Cell Biology

1. The diagram shows how vesicles are used to transport

materials in a cell.

(ii) endocytosis/phagocytosis/pinocytosis
Reject exocytosis.
[1]
(b) fluidity of membrane allows change of shape/invagination/formation of
vesicles;
phospholipids can move / phospholipid bilayer makes membrane
fluid/flexible;
weak bonding between phospholipid tails;
bends/kinks in the phospholipid tails prevent close packing;
cholesterol affects membrane fluidity;
[2 max]

Molecular Biology
1. (a) Define the active site of an enzyme. [1]
.........................................................
.........................................................
(a) (i) State the name of organelle A. [1]
.............................................
..............
(ii) State the process occurring at B. [1]
.............................................
..............

(b) Explain how the active site promotes enzymesubstrate specificity. [2]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
(c) Outline possible effects of acids on enzyme activity. [2]

Answer
1. (a) (i) Golgi apparatus/complex/body
Reject Golgi vesicle and Golgi unqualified. [1]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................

.........................................................
.........................................................

2. Two foods were measured with a calorimeter to determine the

energy in each. Five trials on potato chips and five trials on
walnuts were performed. The results are shown in the table below.

.........................................................
(c) Both potato chips and walnuts contain lipids. State one function of
lipids. [1]

.........................................................
.........................................................
ANSWER

1)
(a) region/site where a substrate binds [1]
(b) shape of active site matches that of the substrate;
chemical properties/charges of active site attract the substrate;
active site can change to induce fit of substrate; [2 max]

(a) Calculate the mean energy for the walnut. [1]

(c) changes the charge/ionization of amino acids/R-groups;

changes 3-D structure (of active site)/tertiary structure / denatures
enzyme;
substrate no longer binds/fits so decreases activity;
could increase activity if optimum pH of enzyme is acidic; [2 max]
2)

.........................................................
(b) Explain how this data shows which food had the greatest variation in
its energy content. [2]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................

(a) 25.8 kJ g1 (units needed) [1]

(b)
a. walnut has the greatest variation in energy content;
b. because the standard deviation/range (much) greater for walnuts
than for potato chips;

c. the small standard deviation/range for potato chips indicates that

the data are clustered closely around the mean/the large standard
deviation/range for
walnuts indicates that the data are spread out further from the mean;
d. 68 % of the values will fall within one standard deviation of the
mean which is 2.0 (kJ g1) for walnuts but only 0.1 (kJ g1) for the
potato chip / OWTTE; [2 max]
(c) energy source/storage / insulation / provision of essential fatty
acids / hormones / waterproofing / component of membranes /
buoyancy / bile salts / protection of internal organs [1]
Only award marks to the first function if candidate gives more than
one function.
Genetics

(iii) Identify the phenotypes of each part of the phenotypic ratio. [2]
Ratio
Phenotypes
9
3
3
1
(b) The image shows the karyotype of a person who developed as a
female.

1. a) In a strain of soybeans, high oil content (H) in seeds is dominant

to low oil content (h) and four seeds in a pod (F) is dominant to two
seeds in a pod (f). A farmer crosses two soybean plants, both with high
oil content and four seeds in a pod. The offspring have a phenotypic
ratio of 9:3:3:1.
(i) Identify the genotypes of the soybean plants with high oil content
and four seeds in a pod that were used in the cross. [1]
.........................................................
(ii) Determine the genotypes of the gametes and offspring using a Punnett
grid. [2]

(i) Deduce the reason for the person developing as a female. [1]

.........................................................
(ii) Determine, with a reason, whether this karyotype shows that nondisjunction has occurred. [1]

.........................................................
.........................................................

