Mark Scheme January 2008

GCE

GCE Biology (8040/9040)

GCE Biology (Human) (8042/9042)
International Supplement

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January 2008
Publications Code UA 019777
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 Contents

MARK SCHEMES
page
Unit 3 6103/02 W1 Written Alternative 1

Unit 5B 6105/01 Genetics, evolution and biodiversity 5

Unit 6 6106/02 W2 Written Alternative 14

6106/03 Synoptic paper 17

Please note that this document is an International Supplement to the GCE Biology /
Biology (Human) Mark Schemes (8040/8042/9040/9042) and provides Mark Schemes
for Units 5 and 6, which were only available to International centres.
 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiners and revised, together with the
relevant questions, by a panel of senior examiners and subject teachers. The
schemes are further amended at the Standardisation meetings attended by all
examiners. The Standardisation meeting ensures as far as possible that the mark
scheme covers the candidates' actual responses to questions and that every examiner
understands and applies it in the same way.

The schemes in this document are the final mark schemes used by the examiners in
this examination and include the amendments made at the meeting. They do not
include any details of the discussions that took place in the meeting, nor do they
include all of the possible alternative answers or equivalent statements that were
considered to be worthy of credit.

It is emphasised that these mark schemes are working documents that apply to these
papers in this examination. Every effort is made to ensure a consistent approach to
marking from one examination to another but each marking point has to be judged in
the context of the candidates' responses and in relation to the other questions in the
paper. It should not be assumed that future mark schemes will adopt exactly the
same marking points as this one.

Edexcel cannot under any circumstances discuss or comment informally on the

marking of individual scripts. Any enquiries about the marks awarded to
individual candidates can be dealt with only through the official Enquiry about
Results procedure.
 Unit 3 (6103/02 W1)
Question Answer Mark
Number

1 (a) Time of day Cushion temp. Mean cushion Air temp. / 0C

/ 0C temp. / 0C
08.00 8,9,8 8.3 (8.33) 4
10.00 17,15,15 15.7 (15.67) 7
12.00 20,22,23 21.7(21.67) 9
14.00 21,21,22 21.3 (21.33) 11
16.00 19,17,20 18.7 (18.67) 9 max
18.00 6,5,5 5.3 (5.33) 3 4

suitable table with time, mean cushion temp and air temp ;

correct rows and columns with headings and units ;

means correct to consistent sig. figs. (all correct = 2 marks, one error = 1
mark);;

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (b) F line graph format with both lines on same axes ;

A axes correct orientation and labelled with suitable scale ;

P points plotted correctly ;

L straight line joins points or good curve through all points ; 4

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (c) 1. cushion temperature always above air temperature ;

2. as air temperature increases AND decreases so cushion temp increases

AND decreases ;

3. some relevant use of figures e.g. maximum cushion temp. 10.3 0C

higher than maximum air temp. ;
max
4. temp / max cushion temp. almost double max air temp. / eq ; 2

1
Question Answer Mark
Number

1 (d) 1. no evidence of any significant anomalies / cushion temp. falls even

though air temp. continues to rise ;

2. random cushion readings do not vary by more than 30C / cushion air
temp. anomaly quantified ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (e) 1. reference to higher temperature promoting metabolism (e.g. enzyme

activity, photosynthesis) ;

2. growing points / meristems can be protected from temperature

extremes inside cushion ;
max
3. ref to reduction in surface area / eq ; 2

2
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (a) Points 1 & 2: reference to initial seeds/seedlings at start of study

Points 3 & 4: extraction of root nodules material (from established plants)

Points 5 & 6: selection of seedlings for inoculation

Points 7 to 13: design, growth parameters and measurement

1. use of stated leguminous plant / member of Papilionaceae for

study (e.g. clover) ;

2. {germinate / grow} {seeds / seedlings} in two named standard

conditions ;

3. remove nodules (from established plant of same species) ;

4. suitable method of extraction of constant concentration of

inoculum (e.g. {grind / eq} stated mass of root nodules in stated
volume of water) ;

5. stated number (5 or more) of {seedlings / seeds} for each trial ;

6. seedlings / eq / seeds {same size / same mass / measured

parameter} at start ;

7. preparation of concentrations described (e.g. named nitrogen

source / nitrate / ammonium salt / fertiliser e.g. 1 g in 100 cm3) ;

8. same volume of nitrogen source (in every case) ;

9. 5 or more concentrations of nitrogen source used ;

10. suitable (control) with no nitrogen added (e.g. using distilled

water) ;

