Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Viruses (HL IB Biology)

Exam Questions

33 mins9 questions
1a
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4 marks

Describe the structural features common to all viruses.

1b
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2 marks

Viruses can vary greatly. The structure of bacteriophage lambda is different to that of coronaviruses.

Compare the structural differences between bacteriophage lambda and coronaviruses.

1c
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4 marks

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contains a protein capsid and a viral envelope consisting of a lipid bilayer and glycoproteins.

(i)

State the role of the protein capsid in HIV. 

[1]

(ii)

Explain the purpose of the envelope of HIV.

[3]

1d
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2 marks

Explain why the structural features of viruses could be regarded as an example of convergent evolution.

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2a
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5 marks

Describe the phases of the of the lytic cycle of bacteriophage lambda. 

2b
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1 mark

State the role the host plays in the survival of a virus.

2c
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2 marks

Compare the lytic cycle of bacteriophage lambda with that of the lysogenic cycle. 

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3a
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2 marks

Define an obligate parasite and state an example.

3b
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3 marks

Viruses have very rapid rates of evolution.

Explain three reasons for the rapid rates of evolution of influenza viruses.

3c
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2 marks

Describe the challenges involved in treating diseases caused by rapidly evolving viruses.

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