IB BIO Pastpaper

27/05/2024, 11:13 Collections | RevisionDojo | RevisionDojo
Biology Mock Exam

Question Paper
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Question 1
1. Outline reasons for the therapeutic use of stem cells. [3]
2. Describe how leaf cells make use of light energy. [5]
3. Explain how cells and cell components in the blood defend the body against [7]
infectious disease.
Question 2
According to the cell theory, living organisms are composed of cells.
1. Draw the ultrastructure of a prokaryotic cell based on electron micrographs. [3]
2. Outline what occurs in cells in the first division of meiosis. [5]
3. Explain the role of cells in the defence against infectious disease. [7]
Question 3
1. Draw a labelled diagram to show the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane. [4]
2. Unicellular and multicellular organisms share the same functions of life. Outline four [4]
functions of life.
3. The structure of organisms is based on organic molecules containing carbon. [7]
Explain the cycling of carbon in an ecosystem.
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Question 4
1. The image is an electron micrograph. [1]
Determine, with a reason, whether the image is of a prokaryotic cell or eukaryotic

cell.
2. (i) State the process that divides one nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei. [5]
(ii) Explain how the cell cycle is controlled.
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Question 5
The onion (Allium cepa) root cells shown in the micrograph are in different stages of
mitosis.
1. Identify, with a reason, the stage shown at X. [2]
2. Calculate the length of the entire cell labelled Y, showing your working. [1]
3. State the role of cyclins in the cell cycle. [1]
4. Distinguish between the structure of chromosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. [2]
5. Explain Cairns’s technique to measure the length of the DNA molecule. [2]
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Question 6
Native oyster populations are decreasing where rivers meet the ocean along the northwest
coast of North America. These oyster populations are being attacked by a gastropod.
It is known that oysters and gastropods have hard parts composed of calcium carbonate
and that ocean acidification is increasing. Studies were carried out using juvenile oysters
and gastropods to investigate the effects of acidification on the decrease in the population
of oysters.
The first step was to raise oysters in two different mesocosms. One had seawater at a
normal concentration of CO2 and the other had sea water with a high concentration of
CO2. Gastropods were raised in two further mesocosms with normal and high CO2
concentrations respectively.
A juvenile gastropod will attack a juvenile oyster by using its tongue-like structure (radula)
to drill a hole through the oyster shell. Once the hole has been drilled, the gastropod sucks
out the soft flesh. Researchers investigated the shell thickness at the site of the drill hole
in relation to the size of the oyster. The results are seen in this graph.
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Equal numbers of oysters raised in seawater with a normal CO2 concentration and in
seawater with a high CO2 concentration were then presented together to the gastropod
predators in seawater with a normal CO2 concentration. The same numbers of oysters
from the two groups were also presented together to the gastropods in seawater with a
high CO2 concentration. The bar charts show how many of the oysters were drilled by the
gastropods and the mean size of drilled oysters.
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1. Outline how acidified sea water could affect the shells of the oyster. [1]
2. Outline the trends shown in the data in the graph. [2]
3. Estimate how much smaller drilled oysters raised in seawater at a high CO2 [1]
concentration were than drilled oysters raised in seawater at a normal CO2
concentration.
4. Deduce from the data in the bar charts which factors were and were not correlated [2]
significantly with the number of oysters drilled by the gastropods.
5. Suggest reasons for the differences in the numbers of oysters drilled, as shown in [2]
the bar charts.
6. The radula in a gastropod is hard but not made of calcium carbonate. Outline how [2]
this statement is supported by the drilling success of the gastropods in seawater
with normal or high CO2 concentrations.
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7. Using all the data, evaluate how CO2 concentrations affect the development of [2]
oysters and their predation by gastropods.
Question 7
1. Outline the roles of helicase and ligase in DNA replication. [4]
2. Explain how natural selection can lead to speciation. [7]
3. Outline the features of ecosystems that make them sustainable. [4]
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Question 8
DNA methylation has a critical role in gene regulation by affecting transcription. Samples
