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The diagram represents the junction between a nerve and a muscle cell - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 34 - 2060 - Paper 1

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The diagram represents the junction between a nerve and a muscle cell. An action potential in the nerve causes contraction in the muscle cell. In your answer bookle... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram represents the junction between a nerve and a muscle cell - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 34 - 2060 - Paper 1

Step 1

Step 5: Action potential travels along sarcoplasm...

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Answer

The action potential travels along the sarcolemma, moving into the muscle fiber through T tubules, which help communicate the signal throughout the sarcolemma.

Step 2

Step 6: Enzyme (myosin ATP-ase)...

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The enzyme, myosin ATP-ase, breaks down ATP to provide the energy needed for muscle contraction by enabling the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.

Step 3

b)(i) Name an enzyme and outline its function.

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Catalase is an enzyme that speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting cellular components from oxidative damage.

Step 4

b)(ii) Explain how a change in pH might change the shape and structure of an enzyme.

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A change in pH can affect the ionization of side chains in amino acids, which in turn alters hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions within the enzyme. As these interactions change, the tertiary structure of the enzyme may become altered, affecting its functionality.

Step 5

c)(i) Explain an advantage of the extensive branching of the chains of a glycogen molecule.

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Extensive branching in glycogen allows for more terminal ends, which can be rapidly mobilized for glucose release during cellular respiration or energy production.

Step 6

c)(ii) Calculate the number of glucose monomers in an average glycogen molecule.

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Given the molecular mass of glucose is 180.16 g/mol and the average mass of glycogen is represented as 2.467 x 10^6 g/mol, the number of glucose monomers can be calculated as follows:

Number of monomers=2467000 g/mol180.16 g/mol1368 monomers\text{Number of monomers} = \frac{2467000 \text{ g/mol}}{180.16 \text{ g/mol}} \approx 1368 \text{ monomers}

Step 7

d)(i) Identify the essential features of fatty acid molecules that should be included in this representation.

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Fatty acids should be represented with a long hydrocarbon chain and a carboxyl (COOH) group to accurately depict their structure.

Step 8

d)(ii) Describe TWO limitations of using models or diagrams to represent fatty acid molecules.

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One limitation is that models are often fixed structures which may not accurately represent the flexibility and dynamics of real molecules. Another limitation is that distances and angles in models can be restricted, possibly misrepresenting molecular interactions.

Step 9

e) Explain how damage to mitochondria affects ATP production and energy output of cells.

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Answer

Damage to mitochondria impairs the synthesis of ATP through the processes of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. This leads to reduced energy output, hindering cellular functions that rely on ATP for energy.

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