IBBiologyHLExam QuestionsToolsTool 2: Technology

Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

|

Tool 2: Technology (HL IB Biology)

Exam Questions

31 mins9 questions

Select a question set to download for
Tool 2: Technology

Select an answer set to view for
Tool 2: Technology

1a
Sme Calculator2 marks

The table below shows the genome sizes of several different plant species.

Organism Common name Genome size (million base pairs)
Paris japonica Japanese canopy plant 149,890
Tmesipteris obliqua Long fork-fern 147,290
Viscum album Mistletoe 90,000
Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop 61,089
Arabidopsis thaliana Thale cress 135
Genlisea margaretae Corkscrew plant 63

(i)

Calculate how many times bigger the genome of Paris japonica is in comparison with Genlisea margaretae.

[1]

(ii)

Mistletoe is a diploid plant with 10 pairs of homologous chromosomes. 

Calculate the average size of one of these chromosomes.

[1]

How did you do?

1b
Sme Calculator1 mark

State the best method that can be used to compile the information found in the table in part (a).

How did you do?

1c
Sme Calculator4 marks

In comparison to the plant genomes in the table, the size of the human genome, Homo sapiens, is 3000 mbp.

Using information from the question and your own knowledge, discuss the relationship between genome size and the complexity of organisms.

How did you do?

1d
Sme Calculator3 marks

Many plants with very large genomes do not have a significantly larger proteome as a result of this. Instead, these plants have a larger proportion of non-coding DNA. 

State three uses of non-coding DNA. 

How did you do?

Did this page help you?

2a
Sme Calculator5 marks

The image below shows a piece of equipment that can be used to investigate breathing.  

3R_9oX9k_4

(i
)

State the name of the piece of equipment shown in the image.

[1]

(ii)

Identify chemical T in the image.

[1]

(iii)

Explain what happens to the chamber lid when a person breathes in and out.

[3]

How did you do?

2b2 marks

Describe how spirometer data can be collected electronically.

How did you do?

2c
Sme Calculator2 marks

The graph below shows a spirometer trace from a 25-year old test subject.

xeLCYiMb_5

(i)

Calculate the tidal volume of the test subject.

[1]

(ii)
Calculate the vital capacity of the test subject.
[1]

How did you do?

2d2 marks

Fibrosis of the lungs is a condition that reduces the volume of air that can be taken into the lungs with each normal breath.

Sketch a trace on the graph paper below to show normal breathing for an individual with fibrosis. Your trace should cover at least a 30 second time period.

1NXgPiMf_6

How did you do?

Did this page help you?

3
Sme Calculator4 marks

Evaluate the benefit of mesocosm experiments in understanding interactions between organisms in their natural environment.

How did you do?

Did this page help you?