ACTIVITY Unit 1: Form and Function at the Molecular and Cellular Level

TOPICS: MICROSCOPY, THE CELL, AND VIRUSES

1. Microscopy
What's the difference between a light telescope and an electronic microscope?

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Explain the steps to outline cellular structures to scale through microscopic observations.

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Describe the process to calculate the number of magnifications and the actual size of a cell.

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2. Cellular Structures
What structures are common in all cells?

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Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular structures, and describe their functions.

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 Draw and label the ultrastructure of cells based on electron micrographs.

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3. Cellular Differentiation and Organelles

Compare and contrast the characteristics of unicellular and multicellular organisms.

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Evaluate the importance of cellular differentiation in multicellular organisms.

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Identify the structures in cells that are considered organelles and explain their functions.

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What are the advantages of separating the nucleus and the cytoplasm in cells?

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 Explain the advantages of compartmentalization in the cytoplasm of cells.

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4. Stem Cells
Describe the production of unspecialized cells after fertilization and their development into specialized cells
through differentiation.

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List and explain the properties of stem cells.

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Differentiate between totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells.

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Relate cell size to its specialization.

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 Discuss the ethical, social, and environmental implications of the use of stem cells in people’s lives.

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5. Viruses
Explain the rapid evolution of viruses.

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Describe the diversity in form and structure of viruses.

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Explain the lytic and lysogenic cycles in viruses.

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KEY INFORMATION SHEET:
1. Types of Microscopes
Light Microscope
● Uses: Observing live cells, tissues, and organisms.
● Magnification: Typically up to 1000-1500x.
● Differences: Uses visible light and lenses, limited resolution (0.2 micrometres).
● Advantages: Can view living specimens, relatively inexpensive.

Electron Microscope
● Uses: Observing cell structures, viruses, and detailed surface features.
● Magnification: Up to 1,000,000x.
● Differences: Uses electron beams and electromagnetic lenses, high resolution (up to 0.1 nanometres).
● Advantages: Much higher resolution and magnification than light microscopes.

2. Scaling the Real Size of a Cell from an Image

● Formula: Real Size = Image Size / Total Magnification.
● Total Magnification: Calculated as eyepiece magnification x objective lens magnification.
● Example: If an image is 5 cm long, viewed through a 10x eyepiece and a 40x objective, real size = 5 cm / (10 x
40) = 0.0125 cm = 125 micrometres.

3. Cell Structure (A2.2)

● Cell Membrane: Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, regulates entry and exit of substances.
● Nucleus: Contains DNA, controls cell activities.
● Mitochondria: Site of ATP production through cellular respiration.
● Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
● Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough ER (protein synthesis), Smooth ER (lipid synthesis, detoxification).
● Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
● Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for digestion.
● Cytoskeleton: Structural support, intracellular transport.

4. Origins of Cells (A2.1, HL)

● Endosymbiotic Theory: Explains the origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic organisms; mitochondria and
chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria engulfed by a larger cell.
● Evidence: Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA, double membranes, and ribosomes similar to
bacteria.

5. Viruses (A2.3, HL)

● Structure: Consist of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat (capsid), sometimes surrounded by a
lipid envelope.
● Reproduction: Infect host cells, use host machinery to replicate.
● Lytic Cycle: Virus replicates and causes host cell lysis.
● Lysogenic Cycle: Viral DNA integrates into host genome, replicates with host cell, can enter lytic cycle later.

6. Organelles and Compartmentalization (B2.2)

● Nucleus: Contains genetic material, regulates gene expression.
● Mitochondria: ATP production, cellular respiration.
● ER: Rough (protein synthesis), Smooth (lipid synthesis, detoxification).
● Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, packages proteins/lipids.
● Lysosomes: Digestion and waste processing.
● Peroxisomes: Breakdown of fatty acids, detoxification.
● Chloroplasts (plants): Photosynthesis.
● Vacuoles: Storage of nutrients, waste, maintaining turgor pressure (plants).
● Cytoskeleton: Structural support, intracellular transport, cell movement.
Mock Exam 1: IB Biology HL - Viruses (A2.3)
Total Marks: 40
Time: 1 hour

Section A: Multiple Choice (10 marks)

Each question is worth 1 mark.

