Mark Scheme (Provisional)

Summer 2021

Pearson Edexcel International Advance Level

In Biology (WBI12) Paper 01
Cells, Development, Biodiversity and
Conservation
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Summer 2021
Question Paper Log Number 65811
Publications Code WBI12_01_2106_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2021
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 Mark
Number
1(a)(i)
The only correct answer is B β-glucose

A is not correct because the molecule is β-glucose

C is not correct because the molecule is β-glucose

D is not correct because the molecule is β-glucose (1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
1(a)(ii)
The only correct answer is C form microfibrils

A is not correct because cellulose forms microfibrils

B is not correct because cellulose forms microfibrils

D is not correct because cellulose forms microfibrils (1)

Question Answer Mark
Number
1(a)(iii)
The only correct answer is B chlorophyll

A is not correct because magnesium is not a component of calcium pectate

C is not correct because magnesium is not a component of DNA

D is not correct because magnesium is not a component of starch (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
1(b)(i)
• xylem (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
1(b)(ii)
• sclerenchyma Accept tracheids (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(a)(i) A calculation in which: Example of calculation:

• conversion of actual length of scale into nm (1) 30mm = 30 000 000 nm

• actual length divided by the given length (answer given to 2 30 000 000 ÷1200 = ×2.5 x 104 (2)
significant figures and in standard form) (1) accept +/- 1mm for length of bar

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
2(a)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to two of the following points: ecf from 2(a)(i) applies

• electron microscope (1)

• due to high magnification (1) Accept high resolution

Accept converse for light microscope (2)
Accept 3D image if qualified as scanning
electron microscope
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
2(b)(i) An answer that makes reference to the following points:

• presence of {(peptidoglycan) cell wall / circular chromosome(s) / Accept ether bonds

DNA associated with histones / 70S ribosomes / RNA
polymerase} (1)
(2)
• absence of {nucleus / membrane bound organelles} (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
2(b)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to three of the following points:

• (analysis of) molecular evidence (1) e.g. DNA, mRNA, proteins, enzymes

• to identify similarities and differences in biological molecules /

comparison of biological molecules (1)

• (analysis of) phenotype (1) e.g. cell structure / anatomical features,

grow in different {habitats/ conditions}

• to identify similarities and differences between the two e.g. named similarities and differences in (3)
microorganisms (phenotype) (1) cell structure
Question Answer Mark
Number
3(a)(i)
The only correct answer is C two

A is not correct because there is one maternal and one paternal chromosome with three gene loci

B is not correct because there is one maternal and one paternal chromosome with three gene loci

D is not correct because there is one maternal and one paternal chromosome with three gene loci (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(a)(ii) A description that makes reference to the following points:

• uncoiling (of chromosome) (1) Accept correct reference to histones / to

form chromatin

• used in protein synthesis / DNA replication (in S phase) (1) Accept transcription (2)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(b)(i)
• prophase I (1)
Question Answer Mark
Number Additional guidance
3(b)(ii)
The only correct answer is C three

A is not correct because ABe could not be formed by one chiasmata

B is not correct because ABe could not be formed by one chiasmata

D is not correct because ABe could not be formed by one chiasmata (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
3(b)(iii) An explanation that makes reference to two of the following points:

• alleles b and e are closer together (1) Accept converse for A and E

• therefore {crossing over / chiasma} is less likely to occur Accept converse for A and E (2)
between these alleles (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4(a)(i) A description that makes reference to the following points:

• the germination of the seeds remains {high/ constant} for an

initial period of time (1)

• (after this) the germination of the seeds (rapidly) {decreases (2)

/ reduces} with increased time in storage (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(a)(ii) An explanation that makes reference to four of the following points:

• (many different plants result in) increased genetic diversity

of the seeds stored (1)

• because more (seeds from different) {individuals/ plants} Accept reduces chance of seeds from
increases the probability of having {more alleles / different (mainly) {homozygous recessive /
genotypes / heterozygotes} (1) diseased} plants

• adult plants allow {pollination / sexual reproduction} to

occur (1)

