Practice 1.3 Membrane structure with authentic IB Biology exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 1A
Which of the following characteristics found in a structure necessarily indicates that it is alive?
Question 2
SLPaper 1A
What can the extracellular matrix of cells be made of?
I. Polysaccharide II. Glycoprotein III. Phospholipid
Question 3
SLPaper 1A
Which pair of features is correct for both a human liver cell and an Escherichia coli cell?
| Human liver cell | Escherichia coli cell | |
|---|---|---|
| A. | contains DNA associated with protein | contains naked DNA |
| B. | has 70S ribosomes | has 80 S ribosomes |
| C. | contains mitochondria | contains mitochondria |
| D. | contains DNA enclosed by a membrane | contains DNA associated with protein |
Question 4
SLPaper 1A
How is facilitated diffusion in axons similar to active transport?
Question 5
SLPaper 2
1.[5]
Draw a labelled diagram of the molecular structure of DNA, comprising of four nucleotides.
2.[5]
Outline the therapeutic use of stem cells.
3.[5]
Giving one specific example, discuss genetic modification in organisms including the potential benefits and possible harmful effects.
Question 6
HLPaper 1A
What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?
| Prokaryotic cells | Eukaryotic cells | |
|---|---|---|
| A. | no plasma membrane | plasma membrane |
| B. | 80 S ribosomes | 70 S ribosomes |
| C. | Golgi apparatus | mitochondria |
| D. | no internal membrane compartments | internal membrane compartments |
Question 7
SLPaper 1A
The diagrams represent cells with the same concentration of dissolved substances in their cytoplasm. If all the cells were placed in the same hypertonic sucrose solution, which cell would show the greatest rate of change in the concentration of its cytoplasm?
Question 8
SLPaper 1A
A cell contains chloroplasts, plasma membrane and 80 S ribosomes. What type of cell could it be?
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Draw a labelled diagram to show the molecular structure of a membrane.
2.[6]
Some proteins in membranes act as enzymes. Outline enzyme-substrate specificity.
3.[8]
Membranes of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons play an important role in transmission of nerve impulses. Explain the principles of synaptic transmission.
Question 10
HLPaper 1A
The photograph shows a Parthenocissus quinquefolia.
What structure is identified by the letter X ?