1. Which of the following components is not found in all viruses?

a. Nucleic acid
b. Protein coat
c. Ribosomes
d. Capsid

2. What is the primary function of the viral envelope?

a. To protect the viral DNA
b. To facilitate attachment to host cells
c. To provide energy for the virus
d. To replicate the viral genome

3. Which type of virus uses reverse transcriptase to replicate its genome?

a. DNA virus
b. RNA virus
c. Retrovirus
d. Bacteriophage

4. In the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, what happens to the host cell?

a. It integrates the viral DNA into its genome
b. It undergoes immediate lysis and releases new viruses
c. It remains dormant until triggered
d. It divides and spreads the virus

5. What is a viroid?
a. A type of virus that infects bacteria
b. A small circular RNA molecule without a protein coat
c. A prion that causes diseases in animals
d. A large complex virus with a lipid envelope

6. Which of the following best describes the term “bacteriophage”?

a. A virus that infects plants
b. A virus that infects bacteria
c. A virus that infects animals
d. A virus that infects fungi

7. What is the role of the protein coat (capsid) in a virus?

a. To assist in viral replication
b. To synthesize viral proteins
c. To protect the viral genetic material
d. To provide energy for viral activities
8. Which statement is true about viral replication?
a. Viruses can replicate independently outside a host cell
b. Viral replication always involves the lytic cycle
c. Viruses use the host cell’s machinery to replicate
d. Viral replication does not require nucleic acids

9. Which type of virus is known to cause cancer in humans?

a. Influenza virus
b. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
c. Bacteriophage
d. Adenovirus

10. How do antiviral drugs typically work?

a. By killing viruses directly
b. By preventing viral entry into host cells
c. By enhancing viral replication
d. By destroying viral DNA or RNA

Section B: Short Answer (15 marks)

Each question is worth 5 marks.

1. Describe the basic structure of a virus and explain the role of each component.

2. Compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophages.

3. Explain how retroviruses, such as HIV, replicate within a host cell.

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Section C: Extended Response (15 marks)
Answer one question.

1. Discuss the impact of viruses on human health, including both positive and negative effects.
Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

2. Describe the mechanisms by which viruses can evade the immune system of their hosts and
discuss the implications for disease treatment and prevention.

3. Explain the methods used in biotechnology to study and manipulate viruses for beneficial
purposes, such as gene therapy and vaccine development. Provide examples to support your
answer.

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Marking Scheme: Mock Exam 1: IB Biology HL - Viruses (A2.3)

Section A:
1. c
2. b
3. c
4. b
5. b
6. b
7. c
8. c
9. b
10. b

Section B:
1. Structure: nucleic acid (genetic material, either DNA or RNA), protein coat (capsid, protects genetic
material), sometimes a lipid envelope (aids in attachment and entry into host cells). (5 marks)
2. Lytic cycle: virus replicates immediately, causing host cell lysis. Lysogenic cycle: viral DNA
integrates into host genome, replicates with host cell, can enter lytic cycle later. (5 marks)
3. Retrovirus replication: virus enters host cell, reverse transcriptase converts RNA to DNA,
integrates into host genome, transcribes and translates to produce new viruses. (5 marks)

Section C:
- Clear explanation of concepts.
- Use of specific examples.
- Depth and detail in discussion.
- Logical structure and coherence.
IBDP Biology HL Mock Exam 2

Topic: A2.2 Cell Structure

1. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
Describe the structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Provide examples of
each type.

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2. Cell Membrane Structure and Function:

Explain the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane. How do membrane proteins and cholesterol
contribute to membrane function?

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Describe the different types of membrane transport, including diffusion, osmosis, and active
transport.

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3. Cytoplasm and Cytoskeleton:

What roles do the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton play in maintaining cell structure and function?
Include a discussion on microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

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4. Nucleus:
Describe the structure of the nucleus and its components. What are the functions of each part?

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5. Organelles:
Explain the structure and function of mitochondria in the production of ATP.

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Compare and contrast the roles of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Smooth
Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).

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Describe the functions of the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes in a cell.
What are the roles of vacuoles in plant cells?

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Topic: A2.3 Viruses (HL)

1. Structure of Viruses:
Outline the basic components of a virus. How do DNA and RNA viruses differ in structure?

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2. Viral Life Cycles:

Compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophages.

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3. Retroviruses:
Describe the structure and replication process of retroviruses. Use HIV as an example in your
explanation.

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4. Impact of Viruses on Hosts:

How do viruses infect host cells and cause disease? Describe the host immune response to viral
infections. Provide examples of viral diseases such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.

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Topic: B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization

1. Importance of Compartmentalization:
Explain why compartmentalization is important in eukaryotic cells. How does it contribute to cellular
efficiency and regulation?

