Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Respiration

Respiration — practice question

In aerobic respiration, cells break down respiratory substrates such as glucose in order to make ATP. Events that take place during aerobic respiration include: the respiratory substrate is broken down into ever smaller molecules (catabolism); coenzymes are involved in different reactions and, in some reactions, they are reduced or oxidised; carbon dioxide is released.
(a)[4]

Aerobic respiration happens in four stages in order: glycolysis (G), link reaction (LR), Krebs cycle (KC) and oxidative phosphorylation (OP). Complete Table 3.1 to indicate which events occur in each stage of aerobic respiration. Use a tick (✓) to show that the event does happen, or a cross (✗) to show that it does not happen.

(b(i))[4]

A new handheld technological device indicates the main type of respiratory substrate being used in a person's cells. The device includes a carbon dioxide sensor and an air-flow meter. The person breathes in through the device for a set time and then breathes out into it. The device works out the respiratory quotient (RQ) value to show whether the cells are mainly respiring carbohydrates or lipids. Explain how the device calculates the RQ value and how this shows whether the cells are mainly respiring carbohydrates or lipids.

(b(ii))[3]

State how the energy values of carbohydrates and lipids compare as respiratory substrates, and explain why there is a difference.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: catabolism takes place in G, LR and KC but not in OP

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