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People with diabetes cannot always control the concentration of glucose in their blood - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 1
People with diabetes cannot always control the concentration of glucose in their blood. (a) Two people eat identical meals. One person has diabetes, the other pers... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:People with diabetes cannot always control the concentration of glucose in their blood - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Calculate the maximum increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood of the person with diabetes.
Answer
To determine the maximum increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood of the person with diabetes, we need to analyze Figure 1. The highest glucose concentration recorded for the person with diabetes is 20 mmol per dm³, while the initial concentration is 11 mmol per dm³. Thus, the maximum increase can be calculated as follows:
Step 2
Explain why water moved out of the red blood cells of the person with diabetes.
Answer
Water moves out of the red blood cells of the person with diabetes for the following reasons:
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Osmosis: Water moves out of the cells through a process called osmosis.
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Concentration Gradient: As the concentration of glucose in the blood (plasma) is higher than inside the red blood cells, the water potential is lower inside the cell compared to outside.
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Partially Permeable Membrane: The movement occurs across a partially permeable membrane, leading to water exiting the cells to balance the concentration levels.