Edexcel A-Level Biology

Year 1
Topic 6

Infection, immunity
and disease

Mark scheme

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1. (a) An explanation that makes reference to four of the following:
• DNA unzips and one strand acts as a template (1)
• ribonucleotides pair up with complementary bases (1)
• RNA polymerase joins ribonucleotides together to form pre-mRNA (1)
• the mRNA has fewer bases than pre-mRNA / gene (1)
• as a result of removal of introns / mRNA made up of exons only (1)

(4)
(b) An explanation that makes reference to the following:
• it was assumed that one gene makes one protein (so there should be 100
000 genes but there are 25 000 genes) (1)
• the diagram shows that one gene can make more than one mRNA (1)
• one gene can code for several proteins (1)
• due to removal of different exons (1)
• reference to post-transcriptional change (1)
2. (a)(i) An explanation that makes reference to the following:
• (small pieces) provides large surface area to volume ratio (1)
• (use of ethanol for a long time means) the antibacterial substance is soluble
in ethanol and more will be extracted (1)
(a)(ii) 𝜋𝜋2.152 (1) 14.5 cm2 (1)
(b)(i) An explanation that makes reference to the following:
• the t-test assess the significance of the difference between the means of the
two treatments (1)
• Chi squared not appropriate because there are no expected values (1)
• correlation coefficient not appropriate because the independent variable is
discontinuous / not continuous(1)
b(ii) 2.37 ² ÷ 9 = 0.62 and 3.60 ² ÷ 9 = 1.44 (1)
√(0.62 + 1.44) = 1.44 (1)
(27 – 25) ÷ 1.44 = t = 1.39 (1)
Correct answer gains full marks (3)
(b)(iii) An answer that makes reference to the following:
• there is no significant difference between the clear area caused by garlic
compared with that caused by chloramphenicol (1)
• p > 0.05 (1)
• difference due to chance (1)
• therefore accept null hypothesis (1)
(c)(i) An explanation that makes reference to the following:
• suggests cedar wood oil has no anti-microbial effect on E. coli and all other
oils do (1)
• quoting at least two values from: rosemary 2%, geranium 0.5%, garlic
0.125% / manipulation of data to show relative effects (1) (2)
(c)(ii) An answer that makes reference to the following:
• for cedar wood oil try concentrations above 4% (1)
• for all the others, try concentrations below 0.0625% (1) (2)

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(c)(iii) A description that makes reference to the following:
• only one tray per species – need repeated measurements (1)
• species – only used one species of bacteria / only used extracts from four
plant species (1) (2)
(Total:20 marks)
3. (a) DNA sample will be collected from blood, saliva ,these small samples of DNA
can then be amplified by PCR.
DNA profiling then takes place which uses restriction enzymes to break the DNA and
then *uses electro potential difference, with the DNA in a gel, to draw the bands apart.
The DNA is stained so it can be seen and will show up as bands/bars.
The number of bands that match indicates the similarity of the DNA.
(b) Comparisons could be made between DNA from fossils and other organisms to
find genetic relationships/how closely related they are. It may also be used in
taxonomy/classification to understand evolutionary lines/to determine a common
ancestor.
(c) DNA profiling will produce bands that will have spread to certain positions.
Common/similar bands will contain similar DNA fragments; the more similar these
patterns, the closer the relationship/more likely the sub-species will have a recent
common ancestor. There will still be very few differences between the DNA of sub-
species.
(d) DNA analysis could show the similarity (of DNA) and indicate the closeness of a
genetic relationship because genes are sections of DNA and these genes are the
codes for proteins.
4. (a)(i) C ; (1)
(a)(ii) A ; (1)
(b)(i) D = antigens / (glyco)proteins ; E = B {lymphocytes / cells} / plasma cells ; F =
antibodies / immunoglobulins ; G = macrophage / phagocyte / eq ; H = enzymes /
lysozyme ;
(b)(ii)
1. reference to protein nature of {antigens / antibodies} ;
2. antigens are specific (to each bacteria) / eq ;
3. antibodies need to be {complementary / specific} (to the antigen) ;
4. idea that {binding / eq} can take place ;
5. (some bacteria) have {different / changed} antigens / eq ;
6. idea that this is a primary infection ;
7. reference to {mucus / slime} {coat /capsule} (of bacterial cells) ;
8. idea that some bacteria are inside body cells ;
9. idea of antibodies already present e.g. from passive immunity or breast feeding ;
max (3)