were taken from two colon cancer tumours (T1 and T2) and two normal colon samples (N1
and N2). A particular gene was implicated as a possible cause of cancer. The promoter of
this gene was cloned (A–J). The data show the DNA methylation patterns from these
samples. The numbers (32–269) represent different markers in the promoter.
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1. Identify the stage of mitosis labelled X in the image, giving a reason. [1]
2. Outline what is indicated by the mitotic index of tissue taken from a tumour. [2]
3. DNA has regions that do not code for proteins. State two functions of these regions. [2]
1.
2.
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4. Outline the difference in methylation pattern between tumorous and normal tissue [2]
samples.
5. Suggest a way methylation may affect tumour cell genes. [1]
Question 9
1. Outline the functions of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. [3]
2. Outline the control of metabolism by end-product inhibition. [5]
3. Explain how hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties contribute to the arrangement [7]
of molecules in a membrane.
Question 10
Plants have widespread influences, from food chains to climate change.
1. Draw a diagram of a palisade mesophyll cell labelling only the structures that would [3]
not be present in a pancreatic cell.
2. Explain the process of photosynthesis. [8]
3. Describe the process of peat formation. [4]
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Question 11
1. Define metabolism. [1]
2. Identify the following processes as either anabolism or catabolism by placing a tick [2]
(√) in the correct box.
3. Describe cell respiration in terms of metabolism. [2]
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Question 12
1. Label the parts of the DNA diagram indicated by I, II, III and IV. [2]
2. Explain how model making helped Watson and Crick to establish the structure of DN [2]
3. Distinguish between the chromosomes of eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells. [1]
4. Outline the role of the enzyme helicase in replication. [1]
5. Outline the role of the enzyme DNA polymerase in replication. [2]
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Question 13
The micrograph shows a section of an organ in the human body.
1. State from which organ the section was taken. [1]
2. Identify the layer of tissue found at X. [1]
3. The actual length of the structure labelled Y is 0.8 mm between the two black [2]
lines.Calculate the magnification of the micrograph. Working should be shown.
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Question 14
In ecosystems, energy is used to convert inorganic compounds into organic matter.
Energy enters ecosystems through producers.
1. Explain the processes by which energy enters and flows through ecosystems. [8]
2. Producers extract phosphates and nitrates from soil. Outline how these ions are [3]
used in the synthesis of organic molecules.
3. Draw a labelled diagram of a pyramid of energy. [4]
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Question 15
Hemophilia is a sex-linked disease that affected some members of royal families in Europe
during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The diagram shows the structure of two chromosomes after the first division of meiosis,
assuming that there was no crossing over or chiasmata formation.
1. Draw a Punnett square to show all the possible genotypes of Queen Victoria’s [2]
children.
2. Deduce the genotype of Queen Victoria’s daughter Alice. [1]
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3. Draw the same chromosomes to show their structure at the same stage of meiosis if [1]
there had been one chiasma between two gene loci.
4. State the stage of meiosis where chiasmata formation may occur. [1]
5. Explain gene linkage and its effects on inheritance. [2]
6. Explain the mechanism that prevents polyspermy during fertilization. [2]
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Question 16
1. The images show parts of plants belonging to two different phyla. [2]
State the phylum of plant X and of plant Y.

X:
Y:
2. Explain one cause of mutation. [2]
3. Outline the types of evidence that can be used to place a species in a particular [3]
clade.
4. The cladogram includes four marsupial (non-placental mammal) families. [1]
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Deduce the family that is most closely related to the Diprotodontoidea.
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Question 17
A nomogram can be used to determine the body mass index (BMI) of an individual.
1. State the BMI of a person of mass 80 kg and 1.80 m in height. [1]
2. Explain how measurement of BMI could help to assess whether a person has an [2]
increased risk of type II diabetes.
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Question 18
1. Distinguish between the transfers of energy and inorganic nutrients in ecosystems. [2]
2. Outline the role of methanogenic archaeans in the movement of carbon in [2]