11. seedlings grown for stated period (minimum 1 week) ;

12. {count number / obtain {wet / dry} mass of root nodules} ;

max
13. minimum of 2 repeats (i.e. three trials in total) ; 9

3
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (b) 1. suitable table of raw data, with correctly labelled rows and columns,
including units to match the method ;

2. line graph / bar chart ;

3. correctly orientated and labelled axes including units ;

max
4. calculation of means ; 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (c) Limitations: [Sub-maximum 4]

1. difficult to know if (original nodules / extract) contain living bacteria;

2. difficult to know if {seeds / growth medium} already contain

Rhizobium ;

3. difficult to get {seeds / seedlings} {to take up bacteria to develop

nodules} ;

4. environmental conditions inhibit {formation of nodules (if not

controlled) / enzymes (of Rhizobium) ;

5. difficult to collect / count all root nodules ;

Further work: [Sub-maximum 4]

6. the effects of root nodules / leguminous plants on the growth of crop

plants per se ;

7. test effect of different concentrations of inoculant ;

8. the effects of different species of legume and fertiliser on plant

growth / crop production ;

9. the effect of root nodules and types of fertiliser on the growth of

other legumes / eq ;

10. a named environmental condition on root nodule formation ;

11. undertaking field trials into the relationship between Rhizobium, max
fertilisers and crop production ; 6

4
 Unit 5B (6105/01)

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (a) (biotype) B ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (b) 1. (populations of biotype A and B) are separated by {behavioural /

reproductive / physiological} isolation ;

2. isolation described e.g. mate at different times ;

3. no gene flow between the populations / each population genetically

isolated ;

4. natural selection described e.g. biotype B flies with the gene for
resistance to insecticide survive ;

5. the two gene pools become different / eq ;

max
6. reference to sympatric speciation ; 4

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (c) 1. reference to resistance to insecticides ;

2. no contamination (by chemicals) ;

3. no need to reapply / it is longer lasting / reference to resurgence ;

4. correct reference to specificity of control ;

max
5. reference to organic status ; 3

5
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (a)
A = reverse transcriptase ;
B = DNA polymerase ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (b) 1. plasmid {opened / cut / eq} using {endonuclease / eq} ;

2. reference to sticky ends ;

3. (ends of) DNA complementary to plasmid /eq ;

4. joins by hydrogen bonding ;

5. correct reference to (DNA) ligase / formation of phosphodiester max

bonds ; 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (c) 1. idea of marker gene ;

2. (marker gene) {fluorescence / can be for antibiotic resistance / eq} ; 2

6
Question Answer Mark
Number

3 (a)(i) 1. idea of both alleles (in heterozygote) contributing (equally) to

expression (in phenotype) ;

2. { I A / allele for A} is codominant with { I B / allele for B} / I A and I B

are both dominant over I O ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

3 (a)(ii) 1. idea of more than two alleles available at a locus ;

2. idea of three alleles in blood grouping / reference to IA, IB or Io being max

available ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

3 (b)(i) C1 = I A I B
C2 = I B I O
C3 = I A I B ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

3 (b)(ii) 1. I O I O is identified as O group blood ;

2. {I A I O / Ao / AO} and {I B I O / Bo / BO} ;

3. gametes from each parent shown correctly ;

4. correct use of diagram or Punnett square to show possible

combinations of offspring genotypes ;
max
5. (this gives) one in four chance / eq ; 4

7
Question Answer Mark
Number

4 (a)(i) 2250 – 240 ;

(2010 / 2250 x 100 =) 89.3 ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

4 (a)(ii) 1. not all the primary consumer is eaten / some die and are not eaten /
eq ;

2. some (of the eaten primary consumers) {undigested / egested / lost as

faeces / eq} ;

3. losses from respiration / eq ;

max
4. loss from {excretion / urine / urea / eq} ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

4(b) 1. blue and red light absorbed ;

2. (blue and red) absorbed by chlorophyll ;

3. blue light absorbed by carotene ;

max
4. green light reflected / eq ; 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

4 (c) 1. acid rain {damages / eq} cuticle of leaves / damage to guard cells ;

2. causes plants to transpire more / more stressed in drought / eq ;

3. causes {leaf drop / die back / crown loss / eq} ;

4. less photosynthesis / reduced surface area for absorbing light ;

5. damages root hairs ;

max
6. plants unable to absorb as much {water / nutrients / minerals / eq} ; 4

8
Question Answer Mark
Number

5 (a)(i) A = (mono)nucleotide ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

