Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Testing for biological molecules

Testing for biological molecules — practice question

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a single-celled fungus of major importance in brewing and baking. Fig. 4.1 shows a diagram based on a transmission electron micrograph of S. cerevisiae.
(a)[1]

A student had to work out the magnification of the image in Fig. 4.1. The student first measured the scale bar length in millimetres with a millimetre ruler. State what must be done next to reach the correct answer.

(b)[2]

One role of the lipid droplets shown in Fig. 4.1 is the storage of triglycerides. The triglycerides in a lipid droplet are enclosed by a single layer (monolayer) of phospholipids. Suggest and explain why phospholipids, rather than triglycerides, are used for the outer monolayer of the lipid droplet.

(c)[1]

The lysosomes and vacuole of S. cerevisiae contain acid hydrolases (hydrolytic enzymes) that operate at an acid pH. Explain why lysosomes require hydrolases to perform their function.

(d(i))[2]

Complete Fig. 4.2 so that it shows the ring structure of one $\alpha$-glucose molecule.

(d(ii))[3]

A student tested a trehalose solution and correctly concluded that trehalose is a non-reducing sugar. Outline the steps the student used and state the results obtained.

(e(i))[2]

Explain the meaning of a larger $K_m$ value.

(e(ii))[2]

Regulatory trehalase is present only in the cytosol, the fluid portion of the cytoplasm. Non-regulatory trehalase has been detected on the outer surface of the cell surface membrane and also within the cell. State the intracellular location where non-regulatory trehalase is most likely found and explain why.

(e(iii))[1]

Explain whether the two types of trehalase, regulatory and non-regulatory, may both be described as intracellular enzymes.

(f)[3]

Using Fig. 4.3 and the two different trehalase enzymes made by \textit{Saccharomyces cerevisiae}, state and explain what can be inferred about the trehalase found in \textit{Saccharomyces boulardii}.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 17-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Multiply the mm measurement by $1000$ to obtain the value in $\mu m$

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