(ii) yes as there is only one X chromosome/chromosome missing/only 45

chromosomes [1]
Ecology

Answer

1. (a) Distinguish between autotrophs and heterotrophs. [2]

(a) (i) HhFf X HhFf / (both) HhFf; [1]

(ii)

.........................................................
. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
(b) Define saprotroph. [1]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

all gametes shown correctly on Punnett grid;

all offspring genotypes correct; [2]
(iii)

(c) State an external feature that is different in:

(i) Cnidaria and Mollusca. [1]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
(ii) Mollusca and Annelida. [1]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

2. The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring process.

(b) (i) no Y chromosome [1]

(a) (i) State one greenhouse gas. [1]

. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Answer

(ii) Explain how radiation of different wavelengths is involved in the

greenhouse effect. [2]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b) The enhanced greenhouse effect can cause a rise in atmospheric
temperature.
(i) Outline two consequences of a global temperature rise on arctic
ecosystems. [2]
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...................................................
........
(ii) Outline one effect of a temperature rise on plants. [1]

1)

(a) autotrophs make their own food/organic molecules/organic

matter and heterotrophs feed on/obtain their food/organic molecules
from other organisms;
autotrophs use/require inorganic molecules/CO 2 and heterotrophs
require (complex) organic molecules; [2]
(b) an organism that lives on/in non-living/dead (organic) matter
and secretes digestive enzymes/digestive juices into it / OWTTE [1]
(c) (i) Cnidaria have radial symmetry while Mollusca have bilateral
symmetry;
Cnidaria have tentacles/nematocysts/stinging cells while Mollusca
do not;
Mollusca (may) have a (hard) shell while Cnidaria do not;
Mollusca have a mouth and anus while Cnidaria have only one
opening;
Mollusca have a muscular/large foot while Cnidaria do not;
other valid external difference; [1 max]
(ii) Annelida are segmented while Mollusca are not (visibly
segmented);
Annelida may have bristles/chetae/chaetae while Mollusca do not;
Mollusca (may) have a (hard) shell while Annelida do not;
Mollusca have a muscular/large foot while Annelida do not;
other valid external difference; [1 max]

2) (a)
(i) carbon dioxide / methane / oxides of nitrogen / water vapour /
ozone / CFCs [1]
(ii) incoming shorter-wave radiation/UV/visible passes through
Earths atmosphere;
converted to longer-wave radiation/heat/infrared;
atmosphere absorbs/traps longer-wave radiation/infrared/heat;
[2 max]
Answers can be given in the form of an annotated diagram.
Answers must specify long wave/infrared/heat and short wave
radiation.
(b)
(i) increased rates of decomposition (of detritus in permafrost);
expansion of the range of habitats available to temperate species;
loss of ice habitat;
changes in distribution of prey species affecting higher trophic
levels;
increased success of pest species/pathogens;
rise in sea levels;
[2 max]
Mark only the first two answers given.

(a) State two processes that cause population size to decrease. [2]
.........................................................
.........................................................
(b) Explain how meiosis promotes variation. [3]
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
Answer

1)
(a) mortality / fatal disease / predation / competition / other cause of
death;
emigration; [2]

(ii) rate of photosynthesis increases as temperature increases;

rate of transpiration increases as temperature increases;
shift in plant distribution / OWTTE;
[1 max

(b) (in prophase I) crossing over/chiasmata formation (between

homologous chromosomes);
random alignment of homologues/bivalents in metaphase I /
independent assortment of homologues / chromosomes;
second division of meiosis separates alleles further;
combinations of alleles in gametes is unlimited/2n; [3 max]

Evolution and Biodiversity

Human Physiology

1. The probability of extinction of a species increases if the population

is small with low genetic variation.

1. (a) Outline the mechanisms involved in the control of heartbeat. [3]

.........................................................
.........................................................

.........................................................
(ii) Outline the function of this cell. [1]

(b) Explain how the direction of blood flow in the heart is controlled.
[2]
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
2. (a) Outline the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). [3]
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................

(b) The diagram below shows a small portion of the tissue in a

transverse section of a testis.

.........................................................
(c) Explain how meiosis results in genetic variation in gametes. [2]
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
3.(a) Blood transports molecules throughout the body. State where the
blood absorbs
(i) hormones. [1]
.........................................................
(ii) carbon dioxide. [1]
.........................................................
(b) Describe three features of alveoli that adapt them to gas exchange. [3]

(i) Identify the cell labelled X. [1]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
(c) Explain how the structure of capillaries relates to their functions. [3]
.........................................................