5 (a)(ii)
1. phosphate

2. deoxyribose

3. {nitrogenous / organic} base / eq ;;

2
[3 correct = 2 marks, 2 correct = 1 mark]

Question Answer Mark

Number

5 (b)(i) {inter / synthesis / S} (phase) ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

5 (b)(ii) 1. reference to each strand as template (for synthesis of new strands) ;

2. idea that each {daughter / eq} molecule contains one of the {parental
/ eq} DNA strands ;
max
3. and one new strand ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

5 (b)(iii) 1. enzyme ;

2. ref to {links nucleotides / formation of phosphodiester bonds / eq} ;

3. to form new strand / eq ;

max
4. use of {ATP / GTP / CTP / TTP} ; 2

9
Question Answer Mark
Number

5 ( c) (mitosis)
1. reference to any of the following events not occurring ;

2. allele sequence unchanged (on daughter chromosomes) ;

(meiosis)
3. reference to {chromosome pairing / formation of bivalents} ;

4. during prophase 1 ;

5. reference to exchange of {alleles / genetic material} ;

6. idea of recombinant {chromatids / chromosomes} formed / new max

sequences of alleles ; 4

10
Question Answer Mark
Number

6 (a)(i) 1. recognisable as synapse ;

2. two correct pairs of labels ;; 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

6 (a)(ii) (mitochondria)
1. release energy / produce ATP / through aerobic respiration /
oxidative phosphorylation ;

2. energy used in active transport / synthesis of transmitter substance /

movement of vesicles ;

(synaptic vesicles)
3. contain {transmitter / named transmitter} ;

4. fuse with pre-synaptic membrane / releases transmitter (into max

synapse); 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

6 (b) 1. into blood stream ;

2. through {skin / alveoli / nose / mouth / eq} ;

3. (carried) in the plasma ;

4. correct reference to diffusion of nicotine ;

5. (diffusion from blood) into tissue fluid / eq ;

6. nicotine mimics acetylcholine / eq ;

7. binds to receptors / eq ;

8. on post-synaptic membrane ;
max
9. it causes the release of adrenalin in some synapses ; 6

11
Question Answer Mark
Number

7 (a) {α / alpha} ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

7 (b) 1. idea of making molecule {more reactive / able to react more easily} ;

2. by lowering activation energy ;

max
3. maintains concentration gradient / prevents loss of glucose from cell ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

7 (c) {pyruvate / pyruvic acid}

ATP

{NADH / reduced NAD / eq} ;;

[3 correct = 2 marks, 2 correct = 1 mark] 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

7 (d)(i) 1. binds to {hexokinase / enzyme} {not at active site / at allosteric site} ;

2. changes shape of active site ;

3. glucose no longer fits / eq ;

4. idea of more molecules of glucose-6-phosphate (as concentration

increases) ;
max
5. causes more molecules of enzyme to be inhibited ; 3

12
Question Answer Mark
Number

7 (d)(ii) 1. {reaction / phosphorylation of} glucose {slows down / stopped} ;

2. glucose remains in {cytoplasm / cell} / glucose not removed from

{cytoplasm / cell} ;

3. as (more) glucose diffuses into {cytoplasm / cell}, concentration

increases ;

4. diffusion {stops / slows down} because {equilibrium has been reached max
/ no concentration gradient / eq} ; 3

13
 Unit 6 (6106/02 W2)

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (a) Quadrat No. of dogwhelks Mean no. of Number of

No. / m-2 barnacles barnacles / m-2
/ 25 cm-2
1 14 38.4 15360
2 6 14.4 5760
3 9 23.4 9360
4 1 14.4 5760
5 12 37.6 15040
6 4 14.0 5600
7 10 32.6 13040
8 9 21.6 8640

neat table correctly formatted (shaded column optional) ;

correctly labelled rows and columns ;
barnacle numbers correct (all correct = 2 marks, one error = 1 mark) ;; 4

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (b) A – graph correctly orientated with labelled axes ;

F – scatter graph format with or without sensible line of best fit ;

P – all points plotted correctly ; 3

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (c) correct substitution of data ;

rs = 1- 6 x 4
512 – 8

correct rs value = 0.9683 ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

1(d) there is a significant correlation between numbers of dogwhelks and

numbers of barnacles ;

at the 5% confidence level (not simply p=0.05) ; 2

14
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (a) 1. collect roots of Hieracium and wash carefully ;

2. standard mass of root placed in standard volume of water ;

