BC Biology 12 Teacher Resource
Chapter 1 Answers
Making Connections—Japan Nuclear Power
Plant Crisis
1. Levels of radioactive isotopes present throughout
the environment could be measured over time to
determine potential sources and magnitudes of
exposure. The atmosphere, sources of water, plants,
and soil could be monitored to track the radioactive
isotopes available to be inhaled or ingested by humans
and other organisms.
2. Exposure to radioactivity influences all levels of
biological organization from molecules upward.
Radioactivity can alter DNA present in cells which
make up tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.
Populations made up of affected organisms combine
to form a community that is present in an ecosystem
in the Earth’s biosphere. Japan and Canada are part of
this biosphere.
Chapter 1 Check Your Progress
Answers
Check Your Progress 1.1
1. The characteristics are: (1) organization; (2) ways to
acquire materials and energy; (3) reproduction;
(4) responses to stimuli; (5) homeostasis; (6) growth
and development; (7) capacity for adaptation to
their environment.
2. Evolutionary change is the result, of successful
adaptations to the environment that increase in
frequency in a population from one generation to
the next.
Check Your Progress 1.2
1. The control group in an experiment is included to
determine if the experiment is sensitive to the effect of
the variable of interest. The test group experiences the
variable and the control group does not.
2. An experiment can be structured so that one group is
exposed to or includes something that another group
does not experience. This variation in exposure will or
will not produce different outcomes. The experiment
can then determine the impact of the variable on
the outcomes.
3. After a hypothesis is formulated, a scientist may test
the hypothesis by conducting an experiment and make
further observations. The results from the experiment
are then analyzed and the hypothesis is either
supported or rejected.
Check Your Progress 1.3
1. Examples include modern agricultural practices that
increase crop yields but use fertilizers that pollute,
bioengineered organisms that produce chemicals of
interest but can damage the environment, and gene
therapy techniques with unknown long term outcomes.
2. Technology advances the survivability and comfort of
humans as well as other selected organisms. Without
technology, humans and others would not have clean
water, vaccinations, available fuel, pharmaceuticals, or
other tools that help us modify the world.
Chapter 1 Features and Case Study
Answers
Science in Your Life: Case Study—Alternative
Perspectives on Ways of Knowing
1. A way of knowing is the means by which a particular
culture or society develops and constructs its
understanding of the world. Knowledge is the product
of this development and construction. Wisdom is the
deeper understanding gained by exposure to a variety
of experiences that can validate and/or reshape it.
2. There are so many ecosystems that exist along the
shorelines of British Columbia. These ecosystems are
homes to a variety of different organisms, including
humans. Due to the diversity in the ecosystems,
different people have formed unique communities
within these areas and speak different languages
and dialects.
Chapter 1 Review Questions
1. c. molecule, cell, tissue, organ
2. a. a cell.
3. a. organ → tissue → cell
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-1
 4. b. response to stimuli
5. a. number of oxygen gas bubbles produced by the
blue-green algae.
6. c. the number of squeezes.
7. c. to see if the vaccine is effective against the
rabies virus
8. a. use a larger sample size
9. b. If fertilizer is applied to a yellow lawn, then the grass
will turn green.
10. c. The experimental group is exposed to the factor
being tested, but the control group is not exposed.
11. b. no pigeon peas were grown in the control pots, and
no fertilizer was added.
12. The petri dish with the most effective antibacterial
hand sanitizer will have the least amount of
bacterial growth.
13. type of antibacterial hand sanitizer
14. The control group should be exposed to water instead
of the antibacterial hand sanitizer.
15. temperature and length of time for incubation should
be kept the same
16. Example Answer: Four petri dishes were labeled A, B,
C and D. The same amount and type of bacteria were
added to each petri dish filled with agar. All four petri
dishes were inoculated with bacteria. A different brand
of antibacterial hand sanitizer was place on each of
three paper disks. The disks were placed on petri dishes
A, B and D. Water was added to the fourth paper disk
and placed on petri dish C. All four petri dishes were
placed in an incubator. After 24 hours, the amount of
bacterial growth on each petri dish was measured. The
petri dish with the most effective hand sanitizer had
the least amount of bacterial growth.
17. The type of data could include the amount of bacteria
growth on each petri dish.
18. The study must be repeated several times.
19. how tall the pea plants grew; height of the pea plants
20. Answers may include: some pea plants may have
received more water, sunlight, or nutrients; differences
in genetic make-up of the pea plants; different types
or species of pea plants; different water temperatures;
different amount of soil in each pot; size of pot
pea plants.
21. Evolution explains the unity of life based on all
organisms sharing a common ancestor, which is the
first cell or cells that existed almost 4 billion years ago.
Evolution also explains life’s diversity which results
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from the environment always changing. Because
there is variation among individuals, populations,
and species, there is variation in responses to
environmental pressures. Some individuals have had
adaptations or features to make them more suited to
the new environment and these individuals tend to live
to produce more offspring than less suited individuals.
22. Life is defined as organisms that have the following
basic characteristics: 1. organization; 2. ways to acquire
materials and energy; 3. reproduction; 4. responses to
stimuli; 5. homeostasis; 6. growth and development;
7. capacity for adaptation to their environment.
Computers are not living because they cannot acquire
energy on their own and are not self-replicating.
23. The experimental chemical should be studied in a
model species. The experiment should have both
a control group (that receives no drug, or the inert
ingredients used in the drug’s formulation) and a
treatment group (that receives the drug). Both groups
should experience identical conditions and have the
same type of cancer. Data is collected on tumour
development in the treatment group relative to the
control group. If the treatment group shows greater
tumour reduction than the control group, the drug
may then be approved for trials on humans.
Chapter 2 Answers
Making Connections
1. Protein function depends on the structure of the
protein. If the protein denatures or is made incorrectly,
it will not be able to carry out its intended function.
For example, structural changes in certain proteins
have been found to cause diseases such as Creutzfeld-
Jakob disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.
2. Carbohydrates and fats are used as energy sources
and are broken down through cellular respiration to
generate energy in a form the body can use, ATP. ATP
can then be used in a variety of reactions as a source
of energy to move muscles, transport molecules across
the membrane, conduct nerve impulses, and build
proteins. Energy released as heat from metabolic
processes contributes to body heat.
Chapter 2 Diagnostic Questions
1. b. a neutron and a proton
2. c. a proton and an electron
3. d. they become negatively charged ions.
 4. b. It loses one electron to become a positively charged 22. Examples of where pH is used in your daily life
ion with a full valence shell. include: Soil pH and Gardening – gardeners might
5. c. KCl have to determine the pH of soil to see if certain plants
can grow in it; Pools and Hot Tubs – pH of the water
6. b. NH3
has to be tested otherwise algae can grow; Baking –
7. b. protons, but different number of neutrons. baking involves a series of chemical reactions that
8. a. mass number. require the ingredients to be at a specific pH; Hair –
use of hair dyes and shampoos require the correct pH
9. c. gained hydrogen ions.
balance to work.
10. c. Acids have a pH of less than 7 and bases have a pH
23. Diagram of the pH scale should show a range from
of more than 7.
1–14. Label pH 1–6.9 as acidic and pH 7.1–14 as basic.
11. a. is basic. pH of 7 is neutral.
12. c. covalent bonds. 24. Diagram of a water molecule should show two
13. d. the unequal sharing of electrons between the atoms hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Due to the
of the molecule. unequal sharing of electrons between the hydrogen and
14. b. cellulose and starch the oxygen, there should be a slight positive
charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slight negative
15. An atom is the smallest part of an element that shows charge on the oxygen atom. There is a covalent bond
the characteristics of the element. between the hydrogen and the oxygen within the
16. The atomic number represents the number of protons water molecule.
in an atom. 25. Water on the surface of the waxed car clump together
17. Diagram of the atom should show the positively into beads because of the hydrogen bonding between
charged protons and the neutrons in the nucleus of the the water molecules. This creates an attractive
atom. The negatively charged electrons are located in cohesive force between the water molecules and is
shells around the dense nucleus. responsible for surface tension. The water cannot
18. make hydrogen bonds with the hydrophobic wax
and thus beads up, sticking to itself rather than
Proton Electron Neutron the car.
Symbol p e n
Electric charge positive negative no charge
+1 -1 0 Chapter 2 Check Your Progress
Location nucleus shells nucleus Answers
Mass 1 0 1
Check your Progress 2.1
19. The chemical formula of a compound shows the
1. Earth’s crust has a different “function” and structure
different types of elements in the compound and how
than living organisms, so it is logical for the elements
many atoms there are of each element. For example,
of which it is composed would be different.
the chemical formula KMnO4 shows that there are
1 potassium atom, 1 manganese atom, and 4 oxygen 2. High levels of radiation can cause burns, harm cells,
atoms in potassium permanganate. and change DNA structure, which can lead to cancer.
However, radiation can be used beneficially to kill
20. An atom has no charge because it has equal numbers
cancer cells. Also radioisotopes are used extensively
of protons and electrons. An ion has a charge because
in medicine to image the body through X rays,
it has either lost or gained electrons. The ion has a full
positron emission tomography, and computerized
valence shell, while the atom does not.
tomography. Radiation can also be used to sterilize
21. A covalent compound results from non-metallic atoms medical equipment.
sharing electrons to form covalent bonds, while an
3. The two are isotopes. Oxygen 16 has 8 protons,
ionic compound results when an ionic bond forms
8 electrons, and 8 neutrons. Oxygen 18 differs by
between a positively charged ion and a negatively
having 10 neutrons (2 more).
charged ion.

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-3

Check Your Progress 2.2
1. Nitrogen gas is a molecule because two atoms of
nitrogen share a covalent bond. Carbon dioxide is a
compound because two different elements are bonded
together. However, carbon dioxide is also a molecule,
because it is the smallest particle of the compound
that retains the properties that are characteristic of
carbon dioxide.
2. Hydrogen tends to form polar covalent bonds because
the larger element to which it is bonded attracts
hydrogen’s electron more strongly, becoming more
negatively charged than the hydrogen. The hydrogen
acquires a slight positive charge. Since the electrons are
shared unequally, the charge difference is partial.
Check Your Progress 2.3
1. Water’s high heat capacity: Water holds onto its heat,
and its temperature falls more slowly than that of other
liquids. Because the temperature of water rises and
falls slowly, organisms are better able to maintain their
normal internal temperatures and are protected from
rapid external temperature changes.
Water’s high heat of vaporization: Water has a high
heat of vaporization because hydrogen bonds must
be broken before water boils Water’s high heat of
vaporization gives animals in a hot environment an
efficient way to release excess body heat. When an
animal sweats, or when water is applied to it externally,
body heat vaporizes the water, thus cooling the animal.
2. A solution with a pH of 6 contains 1 × 10-6 moles per
litre H+ ions, while a solution with a pH of 8 contains
1 × 10-8 moles per litre. 1 × 10-6 is 100 times larger
than 1 × 10-8.
3. A weakly dissociating acid or base re-forms
quickly, enabling it to take up excess hydrogen or
hydroxide ions.
Check Your Progress 2.4
1. Organic molecules are considered the molecules of life,
because they contain carbon and hydrogen.
2. Hydrolysis reactions involve the addition of a molecule
of water across a chemical bond, splitting the molecule
in two. Dehydration reactions remove a molecule of
water, joining two molecules.
Check Your Progress 2.5
1. Carbohydrate molecules are characterized by the
presence of the atomic grouping H-C-OH, in which
A-4 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is
approximately 2:1.
2. We are able to break the bonds between the glucose
molecules in starch but not between the glucose
molecules in cellulose.
Check Your Progress 2.6
1. The two types of lipids in the plasma membrane of
animal cells are phospholipids and cholesterol (which
is a steroid).
2. A double bond tends to make a fatty acid liquid since it
introduces a “kink” in the chain that prevents the fatty
acid molecules from packing tightly together as a solid.
Check Your Progress 2.7
1. Working as enzymes, structural molecules, hormones,
transport molecules, and membrane channels are
examples of protein functions.
2. An amino acid is made up of an amino group, an acidic
group, and an R group. The R group varies from having
a single carbon to being a complex ring structure.
3. Primary – linear sequence of amino acids; secondary –
orientation of polypeptide chain, coiled or folded,
determined by hydrogen bonding; tertiary – three
dimensional structure maintained by covalent, ionic,
or hydrogen bonding; quaternary – structure of two or
more polypeptides joined in a protein.
Check Your Progress 2.8
1. Nucleic acids are made up of chains of nucleotides.
Table 2.2 compares the structure of two types of nucleic
acids, DNA and RNA.
2. Energy is stored in ATP in the chemical bonds of the
phosphate groups.
Chapter 2 Features and Case Study
Answers
Science in Your Life: Bioethics—Blue Gold
1. Whether students agree or disagree, their answers
should be reasonable and well-reasoned, with their
opinions supported by relevant facts and/or arguments.
2. Students’ opinions should be supported by pertinent
facts and/or arguments. (Note: In July 2010, the United
Nations agreed to a new resolution declaring access to
safe and clean drinking water a human right).
 3. Examples could include: turn off the tap when 8. c. the formation of a peptide bond between alanine
brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Take short and lysine
showers. Grow native plants that require less watering. 9. d. the conversion of monosaccharides
Keep a rain barrel to collect water for gardening. into polysaccharides
10. d. carbohydrates
Science in Your Life: Health—A Balanced Diet
11. d. they have twice as many hydrogen atoms as
1. Teen female = 7, teen male = 8.
oxygen atoms
2. Good fats provide energy and have important
12. c. disaccharide
biological roles. Bad fats contribute to plaque
formation, leading to cardiovascular disease. Ideal 13. c. 3
sources include nuts, seeds, oily fish, unsaturated oils. 14. b. double bonds
3. Whole-grain carbohydrates contain more 15. c. the phosphate group
fibre, vitamins, and minerals than processed 16. b. cholesterol
simple carbohydrates.
17. b. speeds up chemical reactions
Science in Your Life: Case Study—History 18. b. keratin
of Biology: Dr. Michael Smith 19. b. insulin
1. Examples of potential ethical issues include creating 20. b. a peptide bond
designer babies, genetically modified foods, 21. a. the R group
biological warfare.
22. b. R group
2. Answers will vary. Examples of a pro position
23. b. amino acids
include curing genetic diseases and create gene
therapies. Examples of con positions include 24. b. 3
creating new organisms that are dangerous and 25. d. hydrogen bonding
unknown consequences.
26. a. the linear sequence of amino acids
3. Answers should include consumer products that have
27. b. folded differently due to the hydrogen bonding and
relied on use of genetic engineering. Possible examples
have a different sequence of amino acids
include genetically modified crops such as canola,
medicines such as insulin that are produced from 28. a. energy is released
genetically modified organisms. Another possibility is 29. d. phosphorus
the development of enzymes that are designed to carry 30. a. nucleotide
out a specific function, but faster and more efficiently
to save costs in an industrial process. Examples include 31. d. a monosaccharide
laundry soap, GMOs, medicine. 32. b. RNA
33. c. nitrogen
Chapter 2 Review Questions 34. a. triglyceride
35. b. a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base and a
1. d. a proton has a positive charge; an electron has a
ribose sugar
negative charge; a neutron has no charge
36. c. the pentose sugar
2. c. They both have the same number of protons, but
different number of electrons. 37. a. uracil