• to produce new seeds (for storage) (1) Accept to produce seeds which are
genetically different (from parent plants)

• to replace those seeds stored for a long time (1) Accept to increase the {viability of stored (4)
seeds / percentage of seeds that will
germinate}
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
4(b)(i) A calculation in which: Example of calculation

• mass of cutlery per month calculated (1) (130000 ÷ 100) × 60 = 78000 (kg)

• mass of cutlery per year calculated to two significant figures with (78 000 × 12) = 940 000 kg / 9.4 x 105 kg
unit (1)
Correct answer with no working scores (2)
full marks

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
4(b)(ii) An answer that includes the following points:

• more (cutlery) can (constantly) be made from avocado seeds Accept carbon neutral / lower
(1) carbon emissions (than oil-based
plastic production) / biodegradable
Accept as avocado seeds are waste
products

• as avocados are {continually being grown / can be grown by (2)

future generations} (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(a)(i) An answer that includes the following points: Example of diagram

• at least two curved cisternae drawn (without

ribosomes or interconnections) (1)

• vesicle drawn (1)

• cisternae labelled (1)

• second correct label (1)

(4)

Question Answer Mark

Number
5(a)(ii) The only correct answer is C two

A is not correct because the Golgi apparatus is involved in the formation of extracellular enzymes and modification of
proteins

B is not correct because the Golgi apparatus is involved in the formation of extracellular enzymes and modification of
proteins

D is not correct because the Golgi apparatus does not form peptide bonds (1)
Question Answer Mark
Number
5(a)(iii)
The only correct answer is D ribosomes

A is not correct because the ribosomes would become radioactive first

B is not correct because the ribosomes would become radioactive first

D is not correct because the ribosomes would become radioactive first (1)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
5(b)(i) Example of calculation

• 120(%) / 54.5(%) / 54(%) / 55(%) (1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
5(b)(ii)
The only correct answer is B interphase

A is not correct because the Golgi apparatus would increase in size in interphase

C is not correct because the Golgi apparatus would increase in size in interphase

D is not correct because the Golgi apparatus would increase in size in interphase (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
5(b)(iii) An answer that makes reference to four of the following points:

• mitosis / two cells formed from one cell (1)

• therefore {number / size} of Golgi (in each cell) has to increase

(in interphase / G1) (1)

• to provide enough cell {contents / organelles} for two

(daughter) cells (after mitosis has occurred) (1)

• because increased {protein synthesis / protein modification / Accept relationship between {number/size}
gene expression} will occur (in interphase) (1) of Golgi and level of protein synthesis

• because named protein(s) are required (by the cell) (1) e.g. enzymes, hormones, structural
proteins (4)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
6(a) An explanation that includes four of the following points:

• cortical granules are released (from the egg cell) (1)

• cortical granules fuse with the {zona pellucida / egg cell

membrane} (1)

• cortical granules release {chemicals / enzymes / proteins} to

cause the hardening of zona pellucida (1)

• prevents more than one sperm (cell) entering the egg cell (1) ACCEPT prevents polyspermy
(4)
• egg cell and sperm nuclei are haploid and they fuse (during
fertilisation) (1)
Question
Answer
Number
*6(b) 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.

length of middle region

• increased length of mid region size increases swimming speed (I)
• due to more mitochondria supplying more {energy/ ATP} to move the flagella (I)
• increased chance of that male’s sperm {reaching the egg cell(s) first / fertilising the egg cell(s)} / reproductive success
for that male} (R)
• selection pressure / males with alleles for longer mid sections will have an advantage over other males (R)
• more offspring will {have the same father/ inherit same alleles} (G)
• leading to possible reduction in genetic diversity (G)
• many males and many egg cells could lead to an increased genetic diversity of offspring (G)
spermatophore
• spermatophore contains sperm cells for fertilisation of egg (I)
• nutrients will be used by female to produce {egg cells with more nutrients / more egg cells} (R)
• {chemicals / pheromones} reduce chances of other males mating with the female (R)
• increased chance of that male’s sperm {reaching the egg cells(s) first / fertilising the egg cell(s)} / reproductive
success for that male} (R)
• more offspring will {have the same father/ inherit same alleles} (G)
• leading to possible reduction in genetic diversity (G)
storage of sperm
• {fertilised eggs / offspring} can be produced in absence of a mate (I)
• increased reproductive success for {that female / males that mated} (R)
• increased chance that offspring will {have different father/ inherit different alleles} (G)
• leading to possible increase in genetic diversity (G)
• not mating with (new) males every year could reduce genetic diversity (G)
(6)
 Additional guidance
Level 0 0 No awardable content
Level 1 1-2 Limited number of the most important or relevant scientific 1 mark – either R or G for one mating strategy
factors from the data/information provided are synthesised. 2 marks – either R+G for one mating strategy OR
either R or G for two mating strategies
No judgement is made.
OR

