DP Biology Questionbank

Description

Nature of science:
Developments in scientific research follow improvements in apparatus—using tools such as the laser scanning microscope has led researchers to deeper understanding of the structure of biofilms. (1.8)Understandings:

• Responses to pollution incidents can involve bioremediation combined with physical and chemical procedures.
• Microorganisms are used in bioremediation.
• Some pollutants are metabolized by microorganisms.
• Cooperative aggregates of microorganisms can form biofilms.
• Biofilms possess emergent properties.
• Microorganisms growing in a biofilm are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents.
• Microorganisms in biofilms cooperate through quorum sensing.
• Bacteriophages are used in the disinfection of water systems.

Applications and skills:

• Application: Degradation of benzene by halophilic bacteria such as Marinobacter.
• Application: Degradation of oil by Pseudomonas.
• Application: Conversion by Pseudomonas of methyl mercury into elemental mercury.
• Application: Use of biofilms in trickle filter beds for sewage treatment.
• Skill: Evaluation of data or media reports on environmental problems caused by biofilms.

Guidance:

• Examples of environmental problems caused by biofilms could include clogging and corrosion of pipes, transfer of microorganisms in ballast water or contamination of surfaces in food production.

International-mindedness:

• During oil spills scientists from different parts of the world work together to protect the environment.

Theory of knowledge:

• Emergent properties are the outcome of the interaction of the elements of a system. In what context is a reductionist approach to science productive and in what context is a reductionist approach problematic?

Utilization:
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Biology
Topic 1 Cell biology
Chemistry
Option C2 Fossil fuels
Environmental systems and societies
Topic 4.4 Water pollution
Topic 6.3 Photochemical smog
Topic 6.4 Acid deposition

Directly related questions

• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11c: Suggest two problems that could be caused by the presence of biofilms in water systems.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b: State a positive application of biofilms.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a: Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11: The picture shows workers cleaning up a polluted stretch of coastline in Alaska after oil was...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d: Explain how quorum sensing benefits the bacteria within the steel pipes.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10b: Suggest why membrane filtration may be more suitable than chlorination in purifying the water.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: State the effect chlorination has on the accumulation of biofilm in the pipe.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10c: With respect to the degradation of cyanide by P. fluorescens, explain what is meant by...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Suggest how the addition of sucrose promotes the degradation of cyanide. 
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Outline the evidence that P. fluorescens can degrade the cyanide.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10a.ii: Discuss the emergent properties of biofilms.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10a: Biofilms can be formed in many different environments. State one example of an environment where...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.9: The diagram shows a biofilm that has formed on a tooth. Using the diagram, explain the concept...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.13: Explain how microorganisms can be used in response to pollution incidents such as an oil spill.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.16a: Calculate the diversity of site C. Working should be shown.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.11b: State the genus of halophilic bacteria in the soil that could be degrading the benzene.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.11a: Determine the optimum concentration of sodium chloride for benzene degradation.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.10b: Outline the importance of avoiding biofilm formation in pipes carrying drinking water.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.10a: Evaluate the effect of 1 % ginger root extract on biofilm formation.
• 17M.2.HL.TZ1.1f.ii: Suggest a reason for the greater expression of the gene for the urea transporter after an...
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.13: Explain the formation of biofilms and the problems associated with their formation.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10b: Explain two ways in which bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas can be used for bioremediation.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.11c: Outline another named example of a microorganism used in bioremediation.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.11b: The decontamination system for the removal of the dye uses a surface to which Paenibacillus can...
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.11a: Suggest one way in which organisms such as Paenibacillus metabolize toxic substances.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.12: Explain, with reference to one example, how a polluted ecosystem can be restored through...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.11c: Suggest reasons for biofilms developing inside shower heads.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.11b: Distinguish between the data for shower head biofilms and municipal water sources.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.11a: List two properties of biofilms.
• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.16c: Compare the percentage of strains that do not produce quorum sensing proteins (QS – ) in strains...
• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.16d: Deduce, using the data, whether the genes for quorum sensing and for toxicity of cholera evolved...
• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.16e: Vibrio cholerae is Gram-negative.  Describe the structure of the cell wall of this bacterium.
• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.16a: State the percentage of cholera producing strains that do not produce quorum sensing proteins...
• 15M.3.SL.TZ2.16b: Determine the approximate percentage of non-cholera producing strains that produce quorum sensing...
• 15M.3.HL.TZ2.9: Describe the consequences of releasing raw sewage into rivers.
• 15N.3.HL.TZ0.8a: State one example of a bacterium that forms aggregates.
• 15N.3.HL.TZ0.8d: The image shows part of a sewage treatment plant.   Outline the role of bacteria in trickling...
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.7a: Predict the Cr3+ concentration that would cause 50% inhibition in BPT3.  
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.7b: Waste water from some industrial processes contains high levels of Cr3+. State, with a reason,...
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.9: Explain how bacteria are used in bioremediation of soil.
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.7c: Compare the effect of Cr3+ and S2– on the inhibition of BPT3.
• 13M.3.HL.TZ1.7d: Raw sewage contains high level of nitrates. Explain the importance of denitrification of raw...
• 13N.3.SL.TZ0.17b: Outline the role of saprotrophic bacteria in the treatment of sewage.
• 11M.3.HL.TZ1.8d: Explain the use of bacteria in bioremediation.
• 11M.3.SL.TZ1.17a: State two roles of microbes in ecosystems.
• 12M.3.HL.TZ1.8c: Microorganisms play many roles in ecosystems. List two of these roles. 1.      ...
• 12M.3.HL.TZ2.8a: State, giving one specific example, how individual bacteria change their characteristics when...
• 12M.3.SL.TZ1.15a: State which indicator was more resistant to the heat treatment.
• 12M.3.SL.TZ1.16b: Compare the effect of the 80°C heat treatment on coliphages and S. choleraesuis.
• 12M.3.SL.TZ1.16c: Discuss whether the heat treatment should be continued beyond 60 minutes if this technique were...
• 12M.3.SL.TZ1.16d: In many areas, sewage is discharged directly into the environment. State two potential...
• 10M.3.HL.TZ1.7c: For an accidental sewage spill, suggest, giving a reason, which of the two microbes may be most...
• 10M.3.HL.TZ1.7a: Identify the time at which fecal coliform bacteria counts fell below 1 unit per 100 ml.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.7a: Describe the cadmium ion uptake by A. fumigatus at pH 6.
• 11N.3.HL.TZ0.7b: Calculate the difference in cadmium ion uptake between pH 4 and pH 5 at 60...
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.7a : State the respiratory activity when the C23O gene ratio first reached its highest level.
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.7b: Describe the respiratory activity as the soil treatment progresses.
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.7e: Scientists are interested in inserting the C23O genes into bacteria to clean up oil spills in the...
• 12N.3.HL.TZ0.7c: The data in the graph indicates that hydrocarbon degradation occurred during the first 30 days of...
• 12N.3.SL.TZ0.18b (i): Outline the role of saprotrophic bacteria in the treatment of sewage.
• 10N.3.SL.TZ0.18b: Explain the consequences of releasing raw sewage into rivers and the involvement of...
• 10N.3.HL.TZ0.9: Explain the use of bacteria in the bioremediation of water.