Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Cell Respiration (HL IB Biology)

Topic Questions

5 hours69 questions
11 mark

Which of the following statements about cellular respiration is correct?

  • Cellular respiration involves the conversion of ADP and phosphate to form ATP. 

  • Cellular respiration involves the conversion of ATP to ADP and phosphate.

  • Cellular respiration always produces carbon dioxide.

  • Cellular respiration is the controlled release of energy from inorganic compounds.

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21 mark

The apparatus shown can be used to measure the rate of oxygen consumption of germinating seeds during aerobic respiration.

Respirometer Question CIE A Level

What would happen to the coloured liquid in the capillary tube when the seeds respire?

  • The fluid moves towards the seeds.

  • The fluid expands due to an increase in temperature.

  • The volume of the fluid decreases as oxygen is being used up.

  • The fluid moves away from the seeds.

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31 mark

Which of the following statements correctly describes anaerobic respiration in yeast?

I. The breaking down of glucose to yield products of ethanol and carbon dioxide.

II. The ethanol produced is toxic to the cell.

III. Lactic acid is produced as a metabolic waste product.

IV. Yields more ATP than aerobic respiration.

  • I. and IV.

  • I. II. and IV.

  • I. and II. 

  • III. and IV. 

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41 mark

Which of the following is a major benefit of anaerobic respiration during exercise in humans?

  •  Glucose molecules are fully oxidised during anaerobic respiration.

  • Anaerobic respiration can supply ATP very rapidly for a short period of time. 

  • It produces useful byproducts. 

  • Anaerobic respiration can supply ATP indefinitely. 

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51 mark

What is the principle reason why mitochondria are so prevalent in mammalian skeletal muscle?

  • Mitochondria can generate energy anaerobically.

  • Mitochondria store glycogen. 

  • Mitochondria release energy for muscle contractions.

  • They help excrete carbon dioxide from the cell.

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1 mark

The diagram below shows a mitochondrion.

Mitochondrion mitochondria structure MCQ

Which letter represents the mitochondrial matrix?

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    7
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    1 mark

    The diagram shows the four stages of respiration.8-2_q2e

    Which row correctly identifies the stages represented in the diagram?

      1 2 3 4
    A Glycolysis The link reaction The Krebs cycle The electron transport chain
    B The Krebs cycle Glycolysis The link reaction The electron transport chain
    C The Krebs cycle The link reaction Glycolysis The electron transport chain
    D The Krebs cycle The electron transport chain The link reaction Glycolysis

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      8
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      1 mark

      The image shows one of the processes of respiration.

      q3c_8-2_cell_respiration_medium_ib_hl_biology_sq

      Identify the molecule labelled A.

      • A co-transport protein

      • A phospholipid

      • ATP synthase

      • DNA polymerase

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      91 mark

      Which process is not part of glycolysis?

      • Pyruvate is oxidised and decarboxylated 

      • Triose phosphate is oxidised to glycerate-3-phosphate

      • Fructose bisphosphate is split to form two molecules of triose phosphate

      • NAD is reduced to form NADH + H+

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      11 mark

      Which of the following statements are correct?

      1.  Cellular respiration is also called ventilation.
      2.  Cellular respiration is a series of chemical reactions that releases energy that is stored within the bonds of nutrient   molecules.
      3.  Cellular respiration is an anabolic process.
      4.  Cellular respiration produces ATP.
      • I, II, and IV

      • III and IV

      • II and IV  

      • IV

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      21 mark

      What happens when ATP is converted to ADP? 

      • A net release of energy.

      • A net amount of energy is destroyed.

      • It can never be reconverted to ATP. 

      • A phosphate is added.

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      31 mark

      Which of the following correctly describe anaerobic respiration in yeast vs. mammalian cells? 

        Anaerobic respiration in mammalian cells Anaerobic respiration in yeast cells
      A Only occurs in absence of oxygen. Carbon dioxide bubbles cause bread dough to rise.
      B Fewer molecules of ATP per glucose are produced compared to aerobic respiration. Wine, beer, and other alcohols including biofuels use anaerobic respiration of yeast cells.
      C Build up of carbon dioxide causes muscle fatigue and cramps. Does not produce ATP molecules. 
      D More ATP is produced than in aerobic respiration Lactate is produced and collected as biofuel.

