VCE Biology Question Thread

[RazzMeTazz]

The 2012 VCAA assessment report for Biology says that ". Students should not repeat the stem of the
question in their answers."

What exactly does this mean?

Thanks!

[alchemy]

The 2012 VCAA assessment report for Biology says that ". Students should not repeat the stem of the
question in their answers."

What exactly does this mean?

Oh, I think it means that you shouldn't need to repeat part of the question to begin your answer. For example, if the question was "List the main function of the cell membrane", you shouldn't have to write "The main functions of the cell membrane are.."; you should just list and describe them instead.
It's common sense, I guess, but perfectionists might try incorporate every little bit into their answer (incl. the stem of the question).

[alchemy]

Would Acetyl-CoA be an input in respiration or intermediate? Is this required knowledge? Thanks!

It's an intermediate in cellular respiration.

[vox nihili]

Would Acetyl-CoA be an input in respiration or intermediate? Is this required knowledge? Thanks!

A bit of both. Given that CoA is recycled and that the acetyl- group comes from the actual process, I'd probably go with alchemy and say it's an intermediate. Although, when I do inputs and outputs for resp I include it as an input. Both are right as far as I'm concerned.

[RazzMeTazz]

Oh, I think it means that you shouldn't need to repeat part of the question to begin your answer. For example, if the question was "List the main function of the cell membrane", you shouldn't have to write "The main functions of the cell membrane are.."; you should just list and describe them instead.
It's common sense, I guess, but perfectionists might try incorporate every little bit into their answer (incl. the stem of the question).

Thanks so much!

Oh okay yeah I get what you mean!
Hahaha I actually have a bad habit of including the stem of the question, so it's good I figured that out!
Thanks again!

[katie101]

 Fats are generally transported in the blood in the form of small particles, called chylomicrons. Examine the three examples given in figure 2.34. Note the 63 compounds that make up these particles. Explain why the components of the particles aggregate in the way they do, ending up as spherical.

[kx4y]

In the Dialysis tubing prac, we tested for starch using Iodine solution and tested for glucose using Benedict's solution. What is the Independent Variable, Dependant variable and controlled variables?

[Rishi97]

Fats are generally transported in the blood in the form of small particles, called chylomicrons. Examine the three examples given in figure 2.34. Note the 63 compounds that make up these particles. Explain why the components of the particles aggregate in the way they do, ending up as spherical.

The components of the particles aggregate in the way they do because of the way they interact with water molecules. The phospholipid bi-layer is organised to keep water out of the cell due to the hydrophobic tails. The tails point inwards into the cell, thus it ends up in a spherical shape.

[katie101]

Is X a ribosome or mitochondria?

What is Y, maybe ER?

[aqple]

Is X a ribosome or mitochondria?

What is Y, maybe ER?

X is mitochondria
Y is rough ER

[MagicGecko]

X is definitely a mitochondria, its too big to be a ribsome, not so sure about Y, but it looks like the Endoplasmic Reticulum, possibly rough.

[katie101]

Thanks i think thats right!

[katie101]

How might an examination of cells help diagnose disease?

[vox nihili]

How might an examination of cells help diagnose disease?

Well the form of the cells can often tell you whether or not they're diseased. They will, in many cases, actually appear diseased. Especially cancer cells, which often have multiple nuclei and really jagged edges, for example. Or in sickle cell anaemia, the cells appear to be shrunken and sickle-shaped. Just a couple of examples, but by looking at the cells, often you can see the characteristic signs of certain diseases.

[alchemy]

Not sure if my answer to this question is correct. Can someone verify?

Carbon monoxide, a molecule in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes, binds irreversibly with iron groups. What effect would this have on your red blood cells?

Carbon monoxide can bind to the iron groups present in hemoglobin. This can cause the irreversible disruption of ionic bonds in hemoglobin, causing it to denature and lose its function in red blood cells.