Cells, metabolism and adaptations
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Count the atoms on both sides of C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O. Is it balanced?
Each side has 6 C, 12 H and 18 O, so it is balanced.
2
Say whether each is catabolic or anabolic: photosynthesis; digestion of glucose in respiration; building protein from amino acids.
Photosynthesis: anabolic. Breakdown of glucose: catabolic. Building protein: anabolic.
3
Why does cooking an egg white at high temperature permanently change its proteins, while a cold egg is unchanged? Link your answer to enzyme shape.
High temperature damages the shape of proteins. Enzymes are proteins, so they lose their shape too and stop working.
4
Give the main type of adaptation: a dolphin’s breathing hole; a whale’s sounds; the viper fish’s extra haemoglobin.
Breathing hole: structural. Sounds: behavioural. Haemoglobin: physiological.
5
Explain why a streamlined shape helps fish.
It reduces water resistance, so the fish uses less energy to swim.