Sem1.

Exam revision SL [262 marks]

1. 23M.1.SL.TZ1.24

What occurs in the human small intestine during digestion?

A. Cellulose is digested to maltose.

B. Starch is digested to amylose and amylopectin.

C. Lipids are digested by amylase.

D. Proteins are digested by endopeptidases.

[1]

Markscheme

2. 23M.1.SL.TZ1.26

What happens during blood clotting?

A. A chain reaction causes platelets to release antibodies to avoid infections.

B. Thrombin is converted into fibrinogen after a series of chemical reactions.

C. Sealing of wounds by fibrinogen makes platelets release antibodies for clotting.

D. Chemical reactions cause wounds to seal after platelets release clotting factors.

[1]

Markscheme

3. 23M.1.SL.TZ1.27

What is the effect of antibiotics on viruses?

A. Antibiotics have no direct effect on viruses.

B. Antibiotics affect the metabolism of viruses.

C. Viruses will evolve to present resistance to the antibiotic.

 D. Antibiotics directly prevent viruses from reproducing.

[1]

Markscheme

4. 23M.1.SL.TZ1.30

Which hormone helps control levels of glucose in blood?

A. Insulin secreted by the liver cells

B. Thyroxin secreted by the thyroid gland

C. Glucagon secreted by the α cells of the pancreas

D. Melatonin secreted by the β cells of the pancreas

[1]

Markscheme

5. 23M.1.SL.TZ2.28

Which sequence represents the reaction leading to the formation of a blood clot?
 [1]

Markscheme

6. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.24

Which process describes starch metabolism in humans?

A. Starch is digested by amylase in the mouth, stomach and small intestine.

B. Amylase digests starch into monomers of sucrose.

C. Glucose produced by the digestion of starch can be stored as glycogen.

D. Optimal activity of amylase occurs in the stomach at pH 2.

[1]

Markscheme

C
7. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.25

Which structures are part of the walls of both capillaries and veins?

I. Cells

II. Pores

III. Elastic fibres

A. I only

B. I and II

C. I and III

D. I, II and III

[1]

Markscheme

8. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.26

What is a method of transmission of HIV and its effect on the immune system?

[1]

Markscheme

9. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.27

A cell from the lungs, observed under the microscope, contains a large number of secretory
organelles. Which conclusion can be drawn about the cell?
 A. It is a type I pneumocyte.

B. It is a type II pneumocyte.

C. It could be either a type I or type II pneumocyte.

D. It is a red blood cell.

[1]

Markscheme

10. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.28

The image shows a neuron.

What is the function of X?

A. Increases the speed of transmission along the axon

B. Increases the rate of exchange of sodium and potassium ions

C. Holds bundles of neurons together to form a nerve

D. Determines the direction of the action potential

[1]

Markscheme

11. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.29

Leptin helps to regulate body mass in humans and mice. The image shows an obese mouse (O)
and a normal mouse (N).
 [Source: [Obesity in mice]. [image online] Available at:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fatmouse.jpg Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S.
Department of Energy.]

What hypothesis could account for the differences between the mice?

A. The hypothalamus of mouse O stopped producing leptin.

B. Adipose cells of mouse O are continuously producing leptin.

C. Mouse N has a defective leptin receptor.

D. Leptin binds to receptors in the hypothalamus of mouse N.

[1]

Markscheme

12. 22M.1.SL.TZ1.30

What is most likely to increase in the presence of insulin?

A. The rate of anaerobic respiration

B. The chances of Type I diabetes

C. The uptake of glucose by muscles

D. The concentration of glucagon

 [1]

Markscheme

13. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.24

The graph shows the amounts of two substances present in food ingested by a healthy person
as it moves along the gut.

Which substances could X and Y be?

 [1]

Markscheme

14. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.25

Changes in heart rate occur during and after a period of exercise.

 Which structure sends messages to the sinoatrial node of the heart to cause changes in heart
rate?

A. Adipose tissue

B. Medulla of the brain

C. Pineal gland

D. Thyroid gland

[1]

Markscheme

15. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.26

The light micrograph shows two blood vessels, an artery and a vein, in transverse section.
 [Source: Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, n.d. Epithelium: Simple
Squamous Epithelium. [image online] Available at:
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/medical/sbpm_histology_old/lab/lab02_squamous.html
[Accessed 29 November 2019].]

What explains the different shapes of these blood vessels?

A. Arteries do not have valves.

B. Muscle cells are found only in the walls of veins.

C. Arteries have a larger lumen-to-wall thickness ratio.

D. There are fewer elastic fibres in the walls of veins.

[1]

Markscheme

16. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.27

Pressure changes inside the thorax cause the movement of air in and out of the lung alveoli
during ventilation. Alveolar pressure correlates to thoracic pressure. The diagram shows
pressure changes in lung alveoli during ventilation in relation to normal atmospheric pressure.
What causes forced movement of air out of the lungs at T?
 [1]

Markscheme
 B

17. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.28

The diagram shows the synaptic transmission of nerve impulses by the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine.

[Source: Zhang, X. A Mathematical Model of a Neuron with Synapses based on Physiology. Nat
Prec (2008).
https://doi.org/10.1038/npre.2008.1703.1 available at
https://www.nature.com/articles/npre.2008.1703.1
Source adapted.]

What is the fate of acetylcholine immediately after binding to the receptor?

A. It is pumped into the postsynaptic neuron.

B. It diffuses into the presynaptic neuron.

C. It is broken down in the synaptic cleft.

D. It binds to another receptor in the postsynaptic neuron.

[1]
 Markscheme

18. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.29

What is an example of negative feedback in the menstrual cycle?

A. High levels of estrogen inhibit FSH secretion.

B. High levels of LH stop progesterone secretion.

C. High levels of FSH delay ovulation.

D. High levels of progesterone make follicles less receptive to FSH.

[1]

Markscheme

19. 22M.1.SL.TZ2.30

Which labelled structure of the male reproductive system contributes to formation of semen?
 [1]

Markscheme

20. 21M.1.SL.TZ1.26

A fluid sample is taken from the digestive tract of a mammal. The sample is basic (alkaline) and
able to digest starch and proteins. From which part of the digestive tract was the fluid taken?

A. Mouth

B. Stomach

C. Small intestine

D. Gall bladder

[1]

Markscheme
 C

21. 21M.1.SL.TZ1.27

What is a property of arteries?

A. Arteries have elastic walls.

B. Arteries have valves.

C. All arteries carry oxygenated blood.

D. Arteries receive blood from the atria.

[1]

Markscheme

22. 21M.1.SL.TZ1.28

The graph shows the blood levels of hormones associated with the menstrual cycle.

[Source: By OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site.

http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013., CC BY 3.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?
curid=30148641.]
 Which line on the graph represents progesterone?

A. Line A

B. Line B

C. Line C

D. Line D

[1]

Markscheme

23. 21M.1.SL.TZ1.29

What blood flow does the right semilunar valve prevent?

A. Backflow of blood to the right atrium during ventricular contraction

B. Blood flowing from the aorta back into the heart when the ventricle is filling

C. Blood flowing from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle when the heart is relaxing

D. Blood flowing from the right atrium to the vena cava when the right atrium contracts

[1]

Markscheme

24. 21M.1.SL.TZ1.30

Which reaction occurs in blood clotting?

 [1]

Markscheme

25. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.24

What is the name of the enzyme in the diagram?

A. Amylase

B. Maltase

C. Glucosidase

D. Sucrase

[1]

Markscheme

26. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.25
 The diagram shows changes in pressure in the left atrium, left ventricle and aorta during a single
cardiac cycle. At what point during the cycle does the atrioventricular valve close?

[1]

Markscheme

27. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.26

Which cells are subject to attack by HIV?

A. Lymphocytes

B. Erythrocytes

C. Platelets

D. Phagocytes

[1]

Markscheme
 A

28. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.27

Which is an adaptation to increase rates of gas exchange in the lung?

A. Small surface area

B. Dry surface

C. High vascularization

D. Muscular alveoli

[1]

Markscheme

29. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.28

Where in the body are type I pneumocytes found?