3. d. a buffer 38. a. cytosine and guanine

4. d. 1000 times 39. d. Safety goggles, juice, Benedict’s solution, test tube,
test tube tongs, graduated cylinder, hot plate, beaker,
5. c. covalent; hydrogen
water, rubber gloves
6. b. Polar, water-loving; Nonpolar, water-fearing
40. a. 6 (fatty acid), 7 (glycerol)
7. c. protein and amino acid b. 3 (amino acid)

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-5

 c. 2 (glucose), 8 (maltose), 12 (cellulose), 13 (starch),
14 (glycogen)
d. 11 (steroid)
e. 13 (starch)
f. 6 (fatty acid), 7 (glycerol)
g. 12 (cellulose)
h. 2 (glucose)
i. 5 (water)
j. 10 (phospholipid)
k. 9 (ATP)
l. 3 (amino acid)
m. 14 (glycogen)
n. 1 (triglyceride), 4 (dipeptide), 8 (maltose), 9 (ATP),
10 (phospholipid), 12 (cellulose), 13 (starch),
14 (glycogen)
o. 3 (amino acid), 4 (dipeptide)
p. 5 (water)
41. An atom has the same number of protons and
electrons. The positive charges of the protons and
the negative charges of the electrons add up to zero,
making the atom neutral.
42. The partially negatively charged oxygen of one water
molecule is attracted to the partially positively charged
hydrogen on another water molecule.
43. The pH of the solution will decrease becoming
more acidic.
44. Bond X is a hydrogen bond.
45. Bond X forms between the two molecules because the
water molecules are polar.
46. Three functions of water: 1. acts as a solvent –
dissolves substances; 2. acts as a lubricant – lubricates
joints; 3. acts as a temperature regulator – regulates
body temperature.
47. The unequal sharing of electrons accounts for
the polarity.
48. The partially positive and negative charges on the
molecule allow water to act as a solvent.
49. The body will store the carbohydrates needed for the
race. On the day of the race, glycogen will be converted
into glucose so that glucose can be used to produce
ATP during cellular respiration.
50. Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom are used
to produce a water molecule during the dehydration
(synthesis) reaction.
51. The process is a dehydration (synthesis) reaction.
52. Bond X is a peptide bond.
A-6 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
53. A dipeptide (2 amino acids held together by a peptide
bond) and a water molecule will form as a result of
this reaction.
54. Nine water molecules are produced when 10 amino
acids are linked together.
55. Lactose is classified as a disaccharide.
56. A water molecule is required for this hydrolysis
reaction to occur.
57. A hydrolysis reaction is illustrated.
58. When nonpolar molecules, such as oil, come into
contact with polar molecules, like water, they do not
mix. The oil molecules tend to clump together rather
than mix with the water. This is because oil molecules
are nonpolar and therefore hydrophobic (water-fearing).
59. a. DNA codes for the sequence of amino acids in
a protein.
b. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a sugar
and a phosphate group. It is the monomer that
makes up a nucleic acid.
c. A monosaccharide consists of one sugar molecule,
while a polysaccharide consists of many sugar
molecules (monosaccharides) put together.
d. A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids held
together by peptide bonds.
e. The secondary structure of a protein is determined
by the hydrogen bonding between the different
amino acids.
f. Due to the unequal sharing of electrons on a water
molecule, the water molecule is said to be polar. The
negative charge of one water molecule is attracted
to the positively charged part of another water
molecule. This causes the water molecules to stick
together, displaying cohesion.
60. a. A glycerol molecule is only composed of a three-
carbon chain, while a fatty acid is a long chain
of carbons. Both of these molecules make up
a triglyceride.
b. A triglyceride has a glycerol molecule attached to
three fatty acid chains, while a phospholipid has a
glycerol molecule attached to two fatty acid chains
and a phosphate group.
c. A peptide bond forms between the carbon of the
carboxyl group and the nitrogen of the amino group
in a dipeptide. A hydrogen bond forms between the
hydrogen and oxygen or nitrogen of different amino
acids in the polypeptide chain.
d. Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds, while
saturated fatty acids only have single bonds.
61. a. A large amount of molecules can be produced
with the same monomer. For example, glucose
(a monomer) can form three different polymers
(cellulose, starch and glycogen).
b. Hydrolysis breaks down a polymer that is no longer
needed and its monomers can be used to produce
other polymers through a dehydration (synthesis)
reaction.
62. A positive test for Benedict’s solution indicates the
presence of glucose. Since maltose is made up of
two glucose molecules it should test positive like the
glucose solution.
63. The phospholipid bilayer forms in an aqueous solution
because the polar (hydrophilic) head is soluble in
water, while the non-polar (hydrophobic) tails are
not. The hydrophilic heads will interact with the water
on the outside and inside of the vesicle, while the
hydrophobic tails interact with each other.
64. The molecular structure of a phospholipid consists
of a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. The
polar hydrophilic head faces outwards toward the
watery solutions and the non-polar tails form the
hydrophobic interior.
65. The non-polar, hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids
are packed tightly together to form the interior of
the cell membrane (plasma membrane) and the
hydrophilic heads face outward where they interact
with water. The phospholipids bilayer allows only
lipid-soluble substances to pass through it. Cellulose is
a huge polysaccharide consisting of unbranched chains
of glucose molecules. The rigid structure of the plant
cell wall owes its physical strength to cellulose.
66. a. The purpose of partial hydrogenation is to remove
double bonds and to replace them with single bonds
in the unsaturated fatty acid. This will add more
hydrogen atoms to the unsaturated fatty acid.
b. The content of container would be liquid oil.
67. Both starch and glycogen are polysaccharides made
up of long chains of glucose molecules. They can be
broken down into individual glucose monomers.
Glucose can then be used to produce energy for
cellular activities through cellular respiration.
68. It is a change in primary structure. The change in
amino acid sequence might affect the tertiary structure
and quaternary structure because valine now will bond
differently with other amino acids in the polypeptide
chain, forming different hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds
and covalent bonds. The interactions of the different
amino acids along the polypeptide chain will affect
the 3D globular shape of the polypeptide and now
one polypeptide chain will interact with another
polypeptide chain.
69. A polymer is a large molecule formed from the joining
of smaller repeating unit molecules called monomers.
Proteins are made up of repeating units of amino
acid, while steroids consist of just one component, a
ringed structure.
70. A protein will fold a particular way as hydrogen
bonding forms between the different R-groups of the
amino acids along the polypeptide chain. In addition to
this, non-polar hydrophobic R-groups of amino acids
will move toward the interior of the protein’s 3D shape.
The resulting tertiary structure will determine the
function of the protein.
71. Four biological molecules that would have phosphorus
in them are ATP, DNA, RNA, and phospholipid.
72. With all the different combinations of amino acids
and the different hydrogen bonding that form between
the amino acids, thousands of different proteins are
possible. With a variety in the amino acid sequence,
this will result in different tertiary structures
(3D structures). The functions of proteins are
dependent on the protein’s 3D structure.
73. The sequence of amino acids along a polypeptide
will affect how one amino acid interacts with another
amino acid in the polypeptide chain. Hydrogen
bonds, covalent bonds, and ionic bonds will cause the
polypeptide to fold into a specific shape based on what
amino acids interact with one another along the chain.
74. The difference between the alpha helix and the beta
pleated sheet lies in the hydrogen bonding between
the amino acids. The coiling of the chain produces an
alpha helix, while the folding of the chain results in a
beta pleated sheet.
75. If hydrogen bonding was absent, DNA would not be
a double stranded molecule because there would not
be hydrogen bonds holding the nitrogenous bases
between the two strands together.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-7
76. Does it contain Yes Yes No
phosphorus (phosphorus (phosphorus (amino
Type of Covalent
atoms? is in the is in the acid does
Bond Ionic Bond Bond Hydrogen Bond
sugar- sugar- not have
Description – bond that – bond that – bond that phosphate phosphate phosphorus)
forms in forms forms between backbone) backbone)
compounds within the partially
between a molecules positively Does it contain Yes Yes Yes
positively is due to charged hydrogen (has (has (has
charged sharing of hydrogen bonding? hydrogen hydrogen hydrogen
ion and a electrons of one polar bonding bonding bonding
negatively molecule and between A-T between A-U between the
charged ion the negatively and C-G) and C-G) amino acids)
– results in charged oxygen
the transfer or nitrogen of
80. Structural similarities include: they are
of electrons another polar monosaccharides, hexose, simple sugars,
molecule carbohydrates; they have the same molecular formula;
they exist as ring structures; they have “ose” endings;
77.
they provide energy.
Cellulose Starch Glycogen 81. a. The primary structure of a protein is due to the
Monomer glucose glucose glucose peptide bonding between the adjacent amino acids.
Description no side chains some side many side b. The secondary structure of a protein is due to the
of Structure chains chains
hydrogen bonding between the amino acids.
Plant Cell or plant cell plant cell animal cell
c. The tertiary structure of a protein is due to the
Animal Cell
covalent bonding, ionic bonding, and hydrogen
Function structural energy energy
bonding between the R-groups of the amino acids.
component of storage in storage in
plant cell wall plants animals d. The quaternary structure of a protein is due to the
bonding between 2 or more polypeptides.
78. The absence of side chains in cellulose allows the 82. DNA RNA
linear molecules to be side by side, adding strength
and rigidity for the plant. Glycogen has many branches
and acts as energy storage. The branching of the side
chains allows glycogen to be more soluble and it can be
synthesized and broken down more quickly for energy. Similarities
between DNA single-stranded,
79.
double-stranded, and RNA include: uracil, three
Characteristic DNA RNA Protein thymine, nucleic acid, type of RNA
Is it a polymer? Yes Yes Yes double helix, adenine, guanine, (mRNA,
(consists of (consists of (consists of deoxyribose, cytosine, nucleotide tRNA and
nucleotides) nucleotides) amino acids) replication. subunits, 5-carbon rRNA), ribose,
Does it have Yes Yes Yes sugar (pentose), transcription.
a three phosphate group.
dimensional
structure?
Does it contain Yes Yes Yes
nitrogen (contains (contains (contains
atoms? nitrogen in nitrogen in nitrogen in
the bases) the bases) the amino
group) 83. a. A = proteins; B = cellulose; C = amino acids;
D = glucose; X = hydrolysis