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
4. (a) Label I, II, III and IV on the diagram of the human elbow. [2]

[ International Baccalaureate Organization, 2013]

(ii) Outline the function of III. [1]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
[ International Baccalaureate Organization, 2013]

(b) Estimate the content of glomerular filtrate and urine of a healthy

person by completing the following table. [2]

(b) Outline the functions of I and III. [2]

Plasma proteins /
mg 100 ml1

I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. The diagram shows the structure of a nephron.

(a) (i) Label I and II. [1]

Blood plasma
in renal artery
Glomerular
filtrate
Urine

740

Glucose /
mg 100 ml1
90

Urea /
mg 100 ml1
30

90

(c) Explain the role of the medulla and the collecting duct of the kidney
in the maintenance of the water balance in blood. [3]
.........................................................
.........................................................

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
ANSWER
1)

(a) myogenic contraction / muscles contract without stimulus

from a nerve;
pacemaker/SA node initiates each heart beat/stimulates atria to
contract;
nerves carry impulses from the brain to speed up and slow down
the heart;
medulla (of the brain) monitors blood pressure;
epinephrine/adrenaline increases rate/strength of contractions;
[3 max]
(b) valves open/close due to blood pressure differences;
valves prevent backflow/only allow unidirectional flow;
atrioventricular valves between ventricles and atria;
semilunar valves between arteries and ventricles; [2 max]
Accept mitral/bicuspid and tricuspid in place of atrioventricular.
Accept aortic and pulmonary in place of semilunar valves.
2)
(a) mother receives hormone treatment/FSH to stimulate egg
development;
eggs and sperm collected/harvested / eggs taken from ovary;
egg fertilized outside the body/in a dish/in a lab;
develops into embryo;
embryo(s) implanted (artificially) in mothers body/uterus;

[3 max]
Do not accept egg/fertilized egg/zygote implanted.
(b) (i) Sertoli cell / nurse cell [1]
(ii) nourishes maturing sperm(atozoa) / protects sperm from
lymphocytes [1]
(c) crossing over in prophase 1/between chromatids;
random orientation of bivalents/homologous pairs in metaphase
1;
random orientation of chromatids/chromosomes in metaphase 2;
[2]
3)
(a) (i) endocrine glands / named endocrine gland (e.g.
pancreas/hypothalamus/pituitary/ovary/testes) [1]
Do not accept gland alone.
(ii) cells / tissues / named cells/tissue (e.g. muscles / muscle
tissue / muscle cells /epithelial tissue / other reasonable example)
[1]
Do not accept alveolus or named organ.
(b)
a. high density of capillaries surrounding alveoli;
b. large surface area due to shape / large number of alveoli;
c. thin walls / walls one cell thick; (do not accept membranes)
d. moist layer covering the (inner) surface of the alveoli; [3 max]

Award [2 max] for a list of features.

Do not allow ECF answers.

(c) a. capillaries walls thin/one cell thick for better

5)(a)
diffusion;
(i)
(Do not accept membranes)
I: glomerulus;
b. small diameter/narrow lumen to fit into small places/between
II: (descending limb of) loop of Henle;
cells;
(both needed)
c. small diameter for greater surface area for molecular
[1]
exchange;
d. pores between cells of the walls so plasma can leak out;
(ii) III: selective re-absorption of glucose/minerals/amino
e. pores between cells of the walls allow phagocytes/immune
acids/water/ useful substances;
components to enter tissues;
absorption by active transport/using ATP of glucose/minerals/
f. only one red blood cell allowed to pass at a time for efficient
amino acids/useful substances; [1 max]
oxygen uptake; [3 max]
plasma
glucose
urea / mg
b)
proteins /
/mg100ml1
100 ml 1
4)
[2]
mg100ml 1
(a) Award [1] for two correct Blood plasma
Award [1] for each correct row.
labels.
in renal
740
90
30
I. biceps;
artery
II. humerus;
0
90
Glomerular
30(or slightly (c)
III. cartilage;
collecting
duct
has
water
filtrate
less)
IV.
synovial
fluid/synovial Urine
0
0
(much) greater channels/aquaporins/is permeable
than 30
cavity; [2 max]
to water;
high solute concentration of
(b)
medulla / medulla is hypertonic;
I. (contracts to) move/raise forearm/lower arm/radius / flex/bend
reabsorption of water allows excretion of concentrated urine
arm at elbow;
(antidiuresis);
II. reduces friction / prevents bone rubbing on bone / absorbs
secretion of ADH/vasopressin increases permeability of
shock; [2]
collecting duct to water / vice versa; [3 max]
Do not accept answers that do not specify the movement caused
by I, or state that I lifts the arm.
Nucleic acids