A. Alveoli

B. Nephrons

C. Capillaries

D. Trachea

[1]

Markscheme

30. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.29

What is the function of the hormone leptin?

A. Increase the uptake of glucose from the blood

B. Reduce appetite

C. Increase metabolic rate

D. Promote sleep

[1]
 Markscheme

31. 21M.1.SL.TZ2.30

What is a similarity between the testes of males and the ovaries of females in humans?

A. They produce gametes throughout the life of the individual.

B. They secrete hormones into the blood stream.

C. Their development is controlled by a gene on the Y chromosome.

D. They release products to the outside of the body directly through the urethra.

[1]

Markscheme

32. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.24

Where in the human body is lipase produced?

A. Stomach

B. Pancreas

C. Gall bladder

D. Liver

[1]

Markscheme

33. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.25

What are these structures?

 [Source: Burgstedt | Dreamstime.com]

A. Fatty acids in the small intestine

B. Bacteria in the large intestine

C. Villi in the small intestine

D. Feces egested from the large intestine

[1]

Markscheme

34. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.26

Which feature of capillaries distinguishes them from arteries and veins?

A. Narrow diameter
 B. Valves to prevent backflow

C. Thick muscular walls

D. Elastic tissue

[1]

Markscheme

35. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.27

The diagram shows the major events involved in the formation of a blood clot.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

 What is Factor Y?

A. Fibrin

B. Prothrombin

C. Fibrinogen

D. Thrombin

[1]

Markscheme

36. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.28

Which statement applies to HIV?

A. HIV infects red blood cells resulting in decreased production of hemoglobin.

B. HIV can be effectively treated using antibiotics.

C. HIV can only be transmitted by sexual intercourse.

D. HIV causes a reduction in production of antibodies.

[1]

Markscheme

37. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.29

The diagram shows a graph of an action potential.

 [Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538143/figure/article-17127.image.f1/?
report=objectonly
Physiology, Action Potential by Michael H. Grider and Carolyn S. Glaubensklee.
Copyright © 2019, StatPearls Publishing LLC
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

What is happening at X?

A. Sodium channels close.

B. Calcium channels open.

C. Sodium channels open.

D. Potassium channels close.

[1]

Markscheme

38. 19M.1.SL.TZ1.30

The diagram shows the human female reproductive system.

 [Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

What is produced by structure X?

A. FSH

B. X chromosomes

C. Fertilized eggs

D. Estrogen and progesterone

[1]

Markscheme

39. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.24

What is an advantage of capillary walls being one cell thick in the systemic circulation?

A. To allow carbon dioxide to diffuse into tissues

B. To allow oxygen to diffuse out of tissues

C. To allow glucose to diffuse into tissues

D. To allow urea to diffuse into tissues

 [1]

Markscheme

40. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.25

What causes the atrioventricular valves to close during a heartbeat?

A. Pressure in the atria is higher than in the ventricles.

B. Pressure in the atria is lower than in the ventricles.

C. Pressure in the arteries is higher than in the ventricles.

D. Pressure in the arteries is lower than in the ventricles.

[1]

Markscheme

41. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.26

In premature babies born earlier than the 30th week of pregnancy, type II pneumocytes are
usually not fully developed, so they do not carry out their function normally. What is a possible
consequence of this?

A. The number of alveoli reduces.

B. The size of the alveoli increases.

C. Capillary networks do not develop fully and oxygen is not absorbed.

D. Surface tension between alveoli does not decrease and the alveoli stick together.

[1]

Markscheme

42. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.28

The diagram shows a motor neuron.

 [Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

What are the biochemical nature and function of the myelin sheath?

A. The myelin sheath is mainly protein which allows growth of the axon.

B. The myelin sheath is mainly protein which acts as membrane carriers.

C. The myelin sheath is mainly lipid which allows saltatory conduction.

D. The myelin sheath is mainly lipid which provides an energy source.

[1]

Markscheme

43. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.29

Which hormone is part of a negative feedback control system and acts on cells in the
hypothalamus?

A. Insulin

B. Glucagon

C. Melatonin

D. Leptin

[1]

Markscheme

44. 19M.1.SL.TZ2.30
The diagram shows the human female reproductive system

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Which labels indicate where fertilization occurs and where luteinizing hormone (LH) acts?

[1]

Markscheme
 D

45. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.2

Common pesticides used by gardeners contain neonicotinoids.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2018]

What is the effect of a neonicotinoid pesticide on the transmission of a nerve impulse between
neurons in an insect?

A. It prevents the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane.

B. It widens the synaptic cleft so diffusion of acetylcholine across the gap is slower.

C. It irreversibly binds with acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

D. It interferes with the enzymatic breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase.

[1]

Markscheme

46. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.3

How does potassium move across the membrane of a neuron during repolarization?
 A. Simple diffusion

B. Facilitated diffusion

C. Endocytosis

D. Active transport

[1]

Markscheme

47. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.24

The photomicrograph drawing shows a longitudinal section of the small intestine.

[Source: Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body]
 What is the function of the tissue layers labelled X and Y?

A. Secretion of digestive enzymes

B. Absorption of digested food

C. Transport of absorbed foods

D. Movement of food in the intestine

[1]

Markscheme

48. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.25

Which vessel carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart?

A. Aorta

B. Pulmonary artery

C. Vena cava

D. Pulmonary vein

[1]

Markscheme

49. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.26

A combination of antibiotics and bioengineered antibodies to bacterial antigens is now being

used in hospitals to treat bacterial infections. What makes this method more effective than just
using antibiotics alone?

A. Increases selective pressure on bacteria to evolve antibiotic resistance

B. Bacteria become noticeable to phagocytes

C. Antibodies can be cloned by the immune system

D. Blocks metabolic pathways in bacteria

[1]

Markscheme
 B

50. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.27

After 8 hours of sleep and before eating, which hormone will be secreted and what cells secrete
it?

[1]

Markscheme

51. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.28

How are the insides of alveoli prevented from sticking together?

[1]
 Markscheme

52. 18M.1.SL.TZ1.30

What hormone controls the metabolic rate of body cells?

A. Insulin

B. Leptin

C. Melatonin

D. Thyroxin

[1]

Markscheme

53. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.24

The diagram shows the human digestive system. Which organ is responsible for the majority of
the absorption of digested food?
 [Source: BruceBlaus/Wikimedia. File licensed under CC BY 3.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)]

[1]

Markscheme

54. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.26

The body has different defenses against infectious disease. Which cells provide non-specific
immunity?

A. Memory cells

B. Phagocytic white blood cells

C. Plasma cells

D. Hybridoma cells

[1]

Markscheme

55. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.27

Florey and Chain injected four mice with Streptococcus bacteria and then penicillin and all four
mice recovered from the infection. What would be essential to show that penicillin caused their
recovery?

A. A control group that was infected but not treated with penicillin

B. Experiments to test for effects of penicillin on other bacteria

C. Experiments to test for effects of different dosages of penicillin in mice

D. Determination of the chemical structure of penicillin

[1]

Markscheme

A
56. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.28

What is the role of type II pneumocytes?

A. To carry out gas exchange

B. To keep the alveoli moist

C. To increase surface tension

D. To maintain partial pressures of gases

[1]

Markscheme

57. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.29

What process is blocked by neonicotinoid pesticides in insects?

A. Transmission of the nerve impulse in the presynaptic neuron

B. Formation of the synaptic vesicles

C. Release of the neurotransmitter

D. Binding of neurotransmitters to postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors

[1]

Markscheme

58. 18M.1.SL.TZ2.30

Which hormone is matched with its site of production and its role?
 [1]

Markscheme

59. 23M.2.SL.TZ1.4

The diagram shows water molecules as they might be arranged in liquid water and
the interactions between them.

(a.i) State how many water molecules are shown in the diagram.

[1]
 Markscheme

10;

(a.ii) Identify the interactions that are shown between the water molecules.

[1]

Markscheme

hydrogen bonds/H bond;

(b.i) With reference to the diagram, explain how water in sweat evaporates.