A-8 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

 b. Maltose (a disaccharide) would form if two
units of molecule D (glucose) underwent a
dehydration reaction.
c. Two other polymers that would form from glucose
(molecule D) are glycogen and starch.
84. Fats produce almost twice the amount of energy for a
given gram of protein and carbohydrate.
85. The carbons in fatty acids have more electrons around
them. When the fatty acids are oxidized (eg. the
electrons are transferred to oxygen), more energy is
released than the same process with carbohydrates
and proteins.
86. Different types of oils have different percentage of
unsaturated and saturated fats. Oils tend to consist
of the “healthier” unsaturated fats rather than the
saturated fats.
87. Unsaturated fats are derived from plants and are liquid
at room temperature.
88. Answers may vary – biomechanics, molecular
biology, nuclear medicine, biomedical engineering,
neuroscience, immunogenetics, microbiology,
electrochemistry, geophysics. For example,
biomechanics uses engineering concepts to analyze
structure and function in biological systems.
Geophysics uses the concepts of physics (eg. electricity
and magnetism) to study the Earth.
89. Scientists can inject radioactive material into a patient
and trace its movement through the digestive system.
They may want to use the radioisotope carbon-14 to
track the digestion of starch into maltose, and then
into glucose. By analyzing the path that the carbon
takes, scientists can determine where carbohydrate
digestion takes place in the body. Since nitrogen is
found in proteins, scientists can use the radioisotope
nitrogen-15 to track the digestion of proteins into
peptides, and then into amino acids.
90. a. By restricting the consumption of carbohydrates, the
body will not convert excess carbohydrates into fat.
The body will also start to burn body fat instead of
carbohydrates for fuel. This will result in weight loss.
b. Your body would start to burn fats rather than
carbohydrates as fuel.
91. A lack of proteins would not give the body the amino
acids it needs to build important proteins for the body (eg.
enzymes for metabolic reactions, keratin, collagen, etc.).
92. a. Diagram of two amino acid molecules from a
dipeptide would show a hydrolysis reaction. The
dipeptide (consisting of two amino acids held
together by a peptide bond) would break down into
two individual amino acids with the addition of one
water molecule.
b. Diagram of a disaccharide from two molecules
of glucose would show a dehydration synthesis
reaction. Two glucose molecules would come
together and form a disaccharide (maltose) and one
water molecule.
c. Diagram of a triglyceride from one molecule of
glycerol and three fatty acid molecules would show
a dehydration synthesis reaction. The glycerol would
find to the three fatty acid chains would produce a
triglyceride and three water molecules.
93. Header: Organic Compounds
First column (green boxes): Carbohydrates;
polysaccharides; dissaccharides; monosaccharides
Second column (yellow boxes): Lipids; triglyceride;
fatty acids; glycerol
Third column (purple boxes): Proteins; peptides;
amino acids
Fourth column (blue boxes): Nucleic acids; RNA;
DNA; nucleotides
Fifth column (peach boxes): High-Energy Compounds;
ATP; nucleotide; phosphate groups
Chapter 3 Answers
Making Connections—Tay-Sachs: When Lysosomes
Fail to Function
1. Peroxisomes, present in animals and plants, have
enzymes that break down fats. In plant leaves,
peroxisomes can counteract photosynthesis by
generating carbon dioxide and using up oxygen.
2. The cell relies on lysosomes to dispose of faulty
organelles. The cell lacks a mechanism for disposing of
faulty lysosomes.
Chapter 3 Diagnostic Questions
1. a. A red blood cell is larger than a virus.
2. c. the plasma membrane.
3. b. to control all of the cell’s activities
4. d. a cell wall.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-9
 5. c. water + carbon dioxide + sunlight → oxygen +
glucose
6. d. C6H12O6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O + ATP
7. d. Mitochondria are found in both plant and animal
cells, while the chloroplasts are found only in
plant cells.
8. b. by diffusion.
9. A cell is the basic unit of life.
10. A. nuclear envelope
B. nucleolus
C. nuclear pore
D. water vacuole
E. chloroplast
F. mitochondrion
G. microtubules
H. microfilaments
I. cell membrane (plasma membrane)
J. granum of the chloroplast
K. cell wall
L. cytoplasm
M. Golgi apparatus (Golgi body)
N. vesicle
O. smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)
P. rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER)
Q. ribosomes
11. 1. nucleus; 2. chromosome; 3. mitochondria;
4. ribosome; 5. chloroplast; 6. vacuole; 7. endoplasmic
reticulum; 8. cell membrane (plasma membrane);
9. lysosome
12. Students might say that they could not find everyday
examples for every cell structure in the analogy as a
limitation. Many of the cell structures also carry out
other functions. In short, the cell analogy is helpful, but
it does not fully reveal what each cell component does.
13. DNA and RNA are examples of macromolecules found
in the nucleus.
14. Answers may vary. When you are travelling through
a crowded hallway at school into an empty classroom,
you are going from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration.
15. Answers may vary. The diffusion of food aroma
molecules coming from the kitchen as someone
is cooking.
A-10 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
Chapter 3 Check Your Progress
Answers
Check Your Progress 3.1
1. If humans were just one cell, the surface-area-to-
volume ratio would be too small to allow for efficient
movement of nutrients and oxygen into the cell and
wastes out of the cell.
2. The surface-area-to-volume ratio decreases as the cell
increases in size.
Check Your Progress 3.2
1. The cell wall protects the cell while
remaining permeable.
2. The cell wall in plant cells provides structural
support and protection. The cell membrane (plasma
membrane) regulates the movement of molecules
in and out of the cell. The nucleus controls the
cell’s activities, while the nucleolus is responsible
for rRNA synthesis and the assembly of ribosomal
subunits. The ribosome is the site of protein synthesis.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum produces and
transports proteins, while the smooth endoplasmic
reticulum produces lipids. The Golgi body (Golgi
apparatus) packages and sorts the proteins. Lysosomes
in animal cells are responsible for intracellular
digestion, while peroxisomes in both plant and animal
cells break down hydrogen peroxide. The mitochondria
produce ATP for the cell, while the chloroplasts capture
light energy to produce chemical energy for the cell.
The cytoskeleton provides shape to the cell and allows
the movement of various cell structures.
3. The different compartments of the cell allow for
separation of cellular functions, which increases the
efficiency of the whole.
Check Your Progress 3.3
1. Actin filaments are composed of actin monomers,
microtubules are composed of tubulin monomers, and
intermediate filaments are composed of various types
of fibrous polypeptides.
2. Cilia and flagella have a 9 + 2 pattern of microtubule
doublets, while centrioles have a 9 + 0 pattern of
microtubule triplets.
3. The dynein side arms on the microtubule doublets slide
past each other using the energy of ATP.
Check Your Progress 3.4
1. Phospholipids compose a bilayer that separates
the inside from the outside of the cell. Steroids in
the bilayer regulate the fluidity of the membrane.
Proteins present in the membrane contribute to
its structure, the passage of molecules across the
membrane, signaling pathways, cell recognition, and
enzyme reactions.
2. Channel proteins allow ions to pass through the
cell membrane, while carrier proteins interact with
molecules or ions to help them pass through the cell
membrane. Cell recognition proteins help identify
the cell. Receptor proteins found on the surface
of the cell membrane bind to specific molecules,
which causes a cellular process to occur. Enzymatic
proteins are responsible for metabolic reactions at the
cell membrane.
Check Your Progress 3.5
1. During diffusion, molecules move from an area of
high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Facilitated transport promotes the movement of
these molecules down a concentration gradient
across a cell membrane (plasma membrane). Carrier
proteins reversibly bind to the molecule and speed up
their passage.
2. A hypertonic environment has a lower concentration
of water and a higher concentration of solutes
than a hypotonic environment. Water will move
by osmosis from the hypotonic environment,
where it is present at a higher concentration,
to the hypertonic environment across the
semipermeable membrane.
3. Both move molecules across the cell membrane
(plasma membrane) and require a carrier molecule.
Facilitated transport does not use energy while
active transport does. Facilitated transport
moves molecules down their concentration
gradient, while active transport moves against the
concentration gradient.
4. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is selective and
more efficient than ordinary endocytosis. It not only
enables uptake of substances by the cell, but also
provides for the transfer and exchange of substances
between cells.
Chapter 3 Features and Case Study
Answers
Science in Your Life: Scientific Inquiry—Microscopy
Today
1. Processing the sample to prepare it for viewing can
change its structure and appearance.
2. The image becomes blurred and detail is lost.
3. A stream of electrons is used rather than visible light,
which humans see as colour.
Science in Your Life: Case Study—Issues in Biology:
Osmotic Balance in Salmon
1. Salmon is a healthy food choice because it is a rich
source of protein, unsaturated fat, omega-3 fatty acids,
vitamins, and minerals.
2. Human development around estuaries may alter
the ecosystem. Levels of nutrients (e.g., amounts of
nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen, etc.) may be altered in
the water. Human development may also introduce
harmful pollutants (e.g., methyl-mercury or other
heavy metals) into the water. These pollutants could
bioaccumulate in the tissues of the salmon and
biomagnify if the salmon are eaten by an animal that is
later eaten by another animal.
3. Salmon that spend their entire life in freshwater
are physiologically different from anadromous
salmon, because they are not adapted to a
saltwater environment. These salmon have higher
concentrations of salts than the surrounding freshwater
environment. These salmon tend to excrete dilute
urine, while the anadromous salmon tend to excrete
concentrated urine.
Chapter 3 Review Questions
1. a. The cell is the basic unit of life.
2. b. a cell with a surface-area-to-volume ratio of 3:2
3. d. cell structure 12.
4. d. organelle 11.
5. d. 7
6. b. the plasma membrane
7. c. cholesterol
8. c. diagram of polypeptide chain
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-11
 9. d. it is a double membrane structure that has pores h. III (ribosome) and VIII (rough
and separates the contents of the cytoplasm from endoplasmic reticulum)
the nucleus i. III (ribosome) and VIII (rough
10. b. DNA. endoplasmic reticulum)
11. d. rough endoplasmic reticulum j. IX (smooth endoplasmic reticulum)
k. IX (smooth endoplasmic reticulum)
12. c. rough endoplasmic reticulum.
l. VI (mitochondrion)
13. d. a plastid that has the ability to capture light energy
m. IV (centriole)
and convert it into organic molecules
n. VII (Golgi apparatus; Golgi body)
14. b. peroxisome – fatty acids
o. VIII (rough endoplasmic reticulum)
15. d. mitochondria
p. III (ribosome) and VIII (rough
16. c. membrane-bound vesicles that have endoplasmic reticulum)
hydrolytic enzymes
33. a. to provide movement in the cell as well as movement
17. a. The secretion of peptidase would not occur. outside the cell
18. c. glucose b. to provide structural support for the plant cell
19. d. cellular respiration c. to produce mitotic spindles during cell division
20. c. to produce ATP for active transport of calcium ions d. to produce ribosomal subunits
e. to break down fats and produce bile salts
21. a. cell division.
from cholesterol
22. c. I, II, and III only f. to provide shape and allow movement in the cell
23. a. They both use a carrier protein. g. to modify, package and sort proteins
24. c. pinocytosis. h. to regulate what enters and exits the cell
25. c. exocytosis. 34. to provide support and protection for plant cells
26. c. glycoprotein 35. Cellulose makes up most of cell structure AE (cell wall).
27. d. the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope. 36. Photosynthesis occurs at cell structure
28. c. the number of amino acids entering the cell A (chloroplast).
would decrease. 37. Products of reactions at cell structure D (rough
29. d. only certain substances can move across it. endoplasmic reticulum) are transported to cell
structure AC (Golgi body or Golgi apparatus) in
30. d. the excretion of hydrogen ions in the distal
transport vesicles.
convoluted tubule of the kidneys
38. The functions of cell structure B (central water
31. a. IV (DNA replication)
vacuole) are to control turgor pressure, to maintain
b. V (protein synthesis) the structural integrity of the plant cell, and to exert
c. VII (intracellular digestion) pressure against the cell wall.
d. III (rRNA synthesis) 39. Structure A (chloroplast) and structure AE (cell wall)
e. I (photosynthesis) would be found in a cell of a tulip, but not in a cell of
f. V (protein synthesis) a mouse.
g. II (lipid synthesis) 40. Structure A (chloroplast) would require carbon
32. a. VI (mitochondrion) dioxide, water and light energy to carry out its cellular
b. I (nucleus) process (photosynthesis).
c. II (nucleolus) 41. Centrioles and lysosomes are found in animal cells, but
d. VI (mitochondrion) not in higher plant cells.
e. V (chloroplast) 42. Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a
f. VII (Golgi apparatus; Golgi body) central vacuole.
g. IX (smooth endoplasmic reticulum)

A-12 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

43. The endoplasmic reticulum produces proteins that 49. Centrioles have a 9 + 0 arrangement of microtubule
are then sent to the Golgi apparatus (Golgi body) in triplets, while both cilia and flagella have a 9 + 2
transport vesicles. At the Golgi apparatus (Golgi body), pattern of microtubules doublets.
the proteins are then modified, sorted and packaged 50. The cell membrane (plasma membrane) of the
and sent off in secretory vesicles and in lysosomes to macrophage forms a vesicle around the bacterium. The
the cell membrane (plasma membrane). vesicle with the bacterium in it fuses with a lysosome,
44. The cell membrane (plasma membrane) takes in once inside the cytoplasm. The hydrolytic enzymes of
dissolved solutes or bigger macromolecules by the lysosome break down and digest the bacterium.
producing an invagination around the molecules. This 51. When there is not enough water, turgor pressure
forms a vesicle. The vesicle then fuses with a lysosome decreases and the central vacuole shrinks and pulls
in the cytoplasm and the contents of the vesicle are away from the cell wall.
digested by the hydrolytic enzymes of the lysosome.
52. The products of photosynthesis (oxygen and glucose)
45. Cardiac muscle cells are very active and require are the reactants of cellular respiration; the products
huge amounts of energy. Mitochondria will produce of cellular respiration (carbon dioxide and water) are
enough energy for the muscle cells to function the reactants of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis and
properly. The testes have lots of smooth endoplasmic cellular respiration are complementary reactions.
reticulum because they produce the steroid
53. Microtubules and microfilaments both maintain cell
hormone testosterone.
shape, are involved in cell division, and are protein
46. Without the enzyme catalase, the body could not break fibres in the cytoskeleton.
down toxic hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
54. Carbohydrate chains are exposed on the surface of
gas. The buildup of hydrogen peroxide could be fatal.
the cell membrane (plasma membrane) to serve as
47. chloroplast mitochondrion recognition sites and to facilitate adhesion between
the cells.
55. If the carbohydrate chains were removed from the
glycolipids, the white blood cells would not recognize
the cancer cells.
The
chloroplast has Similarities 56. The asymmetry gives the two surfaces of the cell
The membrane (plasma membrane) different properties.
chlorophyll, between
mitochondrion
thylakoid, chloroplast and 57. The cell must divide in order to be efficient at
has cristae and
grana, and mitochondrion: exchanging materials.
fluid-filled
stroma. The both found in
matrix. The 58. The cell with the largest surface area to volume ratio,
chloroplast is plant cells, are
mitochondrion is 3:1, is the most effective at maximizing diffusion.
involved in double-membrane
involved in 59. ATP is required for active transport because it is going
photosynthesis organelles, and
cellular against the concentration gradient. Active transport
and is only contain their
respiration. must overcome the concentration gradient (from low
found in own DNA.
plant cells. to high) and transport the sodium ion in the opposite
direction of its tendency to move.
60. These organisms tend to take in water from the
environment because their body fluids are more
concentrated than the environment. These organisms
adapt by having structures that pump out excess water.
48. Both the rough ER and the smooth ER are membrane- Organisms can excrete dilute urine to get rid of the
bound sacs that transport material around the cell. excess water.
They produce transport vesicles that send materials
to the Golgi apparatus (Golgi body). The rough ER 61. Factors that affect the rate of diffusion: size of
is covered with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins. molecule, temperature, concentration gradient and
In contrast, the smooth ER has no ribosomes and polarity of the molecule.
synthesizes lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol and
steroid hormones.

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-13

62.
Facilitated
Diffusion Osmosis Transport Active Transport
Energy Required? no no no yes
Protein Carrier no no yes yes
Required?
Driving Force concentration gradient concentration gradient concentration gradient ATP hydrolysis
Direction of high concentration to low high concentration to high concentration to low low concentration to high
Movement concentration low concentration concentration concentration
Specificity no no yes yes
Types of Molecules carbon dioxide, oxygen water glucose, amino acids sodium ions, potassium ions

63. The smaller the molecule, the larger the diffusion coefficient.
64.
Observation Will it cross the cell membrane easily? Why? Method of Transport
a. The concentration of the plasma protein No, because fibrinogen is too big to cross the plasma N/A
fibrinogen is higher in the plasma. membrane.
b. The concentration of carbon dioxide is Yes, because carbon dioxide is non-polar and is small Diffusion
higher in the cytoplasm of the liver cell. enough to diffuse across the membrane from high
concentration to low concentration.
c. The concentration of low-density No, because a low-density lipoprotein is a large polar N/A
lipoproteins is higher in the cytoplasm of the molecule. It will not cross the non-polar membrane.
liver cell.
d. The concentration of glucose is higher in Yes, glucose will cross the membrane using a protein Facilitated
the blood plasma. carrier down the concentration gradient. Transport
e. The concentration of oxygen is higher in Yes, oxygen will diffuse across the plasma membrane Diffusion
the blood plasma. from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration.
f. The concentration of iron ions is lower in Yes, the iron ions will move against the concentration Active Transport
the cytoplasm. gradient using a protein carrier.
g. The concentration of water is higher in the Yes, water will diffuse across the plasma membrane Osmosis
cytoplasm of the liver cell. through osmosis from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration.

