Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2019

Pearson Edexcel International Adavanced

Level
In Biology (WBI12) Paper 01
Cells, Development, Biodiversity and
Conservation
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October 2019
Publications Code WBI12_01_1910_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2019
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as
they mark the last.

• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what they have shown they can do
rather than penalised for omissions.

• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their perception of where the grade
boundaries may lie.

• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be used appropriately.

• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always award full marks if
deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if
the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.

• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which marks will be awarded and
exemplification may be limited.

• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team
leader must be consulted.

• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an alternative response.
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
1 (a)
The only correct answer is C polysaccharide

A is incorrect because starch and cellulose are not

phospholipids

B is incorrect because starch and cellulose are not polypeptides

D is incorrect because starch and cellulose are not triglycerides

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
1 (b)
The only correct answer is A amyloplast

B is incorrect because starch is not stored in a mitochondrion

C is incorrect because starch is not stored in a tonoplast

D is incorrect because starch is not stored in a vacuole

(1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
1(c) An answer that makes reference to three of the following: Full marks can only be awarded if there is
a similarity in the answer.

Similarity Do not piece together.

• both {polymers / polysaccharides} containing (1,4)

glycosidic bonds (1)

• both consist of glucose (1)

and max two differences:

• cellulose contains β-glucose (molecules) whereas

starch contains α-glucose (molecules) (1)

• cellulose contains 1,4 (glycosidic bonds) whereas

{starch / amylopectin} contains 1,4 and 1,6 (glycosidic
bonds) (1)
Accept cellulose is unbranched whereas
• cellulose is linear (molecule) whereas {starch /
{starch / amylopectin} is branched (3)
amylopectin} contains branches (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(a)(i)
The only correct answer is D 1.6 x 103 µm

B is incorrect because the diameter is 1.6 x 103 µm

C is incorrect because the diameter is 1.6 x 103 µm

D is incorrect because the diameter is 1.6 x 103 µm

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
2(a)(ii) A calculation showing the following steps: Mark the answer on answer line first

Example of calculation
• correct volume from frog egg cell (1) v of frog (=4/3 ∏ 8003) = 2.14 x
109

• correct calculation (1) (2.14 x 109) ÷ 1.8 x 106 = 1189

Allow ECF

• correct calculated answer to 2 significant figures (1) = 1200 times larger

Correct answer (1200 or 1.2 x103) to 2 sig

figs with no working gains full marks
(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(b) An explanation that makes reference to four of the following:

• egg cell contains {23 chromosomes/ half the genetic material

of the skin cell} / egg cell is haploid (whereas skin cell is
diploid) (1)

• (therefore) fertilisation can occur to form a {diploid cell / Accept {full set / original number} of
zygote} (1) chromosomes formed after fertilisation
Accept fusion of nuclei

• (the egg cell genetic material is different from the skin cell) Accept egg cell is formed by meiosis
due to meiosis (1)

• (the egg cell genetic material is different from the skin cell)
due to crossing over (1)

• (the egg cell genetic material is different from the skin cell)
due to {random / independent} assortment (of homologous
chromosomes) (1) (4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
3(a)(i)
The only correct answer is C plant cells and prokaryotic cells

A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells also have a cell wall

B is incorrect because animal cells do not have a cell wall

D is incorrect because animal cells do not have a cell wall

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(a)(ii) if one incorrect label, max of 1 label mark
if two incorrect labels then no label marks
can be awarded
Drawing (2):
• {double (nuclear) membrane / nuclear envelope} obvious
• nuclear pores shown and (1 or more) nucleoli present

Labels (max 2):

• (nuclear) envelope / double membrane / {inner / outer} (nuclear) Ignore DNA
membrane
• (nuclear) pore
• nucleolus
• correct reference to chromatin / nucleoplasm
(4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
3(b)(i) An explanation that includes the following points:

• the two {layers (of the membrane) /membranes} are very close Accept the bilayer structure is very close
together / there is a very small distance between the {two layers together
/ membranes} (1) Ignore the bilayer is too {small / thin}

• therefore, the resolution of a light microscope is not high

enough (1)
(2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(b)(ii) A calculation showing the following steps: Mark the answer on answer line first
Example of calculation
• length of XY measured correctly +/- 1mm (1) 26 mm / 2.6 cm

• calculation of actual size (1) 26 ÷ 200= 0.13 (mm)