[2]

Markscheme

a. heat increases molecular motion/vibration;

b. (hydrogen) bonds break/bonds between water molecules break;
c. water evaporation is separation of water molecules/water changes from liquid to
gas/vapour;
d. heat removed from skin surface/body;

(b.ii) Outline the reasons for secretion of sweat in humans.

[2]

Markscheme

a. cooling/removal of heat/lowering body temperature;

b. to prevent overheating
OR
to help maintain body temperature/for temperature homeostasis/for thermoregulation
OR
to keep temperature at 37 °C;

60. 23M.2.SL.TZ2.1

There is increasing interest in the bacteria that live in the human gut, known as the
gut microbiota. Evidence is accumulating of widespread effects on human health, with
some species of bacteria increasing the prevalence of specific diseases and others giving
protection.
 Long-term diet appears to influence the numbers and types of bacteria that are present in
an individual’s gut. Several different characteristic combinations of bacteria (called
enterotypes) have been discovered. The stacked column graph shows relative amounts of
different genera of bacteria in the gut of people with four of these enterotypes. The Bacteroides
2 (B2) enterotype is associated with an increased prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease.

[Source: Material from: Vieira-Silva, S., Falony, G., Belda, E. et al., Statin therapy is associated with lower

prevalence of gut microbiota dysbiosis, published 2020, Nature, reproduced with permission of SNCSC.]

(a) Using the data in the stacked column graph, describe the features that characterize the B2
enterotype.

[2]

Markscheme

a. nearly half is Bacteroides / more Bacteroides (than other enterotypes);

b. few Prevotella/fewer Prevotella than in P and R
OR
less Faecalibacterium than other enterotypes
OR
Ruminococcus is the lowest in B2;
c. only 40 % other taxa / fewer other taxa (than other enterotypes) / less overall diversity (of
taxa);

Samples of feces were collected from 40 individuals and were immediately frozen to preserve
them. The numbers of bacteria in the feces (cell counts / 1011 cells g-1) were later measured
and the enterotype was determined. The box plot shows this data. Each data point shows the
cell count from one fecal sample.
 [Source: Material from: Vandeputte, D., Kathagen, G., D’hoe, K. et al., Quantitative microbiome profiling links

gut community variation to microbial load, published 2017, Nature, reproduced with permission of SNCSC.]

(b) Estimate the median number of bacterial cells per gram of feces in the R enterotype.

[1]

Markscheme

1.9 × 1011 / 190000 million / 190 billion (cells per gram); Cells per gram not
needed as in stem. Accept 1.80 × 1011 to 1.95 × 1011.

(c) Distinguish between the cell counts in the R and B2 enterotypes.

[2]

Markscheme

a. lower values for cell counts in B2 (than in R) / converse

OR
median is higher in R (than in B2) / R median is 1.9 versus B2 median is 1.1
OR
lower number of cell counts in R;
b. all counts in R higher than third/75th/upper quartile in B2
OR
25-75 % range (box) in B2 is smaller than in R;
c. R maximum 3.1 versus B2 maximum is 2.1
OR
R maximum is higher than B2 max;
d. B2 minimum is lower than R minimum;

The ranges are basically the same.

(d) Comment on the data for the P enterotype.

[1]

Markscheme

a. only one sample/count/data point;

b. only analysed feces from one person (with this enterotype);
c. not a big enough sample;

Statins are drugs that are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol concentrations in
the blood. As part of research into the effects of statins, the enterotype and body mass
index (BMI) of 782 individuals were determined. The results are shown in the stacked graph.
[Source: Material from: Vieira-Silva, S., Falony, G., Belda, E. et al., Statin therapy is associated with lower

prevalence of gut microbiota dysbiosis, published 2020, Nature, reproduced with permission of SNCSC.]

(e.i) Estimate the prevalence of the P enterotype at a BMI of 50.

[1]

Markscheme

0.35; Accept any values between 0.33 and 0.37. Accept 35%.

(e.ii) State the relationship between BMI and the prevalence of the B2 enterotype.

[1]

Markscheme

B2 is associated/commoner/more prevalent in people with higher BMI

OR
(prevalence of) B2 increases as BMI increases; Accept positive
correlation/OWTTE.

(f) Evaluate the evidence provided by the data in the graph for the hypothesis that the R
enterotype causes low BMI.

[2]

Markscheme
a. R is more common/prevalent in people with low BMI;
b. statement about it being far more common;
c. but this correlation does not prove that R causes low BMI;
d. low BMI could(actually) be the cause of higher prevalence of R;

So ‘R is far more common in people with low BMI’, would gain both a and b.

The 782 individuals for whom BMI and enterotype had been determined were divided into four
groups, according to whether or not they were taking statins and their BMI category.
The prevalence of the four enterotypes in each of these groups is shown as a percentage in
the pie charts.

[Source: Material from: Vieira-Silva, S., Falony, G., Belda, E. et al., Statin therapy is associated with lower

prevalence of gut microbiota dysbiosis, published 2020, Nature, reproduced with permission of SNCSC.]

(g) The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease rises with increases in BMI. At any BMI level,
individuals with the B2 enterotype have a higher prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease
than with other enterotypes. Using the data in the graph, discuss whether statins could
reduce the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease.

[2]

Markscheme
a. high/highest % of B2 enterotype in people with BMI greater than (or equal to) 30 with no
statins
OR
taking statins could reduce the percentage of B2 enterotype in people with BMI ≥ 30
OR
reducing BMI to below 30 could lower % of people with B2 enterotype without taking
statins;
b. but statins may not cause a person to change from B2 to another enterotype
OR
lower B2 in those taking statins if BMI is > 30 so might reduce IBD/inflammatory bowel
disease
OR
but when BMI < 30, there is almost double the prevalence of B2 in those taking statins so
might not have an effect / increase (prevalence of) inflammatory bowel disease;

One for correct data and one for discussion

61. 23M.2.SL.TZ2.2

The dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) is cultivated as a food crop in tropical countries. Leaf cells
in L. purpureus have 24 chromosomes.

(a) State how many chromosomes there would be in male or female gametes of L. purpureus.

[1]

Markscheme

12; No alternative.

L. purpureus can have purple or white flowers. Two pure-breeding varieties were crossed: HA 4
with white flowers and GL 424 with purple flowers. All of the F1 plants had purple flowers. The F1
plants were self-pollinated to produce an F2 generation. There were 97 plants with purple flowers
and 38 plants with white flowers in the F2 generation.

(b) Using a Punnett grid, explain the results of this cross.

[3]

Markscheme

a. male and female gamete genotypes/alleles shown as P and p (or others following
convention with a suitable key) in a punnet grid;
b. F2 genotypes shown as PP, Pp, pP and pp;
c. F2 phenotypes indicated for each genotype on the Punnett grid / 3 purple to 1 white ratio
indicated;
 Accept other upper-case and lower-case letters for the alleles.

No punnet grid = 2 MAX. Allow ECF if alleles incorrect.

(c) Suggest a reason for the F2 generation not corresponding exactly to the expected ratio of
purple-flowered and white-flowered plants.

[1]

Markscheme

chance / OWWTE; (any of the usual mechanisms causing recombination of

alleles) NOT mutation. Any wording that implies the bigger the sample size, the
closer to 3:1.

62. 22M.2.SL.TZ1.1

Three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) are placental mammals that live in trees in Central and
South America. They eat leaves and fruit and get almost all their water from succulent plants.
[Source: Adapted from Laube, S., 2003. Three-toed-sloth (Bradypus variegatus), Lake Gatun,
Republic of Panama. [image online] Available at:
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bradipus#/media/File:Bradypus.jpg]

Three-toed sloths change their body posture in response to the temperature of their environment
(ambient temperature). Researchers assessed posture on a scale from 1 to 6, with 1 being when
the sloth was curled into a tight ball and 6 when it had all limbs spread. The percentage of time
the sloths were observed in each position was recorded at ambient temperatures from 22 °C to
34 °C. The researchers also measured the body temperature of the sloths over the same range
of ambient temperatures.
[Source: Adapted from Cliffe, R.N., Scantlebury, D.M., Kennedy, S.J., Avey-Arroyo, J., Mindich,
D. and Wilson, R.P., 2018. The metabolic response of the Bradypus sloth to temperature. PeerJ,
[e-journal] 6: e5600. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.5600. Licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.]