65. Slide #1 has the hypotonic solution and slide #2 has the
hypertonic solution.
66. Since the central water vacuole is filled with water and
it takes up most of the room in the cell. It pushes the
cytoplasm, including the chloroplasts right up against
the cell (plasma membrane).
67. Water left the Elodea cells.
68. When the plant cells were placed in salt water, the
central water vacuole lost water. Chloroplasts that were
found around the perimeter of the cell were drawn
toward the center of the cell because of the central
water vacuole now had less water in it.
69. No, the plant cells did not get smaller, only the water
vacuole did.
70. Plasmolysis is shown in Slide 2.
71. Water would flow into the cell, causing the water
vacuole to swell. This would create turgor pressure and
the plasma membrane would push against the rigid
cell wall.
72. Test tube 1 – isotonic; Test tube 2 – hypertonic; Test
tube 3 - hypotonic
73. The red blood cells would shrivel up because water
would leave the cells. This process is called crenation.
74. The red blood cells would swell because water
would move into the cells. The cells would burst due
to cytolysis.
75. Pancreatic amylase is synthesized at the ribosome. The
data shows that at time 5 minutes and 10 minutes, the
ribosomes show the largest percentage of amylase.
76. ribosomes → ER (endoplasmic reticulum) → Golgi
apparatus (Golgi body) → secretory vesicles

A-14 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

77. Pancreatic amylase is a protein that is going to be
excreted from the cell. There is a high percentage of
amylase found in secretory vesicles which are bound
for the cell membrane (plasma membrane). This data
shows large amounts of pancreatic amylase in the
secretory vesicles.
78. It showed that membrane proteins were free to migrate
throughout the cell membrane (plasma membrane).
The cell membrane (plasma membrane) has a fluid
consistency due to the phospholipids.
79. The rate of protein movement would increase as
temperature increases. This experiment would
investigate diffusion and membrane fluidity.
80. Osmosis was responsible for the potato cells gaining
and losing water.
81. Potato cells were place in a hypotonic solution in test
tube 2. Water entered the potato cells, increasing the
mass of the cells.
82. Potato cores that lost mass were placed in hypertonic
solution and therefore lost water. Potato cores that
gained mass were placed in hypotonic solution and
therefore gained water.
83. Test tubes 4 and 5 had potato cells placed in
hypertonic solutions.
84. A sucrose solution that would be isotonic would be
about 15% sucrose concentration.
85. The Blob would not have an adequate surface area for
exchanging nutrients and wastes and it would not be
able to survive for long. With its giant size, it would
have a small surface area to volume ratio and this
would be inadequate for its survival.
86. Graph
87. The molarity of the glucose solution is directly
proportional to the percent change in mass. As the
molarity increases, so does the percent change in mass.
88. The selectively permeable membrane does not allow
the sugar molecules to pass through because they are
too big. Because the right side of the beaker has the
dilute solution, there are more water molecules on
the right side than the left side of the beaker. Water
diffused from an area of higher concentration (right
side) to an area of lower concentration (left side) by
the process of osmosis. This results in the rise in the
solution level on the left side of the beaker.
89. Graph
90. a. Both the surface area and volume increase as the cell
gets bigger, but the volume increases at a faster rate.
b. As the cell gets bigger, the surface-area-to-volume
ratio gets smaller.
c. The 3-mm cube has the smallest surface-area-
to-volume ratio.
91. Without a properly functioning cell wall, the bacterium
is not protected by the outside environment and is
susceptible to attacks by other organisms like viruses.
Chapter 4 Answers
Making Connections—Same Genes, Different People
1. DNA stores the information to construct proteins
in the cells. Timing and coordination of specific
events are necessary for the normal development
of an organism, and these events are regulated by a
variety of mechanisms involving DNA and protein
synthesis. The cell membrane and membranes
of organelles are comprised of many different
proteins, most of which are made within the cell
itself on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and,
through the endomembrane system, become part
of the membranes. Different cell types and different
phenotypes are determined through the different
proteins made and their activities: enzymatic
interactions, transport proteins, synthesis and
degradation. Some cells will produce more enzymes
and have higher metabolic activity than other cells
depending on the type of proteins present in the cell.
2. Genes are expressed in response to some
environmental cues. A message is communicated to
the nucleus of the cell, which causes the copying of
particular genes that direct the making of particular
proteins. Differences in the types and timing of the
expression of proteins will lead to differences in
appearance and behavior even for a pair of identical
twins who share identical DNA.
Chapter 4 Diagnostic Questions
1. b. sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.
2. d. the sequence of nitrogenous bases in the DNA
molecule of an organism.
3. a. There are more genes than chromosomes.
4. b. DNA controls the production of proteins in the cell.
5. a. nucleotide.
6. d. adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine
7. a. genes.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-15
 8. a. The gene for albumin has a different sequence of
nitrogenous bases than the gene for melanin.
9. a. a gamete.
10. d. it cannot be passed on from one generation to
the next.
11. c. change the arrangement of the genetic material.
12. DNA is important because it carries the genetic
information of an organism and it is passed on from
one generation to the next.
13. Genes are found on chromosomes, which are found in
the nucleus of a cell.
14. Environmental factors that can cause a change in DNA
base sequences include mutagens, radiation, and drugs.
15. rabbit
16. No, just because there are 10 amino acids different,
doesn’t mean the amino acids are in the exact same
order for both whales and kangaroos.
Chapter 4 Check Your Progress
Answers
Check Your Progress 4.1
1. Griffith found that something he called “the
transformation principle” could be carried from one
organism to another and cause a difference in the
phenotype (types of proteins) expressed. Griffith’s
experiments could not conclude whether it was DNA
or proteins that were being moved from one organism
to another, but at that time it was thought proteins
were the likely cause of the change in phenotype
because of their much greater structural diversity.
Avery was able to show that it was DNA, not proteins,
that caused the phenotype change or transformation.
2. The Hershey Chase experiment used a T phage,
composed of radioactively labelled DNA and capsid
coat proteins, to infect E. coli. The radioactive tracers
for DNA, but not protein, ended up inside the bacterial
cells, causing them to become transformed. Since
only the genetic material could have caused this
transformation, Hershey and Chase concluded that
DNA must be the genetic material.
3. DNA is a two-stranded molecule with alternating sugar
phosphates in the backbone strands. The monomer
units are nucleotides consisting of a sugar, phosphate,
and a base. The overall structure of the molecule is
like a twisted ladder. The sugar and phosphates are
covalently bonded to form the sides of the ladder. The
A-16 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
steps or rungs of the ladder are made of the bases A, G,
C, and T. Pairs of complementary bases form hydrogen
bonds. Adenine pairs with thymine through two
hydrogen bonds. Guanine pairs with cytosine through
three hydrogen bonds. The two strands are antiparallel.
Check Your Progress 4.2
1. DNA replication is said to be semi-conservative,
because the original parent strand is retained in the
next generation. The new cell that results following
cell division contains one original parent strand
and a newly formed strand. Therefore, half (semi is
Latin for half) of the original DNA is passed to the
next generation.
2. In DNA replication, first the DNA molecule unzips and
hydrogen bonds are broken. Second, complementary
bases join to both parent strand backbones, and this
synthesis reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme DNA
polymerase. Third, Okazaki fragments formed from
the lagging strand are joined together. Proofreading
of the nucleotides then occurs to ensure that the two
double-helix molecules are identical to the original
DNA molecule.
3. The key enzymes are first DNA helicase, which breaks
the hydrogen bonds through hydrolysis reactions.
Second, DNA polymerase provides a site for the new
complementary bases to enter and hydrogen-bond
together. Third, DNA ligase helps connect the short
pieces of new DNA formed from the lagging strand.
Finally, another DNA polymerase proofreads and
corrects errors.
Check Your Progress 4.3
1. Mature messenger RNA (mRNA), which has been
transcribed from DNA and processed in the nucleus,
carries genetic information out of the nucleus and into
the cytoplasm. The sequence of the mRNA determines
the protein sequence in the form of three-letter codons.
Translation of the mRNA into the protein involves the
formation of a complex that includes ribosomes and
transfer RNA associating with the mRNA. Each three-
letter codon on the mRNA corresponds to a particular
amino acid. During translation, as each codon is read,
a new amino acid is added to a growing polypeptide
chain until protein synthesis is complete.
2. After RNA transcription occurs, the newly formed
mRNA strand is processed and pieces of the RNA are
removed. The removed pieces are called introns. The
mature RNA consists of only exons and it is the exons
 that are expressed. The mature RNA is capped with
guanine at the 5’ end and many adenine nucleotides on
the 3’ end and this makes the molecule more stable to
move into the cytoplasm to the ribosome. The mature
RNA enters the ribosome and the ribosome moves
along the mRNA reading the information carried from
the nucleus. The three-letter codon message on the
mRNA calls up the correct tRNA complex with the
complementary anticodon.
3. The genetic code is said to be degenerate or redundant,
because most amino acids are coded for by more than
one codon.
Check Your Progress 4.4
1. Gene mutations are caused by errors in replication, by
mutagens, and by transposons. Errors in replication
occur when one or more bases are substituted, deleted,
or inserted. Radiation and certain organic compounds
can cause changes in the DNA. Transposons are pieces
of DNA that can move within the chromosomes and
interfere with the control of the expression of the gene,
creating either too much or too little protein.
2. A point mutation only affects one amino acid and
is caused by a substitution of a nucleotide base. A
frameshift mutation is the insertion or deletion of one
or more nucleotides in the DNA. When the mRNA
containing this frameshift mutation is read at the
ribosome, the sequence of codons is shifted and the
message is completely different, and so is the resulting
protein produced.
Check Your Progress 4.5
1. The steps required for producing recombinant DNA
involve a restriction enzyme to cut both the foreign
DNA and the host DNA,. DNA ligase used to seal
the recombined DNA strands together, and the
recombinant DNA being inserted, using a vector, back
into the host.
2. Short tandem repeats or STRs are repeated base pairs
at a particular chromosomal location. They can be
used for identification because they are unique for
each individual.
Check Your Progress 4.6
1. Beneficial applications of transgenic bacteria include
the production of insulin, human growth hormone
tissue plasminogen activator, and hepatitis B vaccine.
Bacteria that help plants grow have been engineered
to be resistant. Other bacteria associated with plant
roots have been engineered to produce an insect toxin.
Other transgenic bacteria are used for bioremediation.
Pest-resistant cotton, corn, and potato plants, as well
as human hormone-producing plants have also been
engineered. Animals such as fish, cows, pigs, and sheep
have had bovine growth hormone introduced into
their DNA. In gene pharming, desired protein products
such as blood clotting proteins are collected from
animal milk.
2. A transgenic organism has genes from another
organism introduced into its genes. A cloned organism
is genetically identical to its parent.
3. Two methods of gene therapy include ex vivo and in
vivo therapy. In ex vivo gene therapy cells are removed
from the individual, new desired genes are inserted
into the tissue using a vector, and then the tissue is
put back into the host. In vivo gene therapy genes
are introduced into the host directly using a vector
in hopes that the vector will reach target cells and
the introduced DNA will be copied and produce the
desired gene product.
4. An example of ex vivo gene therapy is treating SCID
(severe combined immunodeficiency), in which a
dysfunctional gene is removed, a virus is used to inject
the correct gene into affected cells, and the cells are
re-inoculated into the patient. An example of in vivo
treatment involves treating cystic fibrosis where an
adenovirus carrying functional genes is introduced
into the patient’s respiratory system using an inhaler.
Check Your Progress 4.7
1. Genomics is the study of the complete set of genes
in humans and other organisms and how the genes
interact. Proteomics is the study of the structure,
function, and interactions of the proteins produced
from the genome within a cell.
2. Scientists can study human genes known to be
associated with certain diseases by inserting them
into model organisms with shorter generation times.
Since the methods of protein synthesis as well as other
cellular pathways are shared by most organisms, using
model organisms for these studies is possible.
3. Bioinformatics is the use of computer technologies
and statistics to analyze and correlate huge databases
of information containing genomic and proteomic
data. With this capability, advances in knowledge and
research can occur much faster.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-17
Chapter 4 Features and Case Study
Answers
Science in Your Life: Scientific Inquiry—Finding the
Structure of DNA
1. If the DNA segment is 20% adenine, the segment
should contain 20% thymine, since these bases pair
together. These two bases represent 40% of the DNA.
Therefore, the remaining 60% must contain guanine
and cytosine at 30% each.
2. Students could suggest some of the following: Scientists
first were able to suggest a copying mechanism for the
DNA ensuring the daughter cell information of would
be identical to the parent cell. Eventually biologists
were able to develop a quick and easy method for
copying very small amounts of DNA called PCR — the
polymerase chain reaction. This technique allowed
the development of DNA fingerprinting technologies
used in criminal investigations and paternity suits.
Soon after the discovery of DNA structure, scientists
determined the mechanisms of protein synthesis.
With this new knowledge came recombinant DNA
techniques allowing scientists to select for and produce
particular gene products or proteins, such as insulin,
and to genetically engineer desired characteristics into
plants and animals. Scientists can now regulate gene
expression, analyze genetic material’s presence, and
study the relatedness from species to species.
3. The Watson and Crick model provided a mechanism
for DNA replication with the complementary base
pairing. If the two strands are separated, there are two
templates for replication.
Science in Your Life: Case Study—Mitochondrial
DNA: Our Maternal Heritage
1. There were probably only a few thousand people
in existence around the time of Mitochondrial Eve.
Mitochondrial DNA studies provide a molecular clock
for timing evolutionary events such as the divergence
of populations and migration of individuals to
various continents.
2. Mutations that accumulate in DNA are like molecular
clocks. Over time, harmless mutations accrue and
are passed down through generations. By comparing
mutations from enough people, researchers can
construct family trees with roots that reach back to
the earliest modern humans. Mitochondrial DNA is
subject to damage from chemical reaction byproducts
in the mitochondria. In addition, the mtDNA also lacks
A-18 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
the DNA repair mechanisms found in the nucleus.
Y-chromosomal Adam studies are more complex than
Mitochondrial Eve studies, because the Y chromosome
is much longer than mitochondrial DNA (60 million
base pairs compared to 16 000) and has a lower
mutation rate. Information about an ancestral Adam
would enable us to trace the migration of populations
of males.
Science in Your Life: Health—Prevention of Cancer
1. Answers will vary.
2. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that can
be transmitted through the body and cause cancer at
multiple sites.
3. Tanning beds increase exposure to UV radiation,
which can cause skin cancer.
4. Answers will vary. Some students might suggest that
the law intrudes on personal rights and freedoms,
while others might suggest the law helps protect young
people from making mistakes that will follow them for
the rest of their lives.
Science in Your Life: Scientific Inquiry—Testing for
Genetic Disorders
1. DNA microarrays allow for the detection of DNA
that is being expressed in a cell or organism. Previous
techniques just determined that mutant sequences
existed in the genome.
2. Comparison between diseased tissue gene expression
and normal tissue can be made.
3. Cells from an individual with heart disease, for
example, would have chromosomal variations that
could be detected using genomic microarrays when
they were compared to cells from healthy individuals.
Drugs could then be developed to target these
chromosomal variations.
Chapter 4 Review Questions
1. b. are nucleic acids.
2. a. adenine and guanine.
3. c. C-A-T-G-T-A-C
4. c. T-A-G
5. a. uracil
6. b. replication
7. a. ribosome.
 8. b. The primary structure of Molecule 2 would 41. a. I and II only
be different. 42. c. The genetically engineered bacteria may out-
9. a. adenine pairs with thymine by forming two compete the native species of bacteria that already exist
hydrogen bonds in the environment.
10. a. a gene. 43. base sequence on DNA → amino acid sequence →
11. c. to carry specific amino acids to the ribosome tertiary structure of a protein → protein function →
expression of a trait
12. b. the nucleolus.
44. a. I
13. b. to read the codons on the mRNA
b. II, III and IV
14. b. histidine
c. I
15. c. anticodon d. I, II, III and IV
16. a. CAG e. I
17. c. mRNA nucleotide bases. f. I
18. b. 4 g. II
19. a. insulin h. III
i. IV
20. b. peptide bonds
j. I, II, III and IV
21. d. The sequence of amino acids may be different during
protein synthesis. 45.
22. c. helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the DNA RNA
complementary DNA strands Subunit Nucleotide Nucleotide
23. d. 3 → 5 → 1 → 2 → 4 (sugar, phosphate, (sugar,
base) phosphate, base)
24. b. leucine
Sugar Deoxyribose Ribose
25. d. 75 nucleotides (3 codons/amino acids × 24 amino
acids = 72 + 1 stop codon = 75 nucleotides)
Nitrogenous bases Thymine, Uracil, Adenine,
26. a. a plasmid. Adenine, Cytosine Cytosine and
27. a. they reproduce quickly. and Guanine Guanine