• correct answer given in µm (1) = 130 (µm)

Correct answer scores full marks

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
3(b)(iii) A description that makes reference to the following:

• form spindle {fibres / poles} in {prophase / mitosis / meiosis /

cell division} (1)

• to separate {chromosomes/ chromatids} (1) Ignore DNA / genetic material

(2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(a)(i)
The only correct answer is C Eukarya

A is incorrect because plants are found in the domain Eukarya

B is incorrect because plants are found in the domain Eukarya

D is incorrect because plants are found in the domain Eukarya (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4(a)(ii) A description that makes reference to the following:

• (evidence from) molecular phylogeny (1)

• identification of {similarities / differences} in {DNA / RNA / Accept comparing {DNA / RNA / proteins /
proteins / enzymes / ribosomes / membrane components / enzymes / ribosomes / membrane
cell wall components} (1) components / cell wall components}

Ignore {looking at / analysing} the {DNA /

RNA / proteins / enzymes / ribosomes /
membrane components / cell wall
components / genetic makeup}

(2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4 (b) An explanation that includes three of the following points:

• (tube) grows (through style) to {ovary / ovule / egg cell} / Ignore micropyle
transports the {male nuclei / generative nucleus / male Accept forms pathway to reach {ovary /
gametes} to {ovary / ovule / egg cell} (1) ovule / egg cell}

• (and secretes) digestive enzymes used to aid growth of tube Accept enzymes digest through the style
(to ovule) (1)

• (therefore) male nuclei can fuse with {egg cell (nucleus) / Accept fertilisation occurs to form {zygote
polar nuclei} (1) / endosperm}
Accept double fertilisation occurs / zygote
and endosperm formed (3)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(c)(i) An answer that makes reference to the following:

• as the Verapamil concentration increases the length of the Accept negative correlation
pollen tube decreases (1)

• credit a correct manipulated mathematical statement (1)

(2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4(c)(ii) An answer that makes reference to the following:

• lower concentration of calcium ions (in the cells) (1) Accept no calcium ions present (in the
cells)
• fewer {pectin / calcium pectate} molecules formed (1)
Accept calcium (ions) needed to produce
{pectin / calcium pectate}
• therefore increased flexibility of {microfibrils / cellulose} (due
to fewer {pectin / calcium pectate} molecules) (1)
Accept {calcium pectate / pectin} (are
needed to) hold {microfibrils / cellulose}
together (in a matrix)
Accept {microfibrils / cellulose} are not
held together by {calcium pectate / (3)
pectin}
Accept calcium pectate helps middle
lamella to hold adjacent cell walls
together
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(a) An answer that makes reference to the following:

• named nitrogen containing compound synthesised (1) e.g. amino acids / proteins / nucleic acids
/ ATP / NADP

• credit role of this compound in the plant (1) e.g. {Proteins/ (peptide) hormones} are
needed for {growth / repair} / DNA is
needed for protein synthesis
Ignore amino acids needed to form
proteins (2)
Ignore nucleotides needed to form
DNA/RNA

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
5(b) A description that makes reference to two of the following:

• modification of protein (into enzyme) (1)

• enzyme(s) packaged into (secretory) vesicles (1)

• enzyme(s) leave cell by exocytosis (1) Accept vesicles fuse with cell (surface)
membrane and release enzyme(s)
outside cell (2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(c)

Accept identification of side effects

Ignore identification of appropriate
dosage

Accept tested on 100-500 volunteer

patients with {disease / HIV/ cancer}
Ignore patients unqualified

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
6(a)
The correct answer is B endemic

A is incorrect because the correct term is endemic

C is incorrect because the correct term is endemic

D is incorrect because the correct term is endemic

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
6(b) An answer that makes reference to the following:

• anatomical (adaptation) (1)

• physiological (adaptation) (1)

• anatomical (adaptation) (1)

(3)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
6(c) An answer that makes reference to the following:

• {poison / skin colour/ spots} deters predators / reduce risk of Accept reduce risk of being eaten /
predation (1) protects frog from predators
Ignore camouflage

• adhesive discs allow the frog to {climb / cling to} surfaces (to e.g. trees / leaves
find food) (1) (2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
6(d) An answer that makes reference to four of the following: Ignore genes

• (genetic) mutation(s) occurred (1)

• (new) allele coding for poison production (1)