(a.i) State the relationship between sloth body temperature and ambient temperature.

[1]

Markscheme

body temperature increases with ambient temperature / positive correlation;

Since direct can be either –/+, no credit for direct correlation alone.

(a.ii) Explain how this relationship differs from that in humans.

[1]

Markscheme

humans maintain/regulate a constant body temperature at different ambient

temperatures/maintained by homeostasis;

(b.i) Describe the trend in body posture as ambient temperature rises from 22 to 34 °C.
 [1]

Markscheme

As ambient temperature increases, the sloth spends more time with limbs spread
OR
as ambient temperature increases the sloth spends less time curled in a ball
OR
as ambient temperature rises, the posture changes from 1 to 6;

(b.ii) Suggest reasons for this trend.

[2]

Markscheme

a. less surface area is exposed when curled up

OR
more surface area is exposed when all limbs spread;
b. curled position prevents heat loss/provides warmth
OR
stretched out position allows more heat loss/body cooled;

The daily food intake of three-toed sloths and daily ambient temperatures were monitored over a
160-day period from February to early July. The graphs show the mean results.
 [Source: Cliffe et al. (2015), Sloths like it hot: ambient temperature modulates food intake in the
brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus). PeerJ 3:e875; DOI 10.7717/peerj.875 Licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.]

(f) The mean daily food intake fluctuated from day to day. State the month that contains the day
on which the mean intake of food was highest.

[1]

Markscheme

May;

(g) Outline the relationship between ambient daily temperature and food intake in March.

[2]

Markscheme

a. food intake rises as daily temperature increases / positive correlation;

b. the lowest food intake corresponds to the lowest temperature;
 (h) Suggest, with a reason, how the activity of the sloth varies with ambient temperature.

[1]

Markscheme

a. the sloth will be more active at higher temperatures as it takes in more food for energy;
b. as temperature rises, the sloth uncurls to dissipate/lose heat;

Reason required.

(i) State one feature of the sloth that would indicate it is a mammal.

[1]

Markscheme

a. mammals have mammary glands;

b. produce milk for their offspring;
c. bodies covered in hair/fur;

Characteristic must be exclusive to mammals.

If more than one answer, use the first one given.

63. 22M.2.SL.TZ1.5

The graph shows the change in the membrane potential of an axon during an action potential.
(a) State the approximate value of the membrane potential at X.

[1]

Markscheme

0 mV; (accept answers in the range of – 10 mV to +10 mV) (Units required)

(b) Y is the threshold potential. State what happens when the threshold potential is reached.

[1]

Markscheme

sodium channels (start to) open

OR
depolarization/axon begins to depolarize
OR
action potential occurs;
Reject pumping of ions.

(c) Describe the movements in ions that occur during time t.

[2]
 Markscheme

Na+/sodium ions diffuse into the axon (in the first part/half of t);
K+ /potassium ions diffuse out of the axon (in the second half/part of t)
Do not accept the name of the element without indication that it is an ion.

(d) Explain how a nerve impulse is passed on to other neurons.

[3]

Markscheme

a. impulses pass to another neuron at a synapse/across synaptic gap/cleft;

b. (depolarization causes) Ca2+/calcium ions to diffuse into the (presynaptic) neuron/axon;
c. depolarization (of presynaptic neuron) causes release of a neurotransmitter
OR
neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse;
d. (neurotransmitters) bind to receptors on postsynaptic neuron/membrane;
e. (if the threshold potential is reached) an action potential occurs/sodium gates open (in
the postsynaptic neuron);

64. 22M.2.SL.TZ1.6

(a) Outline reasons for the therapeutic use of stem cells.

[3]

Markscheme

a. unspecialized/undifferentiated stem cells can divide / differentiate along different

pathways;
b. (stem cells are accessible as they) come from embryos/bone marrow/umbilical cord
blood/adult tissue;
c. (stem cells) can regenerate/repair diseased/damaged tissues in people;
d. valid specific example;
e. drugs can be tested on stem cells (in laboratories to see if they are harmful);

(b) Describe how leaf cells make use of light energy.

[5]

Markscheme

a. leaf cells contain chloroplasts;

b. light is absorbed by chlorophyll (in chloroplasts);
c. other pigments absorb different wavelengths;
d. light energy is used in photosynthesis;
e. (light is needed) to combine water and carbon dioxide/fix carbon dioxide;
f. carbon compounds/organic compounds/glucose/starch/carbohydrate are produced;
g. blue and red light is absorbed;
h. perform photolysis
OR
split water molecules;

Wavelengths accepted for mpg.

(c) Explain how cells and cell components in the blood defend the body against infectious
disease.

[7]

Markscheme

Platelets: [3 max]

a. damage/cuts to blood vessels causes platelets to be activated;

b. the platelets release clotting factors;
c. initiates cascade of reactions
OR
fibrinogen is converted to fibrin;
d. forms a mesh over the damaged area;
e. prevents pathogens from entering the body;

Phagocytes: [3 max]

f. phagocytes/phagocytic white blood cells in the blood travel to the site of infection;
g. (phagocytes) squeeze between the capillary cells;
h. (phagocytes) engulf/ingest/take in pathogens;
i. the pathogen is digested/broken down by/within the phagocyte;

Lymphocytes: [3 max]
j. lymphocytes recognize a particular fragment/antigen of a pathogen;
k. (lymphocytes) release antibodies;
l. (antibodies) provide specific immunity;
m. memory cells provide rapid response giving long-term immunity (to pathogens previously
recognized);
n. antibodies destroy pathogens;

ECF may be applied when candidates use white blood cells in place of specific
terms.

65. 22M.2.SL.TZ2.1

There is growing evidence of a decrease in bee populations. This decrease is a serious problem
because of their valuable role as pollinators in the ecosystems where they live. Neonicotinoid
pesticides have been implicated in this decrease because they have been found at trace levels
in the nectar and pollen of crop plants and in the bee colonies.
 Scientists placed colonies of a species of bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, in the laboratory to test
the effects of different levels of a neonicotinoid on their development. They divided the colonies
into three groups:

• The control colonies were given a solution of water and sugar that resembled nectar produced by
flowers.

• A second group of colonies was given the same sugar solution containing a neonicotinoid
dissolved in it at low concentrations, similar to those found in nature.

• A third group of colonies was given the same sugar solution containing a neonicotinoid dissolved
in it at high concentrations, similar to those found in nature.

After two weeks, all colonies were placed in the field to allow the bumblebees to feed naturally.

(a.i) Describe the effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on the nervous system of insects.

[1]

Markscheme

a. blocks synaptic transmission at (cholinergic synapses);

b. binds to (acetylcholine) receptors;

The mass of the colonies, including adult bumblebees, wax, honey and larvae, was recorded
every week. The cumulative increase in mass was calculated and is shown on the graph.
 [Source: Adapted from Whitehorn, P.R., O’Connor, S., Wackers, F.L. and Goulson, D., 2012.
Bumble Bee Colony Growth and Queen Production. Science, [e-journal] 336(6079), pp. 351–
352.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1215025.]

(a.ii) State the cumulative increase in the mass of control colonies at 7 weeks.

[1]

Markscheme

230 g;
Accept range of 215 – 265. This takes into account the beginning and end of
week 7.
Unit required.

(a.iii) Compare and contrast the cumulative increase in mass of the three groups of colonies
once they were placed in the field.

[2]

Markscheme

a. all increased in (cumulative) mass gain up to 5–6 weeks

OR
all decreased (in cumulative mass gain) after 6 weeks;
b. both with neonicotinoids have significantly lower (cumulative) mass than the control
colonies (at all periods)
OR
colonies exposed to high concentration always had the lowest (cumulative) mass gain;

Accept vice versa.

(a.iv) Suggest a reason for the changes in mass in the colonies between weeks 6 and 8.

