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Date May 2021 Marks available 1 Reference code 21M.1.HL.TZ1.31
Level Higher level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number 31 Adapted from N/A

Question

What does electron tomography allow mitochondria researchers to do?

A. To produce images of cristae.

B. To produce images of ATP synthase molecules.

C. To trace the movement of electrons through the electron transport chain.

D. To visualize oxidation/reduction reactions.

Markscheme

A

Examiners report

This proved to be the second most difficult question on the exam in terms of percentage success rate. There was also a poor discrimination index. For entirely understandable reasons, electron tomography was a part of the program that remained unexplored by many candidates and it was not possible to deduce the correct answer from basic biological understanding. The topic was introduced to the current IB Biology program as an exemplar of technological development leading to new research findings. Electron tomography has allowed the function of mitochondria to be studied by producing images showing the position of the cristae when production of ATP is occurring. It does not allow movement of electrons in the electron transport chain to be traced the most popular answer.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level » Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis » 8.2 Cell respiration
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Additional higher level » Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis
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