CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Energy and respiration
A student uses a simple respirometer to investigate the respiration of germinating mung bean seeds. The seeds are respiring a fatty acid as their main respiratory substrate.
Describe how the student could use the respirometer to determine the respiratory quotient (RQ) of the seeds. Explain what the RQ value would indicate about the respiratory substrate.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.