28. c. restriction enzyme and DNA ligase Number of Strands Double-stranded Single-stranded
(2 strands) (1 strand)
29. d. to introduce foreign DNA into the bacterial DNA
30. b. Humans can use it to produce Hepatitis B vaccine. Base Pairings Adenine with Adenine with
Thymine Uracil
31. d. recombinant DNA technology. Cytosine with Cytosine with
32. d. splicing pieces of DNA from one organism into the Guanine Guanine
DNA of another organism Process that Produces Replication Transcription
this Nucleic Acid
33. d. to cut out specific base-pair sequences out of a
DNA molecule 46. The process illustrated is semi-conservative replication.
34. a. to produce large amounts of human hormones 47. The enzymes involved in replication are helicase, DNA
35. b. is used to produce large amounts of a targeted polymerase and DNA ligase.
sequence of DNA. 48. In Step X, the enzyme helicase unwinds the
36. b. Silk fibres will be produced in the goat’s milk. double-stranded DNA by breaking the hydrogen
bonds between the nitrogenous bases. In Step Y,
37. d. a transgenic organism.
complementary base pairing occurs (eg. adenine
38. c. genetic engineering. binds with thymine and cytosine binds with guanine).
39. b. help treat cancer. Nucleotides present in the nucleus are joined to the
40. b. Cold temperatures can influence the expression DNA molecule by DNA polymerase.
of genes. 49. Replication occurs in the nucleus.

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-19

50. a. adenine
b. thymine
c. deoxyribose sugar
d. phosphate group
51. ATP and RNA
52. Structure 3 is ribose in the other two nucleotides
instead of deoxyribose.
53. Double hydrogen bonds form between structures
1 and 2 (the nitrogenous bases) and covalent
bonds form between the deoxyribose sugar and the
phosphate group.
54. The combination of structures 2, 3, and 4 or the
combination of structures 1, 3, and 4 make up
a nucleotide.
55. There are a variety of base sequences on the DNA
molecule that would code for this amino acid
sequence. This is because there is more than one codon
that will code for one amino acid.
56. The substitution of one amino acid for another is called
a gene mutation.
57. A change in a single amino acid could cause a change
in the primary structure of a protein. This therefore
could change the tertiary structure of the protein
and its function. Since the function of the protein
is dependent on its shape, a change in the tertiary
structure could mean that the protein would no longer
be able to carry out its function properly.
58. The red blood cell’s shape has now changed due to the
change in amino acid sequence. The change in amino
acid sequence would affect the tertiary structure of the
hemoglobin therefore affects its function to effectively
carry oxygen around the body.
59. Sickle cell disease still persists in the human population
because it provides those people with resistance against
malaria. There is a benefit to having the disease.
60. Percentages would be higher in malaria-endemic
areas because people who have sickle cell anemia
are resistant to malaria. These people would have an
advantage over people who did not have resistance
to malaria.
61. A deletion mutation occurred.
62. The gene would code for a different amino acid.
63. a. Gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting would be
used to determine whether the suspect had indeed
illegally killed the protected sheep.
b. If the bands on the gel matched up between the two
samples, then the meat came from the same animal.
A-20 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
64. a. Comparative genomics is used to identify similarities
between human DNA and DNA of other organisms.
It allows scientists to insert a suspected human gene
associated with a disease into another organism to
confirm that this gene is the cause of the disease.
b. Functional genomics help scientists understand
the function of various genes and their expression.
This information can be used in the treatment of
a disease.
c. Proteomics is used to study the structure, function
and interaction of cellular proteins in different
cell types. This is essential to the discovery of
better drugs.
d. Bioinformatics is the use of computer technologies
to find significant patterns to help study proteomics,
structural genomics, functional genomics and
comparative genomics.
65.
DNA GCA ATG TCA GTT
mRNA CGU UAC AGU CAA
mRNA CGU UAC AGU CAA
tRNA GCA AUG UCA GUU
Amino
arginine tyrosine serine glutamine
acid
66. The base pairs of DNA (A/T and G/C) and RNA (A/U
and G/C) need to be highly specific so that replication,
transcription and translation are accurate when they
are carried out. The copying of the genetic code and the
making the correct proteins depend on the specificity
of the base pairings. If specificity of the base pairing is
compromised, then potential mutations could occur
more often.
67. If the DNA base sequence changed from GCA to ACA,
there would be a different amino acid substituted into
the polypeptide chain. The amino acid sequence would
now be “cysteine”-tyrosine-serine-glutamine.
68. The shape of the protein could now change because
the amino acid sequence (primary structure) is now
different. Since the primary sequence is changed, the
tertiary sequence could potentially be altered as well.
69. There would be 64 combinations.
70. The farmer thinks cloning is a better option because
he gets to choose the cow that has the desirable traits
and reproduce more identical copies of that cow in a
shorter amount of time.
71. a. The cows in a cloned herd would be identical to each 73. The data suggest that these four species of flowers may
other because they have the same genetic makeup. be related because the sequences of amino acids are the
The cows from a non-cloned herd would have some same, with the exception of one amino acid.
genetic variation. 74. Species W and Species Y are most closely related.
b. The cloned herd would have the desirable traits that
75. Take segments of DNA from each of the four flowers
the farmer wants because it is identical to the best
and run them on gel electrophoresis. Compare
cow in the herd. Cloning would help improve the
the patterns on the gel to see they show similar
overall quality of the herd.
DNA patterns.
c. If a disease was introduced and all the cows were
76. The mutation would produce no change because the
genetically identical, they may all be susceptible to
DNA sequence would still code for valine. The amino
the disease and could die.
acid sequence would not change.
d. Some other desirable traits that the farmer may
want include: a cow that is healthy and resistant to 77. a. 4, 639, 221 bases
disease; a dairy cow that can produce larger amounts b. 3866 bases/second
of high quality milk; a cow that is well-adapted for 78. The Human Genome Project (HGP) was important
extreme climates; a cow that is fertile. to determine the location of all the genes in the
e. There would be genetic variation in the offspring human genome. This allowed scientists to identify the
because the normal cow would contribute different location of defective genes that caused diseases. The
genes each time an offspring is produced. defective genes could be replaced with normal genes to
f. A problem with breeding cloned cows with one cure diseases.
another would be that these cows would more likely 79. The benefit of knowing the location and sequence of
develop diseases. bases in a gene is being able to identify defective genes
72. and using gene therapy to replace these defective genes
with normal functioning genes.
DNA
80. Scientists must be careful in using only certain
sequence
enzymes because a normal gene could be removed
mRNA CAG TGT CCT GTA
Species by accident and this would cause the person to
sequence GUC ACA GGA CAU
W not produce a protein that might be needed for
amino valine threonine glycine histidine
acids normal functioning.
sequence
81. Some ethical issues could include: Should humans get
DNA
to play God by deciding who gets to live or not? How
sequence do we determine which diseases are more important
mRNA CAG TGC CCG GCA than others? Who decides how much this is going cost?
Species
sequence GUC ACG GGC CGU 82. You could change this by counting all the characters
X
amino valine threonine glycine arginine
in the entire novel to determine the exact number of
acids
characters in the entire book.
sequence
83. The assumption that you are making is that that all
DNA books the size of your novel will contain the exact same
sequence number of characters and therefore bases. Some books
mRNA CAT TGC CCG GTG
Species that are the same size have more or less characters.
sequence GUA ACG GGC CAC
Y
amino valine threonine glycine histidine 84. Restriction enzymes are used to produce the DNA
acids fragments placed in the well for gel electrophoresis.
sequence
85. An electric current is used to separate DNA fragments
DNA on the basis of size.
sequence
86. Species C is most closely related to the unknown
mRNA CAA TGC CGT GTA
Species species because it has four matching bands on the gel.
sequence GUU ACG GCA CAU
Z
amino valine threonine alanine histidine 87. If plants are closely related, then they should have
acids similar genetic makeup and DNA segments. The
sequence physical characteristics of plants may vary and can

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-21

 be influenced by environmental factors. Therefore
these physical characteristics will not be accurate
at indicating the degree of the relationship between
different species.
88. In ex vivo gene therapy, bone marrow stem cells are
removed from the body and an RNA retrovirus is used
to insert a normal gene into the bone marrow stem
cells. The viral recombinant DNA carries the normal
gene into the genome and the genetically engineered
cells are returned to the human body. In vivo gene
therapy is used to treat cystic fibrosis patients. The gene
needed to cure cystic fibrosis is delivered to the lower
respiratory tract using an adenovirus vector found in
an aerosol spray.
89. Answer will depend on what topic the student picks.
For example, using restriction enzymes, the insulin
gene from a human chromosome is inserted into a
vector, a circular piece of bacterial DNA from E. coli.
The bacteria that received the gene now can produce
large amounts of the protein insulin. Insulin is then
collected for use by people with diabetes.
90. Research
91. Research
Chapter 5 Answers
Making Connections—Lactose Intolerance
1. The role of an enzyme is to lower the energy of
activation to speed up a chemical reaction.
2. Factors that influence the rate of enzyme activity
include substrate concentration, temperature,
pH, enzyme activation, enzyme inhibitors, and
enzyme cofactors.
Chapter 5 Diagnostic Questions
1. b. proteins.
2. b. ribosomes.
3. c. lysosomes.
4. b. plasmid
5. b. It speeds up chemical reactions.
6. d. An increase in temperature causes the reactants to
move more quickly, therefore increasing the number of
collisions between the reactants.
7. a. Structure A = substrate; b. Structure B = enzyme;
c. Structure C = enzyme-substrate complex;
d. Structure E = products
A-22 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
8. Structure B and structure D act as catalysts.
9. Structure C undergoes a change in shape.
10. Examples of enzymes include: DNA polymerase, RNA
polymerase, ligase, restriction enzymes.
11. Enzymes are important in the digestion of food.
Without enzymes, you would be unable to digest
your food.
12. a. All enzymes are classified as proteins, but not all
proteins are enzymes.
b. Enzymes are molecules, not organisms and cannot
be killed. Heat causes the enzyme to denature,
therefore changing its active site and this causes a
loss in function.
c. The enzyme has an active site to which the
substrate binds.
d. Enzymes undergo a conformational change once
it forms the enzyme-substrate complex, but once
it releases its products, it changes back to its
original shape.
e. Enzymes can denature with a change in pH,
high temperature or exposure to a heavy metal.
Enzymes will not denature due to the depletion of
the substrate.
f. Once an enzyme binds with the substrate, it forms
an enzyme-substrate complex which causes the
reaction to proceed further.
g. Enzymes are not used up in the course of a chemical
reaction. They are unchanged by the reaction and
will be used again for the next reaction.
h. The reaction should use a double-headed arrow
to show that the reaction could go either both
directions: reactant 1 + reactant 2 ↔ product 1 +
product 2
Chapter 5 Check Your Progress
Answers
Check Your Progress 5.1
1. The reaction is likely to be endergonic, because it
requires an input of energy to occur.
2. ATP with its three phosphate groups is analogous
to a charged battery which can provide energy via a
coupled reaction when one phosphate is cleaved off.
ADP that s produced is like a discharged battery which
requires an input of energy to become ATP again.
Check Your Progress 5.2 regenerative medicine. For example, if an example is
“malfunctioning,” new compatible tissues or organs
1. Enzymes are needed to reduce the activation energy
could be developed from a person’s original stem cells,
of biochemical reactions, thus allowing reactions to
thus ensuring compatibility.
occur under conditions of the cell. A cell can convert
an enzyme from an inactive form to an active form by
the addition or removal of phosphate groups. Cellular Chapter 5 Review Questions
enzymes are subject to feedback inhibition. The
presence of cofactors and enzymes in the cell regulates 1. d. by temporarily combining with the substrates
enzyme activity. 2. d. there has to be a perfect fit between the enzyme’s
2. Denaturing changes the shape of the enzyme and active site and the substrate.
its active site, altering the fit of the reactant with 3. b. a triglyceride.
the enzyme.
4. a. The amount of glycerol and fatty acids produced in
3. How well the enzyme interacts with the reactants and 10 minutes at different pH levels.
the rate at which the product is formed is determined
5. d. changing the temperature from 37°C to 15°C
by its three-dimensional shape and its active site.
6. c. an inhibitor.
Check Your Progress 5.3 7. c. maltase.
1. Removal of the thyroid gland would mean that there 8. c. amino acids.
would be a decrease in associated hormones, T3 ,T4, 9. b. maltose.
and calcitonin. Since T3 and T4 aid in the metabolism
10. b. step 2
of glucose, this process would decrease. Likewise, if
there was a decrease in calcitonin production from the 11. a. enzymes and hydrolysis.
thyroid gland, there would be a decrease in calcium 12. c. size of the substrate
uptake in the bones from the bloodstream.
13. c. The disaccharide would break down slower or not
2. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are T3 and at all.
T4. Calcitonin is also produced by the thyroid.
14. a. Cellulose would not fit into the active site of
the catalyst.
Chapter 5 Features and Case Study 15. c. Each enzyme works best within a particular
Answers pH range.
16. a. pepsin
Science In Your Life: Case Study—Gamers Solve
17. b. It would decrease.
Protein Structures
18. c. The shape of amylase was altered with the increasing
1. Some students may state that games such as Foldit
pH level.
are an effective use of money because they provide an
alternative point of view for understanding protein 19. c. 7
structures, which could ultimately aid in treatments. 20. d. Trypsin is less active at a pH of 10 than at a pH of 7.
Other students may state that gaming has no place in 21. c. 7.5
developing treatments, as they are too abstract and
22. a. pepsin
do not simulate the way molecules and physiology
work in the real world. Accept all supported and 23. d. to measure the amount of oxygen produced per unit
supportable answers. time and therefore catalase activity
2. Students may consider a variety of answers here. 24. b. The liver cells had a greater amount of catalase than
This may include genetic sequencing and genetic the potato cells.
engineering, which could allow scientist to decode 25. b. Catalase denatured when it was exposed to
the DNA sequence for a particular protein. Money high temperatures.
therefore could be spent on researching how to
26. a. diagram of an amino acid
manipulate the DNA to develop successful disease
treatments. Alternatively, money could be spent on 27. b. I and III only