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5.
(a) present inside {cells/ macrophages} ; 1 mark
(b) B-cells : antibody production ; ref memory cells ; ref plasma cells ; T-cells :
antigenic presentation ; stimulation of B-cell proliferation / eq ; 3 marks
(c)
(i) HIV destroys T (helper) cells ; Bacterial cells not destroyed by the immune
system / eq ; Bacteria proliferate/eq ; 2 marks
(ii) tubercles ; fever ; excessive coughing / coughing blood ; weight loss ; 2
marks
Total 8 marks
6. (a) An explanation to include two from: 1. Engulfed / endocytosis ; 2. Digested / eq ;
3. Reference to enzymes / lysosomes ; 2 marks
(b)
(i) An explanation to include three from: 1. Reference to APC ; 2. Reference to
cytokines ; 3. (T cells) stimulate response ; 4. CD4 depleted cannot respond ; 5.
Injected cells restore immune response ; 6. Reference to specific response ; 7.
Prevents TB ; 3 marks
(ii) An explanation to include two from:
1. HIV destroys / kills T helper cells ;
2. Reduced response ;
3. More likely to show symptoms / develop TB; 2 marks
(c) An explanation to include two from:
1. Chemicals (from infected lung) stimulate HIV production ;
2. In T helper cells ;
3. Reference to control ; 2 marks
(d) A suggestion to include three from:
1. Chemicals / lymphokines from macrophages from infected lung ;
2. HIV infects more T helper cells / number of T helper cells falls ;
3. Less able to destroy M tuberculosis / eq ;
4. More phagocytosis ;
5. More lymphokines / chemicals ;
6. Reference to positive feedback / eq ;
7. Both diseases progress more rapidly ; 3 marks
Total 12 mark

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7. (a) An explanation to include six from:
1. Increased use ;
2. More bacteria exposed ;
3. Reference to mutation ;
4. Reference to plasmids ;
5. Reference to conjugation / sexual reproduction ;
6. Reference to genetic variation / existence of different genes ;
7. Reference to selection by the antibiotic ; 8. Description of selection ;
9. Reference to resistance gene passed to offspring ;
10. Selected organisms become more common ; 11/12.Reference to graphs ; ;
6 marks
(b) (i) Greater clear area ; 1 mark
(ii) An explanation to include two from:
1. Larger molecules / antibiotic C {diffuse / eq} more slowly ;
2. Through agar ;
3. Does not reach as many bacteria as the smaller antibiotic B ;
4. Clear area of C is reduced ;
5. Under estimates the effectiveness of C / converse ; 2 marks
(iii) An explanation to include:
1. Viruses no cell wall ;
2. or ribosomes/ viruses use host cell for protein synthesis ; 2
marks
Total 11 marks
8. (a) Each species of insect changes conditions on the body;
Changes to body due to bacterial decomposition / abiotic factors;
Makes the body suitable for different insects;
Correct reference to succession;
Some insects feed on other insects;
2 marks
(b) (i) 4–8 months;
1 mark
(ii) Insect development affected by temperature;
Corpse may not have been exposed to insects immediately after death;
Body could be indoors / eq;
1 mark
(c) Look for stage of development of insects;
Ref. to eggs / larvae / pupae;
Take account of ambient temperature / ref. to graphed data;
2 marks
(d) Core temperature of corpse;

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 Rigor of muscles / degree of muscle contraction;
Decomposition / odour / colour of skin;
2 marks
Total 8 marks
9. (a) Cells killed before virus replication cycle complete;
Reduced production of viruses;
Fewer viruses to infect new cells;
2 marks
(b) Loss of cells could damage functioning of tissues / organs;
Costs of producing the T cells;
1 mark
(c) Mutation / change of {gene / DNA} leads to change in virus protein;
Ref. to transcription / translation;
Peptide shape changed;
T killer cell receptors do not fit changed peptide;
So T killer cells do not destroy infected cells;
Ref. to possibility of changed peptide resembling self peptide;
4 marks
(d) Mutation could make virus unable to infect new cells / control host cell’s
protein synthesis / replicate DNA / eq;
1 mark
(e) Ref. to clone of T helper cells with correct receptors for antigen;
More rapid response if same antigen re-infects;
More rapid activation of T killer cells / B cells / antibody production;
2 marks
Total 10 marks
10. (a)

Cell wall ribosomes plasmid chromosome mitochondria

A X

B X

C X

D X

4 marks
(b)
(i) Size: bacteria much larger / viruses about 1/10 -1/20 diameter of
bacteria;
1 mark
(ii) Genetic material: Bacteria have loop of DNA;
Bacteria sometimes have plasmid;
Bacteria always have DNA, some viruses have DNA and some
RNA;
2 marks
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 (iii) Response to antibiotics: Bacteria can be killed by (bacteriocidal)
antibiotics / prevented from reproducing by (bacteriostatic)
antibiotics / viruses unaffected;
Antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis / disrupt
bacterial membrane / correct ref. to other factor, e.g. enzymes,
specific to bacteria;
2 marks
(c) 1. mRNA lines up at the ribosome / eq ;
2. tRNA picks up specific amino acids ;
3. Codon-anticodon bonding (at the ribosome) / tRNA-mRNA
complementary base pairing ;
4. Formation of peptide bonds (between adjacent amino acids) ;
5. Ribosome moves along the mRNA strand ;
6. Use of {start / stop} codons ;
7. Polypeptide released and folds into tertiary structure ;
4 marks
Total 13 marks
11. (a) Lysozyme in tears, etc;
Skin as a physical barrier;
Skin flora inhibit / compete with harmful bacteria;
Stomach acid;
3 marks
(b) (i) Phagocytosis;
Ref. to non-self / foreign cells / material;
Vacuole formation;
Role of lysosomes;
Digestion of antigens by enzymes;

3 marks
(ii) Present antigen on surface;
Initiate action of T cells;
Ref. to complementary receptors;
Details of T cell action;
3 marks
Total 9 marks
12. The decision to prescribe an antimicrobial should always be clinically justified;
The reason for prescribing antimicrobials should be recorded in the patient’s medical
record;
Individual patient and drug-specific factors must be considered before prescription;
Intravenous (IV) therapy should only be used for those patients with severe infections
and/or who are unable to take oral antimicrobials;
Restricted antimicrobials should not be held in main ward stocks and should only be
issued on advice from a microbiologist/infectious diseases consultant or under an
agreed policy;
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Restricting the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials to treat serious infections when
the pathogen is unknown or when other effective agents are unavailable.
Award 1 mark for each point. Max 3
Total 3 marks
13. (a) Helps remove plant and animal debris from the earth’s surface allowing other
organisms to live; helps in recycling minerals which are found in limited quantities in
the earth (N, C, P); make nutrients available in the soil so that the plants could absorb
them.
Any 2 points from the above = 2 marks
(b) Detritivores are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by consuming detritus
(decomposing plant and animal parts as well as faeces).

1 mark
(c) The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other
plant material by soil microorganisms.
1 mark
Total 4 marks

14. HIV: HIV has a high mutation rate which changes the structure of antigens. This
means new specific immune responses will have to be carried out every time the HIV
re-infects. The protein coat is constantly changing which disrupts antigen
presentation. HIV also specifically targets T helper cells which are very important to
the immune system.
2 marks
Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The Mycobacterium tuberculosis has developed a thick
waxy coat which protects it from destruction by digestive enzymes. The bacterium can
now survive inside phagocytes.
2 marks
Total 4 marks

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