What is the most

likely classification of the novel organism? (1 mark)

The ecologists

used a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to investigate the abundance of the novel

organism in several different ecological niches including hydrothermal vents,

deep-sea sediments and shallow coastal waters. The qPCR assay was performed

using a primer that specifically targeted a gene

carried by the novel organism.

Examine the

qPCR results shown above. Which ecological niche (hydrothermal vents, deep-sea

sediments, shallow coastal waters) had the highest abundance of the novel

organism? Briefly explain how you reached this conclusion. (2-3 sentences) (2

marks)

The researcher

conducted the GWAS using next-generation sequencing technology. Did the

researcher conduct whole genome sequencing or whole exome sequencing? Use the information

available above to justify your response. (2-3 sentences) (2 marks)

The ACTC1

gene encodes an actin protein that is only expressed in cardiomyocytes (i.e.

cardiac muscle cells). The schematic below shows the histone modifications that

are present in the

Use the

information provided above to explain why the

Use the drop-down boxes to complete the following sentences: (0.5 marks each, 1 mark total)

In cardiomyocytes

the

In fibroblasts

the

The ACTB

gene encodes an actin protein that is ubiquitously expressed in all human

cells. As shown in the schematic below, the promoter region of the

The researcher

uses a specialised laboratory technique to examine DNA methylation in the

The ACTB

and

Use the drop-down boxes to classify the chromosomes. (0.5 marks each, 1 mark total)

ACTB is located on

ACTC1 is located on

The import of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase into the mitochondrion is defective

in cell line HEP-M1. The researcher used subcellular fractionation and western

blotting to detect acyl-CoA dehydrogenase in different subcellular

compartments. The western blotting results for normal healthy hepatocytes and the

HEP-M1 cell line are summarised in the figure below.

Which of the

following mutations (A, B, C) is most likely present in the HEP-M1 cell line?

Use the western blotting results and your knowledge of the mitochondrial

protein import process to justify your response. (2-3 sentences) (2 marks)

A. The acyl-CoA

dehydrogenase mitochondrial signal sequence is mutated