Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Structure of nucleic acids and replication of DNA

Structure of nucleic acids and replication of DNA — practice question

(a)[2]

State the structural features in DNA that contribute to its stability.

(b)[2]

DNA has been described as a ‘carrier of coded information’. Explain what is meant by this statement.

(c)[1]

State at what point in the cell cycle DNA replication takes place.

(d)[3]

Two alleles of the gene for the $\beta$-haemoglobin polypeptide exist: HbA (normal) and HbS (sickle cell). Describe and explain how the HbA and HbS alleles of this gene differ.

(e)[3]

DNA polymerase is an enzyme needed for DNA replication. One substrate required by DNA polymerase is ATP. ara-ATP is a chemical that changes DNA polymerase activity. In an investigation, the effect of different concentrations of ATP on the rate of DNA synthesis was measured: with no ara-ATP, with a low concentration of ara-ATP, and with a high concentration of ara-ATP. The findings are shown in Fig. 5.1. Explain, in terms of enzyme mode of action, the results shown in Fig. 5.1.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: complementary base pairing keeps the strands joined

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