1) For 2b, could ATP also be include in the answer
2) For 2c, could be mention that plant cells were extracted, the acid treatment was applied to the experimental group and not to the control, and then ultimately observe the difference in concentration of ethanol before and after the experiment? (assuming that the process was explained in the question and other experimental design stuff were mentioned)
3) For 5c, could we list plasma cell and explain how plasma cells synthesise more antibodies at the faster rate in a subsequent infection?
4) For 9b, could we explain how the lack of fertile and viable offspring upon mating of the separate species indicates that the species have different homologous chromosomes?
5) For 9c, could we list and explain different selection pressures instead of geographical barrier?
6) Would embroidery on clothing indicating a hierarchy system for 10d be appropriate for a suggestion for cultural evolution?
Overall, the MC was easy (40/40), I just hope SA doesn't pull my mark down too much :/ (looking at mid 50s to low 60s out of 70 for SA)
Thanks for the response in advance
1. Yes, you could include ATP
2. No, because fermentation occurs in yeast not plants. Fermentation is how yeasts break down plant materials.
3. Probably no. It's the memory B-cells that confer this ability. The memory B-cells stick around. When they encounter antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells. The plasma cells themselves are more short-lived
4. Yes, you could probably get away with that. They may pull you up on different homologous chromosomes though, as this is a contradiction. Homologous means the same. So by saying different homologous, you are in effect saying "different the same chromosomes". I'm not sure how pedantic they would be with your language though.
5. I doubt it. This was a tricky question and I'm not sure I would necessarily have answered it correctly myself. It was important to state that the populations were separated by a geographical barrier.
6. Yes, that should be fine. It is probably a bit showy though. I used to have a really strong habit of writing too much on exam answers and trying to show off to get extra marks. In a couple of your responses you've suggested, I think you might be doing the same. Obviously you're a really smart person, and I have no doubt you'll do well, but on future exams and SACs, try to focus on what the question is asking and always choose the most straightforward answer. There are no extra points for tricky answers (unfortunately!).
All of those were fairly borderline, but I'm pretty confident I've gone the right way with those. If you have any questions, please ask, as it's very much open to debate. If those are the problems you found in the exam though, don't stress; you've done really well
What sort of study score could I be looking at for this exam with rank 1, 95% SAC's, and 98/110 on the exam? (General consensus is that this was a lot more difficult than any other years)
If I get an A on the exam with good sacs, is it still possible to get a 40+?
I totally misread all the questions and made so many mistakes
I'm gonna nip this in the bud. These kind of questions are better placed on the technical score discussion or the Biology exam discussion thread. This thread exists to discuss the answers to the exam and exam related questions.
Sorry, I know that's pedantic but don't want the thread getting derailed with questions about scores.
To answer your point about the exam being more difficult this year though, Callum—seeing as that is relevant—I'd disagree. This was likely an easier exam than previous years.