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        41 mark

        Which of the following is not considered an advantage of anaerobic respiration?

        • ATP is still produced even in low or no Oxygen environments.

        • Anaerobic respiration allows for short, quick bursts of energy.

        • Lactate builds up in muscle fibres in humans.

        • Yeast releases carbon dioxide bubbles in baking. 

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        51 mark

        The diagram below shows a respirometer used to measure the respiration rate of germinating bean seeds.

        biology-2-7-q5-ib-hl

        What direction will the manometer fluid move and what is the role of the liquid placed in the bottom of each tube? 

          Direction of movement of the manometer fluid Role of liquid at the bottom of the tubes
        A Up the left side To release energy
        B Down the right side To absorb carbon dioxide
        C Down the left side It is the independent variable
        D Down the right side To react with the oxygen produced

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          61 mark

          The rate of oxygen consumption was compared in yeast cells incubated with and without glucose at three different temperatures under aerobic conditions. The yeast cells were incubated for a period of 3 minutes during which the rate of O2 consumption was measured with an O2 sensor.

          biology-2-7-ib-hl-q6

          What can be concluded from the results of this experiment?

          • Glucose affects the rate of oxygen consumption at higher temperatures less than it does at lower temperatures.

          • Rate of cell respiration increases with temperature.

          • Glucose is broken down faster at 55oC.

          • Yeast does not break down glucose at lower temperatures.

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          71 mark

          Which of the following is not an ethical consideration you should take when working on experiments that use a respirometer to measure respiration rate?

          • All hazards should be minimized. The animal should not suffer pain, be harmed, or be put at risk in any way.

          • Animals should be returned to their natural habitat as soon as data is collected.

          • If an alternative method exists that uses animals instead of plants, it should be used as it provides more accurate data.

          • It is important to carefully weigh the benefit of learning with the potential harm and choose the most appropriate and ethical method.

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          81 mark

          Which of the following require ATP? 

          1.  Making DNA, RNA and proteins.
          2.  Active transport of ions across membranes.
          3.  Osmosis.
          4.  Muscle contractions.
          • I, II, and IV

          • III and IV

          • II and IV

          • IV

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          91 mark

          Which of the following statements correctly describe aerobic and anaerobic cell respiration in some organisms?

            Aerobic cell respiration Anaerobic cell respiration
          A Products are carbon dioxide and water Does not produce ATP
          B Much higher number of ATP molecules produced Completely oxidizes glucose
          C Lipids and proteins can also be used as substrates Products are lactate and ATP
          D Occurs in the cytoplasm Occurs in the mitochondria

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            101 mark

            The diagram shows a typical respirometer set-up.

            biology-2-7-q5-ib-hl

            What is the solution at the bottom of the tubes and what is its function?

              Solution Function
            A Acid To ensure equal volumes of air in both tubes.
            B Acid To accurately measure the amount of carbon dioxide consumed.
            C Alkali To protect the organism.
            D Alkali To absorb carbon dioxide.

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              111 mark

              Which row best describes an oxidation reaction?

                Hydrogen Oxygen Electrons Energy
              A Loss Gain Loss Released
              B Gain Gain Loss Absorbed
              C Gain Loss Loss Released
              D Loss Gain Loss Absorbed

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                121 mark

                Which of the following best shows the reduction of NAD?

                • NAD + H₂ →NADH + H⁺

                • NAD⁺ + e⁻ + H⁺ → NADH + H

                • NAD + 2H + 2e⁻ → NADH

                • NAD⁺ + 2e⁻ + 2H⁺ → NADH + H⁺

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                131 mark

                Which statements correctly describe phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions?

                1. The phosphorylation of ADP is an endergonic reaction.
                2. The dephosphorylation of ATP is an endergonic reaction.
                3. The phosphorylation of ADP is a hydrolysis reaction.
                4. The dephosphorylation of ATP is a hydrolysis reaction.
                • I and II

                • II and III

                • I and IV

                • II and IV

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                141 mark

                Which row shows the products of glycolysis?

                  ATP Pyruvate Glucose Reduced NAD
                A 4 2 0 2
                B 2 2 2 2
                C 2 1 1 2
                D 2 2 0 2

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                  151 mark

                  The diagram below shows a simplified Krebs cycle.

