DP Biology (last assessment 2024)

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Question 18M.3.HL.TZ1.9

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Date May 2018 Marks available [Maximum mark: 8] Reference code 18M.3.HL.TZ1.9
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Explain, Label, Outline, State Question number 9 Adapted from N/A
9.
[Maximum mark: 8]
18M.3.HL.TZ1.9

The diagram shows an industrial anaerobic fermenter.

(a.i)

State one fuel that can be produced in this fermenter.

[1]

Markscheme

methane / biogas

(a.ii)

Outline one variable that must be controlled in an industrial fermenter

[1]

Markscheme

a. anaerobic conditions / prevent entry of oxygen 

b. warm temperatures / temperature above 15°C 

c. different communities of microorganisms / Eubacteria and methanogens 

d. proper pH needs to be maintained

(b)

Explain factors that affect the rate of activity of microorganisms in fermenters.

[3]

Markscheme

a. changes of pH (possibly caused by changes of CO2) affect enzyme activity 

b. ambient pressure / build-up of gases may affect reactions involving gases 

c. increase of temperature could affect reaction rates /denature enzymes 

d. decrease in nutrients/raw materials/change in substrate could decrease rate of product formation

e. increase in wastes could decrease rate of metabolism 

f. particle size affects rate of fermentation associated with surface area (for substrate interactions) 

g. mixing is necessary as sedimentation lowers surface area thus decreasing rate of reactions

(c)

The diagram represents the cell walls of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Label the layers I, II and III.

 

[3]

Markscheme

l. peptidoglycan 

ll. outer membrane/layer of lipopolysaccharide and protein 

lll. peptidoglycan