• (which then) conferred a selective advantage / (those with Accept those without the {mutation /
poison) more likely to {survive and reproduce / pass alleles poison / advantageous allele} were less
to offspring} (1) likely to survive and reproduce

• (therefore) increasing allele frequency (1)

• (resulting in) new species of frog with the ability to produce

poison evolved (1)
(4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(a)(i)
The correct answer is C two

A is incorrect because lignin gives waterproofing properties and

can form spiral shapes

B is incorrect because lignin gives waterproofing properties and

can form spiral shapes

D is incorrect because lignin does not add strength to the cell

membranes

(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
7(a)(ii) Similarity (1)

• both contain {cellulose / pits / dead cells / secondary

Ignore cell walls unqualified
walls}
• both {are hollow / do not contain cytoplasm}
Ignore no nucleus

Difference (1)

• sclerenchyma contain end walls whereas xylem do not

Accept sclerenchyma are
{pointed/closed} at each end whereas
xylem are {not / open at each end}
Accept xylem contain tracheids whereas
sclerenchyma do not (2)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(b) An explanation that makes reference to the following:

• hemp is renewable / more can be grown / will not run out (1)

• available to future generations (1)

(2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
7(c)(i) • calculation of mean yearly increase (1) Example of calculation
(84,600,000,000 - 17,000,000,000) ÷11 =
6145454545.45

• calculation of total volume in 2020 (1) (6145454545.45 x 20) =1229090909 +

17,000,000,000 = 1.39 x 1011 / 1.4 x 1011 /
139909 x 106

• correct answer for total volume in 2020 with units (1)

= 1.39 x 1011 dm3 / 1.4 x 1011 dm3 / 139909
x 106 dm3

Correct answer with no working gains full

marks
(3)
Question
Answer
Number
Answers will be credited according to candidate’s deployment of knowledge and understanding of the material in relation to
*7(c)(ii) the qualities and skills outlined in the generic mark scheme.

The indicative content below is not prescriptive, and candidates are not required to include all the material indicated as
relevant. Additional content included in the response must be scientific and relevant.

Advantages
• indication of sustainability in the context of biofuel production e.g. more plants can be grown, renewable
• available for future generations
• consideration of carbon neutral or removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere (by photosynthesis) as plant is growing
• consideration of lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels
• linkage to greenhouse effect / global warming
• some biofuels require limited resources
• hemp produces the least carbon dioxide emissions of all fuels
• hemp and sugar beet require the least water
• hemp and soybean require fewer fertilisers
• hemp requires fewer fertilisers
• hemp requires fewest resources
• consideration of reduced water requirements for producing biofuels than food production
• hemp requires fewest resources so lowest production costs
• bioethanols require fewer resources so lower production costs

Disadvantages
• rapeseed and soybean production require high levels of water
• rapeseed and sugar beet production require high levels of fertilisers
• rapeseed, soybean and sugar beet production require high levels of pesticides
• rapeseed requires highest level of resources
• consideration of effect of fertilisers on ecosystem
 • consideration of effect of pesticides on ecosystem
• disadvantage of reduced land available for food production
• disadvantage of reduced water available for food production
• disadvantage of reduced water available for population
• cost of providing resources
• biodiesels require more resources so higher production costs

• supported conclusion of which bioethanol fuel would be most sustainable

(6)
Additional guidance
Level 0 0 No awardable content
Level 1 1-2 Limited scientific judgement made with a few strengths / simple description of trends shown in the graph / table
weaknesses identified. linked to basic advantages or disadvantages = lower
mark
A conclusion may be attempted, demonstrating isolated
elements of biological knowledge and understanding but simple description of trends shown in the graph / table
with limited evidence to support the judgment being made. linked to basic advantages AND disadvantages =
higher mark

Level 2 3-4 A scientific judgement is made through the application of All level 1 plus
relevant evidence, with strengths and weaknesses identified. sustainability should be considered to access level 2

A conclusion is made, demonstrating linkages to elements of conclusion of which biofuel would be best attempted
biological knowledge and understanding, with occasional linked to the information given for lower mark
evidence to support the judgement being made.
linked to the farmer OR population OR ecosystem for
higher mark

Level 3 5-6 A scientific judgement is made which is supported all level 2 plus
throughout by sustained application of relevant evidence consideration to effect on two from farmer OR
from the analysis and interpretation of the scientific population OR ecosystem lower mark
 information.
consideration to effect on three from farmer OR
A conclusion is made, demonstrating sustained linkages to population OR ecosystem higher mark
biological knowledge and understanding with evidence to
support the judgement being made.
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(a)
The correct answer is C Y