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-23

28. a. threonine
29. b. Isoleucine inhibits enzyme #1 from reacting with
threonine and therefore prevents the production of
a-ketobutyrate.
30. d. the rate of production of α-keto-β-methylvalerate
would decrease
31. Each condition would show a constant reaction rate. The
graph for Scenario 1 would be a straight line graph with a
positive slope and the lowest slope. The graph for Scenario
2 would be a straight line graph with a steeper positive
slope than Graph 1. The graph for Scenario 3 would have
a straight line graph that has a positive slope. Graph 3 has
the steepest slope compared to Graphs 1 and 2. As the
concentration of the substrates increases, eventually the
observed slope would reach a maximum value.
32. The substrate, sucrose, binds to the active site of the
enzyme, sucrase. This forms an enzyme-substrate
complex. Water is needed during this hydrolysis
reaction to break the bond between glucose and
fructose that make up the disaccharide sucrose. The
products (two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose)
are released from the enzyme.
33. The products of this reaction are glucose and fructose.
34. With the increase in temperature, this will cause
denaturation of the enzymes in bacteria and this will
cause the bacteria to die.
35. An enzyme works best at a body temperature of 37°C.
With a fever and an increase in temperature, this
will cause a decrease in enzyme activity. The high
temperature will denature the enzyme and alter the
shape of the enzyme. Substrates will no longer be
able to bind to the active site and the enzyme will not
be able to do its job. The function of the enzyme is
dependent on its shape, therefore a denatured enzyme
will not be able to carry out any chemical reactions in
the body. Death may result due to a fever.
36. Since cyanide is an inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome
oxidase, it will prevent the enzyme from functioning
properly. Cyanide prevents the transfer of electrons to
oxygen. Cytochrome oxidase will not be able to accept
electrons and therefore not be able to produce enough
ATP for the cells.
37. Iodine would move into the thyroid gland by active
transport from low concentration to high
concentration.
38. The modified cellulose will start to dissolve at a specific
pH in the small intestine. It is not affected by the low
pH of the stomach. Once the medication dissolves in
A-24 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
the small intestine, it can then be absorbed into the
blood stream and take action.
39. The graph should look like a hill, where the peak of the
graph is at 37°C.
40. Trypsin was most effective at 37°C.
41. No protein was digested at 70°C and 100°C because
trypsin denatured and therefore could not function
properly. Without trypsin, proteins could not be
digested into peptides.
42. Trypsin is a hydrolytic enzyme.
43. The substrate for trypsin is a protein or
polypeptide chain.
44. The products of trypsin are peptides.
45. Hydrolysis must have occurred to produce the results
seen in the test tubes.
46. Water was the other reactant needed for the digestion
of proteins to occur.
47. Trypsin is very specific to its substrate and will only act
on proteins, not sucrose. Sucrose was not broken down
because it did not fit into the active site of trypsin.
48. Design an experiment.
Chapter 6 Answers
Making Connections—Metabolic Demands on Athletes
1. Aerobic respiration in the cell uses oxygen to break
down glucose to form ATP. Without oxygen—that is,
under anaerobic conditions—glucose is broken down
to pyruvate (and then to lactate in animals and bacteria
or to alcohol and carbon dioxide in plants and yeast)
with much less ATP production.
2. As glucose is broken down in a controlled series of
reactions in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, its stored
chemical energy is released. Approximately 30% of this
energy is used to make ATP and the rest is lost as heat.
3. The amino acids in proteins are deaminated in the liver
and the resulting carbon skeletons can enter glycolysis,
be converted to acetyl groups, or enter the citric acid
cycle. The point at which the carbon skeleton enters the
pathway depends on the length of the R group, because
this determines the length of the carbon chain that
remains after deamination. Fats are broken down to
glycerol and fatty acids. The glycerol can be converted
to pyruvate and enter glycolysis to be converted to
acetyl CoA. The fatty acids are broken down to acetyl
CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle.
Chapter 6 Diagnostic Questions
1. b. step 2 only.
2. a. ATP.
3. d. in the phosphate bonds
4. c. animal and plant cells
5. d. cellular respiration.
6. d. carbon dioxide
7. a. the absence of oxygen.
8. b. viruses
9. a. to produce ATP
10. c. so that it is in a form that cells can use
11. c. active transport of potassium ions
12. a. Cellular respiration does not consist of just one step
as the equation implies. It consists of many phases
with many steps.
b. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are
complementary to each other. The reactants
of photosynthesis are the products of cellular
respiration. The products of photosynthesis are the
reactants of cellular respiration.
c. Plants carry out both photosynthesis and cellular
respiration because they have both chloroplasts
and mitochondria.
d. Not all the energy is captured in ATP, some of the
energy is lost as heat. Biological systems cannot
break the laws of thermodynamics.
13. 1. cristae (inner membrane); 2. outer membrane;
3. intermembrane space; 4. matrix
14. Diagram should show that oxidation and reduction
take place at the same time and that they are opposite
of each other. As one gains electrons (reduced), the
other loses electrons (oxidized).
15. Respiration is the exchange of gases. It is a process that
provides blood cells with oxygen.
16. Organisms respire to get energy. It is a process in which
the oxygen is necessary to convert the energy stored in
carbon-containing molecules into ATP.
17. You need to constantly breathe to provide a constant
supply of oxygen to our cells in order to produce
sufficient ATP for metabolic activities.
18. When the muscle cells in your body work vigorously
during a run or heavy exercise, they carry out
fermentation. Fermentation supplies the body
with ATP when oxygen is scarce, but the process is
inefficient when compared to aerobic respiration.
19. The runners do not have enough oxygen for their cells
to produce ATP. Heavy breathing occurs to get as much
oxygen into the body as possible because the cells are
deprived of oxygen and are not getting enough oxygen
fast enough.
Chapter 6 Check Your Progress
Answers
Check Your Progress 6.1
1. NAD+ and FAD serve as coenzymes for the enzymes
involved in cellular respiration. Both molecules receive
electrons and are reduced to either NADH or FADH2.
These reduced molecules carry electrons to the electron
transport chain within the mitochondria.
2. Glycolysis is an anaerobic process. It does not require
O2 to proceed. The preparatory reaction, the citric acid
cycle, and the electron transport chain all rely on the
presence of O2 to proceed.
3. The complete breakdown of glucose occurs in four
phases. Glycolysis in the cytoplasm produces pyruvate,
which enters mitochondria if oxygen is available. The
preparatory reaction and the citric acid cycle that
follow occur inside the mitochondria in the fluid-filled
space called the matrix. Also inside mitochondria,
on the membrane that forms the cristae, the electron
transport chain receives the electrons that were
removed from glucose forming NADH or FADH2. The
result of glucose breakdown is a maximum of 30 to 32
ATP, depending on the particular cell.
Check Your Progress 6.2
1. Glucose must be activated by the investment of 2ATP
before the cascade of reactions oxidizing glyceraldehyde-
3-phosphate to pyruvate (forming 4ATP) can occur.
2. For each molecule of glucose the inputs are 2 ATP and
2 NAD+. The outputs are two molecules of
pyruvate, 2 NADH, 2 ADP, and 4 ATP. There is a net
gain of 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate.
Check Your Progress 6.3
1. When muscles are working hard, in a burst of activity,
they can deplete the oxygen in the tissues to the point
that fermentation begins.
2. During fermentation pyruvate accepts electrons from
NADH formed during glycolysis, producing lactate
or alcohol and carbon dioxide. The oxidized NAD+ is
then available to pick up more electrons (and hydrogen
ions) from glycolysis.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-25
 Check Your Progress 6.4 3. In some cells the NADH formed outside the
mitochondria during glycolysis cannot easily cross into
1. Glycolysis is anaerobic and the metabolic pathways
the mitochondria. Instead NADH delivers its electrons
within the mitochondria are aerobic. Glycolysis provides
to the electron transport chain using a process that
pyruvate, which is the reactant for the preparatory
costs one ATP per 2 electrons. Since 2 NADH are
reaction and the citric acid cycle occurring in the
formed during glycolysis, the total ATP count is
mitochondria. In glycolysis ATP is produced by
reduced from 6 to 4. Also in the electron transport
substrate-level ATP synthesis. In the mitochondria most
chain reactions, the actual yield per NADH varies from
ATP are produced by chemiosmosis.
2 to 3 ATP and the yield from FADH2 varies from 1 to
2. Some ATP are generated directly by various early 2 ATP. The amounts in the final column of the table
stages of cellular respiration, specifically 2 ATP above are theoretical maximum yields.
from glycolysis and 2 ATP from the citric acid
cycle. The remaining ATP are generated from the
electron carriers NADH and FADH2 in the electron Chapter 6 Features and
transport chain (ETC). As a general rule, 2 to 3 ATP Case Studies Answers
are generated from each NADH and 1–2 ATP are
generated by FADH2. This is because FADH2 enters the Science in Your Life: Health—Metabolic Fate of Pizza
electron transport chain at a lower energy than NADH.
1. The cheeseburger and fries would be digested into
The number of molecules of NADH, FADH2, and ATP molecules of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. The fat
produced by each stage of cellular respiration are: enters the pathway at two points: glycerol at glycolysis
Glycolysis: 2 ATP plus 2 NADH and 2-carbon pieces of the fatty acids enter the citric
Preparatory Reaction: 2 NADH acid cycle. The amino acids in protein can enter at
Citric Acid Cycle: 2 ATP, plus 6 NADH glycolysis, be converted to acetyl CoA, and enter the
and 2 FADH2 citric acid cycle or enter at another point in the citric
Electron Transport Chain: 4–6 ATP from 2 NADH acid cycle. Carbohydrates broken down, converted to
of glycolysis (2 NADH glucose, and enter glycolysis.
× 3 = 4-6)
2. Water is used in the hydrolysis reactions involved
6 ATP from the 2 NADH of prep reaction
in the breakdown of fat, protein, and carbohydrate
(2 NADH × 3 = 6 ATP)
into components that then enter the reactions of
18 ATP from the citric
cellular respiration.
acid cycle (6 NADH × 3
= 18 ATP)
4 ATP from the citric acid cycle (2 FADH2 × 2 = 4 ATP) Chapter 6 Review Questions
See the following chart: 1. a. is transformed into heat.
Glycolysis 2 NADH 2 ATP 2. c. in the cytoplasm.
Preparatory 2 NADH 3. c. C.
Reaction
4. d. Acetyl CoA goes through a series
Citric Acid 6 NADH 2 FADH2 2 ATP of reactions that extract electrons and
Cycle hydrogen ions.
Electron 2 NADH from glycolysis 5. a. A and B
Transport (2 NADH × 2 = 4 ATP max) 4–6 ATP
6. c. C.
Chain 2 NADH from prep reaction
26-28 ATP 7. a. It reduces two NAD+ for every
(2 NADH × 3 = 6 ATP max) 6 ATP
6 NADH from citric cycle actual yield glucose molecule.
(6 NADH × 3 = 18 ATP max) 18 ATP
8. c. 20 ATP.
2 FADH2 from citric cycle
(2 FADH2 × 2 = 4 ATP max) 4 ATP 9. c. FAD – is a reducing agent in the citric
acid cycle
Theoretical maximum yield is 2 + 2 + [4 to 6] + 6 + 18 + 4 = 36–38 ATP
Total actual ATP generated by cellular respiration = 30-32 ATP 10. a. They are coenzymes that
accept electrons.

