# A sports drink company claims that their product contains glucose, amino acids and mineral ions. Explain why each of these substances is important for the functioning of cells in the human body.

> OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422) — 2.2 Biological molecules including biochemistry · Explain · 5 marks

> Athletes are often advised to consume sports drinks before and after exercise. These drinks are formulated to contain a range of biological molecules that the body needs.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glucose is used in respiration to release energy
2. Energy (from respiration) is needed for active transport or other named cellular process
3. Amino acids are used to make proteins / are the building blocks of proteins
4. Proteins are needed for a named function such as enzymes, cell membrane structure, or muscle contraction
5. Mineral ions are needed for a named cellular function such as nerve impulse transmission, enzyme function, or maintaining water potential / osmosis

## Key terms

- [glucose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucose)
- [amino acids](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amino-acids)
- [mineral ions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mineral-ions)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-sports-drink-company-claims-that-7589ec3b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.