ecosystems.
3. Describe how autotrophs absorb light energy [3]
Question 19
1. Cell biologists play an important role in research into disease, fertility, evolution and [4]
many other areas of science.
Describe the origin of eukaryotic cells according to the endosymbiotic theory.
many
other areas of science.
Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
many
other areas of science.
Outline the evidence for evolution provided by selective breeding.
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Question 20
Methane can be the product of anaerobic respiration in some organisms.
1. Describe anaerobic respiration in humans and in yeast. [3]
2. Distinguish between the thermal properties of water and methane. [2]
3. Explain the role of methane in climate change. [2]
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Question 21
Keratin is a protein found in hair, nails, wool, horns and feathers. The graphs show the
relative keratinase activity obtained in experiments into keratin digestion at different pH
values and different temperatures.
1. Determine the optimum pH and temperature of keratinase. [1]
2. Suggest two changes occurring in the reaction vessel that could be used to indicate [2]
keratinase activity.
3. State two conditions that should be kept constant in both experiments. [2]
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Question 22
1. Describe the structure and function of starch in plants. [3]
2. Outline the production of carbohydrates in photosynthesis. [4]
3. Discuss the processes in the carbon cycle that affect concentrations of carbon [8]
dioxide and methane in the atmosphere and the consequences for climate change.
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Question 23
The image shows a food web.
1. Using the food web, identify a detritivore. [1]
2. Using the food web, identify a saprotroph. [1]
3. State the name of the domain to which birds, such as the Elf owl, belong. [1]
4. Outline the energy flow through this food web. [3]
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Question 24
Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation and are essential to evolution.
Lice are wingless insects that belong to the phylum arthropoda.
1. State one type of environmental factor that may increase the mutation rate of a [1]
gene.
2. Identify one type of gene mutation. [1]
3. State two characteristics that identify lice as members of the arthropoda. [2]
1.
2.
4. Some lice live in human hair and feed on blood. Shampoos that kill lice have been [3]
available for many years but some lice are now resistant to those shampoos. Two
possible hypotheses are:
Discuss which hypothesis is a better explanation of the theory of evolution by natural

selection.
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Question 25
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, lives in salt water marshes. The turtle
can live under water and out of water.
These turtles have fully developed lungs and kidneys, however, many microvilli have been
discovered in the mouth of P. sinensis. A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that
oxygen uptake and urea excretion can simultaneously occur in the mouth.
Initial experiments involved collecting nitrogen excretion data from P. sinensis. The turtle
urinates both in water and out of water. When in water it allows waste products to be
washed out of its mouth. When out of water it regularly dips its head into shallow water to
wash its mouth. The table shows the mean rates of ammonia and urea excretion from the
mouth and kidney over six days.
It was noted that during long periods out of water, turtles rhythmically moved their mouths
to take in water from a shallow source and then discharge it. Changes in the dissolved
oxygen and the quantity of accumulated urea in the rinse water discharged by the turtles
were monitored over time as shown in this graph.
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In order to test whether a urea transporter was present in the mouth tissues of the turtles,
phloretin (a known inhibitor of membrane proteins that transport urea) was added to the
water in which a further set of turtles submerged their heads. The results of that treatment
are shown.
Further research was conducted to determine where mRNA expression of a urea