1 mark - basic information (I) given

2 marks - basic information (I) given + 1 or 2 x {R or
G}

Level 2 3-4 Some of the most important or relevant scientific factors 3 marks – 3 x (R or G) considered
from the data/information provided are synthesised. 4 marks = 4 x (R or G) considered

A limited accurate judgement is made.

Level 3 5-6 Most of the important or relevant scientific factors from the 5 marks = either reproductive success for all
data/information provided are synthesised. strategies considered plus genetic diversity of two
strategies considered OR genetic diversity for all
A detailed and accurate judgement is made. strategies considered plus reproductive success of
two strategies considered

6 marks genetic diversity and reproductive success

considered for all strategies
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(a) A calculation in which: Example of calculation

• total population of Santa Cruz in 2020 calculated (1) (17000÷85) × 100 = 20 000

• total population of Santa Cruz in 2025 calculated (1) 20 000× 1.0645 =27 273.3 / 27 273.328 / 27 273.33

• population given to whole number (1) {27 273 / 27 000}

Correct answer with no working scores full marks (3)
ecf applies
{26400 / 26000} = 2 marks

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

Number
7(b)
• positive correlation between the number of recorded non ACCEPT number of recorded non
endemic species and the number of tourists increased endemic species increased as the
number of tourists increased (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(c)(i) A calculation in which: Example of calculation

• N(N-1) correctly calculated (1) (147 x 146) = 21462

• ∑n(n-1) correctly calculated (1) 4684

• correct substitution to obtain D to 1 d.p. (1) 4.6

(4.58 = 2 marks)

Species Number of (n-1) n(n-1)

individuals
(n)
A 21 20 420
B 2 1 2
C 4 3 12
D 13 12 156
E 54 53 2862
F 15 14 210
G 6 5 30
H 32 31 992
Total ∑n(n-1)=4684
(N)=147
(3)
Correct answer with no working scores full marks
ECF applied
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
7(c)(ii) An answer that includes five of the following points:

• reduction in biodiversity (1) Accept possible increase in species that

have blackberry as part of food chain

• as forest is habitat for many species of plants (1) Accept reduction in forest habitat (for
many species unqualified) / blackberry
{outcompetes (the forest) plants /
introduces disease}

• (because) populations will decrease because loss of forest will Accept animals not adapted to feed on
result in {reduced habitat for animals / reduced food} / increased blackberry / blackberry is poisonous to
competition between (animal) species} (1) the animals
Accept descriptions of what animals
would compete for e.g. nesting sites

• causing reduction in species richness (1)

• (because) loss of forest will result in reduction of genetic diversity Accept reduction in gene pool
(1)
(5)
• (due to) reproduction in {smaller / isolated} populations (1)
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(a) An answer that includes at least one similarity and one difference:

similarities:

• both contain membrane bound organelles (1) ACCEPT named organelle(s) e.g. nucleus,
mitochondria, 80S ribosomes etc
ACCEPT both contain DNA associated
with histones (1)

• both contain a {cell membrane / cell wall} (1)

max 2 differences:

• plant cell wall is composed of cellulose whereas a fungal cell

wall is composed of chitin (1)

• fungal cells contain glycogen granules whereas plant cells

contain {starch grains / amyloplasts} (1)

