IB Biology SL Theme B: Form and function questions

Exam-style multiple choice and written questions with full markschemes. Check multiple choice answers straight away, or type, photograph or draw a written answer and get it marked.

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Question 1

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

Solutes X and Y each have lower concentrations outside a cell than inside. Membrane protein P transports X into the cell, but not Y; this movement stops when ATP is unavailable. Which description best explains P’s action?

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Answer: D. The concentration of X is lower outside the cell, so inward movement is against its concentration gradient. P transports X but not Y, showing selectivity, and its activity depends on ATP. It therefore acts as a selective pump using ATP for active transport.

A: Confuses active transport with facilitated diffusion, which does not use ATP to move particles against a concentration gradient.
B: Reverses the observed direction of X transport.
C: Treats P as non-selective, although it transports X but not Y.
Remember: pumps use ATP to move specific particles against concentration gradients.

Question 2

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

Following ultracentrifugation, a researcher tests separated cell components to relate their structures to their functions. Which component should be classified as an organelle?

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Answer: D. Organelles are discrete cell subunits adapted to perform specific functions; the plasma membrane is classified as an organelle.

A: treats the cytoplasm, which is not an organelle, as a discrete subunit.
B: confuses the cytoskeleton with an organelle; it is not classified as one.
C: treats the cell wall as an organelle, although it is not classified as one.
Remember: the plasma membrane is an organelle, but the cell wall, cytoskeleton and cytoplasm are not.

Question 3

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

During a spirometry investigation, a student takes a normal breath in and then inhales as much additional air as possible. Which lung volume is represented by the additional volume measured?

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Answer: B. Inspiratory reserve volume is the additional volume that can be inhaled after a normal inspiration.

A: confuses the additional inhalation with tidal volume, the volume moved during a normal breath.
C: reverses the direction; expiratory reserve volume is additional air exhaled after a normal expiration.
D: treats the additional volume as vital capacity, which is the volume moved between maximum inspiration and maximum expiration.
Remember: inspiratory reserve is measured beyond the end of a normal inspiration.

Question 4

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

A terrestrial region has high temperatures throughout the year and very low rainfall in every month. Which statement(s) identify a biome likely to develop there?

I. A hot desert
II. A tropical forest
III. A tundra

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Answer: B. Hot deserts are characterized by high temperatures and very low rainfall, so the stated climate makes a hot desert likely.

A: adds II by treating high temperature alone as sufficient for tropical forest, despite the very low rainfall.

C: includes II, which requires high rainfall, and III, which is characterized by low temperatures.

D: accepts both tropical forest and tundra; the low rainfall excludes the former, and the high temperatures exclude the latter.

Remember: use both temperature and rainfall to distinguish biomes.

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