1)

1. (a) DNA replication involves a number of enzymes including

DNA polymerase. Identify one other enzyme involved in DNA
replication. [1]
.........................................................
(b) Explain the role of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication. [2]
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
(c) The diagram below shows the process of transcription

(i) Label the sense and antisense strands. [1]

(ii) Draw an arrow on the diagram to show where the next nucleotide
will be added to the growing mRNA strand. [1]
Answer

(a) helicase / RNA primase / (DNA) ligase [1]

(b) DNA fragments/sections (formed) on the lagging strand;
because replication must be in the 53 direction;
replication starts repeatedly and moves away from replication
fork; [2 max]
(c) (i) both strands clearly labelled [1]
Check carefully whether the correct strand has been labelled if
the labels
are shown in helical parts of the DNA.
Reject if the sense strand label points to the mRNA.

(ii) a clearly drawn arrow pointing at the free 3 end of the mRNA strand
or to the first free nucleotide on the antisense strand to the left of the
mRNA or to a nucleotide added by the candidate to the left hand end of the
mRNA [1]
Metabolism, Respiration and Photosynthesis

1. The following diagram shows the synthesis and

regulation of some amino acids.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c) Outline the models that describe how substrates bind to
enzymes. [2]

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ANSWER

1)
(a) end-product/non-competitive/(negative) feedback inhibition [1]

(a) State the type of inhibition shown in this diagram.

[1]
.............................................
............
(b) Explain how this type of regulation could affect the
synthesis of an amino acid. [2]
.............................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .. . . . . . . . .

(b) amino acid/end product produced if used up/not enough present;

production stops if amino acid/end product unused/accumulates/in
excess;
amino acid/end product changes active site of (first) enzyme of
pathway;
(this is an example of) negative feedback; [2 max]
(c) lock-and-key where substrate (exactly) fits the active site of the
enzyme/where substrate is complementary to the active site;
induced fit where active site/substrate changes shape so substrate
can bind/fit; [2]
Plant Biology
1. The diagram shows a cross section of a leaf.

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
ANSWER
1)(a)
(i) palisade mesophyll/layer [1]
(a) Identify the tissues labelled X, Y and Z.
(ii) guard cells [1]
(i) X: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iii) vascular bundle/tissue / xylem (vessel) [1]

(ii) Y: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(iii) Z: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b) Outline two adaptations of xerophytes that help to reduce transpiration
from the leaves. [2]
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) Angiospermophyta have vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) that

bryophyta lack. Suggest advantages that vascular tissue confers. [3]

(b)
a. reduced/few leaves/needles to lower surface area;
b. rolled leaves to increase humidity around stomata;
c. spines to collect water;
d. waxy cuticle;
e. fewer stomata/closing of stomata;
f. stomata in pits to increase humidity;
g. CAM metabolism so stomata can remain closed during light;
h. C4 photosynthesis so stomata can remain closed during light;
[2 max]
(c)
a. would make it easier to stand upright (against gravity)/structural
support / allows (angiospermophytes) to be bigger;
b. could put leaves higher in the air to get more sunlight;
c. transport of water supply/nutrients from roots to other tissues;

d. could (more efficiently) transport/translocate sugars/food from

leaves for storage;
[3 max]