• plant cells contain {chloroplasts / plasmodesmata / ACCEPT fungal cells contain lysosomes
tonoplast} whereas fungal cells do not (1) whereas plant cells do not / plant vacuole (3)
may be larger than fungal vacuole
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(b)(i) An explanation that makes reference to four of the following points:

• reduction in growth (1)

and any three from:

• due to reduced {cell division / mitosis} (1) ACCEPT reduced DNA synthesis results
in fewer cells in S phase / not enough
DNA produced for mitosis to occur

• reduced gene expression will cause reduction in {enzyme/ ACCEPT named enzyme e.g. DNA
protein} production (1) polymerase

• reduced phospholipids which are needed for (growth of) {cell /

organelle} membranes (in daughter cells) (1)

• reduced transport of sucrose (around the plant) in the phloem / ACCEPT correct examples of sucrose use
reduced sucrose available for other plant cells (1) by plant e.g. reduced {respiration / ATP (4)
production}
Question
Answer
Number
*8(b)(ii) 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.

Description of data
• infection with fungus results in increased {tannin/ flavonoid} production
• increasing the concentration of tannin reduces the leaf damage from herbivores
• negative correlation / linear decrease
• increasing the concentration of flavonoids increases the diameter of inhibition zone
• doubling the concentration of flavonoids increases the diameter of inhibition zone by 28.6%
Plant
• explanation of how tannins reduce leaf damage e.g. herbivores don’t like the taste / toxic / poisonous therefore less
likely to eat the plant (A)
• more leaves for photosynthesis and therefore increased growth (A)
• explanation of what the diameter of inhibition zone shows = link to bactericidal/ bacteriostatic effect of flavonoids
(A)
• reduced plant infections (A)
• link to why reduced herbivory and reduced plant infection benefits the infected plant e.g. fewer resources goes into
growing new leaves and more can go into sexual reproduction (A)
• disadvantage for plant – increased fungal growth (D)
• more resources required {to produce tannins / for gene expression} instead of being used for {growth / sexual
reproduction} (D)
Fungus
• link to why reduced herbivory benefits the fungus e.g. reduced competition for plant resources from herbivores,
more plant resources available to fungus (A)
• link to why reduced plant infection benefits the fungus e.g. reduced competition for plant resources from {bacteria /
other fungi} (A)
• reduced resources for fungus from plant as more used to synthesise tannins / flavonoids (D)
 • the fungus might only be able to {influence / live in / complete life cycle in} darnel plants (D)
(6)

Additional guidance
Level 0 0 No awardable content
Level 1 1-2 Demonstrates isolated elements of biological knowledge Information from one section
and understanding to the given context with generalised
comments made.
Vague statements related to consequences are made with
limited linkage to a range of scientific ideas, processes,
techniques and procedures.
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 level one content plus consideration of advantage(s)
selecting and applying some relevant biological and / or disadvantage(s)
facts/concepts. 3 marks = L1+ one from {FA / FD / PA / PD}
Consequences are discussed which are occasionally 4 marks = L1+ two from {FA / FD / PA / PD}
supported through linkage to a range of scientific ideas,
processes, techniques and procedures. FA = fungal advantage
The discussion shows some linkages and lines of scientific FD = fungal disadvantage
reasoning with some structure. PA = plant advantage
PD = plant disadvantage
Level 3 5-6 Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and Information from three sections applied to the given
understanding by selecting and applying relevant knowledge context showing a good understanding of the
of biological facts/concepts. advantages and disadvantages to the infected plant
Consequences are discussed which are supported and to the fungus
throughout by sustained linkage to a range of scientific
ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. 5 marks = L2 + three from {FA / FD / PA / PD}
The discussion shows a well-developed and sustained line of 6 marks – all four of {FA / FD / PA / PD} discussed
scientific reasoning which is clear and logically structured.
Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
Number
8(b)(iii) A description that includes reference to the following points:

• (flavonoid drug) tested on small numbers of patients with {P. ACCEPT tested on {100 to 500} of patients
aeruginosa / lung infection} (1) with {P. aeruginosa / lung infection}

• use of double-blind trial (1) ACCEPT placebo / established drug

treatment
(2)
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