Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 7: Respiration Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 7: Respiration, with mark schemes. Covers glycolysis, the link reaction, the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic respiration.
Topic 7: Respiration exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 7: Run for Your Life, including Topic 7: Respiration. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 7: Respiration
This part of Topic 7 covers how cells release energy. Expect questions on where each stage occurs and the role of coenzymes.
What you need to know
- Glycolysis In the cytoplasm, glucose is split into two pyruvate, with a small yield of ATP and reduced NAD.
- Link reaction and Krebs cycle In the mitochondrial matrix, producing carbon dioxide, reduced NAD and FAD and some ATP.
- Oxidative phosphorylation The electron transport chain on the inner membrane uses chemiosmosis and ATP synthase; oxygen is the final electron acceptor.
- Anaerobic respiration Pyruvate is converted to lactate in animals, regenerating NAD; lactate is later oxidised in the liver.
Common mistakes in Topic 7: Respiration
- Saying glycolysis occurs in the mitochondria.
- Forgetting oxygen is the final electron acceptor.
- Mixing up reduced NAD with NADP.
Try three Topic 7: Respiration exam-style questions
1. State where glycolysis takes place. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
In the cytoplasm.
2. Explain why ATP production stops without oxygen in the electron transport chain. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Oxygen is the final electron acceptor (1), so without it electrons cannot flow and the proton gradient for ATP synthase is not maintained (1).
3. Explain why lactate production allows glycolysis to continue. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Converting pyruvate to lactate regenerates NAD (1), which is needed for glycolysis to continue producing ATP (1).
Topic 7: Respiration FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 7 cover?
All stages of aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.
Is there a core practical?
Yes, using a respirometer to measure the rate of respiration.
What is the respiratory quotient?
The volume of carbon dioxide produced divided by the volume of oxygen used.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
