DP Biology (last assessment 2024)

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Question 19M.3.SL.TZ2.a

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 1] Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ2.a
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Estimate Question number a Adapted from N/A
a.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19M.3.SL.TZ2.a

Cairns’ technique was used in an experiment to measure the length of DNA in the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). Fibroblast cells were grown with radioactive nucleotides. The DNA autoradiogram obtained is shown.

[Source: © Joel A. Huberman and Arthur D. Riggs]

Estimate the length of the molecule of DNA shown in the autoradiogram between the two arrows.

……………...mm

 

[1]

Markscheme

0.45 «mm» ✔

Allow values between 0.35 «mm» and 0.50 «mm»

Examiners report

This question concerned Cairns’ technique to measure the length of a section of DNA. Most candidates could estimate the length of DNA shown in the diagram.

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