oxygen alone caused the decrease.