A-26 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

11. c. II and III only 24.
12. a. O2 Electron
13. c. produces a large quantity of reducing power in the Preparatory Citric Acid Transport
Glycolysis Reaction Cycle Chain
form of NADH and FADH2
Location cytoplasm matrix of matrix of inner
14. c. to aerobically degrade pyruvate to carbon dioxide in the Cell mitochondria mitochondria membrane
and water with the generation of two ATP molecules of the
15. d. They occur in the matrix of the mitochondrion and mitochondria
produce carbon dioxide. Net ATP 2 ATP 2 ATP 26–28 ATP
yield
16. a. the hydrogen ion gradient across the inner
Products 2 ATP 2 NADH + H+ 2ATP 26–28 ATP
mitochondrial membrane.
2 pyruvate 2 CO2 4 CO2 H2O
17. d. NADH 2 NADH + H+ 2 Acetyl CoA 6 NADH + H+
2 FADH2
18. c. II and III only
Aerobic or anaerobic aerobic aerobic aerobic
19. c. to convert ADP to ATP. Anaerobic
20. c. II and III only
25. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) consists of the
21. d. I, II and III nitrogenous base adenine, a ribose sugar and three
22. d. NADH will donate high-energy electrons to the phosphate groups. Energy is stored in the high-energy
electron transport chain bonds between the phosphate groups. When ATP
23. a. preparatory reaction, citric acid cycle, electron breaks down to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and
transport chain a molecule of inorganic phosphate, stored energy is
released. This energy is used for biological functions
b. glycolysis and fermentation
such as protein synthesis.
c. glycolysis, citric acid cycle, fermentation
26. The products of cellular respiration have less chemical
d. preparatory reaction, citric acid cycle,
potential energy than the reactants because most of
alcoholic fermentation
the chemical energy is lost to heat. Biological systems
e. glycolysis, fermentation cannot break the laws of thermodynamics.
f. electron transport chain
27. Organisms use oxidation and reduction reactions to
g. ATP synthase produce energy. Most metabolic reactions result in the
h. preparatory reaction, citric acid cycle release of electrons that need to be captured, or require
i. glycolysis, citric acid cycle a donation of electrons for the reaction to proceed.
j. citric acid cycle 28. Oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide. Reduction of
k. electron transport chain oxygen to water.
l. citric acid cycle, preparatory reaction 29. Aerobic exercise requires oxygen in order to produce
m. electron transport chain ATP through cellular respiration. By doing aerobic
n. preparatory reaction exercise, you are actually putting your body into
o. fermentation an anaerobic condition, forcing you to breathe
more rapidly, more deeply to supply the body with
p. electron transport chain
the needed oxygen in order to generate the ATP
q. electron transport chain
needed by the muscles. If you are still breathing
r. electron transport chain rapidly after the exercise is over, your body is still in
s. glycolysis (in the cytoplasm) anaerobic condition.
t. fermentation 30. The inner mitochondrial membrane of the
u. ATP synthase in the inner mitochondrial membrane mitochondrion contains most the components of
v. electron transport chain, inner the electron transport chain. The cristae increase the
mitochondrial membrane inner mitochondrial membrane surface area of the
w. electron transport chain mitochondrion to allow increased ATP production.
x. citric acid cycle (in the matrix)
y. electron transport chain

BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-27

31. ATP yields for the different phases of cellular molecules are produced by the end of the reaction. This
respiration: glycolysis = 2 ATP; citric acid cycle = 2 gives a net gain of 2 ATP in glycolysis.
ATP; electron transport chain = 26–28 ATP 38. Coenzyme A, FAD and NAD+ are important
32. a. Glycolysis is the breakdown of on glucose molecule components of cellular respiration. They are needed
to 2 molecules of pyruvate. It produces 2 NADH for the production of ATP. Without these coenzymes,
and 2 ATP. ATP is produced by substrate-level there would be minimum production of ATP and the
ATP synthesis. person would show signs of fatigue due to low levels of
b. The citric acid cycle involves the acetyl group ATP production. Fatigue is a muscular issue and the
attached to CoA breaking down to 2 molecules muscles are perhaps the most demanding cells of the
of CO2. This occurs twice for each molecule of body in terms of the amount of ATP required. If the
glucose. The citric acid cycle produces 2ATP, 4 CO2, production of ATP is compromised by a lack of these
6 NADH + H+ and 2 FADH2. ATP is produced by derivatives, then fatigue is inevitable.
substrate-level ATP synthesis. 39. Flow Chart
c. The electron transport chain oxidizes NADH or 40. The purpose of fermentation is to regenerate NAD+ so
FADH2 and creates a H+ gradient. The enzyme ATP that it returns to glycolysis to pick up more electrons to
synthase uses this H+ gradient to produce ATP keep glycolysis going.
via chemiosmosis.
41. Fermentation in Muscles Fermentation in Yeast
d. In anaerobic conditions, cells use glycolysis to
produce 2 ATP in a process called fermentation.
In lactate fermentation, pyruvate is converted into
lactate and oxidizes NADH to NAD+. In alcoholic pyruvate is
fermentation, pyruvate is converted into alcohol pyruvate is converted into
(ethanol) and carbon dioxide is produced. This converted into carbon dioxide
reaction regenerates NAD+. lactic acid; occurs both and ethanol;
in some bacteria are anaerobic occurs in yeast,
33. Aerobic cellular respiration has oxygen as a final
and in animal processes (in plants and
electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. The
muscle cells; Lactic the absence of some bacteria;
electron transport chain allows for the production
acid fermentation oxygen); glucose Alcoholic
of more ATP (26–28 ATP) through chemiosmosis
→ glucose is converted into fermentation
compared to substrate-level ATP production during
→ glycolysis cellular energy → glucose
fermentation (2 ATP).
(pyruvate) → lactic (ATP); reducing → glycolysis
34. NAD+ is the oxidized form and acts as an electron agent is
acid + 2 ATP. (pyruvic acid) →
acceptor. NADH + H+ is the reduced form and is a NADH + H+ carbon dioxide +
major carrier of hydrogen atoms and free energy in
alcohol + 2 ATP.
the cell.
35. Substrate-level ATP synthesis uses an enzyme to
add a phosphate group to ADP to produce ATP.
Chemiosmosis uses a hydrogen ion gradient to
produce ATP. Substrate-level ATP synthesis occurs in
42. Flow Chart of Fermentation: glucose → 2 molecules
glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, while chemiosmosis
of G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate) → BPG
as a result of the formation of a H+ gradient across the
(1,3-bisphosphoglycerate) → 2 molecules of pyruvate
membrane as electrons are moved through the electron
→ 2 molecules of lactate or 2 molecules of alcohol and
transport chain.
2 molecules of carbon dioxide; 2ATP (net gain) and
36. NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, and FADH2 is 2NAD+ → 2 NADH
the reduced form of FAD. For every two electrons that
43. The citric acid cycle turns twice because two acetyl
NADH donates to the electron transport chain, 2-3
CoA molecules enter the cycle per glucose molecule.
ATP are produced. For every two electrons that FADH2
donates, 1-2 ATP are produced. 44. Pyruvate is converted to a C2 acetyl group attached to
coenzyme A before it enters the citric acid cycle.
37. It takes 2 ATP molecules to activate glucose at the
beginning of glycolysis and then produces 4 ATP

