Edexcel A-Level Biology A2 7.8 Core Practical 16 Respirometer Respiration Rate and Rq Questions

Use respirometer readings to calculate oxygen uptake from capillary movement and explain why removing soda lime permits carbon-dioxide measurement for RQ.

Exam points

calculate oxygen uptake rate from capillary distance, tube radius and elapsed time
explain why removing soda lime allows carbon dioxide production and respiratory quotient measurement

[Maximum number: 4]

The diagram shows some maggots in a respirometer.

Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Biology A2 7.8 Core Practical 16 Respirometer Respiration Rate and Rq Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Biology A2

This respirometer can be used to investigate the uptake of oxygen during the respiration of maggots.

A student used this respirometer with soda lime to measure the movement of the coloured liquid.

The table shows the results.

Table for Question Edexcel A-Level Biology A2 7.8 Core Practical 16 Respirometer Respiration Rate and Rq Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Biology A2

(a)

Calculate the mean rate of oxygen uptake in $\mathrm{mm}^{3} \mathrm{~min}^{-1}$ .

The internal diameter of the capillary tube was 0.2 mm .
The volume of a cylinder (V) is calculated using the formula

\pi r^{2} l

Give your answer to two significant figures. $\mathrm{mm}^{3} \min ^{-1}$

[ 3 ]

ai

- calculation of mean distance (1)

- correct use of $r^{2}(1)$

- correct answer (1)

Allow ECF for MP2 and MP3 L = $4.4(\mathrm{~mm})$ $\mathrm{r}^{2}=0.01\left(\mathrm{~mm}^{2}\right)$ $0.14\left(\mathrm{~mm}^{3} \mathrm{~min}^{-1}\right)$ 0.138 gets 2 marks

correct answer with no working gains (3) marks

(b)

The soda lime was removed and replaced with glass beads in order to calculate the RQ .

Suggest why this allows the student to calculate the RQ.

[ 1 ]

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Edexcel A-Level Biology A2 7.8 Core Practical 16 Respirometer Respiration Rate and Rq Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)