[1]

Markscheme

a. less production of honey/wax;

b. fewer bees/dispersal of bees/queens;
c. bad weather/environmental change/predators/disease/pests;

The number of queen bumblebees produced in each colony was recorded. New bumblebee
colonies are started by a queen.
 [Source: Adapted from Whitehorn, P.R., O’Connor, S., Wackers, F.L. and Goulson, D., 2012.
Bumble Bee Colony Growth and Queen Production. Science, [e-journal] 336(6079), pp. 351–
352.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1215025.]

(b) Using the data in the graph, predict how the use of neonicotinoid pesticides will affect
bumblebee populations.

[3]

Markscheme

a. number of populations may/will decrease;

b. both treatments decreased very significantly the number of queens;
c. low treatment had (almost) the same effect as the high
OR
even low levels have as toxic/lethal effects as high levels;
d. without new queens, new colonies cannot be founded;
e. no/less/little reproduction (as only queens lay eggs);
f. new colonies are essential to maintain bumblebee populations;

A similar study compared the effect of a different neonicotinoid on four different species of
bumblebees. The queens were exposed to either control conditions (with no pesticide), or low or
high doses of neonicotinoid. The scientists then measured the average length of the developing
eggs in the ovaries of the queens.
 [Source: Baron GL, Raine NE, Brown MJF. 2017 General and species-specific impacts of a
neonicotinoid insecticide
on the ovary development and feeding of wild bumblebee queens. Proc. R. Soc. B 284:
20170123.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.0123 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source adapted.]

(c.i) Identify the species whose eggs are most affected by a high dose of neonicotinoid.

[1]

Markscheme

B. lucorum;

(c.ii) Describe the overall effects of low and high doses of neonicotinoid on the egg lengths of all
four species.

[2]

Markscheme

a. low doses caused (slight) decrease in (average) egg lengths in 3 species/most species
OR
low doses caused a slight increase in 1 species/B. pascuorum;
b. high doses caused (slightly) lower (average) results in all 4 species (compared to
control);
c. in only one species/B. pratorum, the high doses caused larger lengths than the low
doses;

Accept any other valid comparison.

(d) Deduce, based on the data presented, whether the levels of neonicotinoids used in
agriculture cause direct harm to B. terrestris.

[1]

Markscheme

a. yes, as even low/both doses (of first neonicotinoid) affect the (overall) development of
colonies negatively; (From Graph 1)
b. yes, as decreased numbers of queens (likely) affect reproductive capabilities; (From
Graph 2)
c. the second neonicotinoid (likely) had less/little/no effect on the bees as it had little effect
on egg size; (From Graph 3)

OWTTE

66. 22M.2.SL.TZ2.6

People with the inherited disease hemophilia have a deficiency in one of the proteins that act as
clotting factors in blood.

(a) Outline how a protein is made in a cell by the process of translation.

[5]

Markscheme

a. translation occurs on ribosomes when proteins/polypeptides are synthesized;

b. amino acid sequence of a protein is determined by the mRNA;
c. mRNA is determined by the order of bases of DNA/order of bases sequence in a gene;
d. codons (of 3 bases) on mRNA correspond to one amino acid in a polypeptide;
e. codons are on mRNA and anticodons on tRNA;
f. mRNA binds to ribosome/(during initiation) small ribosomal subunit binds to the start of
the mRNA sequence;
g. tRNA transfers an amino acid to large ribosomal subunit/to the ribosome;
h. reference to start or stop codon;
i. tRNA moves to the next mRNA codon to continue the process, creating an amino acid
chain;
j. peptide bond formed between amino acids
k. translation/order of amino acids depends on complementary base pairing between
codons and anticodons;
 (b) A family has a history of hemophilia that is caused by a sex-linked recessive allele. A woman
from this family is a carrier and marries a man who does not have the allele. Showing your
working, determine the probability of their children having the disease.

[3]

Markscheme

a. alleles clearly labelled for both parents (in a Punnett square or other format);
b. correct genotypes for all four possibilities for children;

c. phenotypes of the children: the sons would have a 50 % chance of having hemophilia
and the daughters would have 0 % chance of having hemophilia/50 % chance of being a
carrier;

Sex needs to be mentioned for mpc but info can be taken from the Punnett
square.

(c) Explain how blood clotting occurs and the consequence for a person who has hemophilia.

[7]

Markscheme

Clotting process:

a. blood clotting seals cuts in the skin;

b. clotting factors are released (from platelets);
c. thrombin is activated;
d. a cascade reaction occurs (with thrombin);
e. (thrombin causes) fibrinogen is converted to fibrin;
f. fibrin forms a clot/blocks the cut/prevents blood from being lost;
Consequences of hemophilia:
g. if a person does not have enough clotting factors/hemophilia, the clot will not form;
h. pathogens can enter the body more easily;
i. (in hemophiliacs) blood will be lost from a cut which affects blood pressure/bleeding to
death;
j. loss of blood affects amount of hemoglobin/O2 carried around the body;
k. reference to lifestyle / menstrual/birth problems

e.g. surgery, contact sports

67. 21M.2.SL.TZ1.3

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in many cereals. The
diagram shows the arrangement of normal villi and villi affected by celiac disease in the small
intestine.

(a) Outline the functions of the villi in the small intestine.

[2]

Markscheme

a. increase the surface area for absorption ✔ b. absorption of digested

foods/nutrients ✔ c. absorption of mineral ions/vitamins ✔

(b) Explain the consequences of celiac disease for absorption of digested nutrients.

[2]

Markscheme

a. (celiac disease/gluten causes) much smaller villi/flattened villi/smaller surface

area (of villi) / no villi ✔ b. (smaller villi leads to) less efficient/less/slower/poor
absorption
OR
nutrients/energy lost / fatigue/malnutrition may result ✔ c. (celiac sufferers) must
eat a gluten-free diet / WTTE ✔ Note that this question requires an explain not an
outline.
 (c) Wheat, barley and rye all contain gluten. Outline how a protein such as gluten is digested.

[2]

Markscheme

a. enzymes/protease required ✔ b. (protease/peptidase) breaks peptide

bonds/bonds between amino acids ✔ c. hydrolysis adds water molecules/breaks
peptide bonds between amino acids ✔ d. protein/macromolecule converted to
monomer/amino acids ✔ e. endopeptidase/enzymes/protease/trypsin secreted by
the pancreas ✔ Peptidase/endopeptidase can be accepted instead of protease for
mpa. mpd can be awarded for an appropriate equation.

68. 21M.2.SL.TZ1.1

Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections.
Zidovudine (ZDV) and nevirapine (NVP) are examples of antiretroviral drugs. There are
concerns that these drugs may be toxic to body cells in mitosis. In a study using Allium cepa,
root tips were exposed to the drugs for 96 hours at a range of concentrations. The control
treatment was a drug concentration of 0μmol. In the graph, root lengths after the 96-hour
treatment period are expressed as a percentage of the length of the control.

[Source: Onwuamah CK, Ekama SO, Audu RA, Ezechi OC, Poirier MC, Odeigah PGC (2014)
Exposure of Allium cepa Root Cells to Zidovudine or Nevirapine Induces Cytogenotoxic
Changes. PLOS ONE 9(3): e90296. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090296 (CC0 1.0 -
https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/).]

(a.i) Deduce the concentration of ZDV that would cause a 50 % reduction in root growth
compared to the control.

[1]
 Markscheme

75 μmol ✔ Allow answers in the range of 70 µmol–80 µmol.

(a.ii) Identify the root length, as a percentage of the control, resulting from a ZDV concentration
of 400 μmol .

[1]

Markscheme

24 % ✔ Allow answers in the range 23 %–25 %.

(b) Compare and contrast the effect of ZDV and NVP on the growth of Allium roots.