A is incorrect because the nucleus contains the genetic

information used in the synthesis of acrosomal enzymes

B is incorrect because the nucleus contains the genetic

information used in the synthesis of acrosomal enzymes

D is incorrect because the nucleus contains the genetic

information used in the synthesis of acrosomal enzymes
(1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
8 (b)
• morula

(1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(c)(i) A description that makes reference to one of the following pairs:

Either:
• DNA methylation / adds methyl groups to DNA (1)
• (DNA methylation) causes the {switching off / silencing} of Accept prevents {transcription /
gene(s) (1) expression} of gene(s)
Accept activates genes
Or:

• histone modification / {methylation / phosphorylation/ Accept ubiquitylation / sumoylation

acetylation} of histone (1)
• (histone modification) causes the {switching off / silencing / Accept prevents {transcription /
activation} of gene(s) / (1) expression} of gene(s) / allows
{transcription / expression} of gene(s) (2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
8(c)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to the following:

• transcription of active genes / active mRNA produced (1)

• therefore {certain / specific} proteins produced / (1) Accept named example

Accept translation at the ribosomes
produces proteins

• these proteins {determine / change} cell {structure / function} (1) Accept description
Ignore modifies the cell unqualified (3)
Question
Answer
Number
8 (d) Answers will be credited according to candidate’s deployment of knowledge and understanding of the material in relation
to the qualities and skills outlined in the generic mark scheme.
The indicative content below is not prescriptive, and candidates are not required to include all the material indicated as
relevant. Additional content included in the response must be scientific and relevant.

Basic information
• genotype is shown by the different allele combinations
• the gene has {multiple / four} alleles
• one copy of each allele is inherited from each {parent / gamete}
• phenotype is the result of interaction between the genotype and the environment / phenotype can sometimes just
be determined by genotype
• fur colour is affected by {genotype /allele combinations} and the {environment /(body) temperature}
• colour may be camouflage
Enzyme production
• the {gene / alleles} code(s) for the production of an enzyme involved in producing fur colour
• (active) mRNA is produced from the allele(s) leading to synthesis of {protein / enzyme}
Black rabbit
• black rabbit has the dominant allele (C) / is homozygous dominant / heterozygous dominant
• C is the dominant allele
Albino rabbit
• albino has recessive alleles / is homozygous recessive
Himalayan linked to enzyme
• {Himalayan albino / chch, chca} produce the enzyme which becomes inactive at high temperatures
• the enzyme must be involved in producing the dark colour of the fur
Himalayan explanation
• the colour is not produced at body temperatures in Himalayan albino, causing the {warmer part of the body to have
white fur / cooler parts of the body to have dark fur}

(6)
Additional guidance
Level 0 0 No awardable content
Level 1 1-2 Demonstrates isolated elements of biological knowledge and 1 aspect correctly discussed with some
understanding to the given context with generalised comments attempt made to link knowledge and
made. understanding to the given context = 1
mark
Vague statements related to consequences are made with limited 2 aspects correctly discussed with some
linkage to a range of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and attempt made to link knowledge and
procedures. understanding to the given context = 2
marks
The discussion will contain basic information with some attempt
made to link knowledge and understanding to the given context.

Level 2 3-4 Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding by selecting 3 aspects correctly discussed which some
and applying some relevant biological facts / concepts. linkages and lines of scientific reasoning
with some structure = 3 marks
Consequences are discussed which are occasionally supported 4 aspects correctly discussed which some
through linkage to a range of scientific ideas, processes, techniques linkages and lines of scientific reasoning
and procedures. with some structure = 4 marks

The discussion shows some linkages and lines of scientific reasoning

with some structure.

Level 3 5-6 Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding by A well-developed and sustained line of
selecting and applying relevant knowledge of biological facts / scientific reasoning for 5 of the 6 aspects
concepts. which is clear and logically structured = 5
marks
Consequences are discussed which are supported throughout by A well-developed and sustained line of
sustained linkage to a range of scientific ideas, processes, techniques scientific reasoning for all 6 aspects which
and procedures. is clear and logically structured = 6 marks

The discussion shows a well-developed and sustained line of

scientific reasoning which is clear and logically structured.
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