1.

(a)

State the name of the technique that is used to separate fragments of DNA according to
their size, during DNA profiling.
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(1)

(b)

The diagram below represents the results of a paternity investigation. Track A is the
profile of the mother of a child, track B is the profile of the child and track C is the profile
of a man who might be the father.

Explain, using evidence from the diagram, whether this man is the father or not.
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(3)
(Total 4 marks)

IB Questionbank Biology

2.

The karyotype below shows the chromosomes from a person with Down syndrome.

[Source: U.S. Department of Energy Human Genome Program (genomics.energy.gov, genomicscience.energy.gov)]

(a)

State the evidence provided by the karyotype that shows this person has Down syndrome.
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(1)

(b)

Outline how Down syndrome occurs due to meiosis.

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(2)

(c)

Determine, giving a reason, the sex of the person in the karyotype.

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(1)

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(d)

Explain briefly why males are more likely to inherit colour blindness than females.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

3.

(a)

Gene transfer to bacteria often involves small circles of DNA into which genes can be
inserted. State the name of a small circle of DNA, used for DNA transfer, in bacteria.
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

The diagram below shows a cut circle of DNA into which a gene is being inserted. Before
it can be transferred into a bacterium, the ring must be altered, using an enzyme.

Outline what must be done next to complete the process of gene insertion into the DNA
circle, including the name of the enzyme that is used.
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(2)

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(c)

Discuss the potential benefit and possible harm of one named example of gene transfer
between species.
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(3)
(Total 6 marks)

4.

(a)

Define the term allele as used in genetics.

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(1)

(b)

List the possible genotypes for blood group B.

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(1)

IB Questionbank Biology

(c)

Label the diagram below which shows a basic gene transfer.

I. ..................................................................................................................................
II. .................................................................................................................................
III. ................................................................................................................................
IV. ................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

State two general types of enzymes used in gene transfer.

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(1)
(Total 5 marks)

IB Questionbank Biology

5.

The following sequence of pictures, made using an electronic imaging technique, shows a cell
undergoing division.

[Adapted by permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd, Fuller, B G et al. 2008. Midzone activation of aurora B in
anaphase produces an intracellular phosphorylation gradient. Nature. Vol 453.]

(a)

State the stage of mitosis typified by image II.

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.....
(1)

(b)

List two processes that involve mitosis.

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(2)

(c)

State the process that results in tumour (cancer) formation or development.

.................................................................................................................................
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(1)

IB Questionbank Biology

(d)

Explain, using one example, how non-disjunction in meiosis can lead to changes
in chromosome number.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

6.

(a)

Explain how materials are moved across membranes of cells by active transport.
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(2)

(b)

Explain the effects of pH on enzyme catalysed reactions.

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IB Questionbank Biology

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(3)

IB Questionbank Biology

(c)

Distinguish between the process of anaerobic respiration in yeast and humans.

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(2)
(Total 7 marks)

7.

(a)

State two procedures used for the preparation of a DNA profile.

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....
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....
(1)

The following part of a DNA profile was used as evidence in a criminal investigation.
DNA profiles of two suspects labelled S1 and S2 were compared to the DNA profile
taken from the scene of the crime labelled E.

[Source: Solomon and Berg, (1995), The World of Biology, Saunders Harcourt Brace College, Publishers Orlando, page
238]
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IB Questionbank Biology

10

(b)

Analyse the profiles to determine which suspect was present at the crime scene.
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(2)
(Total 3 marks)

8.

(a)

List two roles of testosterone in males.

1.

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

2.

........................................................................................................................
..
(1)

(b)

A boy inherited red-green colour-blindness from one of his grandfathers. Deduce,

giving your reasons, which of his two grandfathers was also colour-blind.
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(3)
(Total 4 marks)

IB Questionbank Biology

11