[2]

Markscheme

Similarities: a. reduce root length (compared to the control) ✔ b. (ZDV and NVP)
have greatest change (in growth) at lowest concentrations (of ZDV and NVP) ✔ c.
same effect at 200 μmol ✔ d. above/at about 400 μmol effect levels off ✔
Differences: e. the change/differences become significant after 200 μmol ✔ f. ZDV
has a (slightly) larger effect / NVP has a (slightly) smaller effect / WTTE
OR
above 400 μmol effect of ZDV remains higher / NVP remains lower ✔ Answer
must contain one similarity and one difference. Credit may be given for numeric
differences when accurately stated.

Both ZDV and NVP are believed to have a damaging effect on the process of mitosis but ZDV in
particular is believed to block the formation of the spindle.
[Source: Medical Images / Carolina Biological.]

(c) Based on the information, suggest with a reason which of the labelled cell types will become
more common in Allium root tips treated with ZDV.

[2]

Markscheme

a. Y (will become more common) ✔ b. spindle not formed yet

OR
cells x and z have spindles ✔ c. cells in Y cannot progress (into Z/into metaphase)
✔

(d) Allium root tips continue to show some growth even at high concentrations of NVP. Suggest a
possible reason for the growth seen in root tips with 800μmol NVP.

[1]

Markscheme

a. still some mitosis ✔ b. individual cells grow/elongate (expand by absorbing

water) ✔ c. NVP is not 100 % effective / does not enter all of the cells / not all cells
have come in contact with NVP ✔ d. roots have reached maximum saturation of
NVP and are no longer functionally affected ✔ e. some cells are resistant to the
drug ✔ Accept reasonable suggestions.
Mitosis plays an important role in tissue regeneration and can be an important factor in recovery
from surgery. The hormone leptin has been shown to promote mitosis in certain circumstances.
The bar chart shows the mitotic indices of liver tissue exposed to leptin and control tissue during
72 hours after surgery.

[Source: Adapted from Cilekar M, Uysal O, Bal C, Turel S, Yılmaz S. Leptin increases mitotic
index and regeneration ratio in hepatectomized rats. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2013 Nov
13;19:279-84. doi: 10.12659/MSMBR.889591]

(e) Deduce the change in mitotic index after 72 hours compared to the control.

[1]

Markscheme

0.3 / 100 % increase / doubling ✔

Do not penalize errors in significant figures. For example, 0.34 would be
acceptable.

(f) Based on the data, evaluate the evidence for leptin promoting regeneration of liver tissue.

[3]

Markscheme

a. mitotic index in treatment greater than in control/leptin appears to promote

mitosis ✔
b. mitotic index increases with time suggests ongoing regeneration/growth
OR
positive correlation between exposure to leptin and increased mitotic index ✔
c. but experiment limited to 72 hours/regeneration/recovery may take longer than
72 hours ✔
 d. no error bars shown/no information on significance/sample size ✔
Acknowledge WTTE.

(g) Outline the role of leptin in appetite control.

[1]

Markscheme

a. acts on receptors in the hypothalamus/appetite centre ✔

b. inhibits appetite ✔
Accept WTTE for mpb.

69. 21M.2.SL.TZ1.7

(a) Outline the process of inhalation.

[4]

Markscheme

a. diaphragm contracts / moves downwards/flattens ✔ b. external intercostal

muscles contract ✔ c. (muscle contraction) moves the rib cage upwards and
outwards ✔ d. increases volume of the thorax / lungs ✔ e. difference in
pressure/decreasing pressure causes air to flow into lungs / lungs inflate ✔

(b) Explain the process of gas exchange taking place in the alveoli.

[7]

Markscheme

a. O2 diffuses into blood and CO2 diffuses out from blood ✔ b. blood entering the
alveoli is high in CO2/low in O2 ✔
OR
air in alveolus is high in O2/low in CO2 ✔ c. diffusion (in either direction) take place
due to concentration gradients ✔ d. concentration gradients maintained by
ventilation/blood flow ✔ e. large surface area created by many alveoli/spherical
shape of alveoli for more efficient diffusion ✔ f. rich supply of capillaries (around
alveoli) allows efficient exchange ✔ g. type I pneumocytes are thin to allow easy
diffusion/short distances ✔ h. gases must dissolve in liquid lining of alveolus in
order to be exchanged ✔ i. type II pneumocytes secrete surfactants to reduce
surface tension/prevent lungs sticking together ✔ j. type II pneumocytes create
moist conditions in alveoli ✔

(c) Discuss the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and global
temperatures.
 [4]

Markscheme

a. greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm ✔ b. (over-time) earth’s temperature has

fluctuated naturally ✔ c. changes in human activities have led to increases in CO2
concentration ✔ d. CO2 absorbs infrared/long wave radiation / trapping heat ✔ e.
increase in atmospheric CO2 (concentration) correlates with/causes increased
global average temperature ✔ f. use of fossil fuels increases atmospheric CO2 ✔
g. deforestation removes a carbon sink / less CO2 absorbed ✔ h. loss of polar ice
causes less reflection of surface light/ more reradiation as heat contributing to
(global) warming ✔ i. CO2 is not the only greenhouse gas/ there are other
greenhouse gases ✔

70. 21M.2.SL.TZ1.4

Squid have been used for research on nerve impulses. The mechanism of nerve transmission in
these animals is the same as that in humans. The image shows an oscilloscope trace from a
nerve impulse in a squid’s giant axon.

[squid] Pixabay.

(a) Estimate the resting potential for this axon.

[1]

Markscheme

−65 mV ✔
Unit required; minus sign required. Accept answers from −62mV to −65mV.

(b) Outline the role of the sodium–potassium pump in maintaining the resting potential.
 [2]

Markscheme

a. sodium/potassium pump pumps sodium ions Na+ out of axon and pumps
potassium ions/K+ in ✔
b. requires energy/ATP/against concentration gradients/active transport ✔
c. three sodium ions pumped out for every two potassium ions pumped in ✔
d. results in charge difference between inside and outside where outside is
positive relative to inside ✔

71. 19M.2.SL.TZ2.6

(a) Describe briefly the endosymbiotic theory.

[3]

Markscheme

a. eukaryotes evolved from prokaryotes ✔

b. prokaryotes engulfed other prokaryotes without digesting them ✔
c. engulfed aerobic cell/prokaryote became mitochondria ✔
d. engulfed photosynthetic cell/ prokaryotes became chloroplasts ✔
e. these organelles have a double membrane «due to the engulfing process» ✔
f. mitochondria/chloroplasts contain DNA/small ribosomes/70S ribosomes ✔

(b) Outline how photosynthesis produces glucose.

[4]

Markscheme

a. solar/light energy is converted to chemical energy ✔ b. energy needed to

produce glucose ✔ c. only specific wavelengths are absorbed by chlorophyll
OR
red and blue absorbed most strongly.
OR
chlorophyll is the pigment that absorbs light energy ✔

d. H(+)/electrons from water are used to reduce compounds ✔ e. CO2 is

absorbed/used/reduced to produce carbohydrates ✔ f. correct word/balanced
symbol equation of photosynthesis ✔ Accept correct reference to NADPH/ATP
from AHL.

(c) Discuss the control of blood glucose levels and the consequences if they are not maintained.

[8]
 Markscheme

control: [6 max]

a. homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment ✔ b. the

pancreas produces hormones that control the levels of glucose ✔ c. if glucose
levels in blood are high, beta-cells «of the pancreas» produce insulin ✔ d.
«insulin» causes the cells to take up /absorb glucose ✔ e. liver stores excess
glucose as glycogen ✔ f. if glucose levels in blood are low, alpha-cells «of the
pancreas» produce glucagon ✔ g. «glucagon» causes the liver to break down
glycogen into glucose ✔ h. «glucagon» increase levels of glucose in the blood ✔ i.
negative feedback controls the glucose levels ✔ OWTTE consequences: j. if the
pancreas produces little/no insulin a person can develop type I diabetes ✔ k. a
person with type I diabetes «usually» needs/is dependent on injections of insulin
✔ l. type II diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin/cells do
not respond to insulin ✔ m. type II diabetes can «sometimes» be controlled by diet
and exercise ✔ n. named consequence of having diabetes «eg: eye damage» ✔
Award [6 max] if no consequences are given.

