| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 19M.3.SL.TZ2.4 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 2 |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The performance of mice on a Barnes maze, shown in the photograph, was used to test the effect of cinnamon on learning.
Mice were trained for three days to find a compartment in the maze containing food. Their ability to find the compartment was tested by placing the mice at the centre and recording their movement. The mice were divided into two groups according to the route taken: good performers and poor performers. After this all the mice were fed a small amount of cinnamon in their diet for 30 days. They were then trained for three days and retested on the maze.
The diagrams show the movements of a typical good performer and a typical poor performer before and after cinnamon was included in their diet.
[Source: reprinted by permission from: Springer Natures, Journal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Cinnamon Converts Poor
Learning Mice to Good Learners: Implications for Memory Improvement, Khushbu K.Modi et al, copyright 2016]
Describe how the use of cinnamon changes mouse performance on the Barnes maze.
Scientists demonstrated that cinnamon increased neural plasticity in some parts of mouse brains. Explain how neural plasticity could have affected learning in poor performer mice.
It has been suggested that cinnamon might be of benefit to patients who are recovering from a stroke. Suggest one advantage of adding cinnamon to the diet of a patient who has suffered a stroke.
Markscheme
a. poor performers performed «much» better after a diet with cinnamon ✔
b. cinnamon made good performers perform slightly better/the same ✔
a. developing neurons form multiple synapses, so there are more connections between neurons ✔
b. synapses that are not used do not persist/neural pruning ✔
c. less synapses means there is less interference of stimuli / less background noise ✔
d. neurons/synapses that are used a lot are reinforced so information is accessed faster in neurons ✔
a. reorganization of brain function through plasticity «which is enhanced by cinnamon» ✔
b. cinnamon helps to form new neural pathways to replace the ones that were lost «due to the stroke» ✔
Examiners report
Describing how the use of cinnamon changes mouse performance on the maze was successfully answered.
In part (b) most candidates got 2 marks out of 3, as they failed to fully relate the concept of neural plasticity to learning.
In (c) most candidates suggested cinnamon helps to form new neural pathways to replace the ones lost due to a stroke.
Syllabus sections
- 20N.3.HL.TZ0.4c: Suggest what can happen to neurons that are unused in the nervous system.
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20N.3.HL.TZ0.4a:
Describe the changes occurring in this neuron from day 1 to day 2.
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18M.3.HL.TZ1.4a:
The diagram shows one of the stages in neurulation.
Describe what happens next in neurulation.
- 17N.3.HL.TZ0.07b: Outline how the human brain can reorganize itself following a stroke.
- 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4a: Label the parts I and II on the images.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.5b: State what would occur in the embryo immediately after stage IV.
- 17M.3.HL.TZ1.4b: Outline the development of axons in immature neurons.
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18M.3.SL.TZ1.5a:
Evaluate the claim that IGF influences turning angle and neuron extension.
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19M.3.SL.TZ2.5d:
Primates belong to the phylum chordata. The neural tube of chordates is formed by the infolding of the ectoderm followed by the elongation of the tube. Outline the process of formation of neurons from this neural tube in primates.
- 19M.3.SL.TZ1.4b: Explain how patient recovery from a stroke illustrates the property of neural plasticity.
- 18N.3.SL.TZ0.5b: Outline the possible changes to this neuron that could happen during the subsequent...
- 18N.3.SL.TZ0.5c: Suggest how the plasticity of the brain can benefit humans.
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17M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
List the different types of neurons involved in a reflex arc.
- 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5c: Outline how spina bifida could occur during embryonic development.
- 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4b: Predict how mental activity might delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
- 18M.3.HL.TZ1.4c: Explain the process of neural pruning.
- 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.iii: State the condition that arises if the closure of structure X is incomplete during embryonic...
- 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4c: State the condition that arises if the closure of structure X is incomplete during embryonic...
- 18M.3.HL.TZ2.4a: Outline how an immature neuron develops an axon.
- 19N.3.SL.TZ0.4b: Identify the part labelled X.
- 19N.3.SL.TZ0.4c: State a consequence of incomplete folding of the neural tube in humans.
- 19N.3.HL.TZ0.4b: Outline the main feature of neural pruning.
- 18M.3.HL.TZ2.4b: Explain neuroplasticity in terms of the developing neurons.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ2.7: Outline the process that could result in spina bifida during neural tube development.
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18M.3.SL.TZ1.5b:
Outline the development of neurons from when they are first formed in the neural tube.
- 17M.3.SL.TZ2.4b: Structure Y will eventually elongate to form two structures. State the names of these two...
- 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.i: Label the parts I and II on the images.
- 18N.3.SL.TZ0.5a: Describe the process taking place.
- 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5b: State what occurs to structure X immediately following its formation.
- 19N.3.SL.TZ0.4d: Explain how the nervous system develops from the cells of the neural tube.
- 19N.3.SL.TZ0.4a: State the name of the stage of embryonic development shown in the diagram.
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17N.3.SL.TZ0.07:
The diagrams illustrate changes in synapse density of the cerebral cortex from newborn to adult.
[Source: THE POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN CEREBRAL CORTEX, VOLUMES IVIII, by Jesse LeRoy Conel, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, Copyright © 1939, 1941, 1947, 1951, 1955, 1959, 1963, 1967
by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. Copyright © renewed 1967, 1969, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991.]Explain the processes illustrated by the diagrams.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.5c: Outline the consequences of incomplete closure of the neural tube in humans.
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20N.3.HL.TZ0.4b:
Suggest other processes that may occur during neural development.
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19M.3.SL.TZ2.4b:
Scientists demonstrated that cinnamon increased neural plasticity in some parts of mouse brains. Explain how neural plasticity could have affected learning in poor performer mice.
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18M.3.HL.TZ1.4b:
Explain the causes of spina bifida in vertebrates.
- 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7: Explain the stages of development and differentiation of neurons.
- 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4c: Autism appears early in life and affects how a person communicates and relates to others....
- 17M.3.HL.TZ2.4a.ii: Structure Y will eventually elongate to form two structures. State the names of these two...
- 16N.3.HL.TZ0.4a: State what happens to unused neurons.
- 19M.3.HL.TZ1.5a: Describe the process occurring in the diagram.
- 19M.3.SL.TZ1.5b: Neurons are initially produced by differentiation in the neural tube. Outline the mechanisms...
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19M.3.SL.TZ2.4c:
It has been suggested that cinnamon might be of benefit to patients who are recovering from a stroke. Suggest one advantage of adding cinnamon to the diet of a patient who has suffered a stroke.
- 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4a: Calculate the rate of movement of the neuron cell body between 0 and 5 h. Working should be...
- 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4c: Outline neural pruning.
- 17M.3.SL.TZ1.4b: Suggest a reason for the migration of neurons in the embryonic nervous system.
- 16N.3.SL.TZ0.5a: Outline the process taking place in the diagram.