3. grind in pestle, and mortar filter extract ;

4. Festuca / grass seeds of same age and single species ;

5. stated number of Festuca seeds (min 10) used in each test ;

6. stated growth medium for germination test e.g. filter paper ;

7. seeds placed fixed distance apart ;

8. stated volume of extract added to each ;

9. use of same volume distilled / deionised water as control ;

10. placed in controlled light and temperature conditions ;

11. germinated seeds counted at least every 12 hours / total germinated

counted after stated time ;

12. germination defined e.g. emergence of radicle ;

max
13. at least 5 tests for control and extract ; 10

SPG
Account is concise and well-organised, there is good use of technical
vocabulary and almost no spelling errors = 2 marks ;;

There is some lack of organisation, limited vocabulary and a number of

spelling errors = 1 mark ;

The account lacks organisation, there is little or no technical vocabulary and

many spelling errors = 0 marks 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (b) 1. table of raw data with suitable accurately labelled rows and columns
with units ;

2. calculation of mean % germination ;

3. suitable graphical format which matches hypothesis and method with

correctly labelled axes ;

4. reference to suitable type of statistical test (for significant

difference) ; 4

15
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (c) Limitations [sub maximum = 4]

1. difficult to judge time / actual germination ;

2. reference to differences between laboratory and field conditions ;

3. inhibitor may be unstable when extracted / eq ;

4. extract not necessarily the same concentration as in soil ;

Further Work

1. test extract on growth of mature plants ;

2. test extract on different (grassland) plant species ;

3. reference to further analysis of extract to identify inhibitor ;

max
4. test effect of different concentrations of extract ; 5

16
 Unit 6 (6106/03)

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (a) A 14 ;

B 21 ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (b)(i) no (viable) gametes produced / meiosis cannot occur / no (pairing of)

homologous chromosomes / hybrid B has an odd number of chromosomes ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

1 (b)(ii) 1. chromosomes replicate ;

2. spindle fibres do not form / eq ;

3. chromosomes do not separate / all go to one pole / ref to

non-disjunction ;
max
4. during mitosis / anaphase ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

1(b)(iii) 1. (doubling of chromosomes) results in an even number of chromosomes ;

2. (doubling of chromosomes) results in formation of homologous

chromosomes / ref. to pairing of homologous chromosomes ;

3. meiosis can occur / reduction division can occur ;

max
4. ref. to formation of gametes ; 2

17
Question Answer Mark
Number

1(c) 1. reference to larger gene pool /

2. (more) genetic variation /

3. one species only reduces genetic variation /

4. may have beneficial genes /

5. may increase chances of long-term survival / eq /

max
6. may be able to grow in mineral deficient soils / eq ; 1

18
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (a) 1. carbon dioxide diffuses into red cells ;

2. {combines / eq} with haemoglobin ;

3. forms {carbaminohaemoglobin / carbamino compounds} ;

4. correct ref. to presence of carbonic anhydrase ;

5. carbon dioxide {combines / reacts} with water and forms carbonic

acid / correct equation ;

6. carbonic acid dissociates / eq into H+ and hydrogencarbonate /

correct equation ;
max
7. ref. to hydrogencarbonate diffusing out of red cell (into plasma) ; 4

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (b)(i) medulla (oblongata) ; 1

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (b)(ii) 1. volume of air breathed increases as carbon dioxide concentration

increases / eq ;

2. ref. to small increase from 0.03 to 2.00% / greater change from 2 to 8

/ greatest change from 6 to 8 % ;
max
3. credit a manipulated quantitative comment ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (b)(iii) 1. they both increase as CO2 increases / eq ;

2. volume of air breathed by seal is higher up to 6.00 % / converse ;

3. at 8.00 % carbon dioxide, volume of air breathed by seal is less than

human / converse ;
max
4. credit a manipulated quantitative comparison ; 3

19
Question Answer Mark
Number

2 (c)(i) 1. ref. to more red blood cells ;

2. higher haemoglobin concentration ;

3. haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen ;

4. therefore takes up more oxygen / more highly saturated (at a given max
partial pressure) ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

2 (c)(ii) 1. seal muscle has more myoglobin (than human muscle) ;

2. myoglobin acts as an oxygen store ; 2

Question Answer Mark

Number

2(d) (lactic acid produced by) anaerobic respiration ; 1

20
 Outline scheme for marking essay questions 3, 4B and 5H Mark

11 available for Scientific content (S)

2 available for Balance (B)
2 available for Coherence (C)

Scientific Description
content (S)
The essay demonstrates a sound understanding of the
11 topic and contains a significant amount of material
(good) from most areas of the mark scheme, including A2
content.
Suitable examples are included and the candidate
has clearly and coherently linked together
information from different parts of the specification.

