Practice Cell biology 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
In mammals, mature red blood cells are specialized in that they lack nuclei, mitochondria or ribosomes. Which statement applies to red blood cells?
Question 2
SLPaper 1A
The images are microscopic views of two similar cells.
What is a reason for the differences between the two micrographs?
Question 3
SLPaper 2
The electron micrograph shows palisade mesophyll cells.
1.[1]
State the name of the structures labelled I and III.
2.[2]
Distinguish between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition.
3.[2]
Outline the function of the structure labelled I.
4.[1]
The plant from which this cell was taken is in the group Angiospermophyta. State one characteristic that is unique to this group of plants.
5.[3]
Explain how energy and nutrients are transferred in ecosystems.
Question 4
HLPaper 2
The image shows part of a plant cell with a chloroplast in close proximity to mitochondria.
1.[2]
State two structural similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts.
2.[2]
Compare and contrast mitochondria and chloroplasts in terms of the substrates they use and the products they produce.
3.[3]
Outline how the compounds produced by chloroplasts are distributed throughout the plant.
Question 5
SLPaper 2
The micrograph shows a section of an organ in the human body.
1.[1]
State from which organ the section was taken.
2.[1]
Identify the layer of tissue found at X.
3.[2]
The length of the structure labelled Y on the micrograph is 54 mm. The actual length of the structure labelled Y is 0.8 mm between the two black lines.
Calculate the magnification of the micrograph. Working should be shown.
Question 6
SLPaper 1A
Which of the following features are present in prokaryotic cells?
Question 7
HLPaper 2
The electron micrograph shows part of a cell including a mitochondrion. 
1.[2]
Outline how the structures labelled X and Y are adapted to carry out the function of the mitochondrion.
2.[4]
Explain how ATP is generated in mitochondria by chemiosmosis.
Question 8
SLPaper 1A
Which of the following features are present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
| I | II | III |
|---|---|---|
| cell membrane | nucleus | 80S ribosomes |