A-28 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

45. The citric acid cycle is significant because the
breakdown of the intermediates through the citric
acid cycle frees up high-energy electrons that can be
donated to electron transport chain, which in turn
generates a hydrogen ion gradient that is coupled to
ATP synthesis.
46. a. During substrate-level ATP synthesis, an enzyme
passes a high-energy phosphate to ADP and ATP
is formed.
b. As oxidation occurs, hydrogen atoms (H+ and
e-) are removed from the carbon-containing
intermediates and donated to NAD+, and this forms
NADH + H+.
c. As oxidation occurs, hydrogen atoms (H+ and
e–) are removed from the carbon-containing
intermediates and donated to FAD, and this
forms FADH2.
d. Each acetyl group received from the preparatory
reaction is oxidized through a series of reactions to
produce two carbon dioxide molecules.
47. Carbon monoxide will block electron transfer from
NADH to oxygen. If the electron transport chain
stops, then no ATP will be produced for cellular
function. Absence of ATP will not allow metabolic
activities to occur and cells will die as a result. Carbon
monoxide will bind more readily to hemoglobin than
does oxygen. You can’t use oxygen in the muscles
(particularly the heart) if it is not being delivered by
the blood.
48. The electron transport chain consists of a series of
protein complexes located in the inner membrane
of the mitochondria. The protein carriers accept
high-energy electrons and pass them along from one
protein to another. As this occurs, hydrogen ions
are pumped from the matrix to the intermembrane
space. As hydrogen ions flow from the intermembrane
space into the matrix down the concentration
gradient, the ATP synthase complex produces ATP
through chemiosmosis.
49. As the high-energy electrons are passed from one
electron carrier to the next, energy is captured through
the pumping of the hydrogen ions across the inner
mitochondrial membrane, forming a potential energy
gradient. As hydrogen ions flow through the ATP
synthase complex from one side of the membrane to
the other, the potential energy released is captured in
the formation of ATP.
50. The ATP synthase complex allows hydrogen ions to
diffuse across the inner mitochondrial membrane. As a
result of this flow, potential energy is released and the
ATP synthase produces ATP from ADP and P using
that energy.
51. Since all these organisms thrive in anaerobic
conditions, they all carry out fermentation to
produce ATP.
52. The carbohydrates will be stored as glycogen in the
muscle cells. On the day of the race, glycogen will
be converted to glucose. In the presence of oxygen,
the mitochondria in the muscle cells break down the
glucose to produce ATP for the muscle cells during
the race.
53. During a marathon, the mitochondria are producing
ATP for the body through aerobic respiration. A
marathon runner has trained to deal with running
for a long time where the muscles have to maintain
their oxygen levels to be able to continue for a long
period of time. The marathon runner’s muscles would
steal oxygen available from the blood to keep the
muscles functioning and to prevent lactic acid build
up. During a sprint, where the muscle cells in the body
are working vigorously, the muscle cells would tend
to carry out fermentation when oxygen is scarce. The
sprinter would be using all his energy to run very fast,
such that any oxygen delivery to the muscles will be
overwhelmed. These are muscles that work well in an
oxygen-deprivation state, but would collapse if the
runner had to continue his pace, or even if the runner
had to slow his pace, but kept on running. Lactic acid
would build up in the muscle cells and cramps would
set in. The short distance runners train so that they
finish the race just before the race finishes the muscles.
54. As the electron transport chain would be compromised
in the presence of rotenone, a H+ gradient would not
be formed across the membrane and the ATP synthesis
via chemiosmosis would be compromised. The amount
of ATP produced through glycolysis and the citric
acid cycle would be insufficient to maintain the cell/
organism.
55. The faster fatty acids are converted to acetyl CoA
and enter the citric acid cycle, the greater the rate of
respiration. These compounds may convert fatty acids
to acetyl CoA more rapidly.
56. The gas bubbles are carbon dioxide.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-29
57. If there was sufficient oxygen present in the apple juice,
and there probably was if only after several minutes,
the bubbles could still be carbon dioxide derived from
aerobic respiration.
58. The process was aerobic.
59. The rate of bubble production would increase if there
was more yeast present.
60. NAD+ and FAD are analogous to electron shuttle buses
in that hey pick up electrons and carry the high energy
electrons to the electron transport chain and drop
them off.
61. Blocking ATP synthase prevents the flow of H+
across the membrane, preventing the chemiosmotic
production of ATP. The cell will die due to the
insufficiency of ATP.
62. Graphic Organizer
63. A rechargeable battery is a form of recycling. Like
plugging a rechargeable battery into a recharger, the
ATP synthase complex uses energy available from the
flow of H+ across the membrane to combine ADP
with P to forge ATP. The energy is stored in the third
phosphate bond … once used, converting ATP to ADP
+ P and releasing energy to drive other processes,
the ADP and P are recycled through the ATP
synthase complex.
64. ATP is produced when a phosphate is added to ADP:
ADP + P → ATP. ATP is broken down into ADP by
removing a phosphate group: ATP → ADP + P
65. The electron transport chain is analogous to a flight of
stairs. As the object bounces down the stairs, it loses
potential energy. The object may hit some things on the
way down and cause the things to move off the stairs
or over to the wall. Free (potential) energy available to
do work, can move things like hydrogen ions. Similarly,
in the electron transport chain, high-energy electrons
give off a small amount of energy with each step as they
pass electrons from one protein to the next. The energy
released is used to produce ATP.
66. a. There is an increase in free energy at the beginning
of glycolysis due to the investment of the initial two
ATP molecules. Glucose needs to be phosphorylated
to make it more reactive.
b. The drop in free energy represents the energy
transferred to ATP, NADH and FADH2.
c. The citric acid cycle is where the greatest free energy
is released.
A-30 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
67. Chemiosmosis Analogy: When the gates (=ATP
synthase) of a dam (=inner mitochondrial membrane)
are opened, water (=H+ ions) flows through the dam
down the slope. The potential energy stored in the
water is used to do work, in the mitochondrial case, to
generate energy (=ATP).
68. Research
69. Skeletal muscle cells and liver cells have different
net energy yield because there is the difference in
the requirement for intermediates from the citric
acid cycle.
70. Graph should show a hill-shaped figure, peaking
at 35°C.
71. The maximum rate of cellular respiration occurred at
35°C.
Chapter 7 Answers
Making Connections—Colours of Fall
1. The pigments that provide the maximum efficiency for
a plant as it conducts photosynthesis are chlorophyll a
and b.
2. Leaves appear green in the spring and summer and
then turn to red or yellow in the fall because green
chlorophyll is present in large quantities in the summer,
masking the other pigments. In the fall it degrades and
the red to yellow carotenoids become visible.
Chapter 7 Diagnostic Questions
1. a. is reflected.
2. c. autotrophic.
3. b. to convert light energy into chemical energy
4. c. mitochondria and chloroplasts.
5. c. in plant cells and animal cells.
6. a. in plant cells, some bacteria and some protists.
7. b. chlorophyll
8. b. chlorophyll
9. b. withdraw energy.
10. d. have the ability to synthesize carbohydrates.
11. c. water and carbon dioxide
12. d. the stomata.
13. b. visible light
14. b. sucrose
15. c. glucose
16. a. Plants live on land and in the water.
b. Not all plants are photosynthetic. A small
portion of plants lack chlorophyll and therefore
are not photosynthetic. An example includes
Rafflesia arnoldii.
c. Plants do not grow best in green light. Plants do
not absorb green light. Plants reflect green light and
therefore do not use it for photosynthesis.
d. Photosynthesis consists of a series of many step-by-
step reactions called metabolic pathways.
e. Plants produce their own food by photosynthesis
through their leaves. Plants take up water and
minerals through their roots.
f. Plants, protists, and some bacteria
can photosynthesize.
g. Plants need oxygen to break down glucose and
release energy stored in those molecules through
cellular respiration.
h. Plants take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and
take in oxygen for cellular respiration.
i. Plants respire all day and night.
j. Plants appear green because the chlorophyll reflects
green light.
17. a. outer membrane
b. grana
c. thylakoid space (lumen)
d. inner membrane  The grana are stacks of thylakoids, hollow pancake-like
e. stroma
f. thylakoid membrane
18. The shorter days and the cooler temperatures in the
fall slow down the tree’s metabolism. The leaves change
colours in the fall because the reduced production of
chlorophyll allows the other pigments to dominate.
Leaves of the deciduous plants are susceptible to
freezing damage and thus can be disposed of prior to
winter. As chlorophyll contains magnesium, a relatively
rare commodity that the plant has acquired through
expensive active transport, the recycling of chlorophyll
is economically advantageous and the plant does so.
Other pigments are composed of carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen only. These are very cheap and disposable
commodities for plants and thus not necessary to be
recycled prior to leaf fall.
19. Visible light is composed of the colours of the rainbow.
Visible light is a portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum that has sufficient energy to excite atoms/
molecules without causing ionization.
20. Energy is required for life because it fuels all the
metabolic processes in the body.
21. Plants are important to us because they provide us with
oxygen and they are a source of food.
22. Each protein (person) in the electron transport chain
(bucket brigade) passes energized electrons (bucket of
water) to the next protein. At each step in the electron
transport chain, the electrons lose energy (just like
some water might have spilled out of the bucket as the
bucket is passed down the human assembly line). If the
fire was on the top floor of the a three storey building,
the only way to raise the water up to that level is for
one of the brigade to put in energy to carry it up, like
the input of light energy in photosynthesis.
23. Euglena would be found by the hole where light
is available in the experimental tube, and evenly
distributed throughout the control test tube without
the hole.
Chapter 7 Check Your
Progress Answers
Check Your Progress 7.1
1. The primary source of energy for carbohydrate
production in plants is the sun.
2. Chloroplasts are a double-membrane bound organelle.
They have two major parts: the grana and the stroma.
structures (a granum looks like a stack of pancakes).
The flattened thylakoids are membranous disks that
contain light-capturing photosynthetic pigments such
as chlorophylls a and b. The stroma is the fluid-filled
space within the chloroplast surrounding the grana.
It is in the stroma that CO2 is enzymatically reduced
to carbohydrate.
3. The overall equation for photosynthesis:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
with the input of sunlight and the presence
of chlorophyll.
4. Light reactions require the input of light energy. They
occur on the membrane of the thylakoid and result in
the generation of NADPH and ATP, which function
in the Calvin cycle. The reactions of the Calvin cycle
(dark reactions) do not require the input of light
energy. The Calvin cycle reactions fix and reduce CO2
to produce energy-rich carbohydrates.
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-31
Check Your Progress 7.2
1. Leaves appear green because they transmit or reflect
and do not absorb the wavelengths of light that humans
see as green.
2. In the noncyclic electron pathway, the excited electron
from photosystem II passes down an electron transport
chain to photosystem I, producing ATP. The excited
electron from photosystem I is passed to NADP+,
making NADPH.
3. The photosystems, electron transport chain, and
the ATP synthase complex are all embedded in the
thylakoid membrane.
4. The H+ ion gradient across a thylakoid membrane
is referred to as a storage of energy because H+
ions present in the thylakoid space are at a higher
concentration than in the stroma. This inequality
in positive charges creates an electrochemical
gradient. The tendency is for the H+ ions to move
down this electrochemical gradient (away from the
high concentration of H+ ions). As they move from
the thylakoid space to the stroma through the ATP
synthase complex, they release the “stored” energy to
fuel ATP synthesis.
Check Your Progress 7.3
1. Carbon dioxide is fixed when it is attached to the five-
carbon molecule RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate)
by the enzyme RuBP carboxylase. It is then reduced
to a carbohydrate in a two-step process. It is energized
by ATP and then reduced by NADPH to G3P
(glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate).
2. It takes three turns of the Calvin cycle to produce one
G3P molecule. That is, three incoming carbon atoms
in CO2 produce one G3P molecule. For every three
turns of the Calvin cycle, five molecules of G3P are
used to re-form three molecules of RuBP, and the cycle
continues. Notice that 5 × 3 (carbons in G3P) = 3 × 5
(carbons in RuBP).
3. G3P is an important molecule in plant metabolism
because it can be converted to glucose, sucrose, starch,
cellulose, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Check Your Progress 7.4
1. Plants that use a method of photosynthesis other
than C3 photosynthesis include sugar cane, corn, and
succulents such as cacti.
A-32 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key
2. C4 photosynthesis is advantageous in hot, dry
conditions because it allows stomata to close during
the day so there is less loss of water without affecting a
plant’s ability to fix CO2.
Check Your Progress 7.5
1. reactants Photosynthesis products
6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2
Looking at the equation, the reactants of
photosynthesis are the products of cellular respiration,
and the reverse.
Similarities: Both are metabolic pathways involving a
series of enzymatically-catalyzed steps. Both have an
electron transport chain located within membranes
and generate ATP through chemiosmosis. Both
processes have a set of cyclic reactions located within
the fluid interior of their respective organelles.
Differences: The organelle for photosynthesis is the
chloroplast, while the organelle for cellular respiration
is the mitochondrion. In photosynthesis, the electron
carrier is NADPH + H+, during cellular respiration,
NADH is the electron carrier.
2. Although it appears that the two equations are the
reverse of each other on a macroscopic scale, at the
molecular level there are different enzymes and
metabolites in each reaction. A plant cell must contain
both chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Chapter 7 Features and
Case Studies Answers
Science in Your Life: Case Study—
Our Heritage with Plants
1. Student answers will vary. Students need to explain
their thinking behind their decision to support,
partially support, or not support Indigenous property
rights. In explaining their position they should include
compelling reasons and examples. They should
distinguish between fact and opinion. They should
provide a concluding statement. For more detail on
research possibilities see the section Differentiated
Instruction Section 3.4.
Science in Your Life: Case Study—
Understanding the Process of Photosynthesis:
An Experimental Journey Through History
1. Students will have to do research to find out about Van
Helmont’s experiment. He used a willow tree grown
in a pot to determine where plants get their mass:
from soil or water. He determined the mass of the soil
and the mass of the willow tree. He watered the tree
and recorded the mass of the water. After 5 years he
reweighed the mass of the soil and it was essentially
unchanged. However, the plant’s mass had increased
by about 74 kg. He attributed the increased mass of
the wood, bark, and roots to water—a logical (albeit
incorrect) inference, given that scientists did not know
of the existence of carbon dioxide at the time.
2. (The modelling activity on BLM 7-13 Modelling the
Source of Oxygen is an alternative way of approaching
this question.)
Ruben and Kamen used the radioactive isotope 18O
to determine the chemical source of oxygen produced
during photosynthesis. When water labelled with the
radioactive isotope 18O was consumed by plants, the
oxygen-18 isotope turned up in the O2 produced in
photosynthesis, not in the glucose molecule, C6H12O6.
They used two groups of plants. The first group of
plants was given radioactive 18O labeled H2O and
unlabelled CO2. The second group of plants was
given 18O labeled CO2 and unlabeled H2O. When
they analyzed their results they found that the oxygen
released from the first group of plants was radioactive,
but not the second. This experiment confirmed
that water is the source of the oxygen produced
by photosynthesis.
Group 1
6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2
Group 2
6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2
Chapter 7 Review Questions
1. b. oxygen
2. b. water is oxidized and carbon dioxide is reduced.
3. d. green
4. d. NADPH
5. c. II and III only
6. d. converted to cellulose by dehydration reaction and
becomes the structural component of plant cell walls.
7. d. number of gas bubbles produced on the surface of
the Cabomba leaves.
8. a. It is a reduced molecule.
9. b. A = water; B = carbon dioxide; C = oxygen
10. c. glucose
11. b. in the stroma
12. d. three carbon dioxide molecules are attached to three
molecules of RuBP
13. d. I, II, and III
14. b. oxygen
15. a. Calvin cycle
16. d. to supply electrons for the reduction of carbon
dioxide in the Calvin cycle.
17. a. chlorophyll a
18. d. Electron carriers responsible for the light-dependent
reactions are embedded in the outer membranes of
the chloroplast.
19. d. I, II, and III
20. d. carbon dioxide.
21. c. the reduction of 3PG molecules in the Calvin cycle.
22. b. NADP+
23. a. cytoplasm
24. a. reduced to G3P during the Calvin cycle
b. provides energy to allow for reduction during the
Calvin cycle
c. is the product of the reduction of carbon dioxide
during the Calvin cycle that can be used for the
production of glucose
d. is attached to carbon dioxide during the Calvin cycle
e. donates electrons and releases oxygen during the
noncyclic electron pathway
f. accepts electrons and hydrogen ions and becomes
NADPH during the noncyclic electron pathway
g. forms ATP during chemiosmosis
h. provides electrons for reduction during the
Calvin cycle
i. provides energy to drive the photosynthetic process
OR to excite pigment molecules such that electrons
are released from the reaction centre
j. absorbs solar energy
25. a. thylakoid
b. thylakoid, photosystem I, photosystem II
c. grana
d. thylakoid (membrane)
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-33
 e. thylakoid (membrane) 33. The role of NADP+ is to carry hydrogen atoms from
f. thylakoid space the light reactions to the Calvin cycle.
g. stroma 34. Water provides electrons to photosystem II.
h. portions of the non-cyclic electron transport path 35. Two events that are linked to chemiosmosis:
i. thylakoid, photosystem I, photosystem II, ADP + P → ATP; flow of hydrogen ions from
chlorophyll, accessory pigments the thylakoid space to the stroma via the ATP
j. stroma synthase complex
26. a. noncyclic electron pathway 36. When hydrogen ions flow from the thylakoid
b. Calvin cycle – reduction of carbon dioxide space to the stroma down the concentration
gradient through ATP synthase, ATP is produced
c. Calvin cycle – reduction of carbon dioxide
through chemiosmosis.
d. light reactions
37. Photosystem I is involved in both the cyclic and the
e. Calvin cycle – fixation of carbon dioxide
noncyclic pathways, while photosystem II is only
27. Diagram involved in the noncyclic pathway.
28.
Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration
Function To store energy To release energy
To synthesize glucose To break down glucose
Location in the Cell Chloroplast Mitochondrion
Type of Cell Plant Cell Plant Cell and Animal Cell
Mesophyll, bundle sheath, algal cells, cyanobacterium Fungal cells, most protists
Reactants Low-energy reactants High-energy reactants
Carbon Dioxide and Water Glucose and Oxygen
Products High-energy products ATP, Carbon Dioxide and Water
Glucose and Oxygen
Equation light energy + 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 C6H12O6 + 6O2
→ 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
Electron Transport Chain Yes Yes
Electron Carriers NADPH NADH, FADH2
ATP Synthesis by Yes Yes
Chemiosmosis
Conditions Takes place only in the presence of light Takes place all the time in light or dark
Energy Energy added in the production of glucose Energy released from glucose

29. A photosystem consists of a pigment complex to
absorb solar energy, an electron donor to provide
electrons to the transport chain, an electron acceptor
within the thylakoid membrane, and molecules of
chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids.
30. NADH and NADPH both donate the high-energy
electrons to the electron transport chain.
31. Reduction: CO2 → C6H12O6; Oxidation H2O → O2
32. The light reactions produce oxygen, electrons for
reduction during the Calvin cycle, a H+ gradient
across the thylakoid membrane to generate ATP
by chemiosmosis.
38. Without light, the light reaction (which is dependent
on light) cannot produce NADPH for the Calvin cycle.
Without NADPH, BPG cannot be converted to G3P
and the cycle will stop.
39. Flow Chart
40. Photosystem II: Light absorption - absorbs light energy
and enters the reaction center of Photosystem II,
exciting the reaction centre chlorophylls to a higher
energy level; Electron capture - the electron is captured
by the electron acceptor; Splitting of water and
releasing oxygen - Water (H2O) is split and its electrons
replace those lost by the chlorophyll. Oxygen (O2) is
released as a waste product. Photosystem I: Electron

A-34 MHR TR • BC Biology 12 Answer Key

 transport chain – electrons are passed through the
chain to Photosystem I; the chain provides energy
from the production of ATP needed in the Calvin
cycle; Light absorption - Chlorophyll in photosystem
I absorbs light energy, and the reaction centre
chlorophylls of Photosystem I release electrons to the
transport chain. These electrons are replaced by those
already in the chain from photosystem II; Conversion
of NADP+ to NADPH – the excited electrons oxidize
NADP+ to NADPH.
41. The electron transport chain passes electrons from one
carrier to the next in both the mitochondrion and the
chloroplast. The energy that is released is used to move
hydrogen ions from the stroma into the thylakoid
space in the chloroplast, but from the matrix into the
intermembrane space in the mitochondrion. In both
cases, the H+ gradient across the membrane is used to
generate ATP via chemiosmosis.
42.
Light-
Light-dependent independent
Reaction Reaction
Light Used for splitting water Not required
during reaction
Location in the Thylakoid membranes Stroma
Chloroplast
Raw Materials Water Carbon dioxide,
ATP and electrons
for reduction
Products Hydrogen ions, ATP and Carbohydrates
electrons
43. a. Light-dependent Reaction: produces oxygen gas and
converts ADP and NADP+ to ATP and NADPH;
occurs in the thylakoid; involves photosystem
I and photosystem II; photons are absorbed by
photosynthetic pigments of photosystems; photon
energy drives the transfer of electrons from
chlorophyll to an acceptor molecule which donates
them to a transport system in the membrane
b. Light-independent Reaction (Calvin cycle): uses
ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reaction
to reduce CO2 to high-energy sugars; takes place
in the stroma; ATP deliver energy and NADPH
delivers electrons to the stroma of the chloroplasts;
RuBP is needed to capture the carbon
44. Both C3 and C4 plants use the Calvin cycle. In terms of
the leaf anatomy, the C3 plants have mesophyll, while
the C4 plants have mesophyll and bundle sheath cells.
C3 plants include wheat, rice, and oats, while C4 plants
include sugarcane and corn. Photorespiration does not
occur in C4 plants, but does occur in C3 plants.
45. Possible hypothesis: If the water plant is exposed to
light, then it will produce a gas.
46. A control could be a plant that is not exposed to any
light (or kept in the dark).
47. Oxygen gas would be found in the greatest amount in
the bubbles.
48. Graph
49. Pigments in spinach leaves absorb blue and violet light,
and light in the red and orange parts of the spectrum,
more efficiently than all other light colours.
50. a. The oxygen-18 from the carbon dioxide would
appear in the G3P molecule.
b. The oxygen-18 from the water molecule would
appear in the oxygen molecule.
c. The carbon-14 from the carbon dioxide would
appear in the G3P molecule.
d. The hydrogen-3 from the water would appear in the
G3P molecule.
51. The plant was most likely placed in bright light from
0 min to 23 min. Photosynthesis was most likely
occurring because carbon dioxide was consumed.
52. The plant was most likely placed in complete darkness
between 23 min to 60 min. The amount of carbon
dioxide was slowly increasing most likely due to
cellular respiration.
53. The process that caused the change in carbon dioxide
levels was cellular respiration. Cellular respiration
produces carbon dioxide (which is indicated by the
slight increase in carbon dioxide levels in the graph).
54. There were four pigments in the sample of
spinach leaves.
55. The pigment that was most soluble was carotene.
56. Chlorophyll b travelled the shortest distance.
57. Spinach leaves contain 4 different pigments that are
soluble in ethanol but have different solubilities.
58. Experiment
BC Biology 12 Answer Key • MHR TR A-35