72. 19M.2.SL.TZ2.1

Mice (Mus musculus) have various defence systems against predators such as foxes (Vulpus
vulpus) or stoats (Mustela erminea). The mice release specific alarm compounds when under
threat that serve as danger signals for other mice. Predators also release scents that the mice
can detect.

In one study, mice were exposed to paper soaked in compounds taken from other mice, foxes or
stoats in a test chamber. The scientists then measured the reaction of three different groups of
neurons used in smelling: G1, G2 and G3, as shown in the diagram.

The percentage of G1, G2 and G3 neurons responding to the mouse, fox and stoat compounds,
as well as a control compound, are shown in the chart.
Percentage of response of neurons in mice

[Source: Julien Brechbühl, et al., (2013), PNAS, 110 (12), pages 4762–4767]

(a) State the percentage of G2 neurons in the mice that respond to the fox scent.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .%

[1]

Markscheme

10–25 «%» ✔

(b) Using evidence from the chart, identify, giving a reason, which group of neurons responded
most to the chemicals.

[1]

Markscheme

G1 always respond more than 25% «except control», while G2 and G3 always
respond 25% or less ✔ G1 always responds more than G2 and G3/all of the
others ✔ OWTTE

The scientists recorded the neural traces (action and resting potentials) of six G1 neurons
exposed to the compounds from the different animals. The horizontal bar beneath each trace
corresponds to the time of exposure to the test compound.
[Source: adapted from J Brechbühl, et al., (2013), PNAS, 110 (12), pages 4762–4767]

(c) State the name of the instrument used to make these traces.

[1]

Markscheme

oscilloscope ✔

(d) Distinguish between the effects of the mouse alarm compound and the effects of the control
compound on the G1 neurons.

[1]

Markscheme

mouse chemicals cause action potentials «in all six neurons» while control ones
cause none «remain in resting potential»/mouse chemicals cause greater
responses ✔
OWTTE
(e) Compare and contrast the effects of the mouse alarm compound and stoat scent on the G1
neurons.

[2]

Markscheme

a. both chemicals cause action potentials

OR
both chemicals respond in the majority of/five/most neurons ✔
b. stoat scent causes a higher action potential/longer/bigger response than mouse
alarm compound «in each neuron»
OR
neuron 2 reacts strongly to the stoat scent but has a minimal/no response to the
mouse alarm compound ✔

(f) Deduce whether there is a correlation between the neural traces and the percentage of
responding G1 neurons.

[2]

Markscheme

a. there is a positive relationship/correlation between the size of neural traces and

the percentage of responding G1 neurons Accept vice versa
OR
the chemicals that cause stronger/higher neural traces also cause the greatest
percentage of responding G1 neurons ✔
b. fox and stoat scents have «approximately» the same/similar neural traces and
the same percentage of responding neurons/>75 % ✔
c. mouse alarm compounds cause smaller neural traces and smaller percentage
of responding neurons/25–75 % ✔
d. control chemicals have no response in both cases
OR
no percentage of «G1 neurons» response and no action potential «in neural
traces» ✔

(g) The molecular structures of the mouse alarm compound and fox scent are very similar.
Suggest an evolutionary advantage for this chemical similarity.

[1]

Markscheme

the mice would have the same response to another mouse’s danger signal as to
the actual presence of the predator/fox
OR
adaptation to fool predator by producing a scent similar to predator’s own scent
 OR
allows a group response to a predator/fox/danger when just one mouse detects
the danger ✔
Accept any other feasible answer.

Another study was carried out on the defence systems in aphids (Myzus persicae) which feed on
thale cress plants (Arabidopsis thaliana). Individual aphids release an alarm compound
containing the chemical (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) when attacked by a predator. Other aphids are
repelled and leave the thale cress plant or hide.

The gene for EBF was inserted to produce transgenic (T) thale cress plants to test aphid
reaction to EBF over several generations. Aphids were raised on wild type (W) thale cress and
then allowed to feed for three generations on either W or T thale cress. Aphids were tested in
each generation for their reaction when EBF was added to a choice chamber. The percentages
of aphids attracted to or repelled by EBF and those which made no choice were recorded.
[Source: M De Vos, et al., (2010), PNAS, 107 (33), pages 14673–14678]

(h) Identify, with a reason, the aphids that were most strongly repelled by EBF.

[1]

Markscheme

the aphids that were fed on wild-type thale cress/W as they had 80 % «or more»
repelled each generation/ always had the higher % response
OR
the aphids that fed on wild-type thale cress plants/W of G3 as they had «about»
85 % repelled/had the higher % response ✔
Answer should refer to a percentage.

(i) Outline the conclusions that can be drawn from the data in the graph for the group of aphids
fed for three generations on transgenic thale cress plants (T).

[2]

Markscheme

a. «over the generations» fewer are repelled by EBF ✔ b. «over the generations»
more are attracted to EBF ✔ c. by G3 a «slight» increase in no choice ✔ d. aphids
respond less to EBF/alarm compound if they feed on plants that produce
it/exposed to it constantly ✔ e. mutant aphids with attraction to transgenic plants
can arise from aphids with no attraction or repulsion to transgenic plants
OR
aphids with no attraction or repulsion to transgenic plants may produce new type
of aphids with attraction to transgenic plants ✔

(j) Discuss whether natural selection would favour the transgenic EBF-producing thale cress
plants if they were released into the wild.

[2]

Markscheme

a. mutant aphids/varieties may be indifferent to/attracted to transgenic plants as

these do not present a hazard «not favour» ✔

b. initially/for limited time the plants would thrive as the aphids would be
«largely»repelled and thus not eat the plants «so natural selection would favour
them» ✔
c. over time/in a few generations, the aphids population become more
resistant/more attracted/less repelled to EBF and return to feed on the plants so
long-term benefit very limited «so natural selection would not favour them» ✔
d. the aphids resistant to EBF would not respond to other aphid alarms and
«likely»be more readily eaten by predators «so the long-term benefit to plants
could be supported by natural selection» ✔
 The answers must indicate whether natural selection would support or not for
each statement.

73. 18M.2.SL.TZ1.6

(a) Outline the role of the parts of an alveolus in a human lung.

[4]

Markscheme

a. the (spherical) wall of an alveolus maximizes/allows gas exchange b.

pneumocytes I (optimize) gas exchange c. pneumocytes II produce surfactant d.
adjacent capillaries enclose alveolus for efficient gas exchange with blood e.
surfactant reduces surface tension/prevents collapse of alveolus f. (alveolar)
macrophages/phagocytes help with defense/homeostasis/response to foreign
substances

(b) Explain how antibiotic resistance can evolve in bacteria, such as those causing pneumonia.

[4]

Markscheme

a. antibiotic resistance exists as a genetic variation (within the population) b.

(antibiotic resistance) may occur from transfer of genetic material
OR
(antibiotic resistance) may occur through mutation c. resistance is specific to one
antibiotic d. only bacteria with resistance gene reproduce in the presence of
antibiotic e. frequency of resistant bacteria increases in population f. resistant
population replaces non-resistant over time

(c) Many diseases are caused by bacteria and other pathogens. Explain, using examples, how
other factors can lead to disease in humans.

[7]

Markscheme

Since this question is open-ended here is how it may be marked:

For any non-pathogenic disease being addressed, look for the following
components
● name of disease/condition.
● factor/category e.g.: genetic, lifestyle, environmental, psychological, multi-
factoral.
● description/symptoms of disease.
● cause of disease. At least 2 of these qualities must be present to earn any
marks for a disease or category/factor
 For this question use the unlettered tick. Award 4 MAX if only one condition is
explained. Sample answers:
e.g.
cystic fibrosis genetic multiple lung infections/sticky mucus allows opportunistic
bacterial infections of lungs / patients lack lipases/cannot digest fat/do not “thrive”
recessive (autosomal) allele / homozygous recessive subjects display cystic
fibrosis phenotype / chloride channels are faulty e.g.
rickets
environmental / lifestyle / nutritional
bones are soft/do not calcify
lack of vitamin D

74. 18M.2.SL.TZ1.3

(a) Using the Punnett grid, explain how two parents can have children with any of the different
ABO blood groups.

