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Date	May 2017	Marks available	3	Reference code	17M.3.HL.TZ1.10
Level	Higher level	Paper	Paper 3	Time zone	Time zone 1
Command term	Discuss	Question number	10	Adapted from	N/A

Question

The micrograph below shows an example of a biofilm including Staphylococcus aureus.

Biofilms can be formed in many different environments.

State one example of an environment where biofilms can be formed.

[1]

a.

Discuss the emergent properties of biofilms.

[3]

a.ii.

Markscheme

cooling- or heating-water systems / rocks at the bottom of a river / teeth «of most animals» / prepared on sewage treatment plants / boat hulls / medical catheters

Accept other verified examples

a.

a. have «new» properties that are not present in the individual microorganisms

b. organisms form a matrix «EPS» / biofilms have a complex architecture

c. increased resistance to antibiotics/treatments
OR
bioluminescence

d. biofilms can be formed by different types of micro organisms that interact/cooperate

e. quorum sensing
OR
high population/cell density determines expression of genes

a.ii.

Examiners report

[N/A]

a.

[N/A]

a.ii.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics) » B.3 Environmental protection

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[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics