CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Cell membranes and transport

Cell membranes and transport: explain question

Explain6 marksChallenge

A researcher investigated the uptake of a sugar, glucoside X, into root cells of a plant. The rate of uptake was measured under different conditions. The results are shown in the table:

ConditionRate of uptake (arbitrary units)
Aerobic (with oxygen)120
Anaerobic (without oxygen)45
Aerobic + ATP synthesis inhibitor45

The researcher concluded that glucoside X can enter root cells by both facilitated diffusion and active transport.

Explain how the evidence supports this conclusion, and describe the differences between facilitated diffusion and active transport in terms of energy requirement, movement relative to concentration gradient, and the role of carrier proteins.

0 words · 6 marks

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6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

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