[3]

Markscheme

a. correct gametes of one parent as IA AND i in header line/column

AND
correct gametes of other parent as IB AND i in header column/line
b. correct corresponding genotypes in inner squares as IAIB, IAi, IBi, ii
c. corresponding phenotypes of children identified as AB, A, B and O
d. ratio of phenotypes is 1:1:1:1 OWTTE
 Allow ECF.

(b) Distinguish between the structure of arteries and the structure of veins.

[3]

Markscheme

a. arteries have thicker (muscular) walls/layer/tunica (media)

OR
veins have thinner (muscular) walls/layer/tunica (media) b. arteries have no
valves
OR
veins have valves c. arteries have thicker elastic layer
OR
veins have thinner elastic layer d. arteries have a smaller lumen/bore
OR
veins have a larger lumen/bore Accept answers presented in a table.

(c) Explain how cuts in the skin are sealed by blood clotting.

[2]

Markscheme

a. clotting factors released from platelets

b. clotting process involves a cascade/series of reactions
c. produces thrombin
d. causes rapid conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin
e. fibrin makes a mesh to seal the wound OWTTE

75. 18M.2.SL.TZ1.2

(a.i) Distinguish between the structure of amylose and the structure of amylopectin.
 [1]

Markscheme

amylose unbranched/helical while amylopectin branched / vice versa

(a.ii) Suggest the reason for cellulose passing undigested through the human gut.

[1]

Markscheme

enzymes required to digest cellulose not present in the human gut OWTTE
OR
undigested cellulose provides bulk/fibre

(b) Draw an annotated diagram to show how a peptide bond is formed.

[3]

Markscheme

a. correct structure of two amino acids

b. H2O lost
c. C from COOH of one links to N of NH2/NH3+ from the other
d. correct labelling of the peptide bond
e.g.
 (c) State two structural features that differ between RNA and DNA.

[2]

Markscheme

a. number of strands
OR
(usually) only one strand in RNA/two strands in DNA b. base composition
OR
uracil only in RNA / thymine only in DNA c. type of pentose
OR
ribose only in RNA / deoxyribose only in DNA

76. 18M.2.SL.TZ2.1
Edible insects have been a part of traditional human diets in many countries. For example,
crickets are insects commonly eaten in Asia and Africa. Many studies have looked at the
prospects of raising insects on a commercial scale for direct human consumption as food or
indirectly by feeding insects to farm animals.

One factor to consider is which organisms are most efficient at converting the feed they eat into
animal protein that can be consumed. A study compared the percentage of mass that was edible
in two common farm animals and in crickets.

(a.i) Identify which organism has the highest percentage of edible mass.

[1]

Markscheme

cricket

(a.ii) Calculate how much more feed is required by cattle than chickens to produce 1 kg of live
mass.

[1]

Markscheme
 25 − 4 = 21kg «more required for cattle»
Must state unit kg.

(a.iii) Identify which organism requires the least feed to produce 1 kg of edible mass.

[1]

Markscheme

cricket

The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is native to temperate regions of the world and has
been studied as a possible means of producing food in countries with that type of climate. The
amino acid content of yellow mealworms and cattle was analysed. The table shows the results
for seven amino acids that are required in the human diet.

(b.i) Distinguish between the amino acid contents of yellow mealworms and cattle.

[1]

Markscheme

a. mealworms have more isoleucine/leucine/valine than cattle

b. cattle have more lysine/methionine/phenylalanine/threonine c. the total

proportion of these amino acids is «slightly» greater in cattle (188 to 176)

(b.ii) Predict, with a reason, whether the amino acid composition of yellow mealworms or cattle
is more suitable for a human diet.
 [1]

Markscheme

a. cattle as they are more closely related to humans

b. cattle as they are more likely to have proteins with a similar amino acid
composition to humans OWTTE. c. cattle as they contain a «slightly» higher
proportion of «essential» amino acids required in human diet (188 to 176)
OWTTE

The environmental impact of producing protein from mealworms was compared with the impact
of producing traditional protein sources. The graphs show the greenhouse gas production
(global warming potential) and land use due to the production of 1 kg of protein from
mealworms, chickens and cattle.

(c) Outline the differences between the environmental impact of using mealworms and traditional
farm livestock for protein production.

[2]
 Markscheme

a. mealworms contribute much less to global warming than other traditional farm
livestock for protein production

b. mealworms require less land use than other traditional farm livestock for protein
production
Accept converse or OWTTE.

(d) Birds and mammals maintain constant body temperature despite considerable losses of body
heat to the environment. In insects such as mealworms, body temperature is variable and
is often the same as the temperature of the environment or only slightly above it. Analyse
the data in the bar charts, using this information.

[2]

Markscheme

a. cell respiration required to generate heat (lost to environment) to maintain body

temperature b. birds/chickens and mammals/cattle carry out cell respiration at
higher rate than insects c. «chickens/cattle therefore» generate more CO2 per kg
protein produced d. «chickens/cattle» need more food/land area to produce body
mass e. feed conversion ratios are lower in mealworms/insects/cold blooded
animals as they do not need to maintain a constant body temperature (accept
converse)

(e) Using all the relevant data in this question, discuss the use of insects as a major food source
for humans.

[3]

Markscheme

a. insects/crickets have the highest edible percentage

b. insects have the lowest feed conversion ratio/produce the most edible mass
per kg of food they eat
c. insects supply amino acids required in the human diet
d. insects cause less global warming/use less land area per kg of protein
produced
e. in western countries, there is a disgust factor/cultural factors about eating
insects which would need to be overcome before they could be used as a
significant food source
f. insects may supply less proportions/content of amino acids required in human
diets

77. 18M.2.SL.TZ2.5
Every cell is surrounded by a cell surface membrane which regulates the movement of materials
into and out of the cell.

(a) Draw an annotated diagram of the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure.

[4]

Markscheme

a. phospholipid bilayer – with head and tails b. hydrophilic/phosphate/polar heads

AND hydrophobic/hydrocarbon/fattyacid/non-polar tails labelled. Both needed. c.
integral/intrinsic protein – embedded in the phospholipid bilayer d. protein
channel – integral protein showing clear channel/pore e. peripheral/extrinsic
protein – on the surface f. glycoprotein with carbohydrate attached g. cholesterol
– shown embedded in bilayer Award [1] for each structure clearly drawn and
correctly labelled.

(b) Describe the processes involved in absorbing different nutrients across the cell membrane of
villus epithelium cells lining the small intestine.

[4]

Markscheme

a. «simple» diffusion of nutrients along/down a concentration gradient

b. example of simple diffusion, eg: fatty acids c. facilitated diffusion of nutrients

involves movement through channel proteins d. example of nutrient for facilitated
diffusion eg: fructose e. active transport of nutrients against a concentration
gradient / involving protein pumps f. example of active transport, eg: (iron)
ions/glucose/amino acids g. endocytosis / by means of vesicles h. example of
nutrient for endocytosis, eg: cholesterol in lipoprotein particles

(c) Explain the events that occur during a nerve impulse and how the impulse is propagated
along an axon.

[7]

Markscheme

a. nerve impulses are action potentials propagated along axons of neurons

b. resting potential is −70 mV
OR
relatively negative inside in comparison to the outside
c. Na+/K+ pumps maintain/re-establish «the resting potential»
d. more sodium ions outside than inside «when at the resting potential»
OR
more potassium ions inside than outside «when at the resting potential»
e. action potential stimulates «wave of» depolarization along the membrane/axon
f. «when neuron is stimulated» if threshold potential is reached Na+ channels
open
g. sodium ions diffuse/move in
h. «Na+ move in» causing depolarization / inside of the neuron becomes more
positively charged than the outside of the neuron
i. potassium ion channels open
OR
potassium ions diffuse/move out
j. «K+ move out» causing repolarization
k. local currents
OR
description of Na+ ion diffusion between depolarized region and next region of
axon to depolarize
l. myelination increases propagation speed/allows saltatory conduction
Accept any of the points clearly explained in an annotated diagram.

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2023