An above average essay, with accurate content. The

9 essay includes a good balance of material from
(above average) several areas of the mark scheme, including A2
content, and examples where appropriate.
There may be some minor factual errors.

The essay includes relevant information from some

7 areas of the mark scheme, including A2 content.
(average) The candidate links together some facts and
principles. Some examples are included.
There may be some minor factual errors.

The essay includes some generally factually accurate

5 and relevant material, and there is some attempt to
(below average) link material from more than one area of the mark
scheme. The A2 content, in particular, lacks depth
and accurate details.

3 There are some correct facts, but the essay lacks

(poor) depth and accuracy. The essay contains little or no
relevant information from the A2 content.

1 There are very few correct facts. The essay is

(poor) generally superficial and inaccurate.

0 No correct or relevant material is included.

(poor)

Notes
If a scientific content mark of 0, 1, or 3 is awarded, it is very unlikely that
a balance mark of more than 1 is appropriate.

An essay containing AS content only can be awarded a max of 3 for scientific

content.

An essay containing A2 content only can be awarded a max of 7 for scientific

content. S = 11

21
Balance (B)

2 Most of the main topic areas outlined are covered

Some discussion of each of the areas chosen, illustrated with
suitable examples where appropriate
Material included is all relevant to the topic and the candidate
has linked information from more than one area of the
specification.
Few, if any, errors

1 Some of the main topic areas outlined are covered.

Some discussion of each of the areas chosen.
Some irrelevant material included.
There are some examples which link together different areas of
the specification.
Some errors

0 Very limited account, possibly only one aspect chosen

Material mostly irrelevant
No examples of the candidate linking information from
different topics
Large number of errors B=2

Coherence (C)

2 Material logically presented, with little or no repetition

Essay has coherence, ideas are developed well; continuous
prose used throughout
Essay has an introduction and a conclusion, summing up the
main points
Technical terms have been used correctly
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are sound

1 Material is presented in an orderly way and some ideas

developed
Continuous prose used throughout
The introduction and conclusion may be present, but brief
Technical terms are used and generally in the correct context
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are generally sound

0 Essay style not used

Material in note form or numbered points
Very poor standard of spelling, punctuation and grammar C=2

22
Question Answer Mark
Number

3 (a) The structure and roles of carbohydrates in living organisms

Introduction could include reference to the general nature of carbohydrates,

monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides –

structure of monosaccharides –

formation of glycosidic bond –

specific references to:

pentoses –

glucose, fructose, galactose –

maltose, sucrose, lactose (disaccharides) –

starch, cellulose, glycogen (polysaccharides) -

pentoses in nucleic acids –

glucose as an energy source –

roles of disaccharides –

glycogen as an energy store –

cellulose in plant cell walls –

starch as an energy store in plants -

glucose as a substrate for respiration –

glucose – glycogen metabolism –

synthesis of carbohydrate from GP in photosynthesis –

Could also expect references to glycoproteins in cell membranes –

Notes
Scientific content 11 marks
Balance 2 marks
Coherence 2 marks 15

23
Question Answer Mark
Number

4B The structure and roles of chloroplasts

Introduction could include chloroplasts as organelles, as energy transducers,

location in plants –

Structure of chloroplasts:

double membrane –

stroma –

DNA -

thylakoids –

grana –

location of pigments –

starch grains –

Functions:

light-dependent reactions –

cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation –

production of ATP, reduced NADP and production of oxygen –

light-independent reactions –

fixation of carbon dioxide onto ribulose bisphosphate -

formation of GP –

reduction of GP to form triose phosphate –

regeneration of ribulose bisphosphate -

Notes
Scientific content 11 marks
Balance 2 marks
Coherence 2 marks 15

24
Question Answer Mark
Number

5H
The regulation of the internal environment in humans

Introduction could include explanation of homeostasis and negative feedback,

factors that are kept constant –

Specific references to:

regulation of body temperature –

structure and roles of the skin –

roles of thermoreceptors –

hypothalamus –

reproductive hormones –

regulation of body water –

ADH –

regulation of blood glucose –

insulin, glucagon and adrenaline -

Notes
Scientific content 11 marks
Balance 2 marks
15
Coherence 2 marks

25
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