Eduqas A Level Biology
Eduqas A Level Biology 1.5 Nucleic Acids Exam Questions
Free Eduqas A Level Biology exam questions on 1.5 Nucleic Acids, with mark schemes. Covers DNA and RNA structure, ATP, DNA replication, the genetic code and protein synthesis.
1.5 Nucleic Acids exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions with its mark scheme. Answer every question without notes, then mark your answers line by line against the mark scheme.
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A Level Biology Flashcards
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About Eduqas A Level Biology 1.5 Nucleic Acids
This topic covers the structure and roles of nucleic acids. Expect questions on replication and transcription and translation.
What you need to know
- Structure Nucleotides with pentose sugar, phosphate and base. DNA is double-stranded with complementary base pairing; RNA is single-stranded.
- ATP A nucleotide derivative that releases energy when hydrolysed.
- Replication Semi-conservative, using DNA helicase and DNA polymerase.
- Protein synthesis Transcription produces mRNA; translation at ribosomes uses tRNA to build a polypeptide.
Common mistakes in 1.5 Nucleic Acids
- Mixing up codons and anticodons.
- Saying DNA polymerase unwinds DNA.
- Forgetting uracil replaces thymine in RNA.
Try three 1.5 Nucleic Acids exam-style questions
1. Explain what is meant by complementary base pairing. (2 marks)
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Adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine with guanine (1), joined by hydrogen bonds (1).
2. Describe transcription. (3 marks)
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DNA unwinds and one strand acts as a template (1); free RNA nucleotides pair with complementary bases (1); RNA polymerase joins them to form mRNA (1).
3. State one difference between DNA and RNA. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
Any one: RNA has ribose not deoxyribose, uracil not thymine, is single-stranded.
1.5 Nucleic Acids FAQs
What does Nucleic Acids cover?
DNA, RNA and ATP structure, replication and protein synthesis.
Do I need the Meselson and Stahl experiment?
Yes, as evidence for semi-conservative replication.
What is the genetic code?
A triplet code that is universal, degenerate and non-overlapping.
Revise this topic with flashcards: A Level Biology Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