                  How many times does decarboxylation occur during the Krebs cycle?q5_8-2_cell_respiration_ib_biology_hl_mcq

                  • Once

                  • Twice

                  • Three times

                  • Four times

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                  161 mark

                   Which of the following is true of oxidative phosphorylation?

                  1. It is the last stage of aerobic respiration.
                  2. It takes place on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
                  3. It involves chemiosmosis.
                  4. It involves the electron transport chain.
                  • I, II, and IV

                  • II and IV

                  • I, II, and III 

                  • I, II, III, and IV

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                  171 mark

                  The diagram below represents a simplified version of the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

                   Electron transport chain oxidative phosphorylation MCQ

                  Which row correctly describes the events labelled 1-4 above?

                    1 2 3 4
                  A Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons are pumped through ATP synthase ADP is phosphorylated
                  B Protons move across the cristae into the matrix Protons move across the cristae into the matrix Protons are pumped through ATP synthase ATP is phosphorylated
                  C Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons diffuse through ATP synthase ADP is phosphorylated
                  D Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons move across the cristae into the intermembrane space Protons diffuse through ATP synthase ATP is phosphorylated

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                    181 mark

                    The diagram below shows a mitochondrion.

                    cell_respiration_ib_biology_hl_mcq

                    Where in this organelle is ATP synthase found?

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                      191 mark

                      Which row correctly shows the features of a mitochondrion that can be observed and labelled on a drawing using a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

                        Mitochondrion shape RNA and DNA Cristae Intermembrane space
                      A Yes Yes Yes Yes
                      B Yes No Yes No
                      C Yes Yes No Yes
                      D Yes No Yes Yes

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                        11 mark

                        Which of the following statements would be a perceived advantage of ATP?

                        I. ATP is a stable molecule.

                        II. Acts as an instant source of energy for the cell.

                        III. It is a universal energy carrier and can be used in many chemical reactions.

                        IV. It is a small mobile molecule which can be easily transported to other cells. 

                        • I. II. III. and IV.

                        • I. and II. 

                        • II. and III.

                        • II. III. and IV.

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                        21 mark

                        An athlete ran 1600m on a treadmill and the speed intensity was varied throughout to simulate race conditions.

                        The athlete's blood was sampled every 60 seconds and the blood lactate concentration was measured as shown.

                        S~1HuX4U_h-2

                        Which statement provides the most likely explanation for the blood lactate concentration between 3 to 5 minutes?

                          3 to 4 minutes 4 to 5 minutes
                        A The athlete increases their running intensity and their muscles resort to anaerobic respiration The athlete has slowed down and oxygen is being used to break down the lactate
                        B The athlete increases their running intensity and their muscles resort to anaerobic respiration

                        The athlete has stopped running and carbon dioxide is being used to break down the lactate

                        C The athlete continues at the same pace but there is not sufficient oxygen to break down the lactate

                        The athlete is getting tired and starts to run at a slower intensity so the muscles produce less lactate.

                        D The athlete increases their running intensity and the muscles continue to utilise aerobic respiration The athlete is getting tired and starts to run at a slower intensity so the muscles produce less lactate.

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                          31 mark

                          The influence of volume of starter culture on the rate of anaerobic respiration of yeast was investigated using the following experimental apparatus, the data is also shown.7S1gA5A2_h-3

                          Which of the following statements could explain the decrease in carbon dioxide production?

                          I. Oxygen is still present so the yeast respire aerobically.

                          II. The glucose source is depleted.

                          III. Accumulation of ethanol is toxic to the yeast.

                          IV. The starting cultures were different concentrations.

                          • I. II. and III.

                          • I. II. III. and IV.

                          • II. III. and IV. 

                          • II. and III.

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                          41 mark

                          An investigation was carried out to study the effect of cyanide on ATP synthesis in a suspension of intact mitochondria. The graph below shows the results of the investigation.

                          HB9cSLAF_h-4

                          Which statement best explains the trends shown in the data?

                          • Cyanide interferes with ATP synthesis through aerobic respiration.

                          • Cyanide interferes with ATP synthesis through both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

                          • Cyanide splits ATP molecules to yield ADP and phosphate.

                          • At high concentrations of cyanide, only anaerobic respiration occurs.

