Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · The circulatory system

The circulatory system — practice question

Fig. 2.1 shows a transmission electron micrograph of a cross-section through a blood capillary that is surrounded by cells with a high rate of respiration.
(a(i))[1]

Identify the cell labelled Q in Fig. 2.1.

(a(ii))[3]

Fluid R is produced from blood in the blood capillary. State and explain one difference between the composition of fluid R and the composition of the blood in the capillary.

(b(i))[2]

The cell surface membranes of the respiring cells help regulate the exchange of substances between the cells of the body and the blood. In the space below, draw a diagram to show the arrangement of phospholipid molecules in the cell surface membrane.

(b(ii))[1]

Cholesterol is a molecule present in the cell surface membrane. Describe one role of cholesterol in the cell surface membrane.

(c(i))[2]

Nicotine is one of the substances in tobacco smoke. Nicotine can pass through cell surface membranes and enter the bloodstream. Describe the short-term effects of nicotine on the cardiovascular system.

(c(ii))[3]

Nicotine is absorbed from the blood plasma into the cells of the capillary wall. Scientists have suggested that nicotine is moved from the blood plasma into these cells by a co-transporter mechanism. Fig. 2.2 shows how nicotine may move from the blood plasma into a cell. The co-transporter mechanism shown in Fig. 2.2 is different from the co-transporter mechanism that moves sucrose into the cytoplasm of a companion cell in phloem tissue. Outline the similarities and differences between the co-transport of nicotine and the co-transport of sucrose.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Erythrocyte / red blood cell

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