transporter gene might be occurring in P. sinensis. Gel electrophoresis was used to
analyse different tissue samples for mRNA activity.
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Expression of the urea transporter gene by cells in the turtle’s mouth was assessed by
measuring mRNA activity. Turtles were kept out of water for 24 hours and then injected
with either a salt solution that matched the salt concentration of the turtle, dissolved
ammonia or urea, followed by another 24 hours out of water.
1. Deduce whether the excretion of ammonia or urea changes more when a turtle [2]
emerges from water.
2. Compare and contrast the changes in urea excretion in the mouth with the changes [3]
in urea excretion in the kidney when a turtle emerges from the water.
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3. Describe the trends shown by the graph for dissolved oxygen in water discharged [1]
from the mouth.
4. Suggest reasons for these trends in dissolved oxygen. [2]
5. Deduce with a reason whether a urea transporter is present in the mouth of P. [2]
sinensis.
6. Outline the additional evidence provided by the gel electrophoresis results shown [2]
above.
7. Identify which of these turtle groups represent the control, giving a reason for your [1]
answer.
8. Suggest a reason for the greater expression of the gene for the urea transporter [2]
after an injection with dissolved ammonia than an injection of urea.
9. The salt marshes where these turtles live periodically dry up to small pools. Discuss [3]
the problems that this will cause for nitrogen excretion in the turtles and how their
behaviour might overcome the problems.
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Question 26
Chromatography is a technique used to separate the components of a mixture.The
photosynthetic pigments from three organisms were separated by thin layer
chromatography: spinach (Spinacia oleracea), a red alga (Porphyra) and a brown alga
(Fucus).
1. Identify a pigment found in all three organisms. [1]
2. Compare and contrast absorption spectra and action spectra. [2]
3. Porphyra also contains phycoerythrin, which is a red pigment. [1]
Suggest a reason for phycoerythrin being absent from the Porphyra chromatogram.
4. Porphyra also contains phycoerythrin, which is a red pigment. [1]
Predict one colour of light that will be absorbed efficiently by phycoerythrin.
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Question 27
To investigate whether carbon dioxide is required for photosynthesis, a plant was irrigated
using water from which carbon dioxide had been removed and was then placed in the
apparatus shown in the diagram. The apparatus was left in darkness for 24 hours to
destarch the leaves. Then, after several hours in light, a leaf was removed from the plant
and found to contain no starch when tested. Acontrol was performed using a second
plant. A leaf from this plant tested positive for starch.
1. Describe the control for this experiment. [2]
2. Outline how the carbon dioxide could be removed from the water used to irrigate the [1]
plant.
3. Suggest how a plastic bag placed around the plant pot prevents carbon dioxide from [1]
reaching the plant’s leaves.
4. A chromatograph was made of the photosynthetic pigments of a leaf of the plant. [2]
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Outline what measurements would be taken to identify pigment X.
Question 28
The biological insights of Mendel and Darwin in the 19th century remain important to this
day.
1. Discuss the role of genes and chromosomes in determining individual and shared [7]
character features of the members of a species.
2. Outline the process of speciation. [4]
3. Describe, using one example, how homologous structures provide evidence for [4]
evolution.
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Question 29
1. Outline the process of inspiration in humans. [4]
2. Describe the functions of valves in the mammalian heart. [4]
3. Explain how blood solute concentrations are kept within narrow limits in the human [7]
body.
Question 30
1. Draw a labelled diagram to show the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane. [4]
2. Outline how neurons generate a resting potential. [4]
3. Hydrogen bonds can exist both within and between molecules in living organisms [7]
and have an impact on their structure and function. Explain the importance of
hydrogen bonding for living organisms.
Question 31
1. Outline energy flow through a food chain. [4]
2. Draw a fully labelled graph of the action spectrum for photosynthesis. [3]
3. Explain Calvin’s experiment and what was discovered about photosynthesis through [8]
his work.
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Question 32
The electron micrographs show a typical prokaryote and a mitochondrion.
1. Compare and contrast the structure of a typical prokaryotic cell with that of a [4]
mitochondrion.
2. Explain how mitochondria could have been formed from free living prokaryotes. [2]
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Question 33
The graph shows global CO2 contributions from the use of fuels since 1825. Emissions
estimates for the years since 1950 are based on energy data from the United Nations
while emissions estimates for years prior to 1950 have been constructed using a variety of
sources.
1. Calculate the percentage increase in the use of liquid fuels from 1950 to 1975. [1]
%
2. Referring to the data, compare and contrast the changes in the use of the different [2]
fuels between 1950 and 1975.
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Question 34
Life is based on carbon compounds.
1. Draw a molecular diagram of alpha-D-glucose. [3]
2. Outline how carbon compounds are produced in cells using light energy. [5]
3. Explain the transformations of carbon compounds in the carbon cycle. [7]
Question 35
1. Sketch the complementary strand to complete the section of a DNA diagram. [3]
2. Define mutation. [1]
3. Explain how evolution by natural selection depends on mutations. [4]
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Question 36
1. Outline four types of membrane transport, including their use of energy. [4]
2. Draw the structure of a dipeptide. [3]
3. ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is a peptide hormone that is produced in the [8]

