IB Biology Essay Questions phosphorylate other proteins which are then used to

perform a special function in the cell cycle.

Chapter 1
6. Outline for vesicles are used to transport
1. Draw a diagram of the plasma membrane. [5] materials secreted by a cell. [6]
Vesicles formed from the rER transport proteins to
the Golgi apparatus to be modified and processed.
Membranes of the vesicles fuse with the Golgi
apparatus. After that, they leave the Golgi
apparatus and move through the cytoplasm and
fuse with the plasma membrane. Through
exocytosis, contents are released to the outside of
2. Describe the stages in the cell cycle. [7] the cell. Cells also use vesicles to secrete
The cell cycle can be divided into two parts; substances like digestive enzymes.
interphase and mitosis. Interphase is the longest
period where the cell prepares to divide. Firstly, it 7. Draw a diagram for a liver cell. [4]
is in the G1 phase where the cell synthesises
proteins and all its organelles. Next, in the S phase,
DNA is replicated. Then, in the G2 phase, the cell
continues to divide and multiply its organelles.
Then, mitosis begins. In prophase, nuclear
membranes disappear, chromosomes supercoil,
becoming fatter and shorter, and spindle fibres
appear. In metaphase, chromosomes line up at the
equator and spindle fibres attach to centromeres. In
anaphase, the centromeres divide, and spindle
fibres pull sister chromatids to opposite poles along
microtubules. In telophase, nuclear membranes 8. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic
form. Finally, cytokinesis takes place and new cells. [6]
plasma membranes form.

3. Describe the process of endocytosis. [5]

Endocytosis is the process of bringing materials
into the cell. This happens through the fluidity of
the membrane. When materials arrive at the cell
membrane, it invaginates and forms a vesicle
around the materials. Then, it pinches off forming a
vesicle.

4. Draw a diagram of a eukaryotic plant cell. [4]

9. Draw a diagram of a typical prokaryote. [4]

5. Outline how the cell cycle is controlled.

Cell cycle stages are G1, S, G2, mitosis, and
cytokinesis. These are controlled by cyclins. Levels
of cyclins fluctuate during the cell cycle to reach a
certain concentration and this is determined by
internal and external conditions. 4 cyclins are used
for the stages. Each cyclin triggers the next stages.
Cyclins bind to kinases for activation. Kinases
10. Distinguish between active and passive
movements across plasma membranes, using
named examples. [4]
11. Eukaryotic cells have intracellular and
extracellular components. State the functions of
one named extracellular component. [4]
An example is a plant cell wall which strengthens
and supports the plant against gravity. It prevents
the entry of pathogens and maintains the shape of
plant cells, allowing turgor pressure. It also
prevents excessive entry of water to the cell.
12. Outline, with an example, the process of
exocytosis. [5]
Vesicles carry materials to the plasma membrane.
The vesicle fuses through the fluidity of the
phospholipid bilayers. The materials are then
released from the cell and the membrane flattens.
An example is the exocytosis of neurotransmitters
in the presence of calcium when they release their
contents into the synapse.
13. Outline the functions of rough endoplasmic
reticulum and Golgi apparatus. [3]
14. Explain how hydrophobic and hydrophilic
properties contribute to the arrangement of
molecules in a membrane [7]
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
1. Outline the features of ecosystems that make
them sustainable.
[4]
Chapter 5
1. Explain how natural selection can lead to
speciation.
[7]
Chapter 6
1. Outline the process of inspiration in humans. [4]
2. Describe the functions of valves in the
mammalian heart [4]
Chapter 7
1. Outline the roles of helicase and ligase in DNA
replication.
[4]
Chapter 8
1. Explain chemiosmosis as it occurs in
photophosphorylation.
2. Explain how chemical energy for use in the cell
is generated by electron transport and
chemiosmosis.
NAD and FAD are reduced by gaining electrons.
Reduced NAD is produced in glycolysis, link
reaction and Krebs Cycle. Reduced NAD and FAD
deliver electrons to the electron transport chain.
This takes place in the cristae. Electrons release
energy as they flow from carrier to carrier. Oxygen
is the final electron acceptor. Proteins in the inner
mitochondrial space act as proton pumps. H+
concentration is higher in the intermembrane
spaces than in the matrix because energy from the
electrons are used to pump electrons into the
intermembrane space. Now, ATP synthase in the
cristae generates energy as protons pass down the
gradient. ATP synthase converts ADP into ATP.
Therefore, oxidative phosphorylation is ATP
production using energy from oxidising foods.
3. Explain the stages of aerobic respiration that
occur in the mitochondria.
Cell respiration is the controlled release of energy
from organic compounds to produce ATP. It
involves the oxidation and reduction of electron
carriers, NAD and FADH. First, glycolysis takes
place where glucose is converted to two pyruvate
molecules. Next, the link reaction takes place
where each pyruvate molecule is converted to
acetyl coA and NAD is reduced. Next, in the Krebs
cycle, a 4C molecule joins with the acetyl CoA.
Decarboxylation takes place where each pyruvate
molecule releases 2 CO2. NAD and FAD are
reduced. ATP is generated. Now the reduced NAD
and FAD and carried to the cristae. Here, electrons
are transferred to the intermembrane space. A
proton gradient is established. Now, protons diffuse
through ATP synthase to generate ATP. This is
chemiosmosis and oxygen is the final electron
acceptor.
4. Outline the control of metabolism by end-
product inhibition. [5]

Chapter 9

Chapter 10
Chapter 11;
1. Compare the processes between spermatogenesis
and oogenesis. [8]
Both produce mature female gametes. Both start
with mitosis and then meiosis. Both involve
differentiation to produce a specialised gamete.
However, sperm is produced in the testes while
eggs are produced in the ovaries. Spermatogenesis
is a continuous process while oogenesis pauses
before prophase I and II. Eggs are released on Day
14 during ovulation every month while sperm are
only released during ejaculation. Oogenesis
produces one egg and some polar bodies while
spermatogenesis produces four sperms total.
Oogenesis starts during development of embryo
while spermatogenesis starts during puberty.
5. Explain the production of antibodies.
Each antibody corresponds to a specific antigen.
They are necessary for immunity and resistance to
diseases. Phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens
and display its antigen on the surface. These
antigens correspond to a specific T-lymphocyte
which then activates B-lymphocytes. B-cells divide
by mitosis to form plasma cells which secrete
antibodies. Some B-cells act as memory cells.
5. Explainhow blood solute
concentrations are kept within
narrow limits in the human body.
[7]

2. Draw a labelled diagram of the male

reproductive system. Option D

3. Describe how spermatogenesis occurs in

humans.
Spermatogenesis begins at puberty when
spermatogonia undergoes mitosis. Some of these
spermatogonia grow larger to become the primary
spermatocytes. These undergo meiosis I to form
secondary spermatocytes. These undergo meiosis II
to form spermatids which now differentiate by
growing a tail and are associated with Sertoli cells.
They dissociate from them and enter the lumen of
seminiferous tubule.

4. Draw a mature human egg.