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Date	November 2018	Marks available	2	Reference code	18N.3.HL.TZ0.9
Level	Higher level	Paper	Paper 3	Time zone	TZ0 / no time zone
Command term	Outline	Question number	9	Adapted from	N/A

Question

Outline the characteristics which would indicate biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.

[2]

The formation of hydrophobic concrete is an example of how biofilms can be useful. Outline one example where biofilms can cause environmental problems.

[2]

Markscheme

a. bacteria/B. subtilis adhere to surfaces ✔

b. «bacteria/B. subtilis» grow surrounded by EPS/exopolysaccharide/extracellular polymeric substance matrix ✔

c. «bacteria/B. subtilis growing in a biofilm» are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents ✔

d. «bacteria/B. subtilis in biofilms» cooperate through quorum sensing ✔

a. example of where biofilm cause problems ✔
eg: clogging/corrosion of pipes/water systems ✔
slows down/interrupts/clogs water supply systems ✔
OR
eg: contamination of surfaces in food production ✔
causes food transmitted diseases ✔
OR
eg: plaque formation on teeth ✔
causes cavities ✔
OR
eg: catheter clogging ✔
causes urinary infections ✔

b. description of problems ✔

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

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

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17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
16N.3.SL.TZ0.10b:
Explain two ways in which bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas can be used for bioremediation.
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17N.3.SL.TZ0.10b:
Suggest why membrane filtration may be more suitable than chlorination in purifying the water.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d:
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19M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:
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………………......… mol m^–3
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17N.3.HL.TZ0.11c:
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17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b:
State a positive application of biofilms.
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17N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
The picture shows workers cleaning up a polluted stretch of coastline in Alaska after oil was leaked from a tanker.

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OilCleanupAfterValdezSpill.jpg]

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Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
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20N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
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[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

Explain the role of biofilms in sewage treatment.
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20N.3.HL.TZ0.12b:
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18M.3.SL.TZ1.11:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
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Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
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19M.3.HL.TZ1.11c:
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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics

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Markscheme

Examiners report

Syllabus sections

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