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                          51 mark

                          A respirometer was used to investigate the rate of oxygen consumption in aerobic respiration by germinating seeds.  The apparatus used in the investigation are shown.

                          Respirometer Question CIE A Level

                          Which of the following statements about the use of respirometers are correct?

                          I. There are ethical concerns with using any live organism.

                          II. The water bath is maintained at 25C because slight variations in temperature can affect air pressure.

                          III. The temperature of the water bath can be altered to investigate how temperature affects the rate of respiration.

                          IV. As CO2 is absorbed by the KOH, the air pressure is reduced inside the sealed chamber (labelled 2). 

                          • I. II. and IV.

                          • II. III. and IV.

                          • I. III. and IV.

                          • I. II. III. and IV.

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                          6
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                          1 mark

                          Some students were investigating the production of carbon dioxide from anaerobic respiration in yeast at different temperatures. They had access to the apparatus to carry out two different methods.

                          x9Ra34pC_h-2

                          Method 1: Using a gas syringe, students collected gas produced by yeast at different temperatures.

                          Method 2: Using limewater and a delivery tube, students counted the number of bubbles of gas produced by the yeast at different temperatures, and used limewater to show that it was carbon dioxide.

                          Which method should the students use and why?

                          • Method 1 should be used because a statistical analysis can be carried out on method 1 but not method 2

                          • Method 2 proves that the gas produced is carbon dioxide, this gives more valid results

                          • Method 1 should be used because it provides quantitative measurements, which will be more accurate

                          • Method 2 should be used because it gives qualitative and quantitative results so is more accurate

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                          71 mark

                          In an investigation into the impact of enzyme inhibition on respiration, scientists used a molecule to inhibit transcription of the gene that codes for the enzyme LDHA.

                          Using the diagram, identify the likely effect this would have on the process of respiration.8-2_q1h

                          1. Increased production of lactic acid
                          2. A build up of pyruvate in anaerobic conditions
                          3. Increased activity of the Krebs cycle in aerobic conditions

                          • I, II and III

                          • I only

                          • II and III

                          • II only

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                          81 mark

                          The diagram shows the electron transport chain in the membrane of the mitochondria.8-2_q2h

                          Cyanide is a poison which causes cell death through inhibition of the final electron transport protein when it binds as shown in the diagram.

                          Which statements correctly describe the impact of cyanide binding to the final transport protein.

                          1. A decrease in pH of the intermembrane space
                          2. A decrease in production of H2O
                          3. An increase in electrochemical gradient
                          4. Inhibition of ATP synthesis
                          • I, II and IV only

                          • II and IV only

                          • I and II only

                          • II, III and IV

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                          91 mark

                          From each molecule of substance X (in the diagram), how many molecules of ATP can be produced?8-2_q3h

                          • 17

                          • 34

                          • 36

                          • 18

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                          101 mark

                          Which of the following statements about the Krebs cycle are correct?

                          1. NAD is oxidised and returned to the link reaction
                          2. Citrate is decarboxylated to form a 6 carbon molecule
                          3. FADH2 is produced and sent to the electron transport chain
                          4. Oxidation of acetyl groups is coupled to reduction of hydrogen carriers.
                          • II, III and IV

                          • I, II and III

                          • II and III only

                          • III and IV only

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                          111 mark

                          The following steps describe processes involved in oxidative phosphorylation.

                          1. Redox reactions drive the movement of protons across the cristae to the intermembrane space
                          2. Oxygen molecules combine with protons and electrons to form water
                          3. NADH and FADH donate electrons to the first transport protein in the chain
                          4. Hydrogen ions (protons) are also released as the coenzymes are oxidised
                          5. A high concentration of protons in the intermembrane space creates an electrochemical gradient
                          6. Electrons move down the proteins in a series of redox reactions
                          7. Protons move down the electrochemical gradient through enzyme ATP synthase

                          Which of the following shows the correct sequence for these steps?

                          • 1 → 4 → 6 → 2 → 5 → 7→ 3

                          • 3 → 4 → 6 → 1 → 5 → 7→ 2

                          • 3 → 6 → 1→ 5 → 7→ 2 → 4

                          • 6 → 3 → 5 → 7→ 2→ 4 → 1

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