hypothalamus. Explain its action in the human body.
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Question 37
The diagram shows the greenhouse effect.
1. State the type of wavelength of the radiation labelled X and Y. [2]
X:
Y:
2. Outline reasons for the change occurring at Z. [2]
3. The short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) nests and breeds on remote low- [1]
lying coral islands in the Pacific Ocean. Predict how global warming may threaten the
survival of such an ocean bird.
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Question 38
All living organisms depend on a continuous supply of energy.
1. Explain the stages of aerobic respiration that occur in the mitochondria of [8]
eukaryotes.
2. Outline how ventilation in humans ensures a supply of oxygen. [4]
3. Describe the reasons for the shape of a pyramid of energy. [3]
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27/05/2024, 11:13 Collections | RevisionDojo | RevisionDojo

Biology Mock Exam

Printed with revisiondojo.com

2. Describe how leaf cells make use of light energy. [5]

2. Outline what occurs in cells in the first division of meiosis. [5]

Determine, with a reason, whether the image is of a prokaryotic cell or eukaryotic

(ii) Explain how the cell cycle is controlled.

1. Identify, with a reason, the stage shown at X. [2]

3. State the role of cyclins in the cell cycle. [1]

4. Distinguish between the structure of chromosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. [2]

2. Outline the trends shown in the data in the graph. [2]

2. Explain how natural selection can lead to speciation. [7]

3. Outline the features of ecosystems that make them sustainable. [4]

2. Outline the control of metabolism by end-product inhibition. [5]

3. Describe the process of peat formation. [4]

3. Describe cell respiration in terms of metabolism. [2]

4. Outline the role of the enzyme helicase in replication. [1]

5. Outline the role of the enzyme DNA polymerase in replication. [2]

1. State from which organ the section was taken. [1]

2. Identify the layer of tissue found at X. [1]

5. Explain gene linkage and its effects on inheritance. [2]

6. Explain the mechanism that prevents polyspermy during fertilization. [2]

State the phylum of plant X and of plant Y.

Deduce the family that is most closely related to the Diprotodontoidea.

1. State the BMI of a person of mass 80 kg and 1.80 m in height. [1]

2. Outline the role of methanogenic archaeans in the movement of carbon in [2]

2. Distinguish between the thermal properties of water and methane. [2]

3. Explain the role of methane in climate change. [2]

1. Determine the optimum pH and temperature of keratinase. [1]

2. Outline the production of carbohydrates in photosynthesis. [4]

1. Using the food web, identify a detritivore. [1]

2. Using the food web, identify a saprotroph. [1]

4. Outline the energy flow through this food web. [3]

Discuss which hypothesis is a better explanation of the theory of evolution by natural

Further research was conducted to determine where mRNA expression of a urea

1. Identify a pigment found in all three organisms. [1]

2. Compare and contrast absorption spectra and action spectra. [2]

3. Porphyra also contains phycoerythrin, which is a red pigment. [1]

Predict one colour of light that will be absorbed efficiently by phycoerythrin.

1. Describe the control for this experiment. [2]

Outline what measurements would be taken to identify pigment X.

2. Describe the functions of valves in the mammalian heart. [4]

2. Outline how neurons generate a resting potential. [4]

3. Explain the transformations of carbon compounds in the carbon cycle. [7]

2. Define mutation. [1]

3. Explain how evolution by natural selection depends on mutations. [4]

2. Draw the structure of a dipeptide. [3]

3. ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is a peptide hormone that is produced in the [8]

1. State the type of wavelength of the radiation labelled X and Y. [2]

3. Describe the reasons for the shape of a pyramid of energy. [3]

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