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2. Organelles and Their Functions:

Describe the functions of the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus,
lysosomes, peroxisomes, and vacuoles. How do membranes create distinct environments within
these organelles?

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3. Transport Within Cells:

Explain the processes of endocytosis and exocytosis. How is transport along the cytoskeleton
facilitated by motor proteins?

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4. Significance in Cell Function:

Discuss how compartmentalization contributes to metabolic pathways, providing an example such as
the separation of glycolysis in the cytoplasm and the Krebs cycle in mitochondria.

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Topic: B2.3 Cellular Specialization

1. Definition and Importance:

What is cellular specialisation? Why is it important for multicellular organisms?

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2. Examples of Specialized Cells:

Describe the structure and function of at least three types of specialised cells in animals and plants.
Include examples such as neurons, red blood cells, and muscle cells in animals; and guard cells,
xylem, and phloem in plants.

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3. Differentiation Process:
Explain the process of cellular differentiation. How do stem cells become specialised?

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4. Stem Cells and Their Potency:

Differentiate between the types of stem cells based on their potency (totipotent, pluripotent,
multipotent). Provide examples and their potential uses in medical research and treatments.

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5. Implications for Health and Disease:
Discuss how the study of cellular specialisation and stem cells can contribute to understanding and
treating diseases. Include examples such as regenerative medicine and cancer research.

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Answer Key: IBDP Biology HL Mock Exam 2

Topic: A2.2 Cell Structure

1. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; examples include bacteria. Eukaryotic
cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; examples include animal and plant cells.
2. The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules interspersed
with proteins. Proteins facilitate transport and communication, while cholesterol maintains fluidity.
3. The cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates intracellular transport. Microfilaments aid in cell
movement, intermediate filaments maintain shape, and microtubules provide tracks for motor proteins.
4. The nucleus contains the nuclear envelope, nucleolus, and chromatin. It stores genetic material and
regulates gene expression.
5. Mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration. The RER synthesizes proteins, while the SER
synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances. The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins and lipids.
Lysosomes digest macromolecules, and peroxisomes detoxify harmful substances. Vacuoles store nutrients
and maintain turgor pressure in plants.

Topic: A2.3 Viruses (HL)

1. Viruses consist of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid). Some have an envelope derived
from the host cell membrane. DNA viruses use DNA as genetic material, while RNA viruses use RNA.
2. The lytic cycle involves immediate replication and destruction of the host cell. The lysogenic cycle involves
integration of viral DNA into the host genome, remaining dormant until triggered.
3. Retroviruses have RNA and use reverse transcriptase to convert RNA to DNA, integrating into the host
genome. HIV infects T cells and replicates through this process.
4. Viruses attach to host cells, inject their genetic material, and hijack cellular machinery to replicate. The host
immune response includes recognizing and destroying infected cells. Examples: influenza, HIV/AIDS,
COVID-19.

Topic: B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization

1. Compartmentalization allows for specialization of cellular processes, efficient regulation, and protection of
cellular components.
2. Each organelle has specific functions: the nucleus stores genetic material, mitochondria produce ATP, ER
synthesizes proteins and lipids, Golgi modifies and packages molecules, lysosomes digest waste,
peroxisomes detoxify, and vacuoles store nutrients.
3. Endocytosis involves engulfing materials into the cell, while exocytosis expels materials. Transport along the
cytoskeleton involves motor proteins moving along microtubules.
4. Compartmentalization separates metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis in the cytoplasm and the Krebs
cycle in mitochondria, enhancing efficiency.

Topic: B2.3 Cellular Specialization

1. Cellular specialization is the process by which generic cells become specialized to perform specific
functions. It is important for the functioning and survival of multicellular organisms.
2. Examples of specialized cells:
- Animals: Neurons (transmit nerve impulses), red blood cells (transport oxygen), muscle cells (contract to
enable movement).
- Plants: Guard cells (regulate gas exchange), xylem (transport water), phloem (transport nutrients).
3. Cellular differentiation involves stem cells becoming specialized through gene expression and
environmental influences.
4. Types of stem cells:
- Totipotent: Can differentiate into any cell type, including placental cells.
- Pluripotent: Can differentiate into any cell type except placental cells.
- Multipotent: Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.
5. Understanding cellular specialization and stem cells helps in regenerative medicine (repairing damaged
tissues) and cancer research (understanding abnormal cell differentiation and proliferation).