VCAA Chemistry How are organic compounds analysed and used?

5 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers

Q11
2021
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q11
1 mark

Enzymes can act as biological catalysts because they

A

can be denatured.

B

lower the activation energy.

C

are sensitive to pH and temperature changes.

D

increase the equilibrium constant for the reaction.

Q5
2024
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q5
1 mark

Titration is a volumetric analysis method used to

A

measure the pH of an analyte.

B

determine the volume of a titrant.

C

calculate the concentration of an identified solution.

D

prepare a standard solution of known concentration and volume.

Q2
2023
QCAA
Paper 2
3 marks
Q2
3 marks

Compare the structure of α\alpha-helix and β\beta-pleated sheets in the secondary structure of proteins.

Similarity:

Difference:

Significance:

Q4
2022
QCAA
Paper 2
8 marks
Q4

Bioethanol is a renewable energy source made from biomasses such as starch and cellulosic materials. The two-step process for the conversion of starch and cellulose to bioethanol is shown.

ProcessStep 1Step 2Conversion to glucoseProduction process
StarchEnzymatic hydrolysis (α\alpha-amylase) of starch biomass to form glucoseFermentation of glucose to form bioethanol (yeast)EasierFaster
CelluloseAcid hydrolysis (H2SO4(aq)H_2SO_4(aq) at 320 ^{\circ}C and 25 MPa) of cellulose biomass to form glucoseFermentation of glucose to form bioethanol (yeast)HarderSlower
Q4a
2 marks

Identify why it is important to control the temperature during the fermentation process to produce bioethanol.

Q4b
3 marks

Explain why cellulose is harder to convert to glucose than starch.

Q4c
3 marks

After 48 hours of fermentation, a 15% w/v glucose solution produces 37.5 g L137.5\ \text{g L}^{-1} of ethanol. Calculate the percentage yield of ethanol. Show your working. (to one decimal place)

Q4
2024
QCAA
Paper 2
11 marks
Q4

Bioethanol can be synthesised from plants rich in starch. Amylose and amylopectin in the starch are converted to glucose, which then undergoes fermentation to produce ethanol.

(C6H10O5)xenzymesC6H12O6yeast2(C2H5OH)+2CO2(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_5)_x \xrightarrow{\text{enzymes}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 \xrightarrow{\text{yeast}} 2(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}) + 2\text{CO}_2
(starch) \hspace{2cm} (glucose) \hspace{2cm} (bioethanol)

Q4a
2 marks

Explain the role of enzymes in converting the amylose and amylopectin in starch to glucose.

Q4b
4 marks

Describe the structure of amylose and amylopectin by completing the table.

 AmyloseAmylopectin
Monomer  
Glycosidic linkage  
Chain structure  
Shape  
Q4c
3 marks

Determine whether the fermentation of glucose to bioethanol is a redox reaction. Explain your reasoning.

Q4d
2 marks

Calculate the atom economy for the fermentation of glucose to bioethanol. Show your working.

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