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

• 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.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.13:

  Explain the formation of biofilms and the problems associated with their formation.

• 17M.2.HL.TZ1.1f.ii: Suggest a reason for the greater expression of the gene for the urea transporter after an...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10a: Biofilms can be formed in many different environments. State one example of an environment where...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10a.ii: Discuss the emergent properties of biofilms.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.13: Explain how microorganisms can be used in response to pollution incidents such as an oil spill.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.10a: Evaluate the effect of 1 % ginger root extract on biofilm formation.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.10b: Outline the importance of avoiding biofilm formation in pipes carrying drinking water.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.11b: State the genus of halophilic bacteria in the soil that could be degrading the benzene.
• 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.TZ1.11a: Determine the optimum concentration of sodium chloride for benzene degradation.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.16a: Calculate the diversity of site C. Working should be shown.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Outline the evidence that P. fluorescens can degrade the cyanide.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Suggest how the addition of sucrose promotes the degradation of cyanide. 
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10c: With respect to the degradation of cyanide by P. fluorescens, explain what is meant by...
• 20N.3.SL.TZ0.11:

  Trickle filter beds are used to treat sewage.

  

  [Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

  Explain the role of biofilms in sewage treatment.

• 20N.3.HL.TZ0.12c:

  State how viruses could be used to treat water systems, in order to avoid the use of a disinfectant.

• 20N.3.HL.TZ0.12b:

  The use of monochloramine is replacing the use of chlorine, as it is more stable, but it can produce by-products that pose possible health risks. Evaluate the data to see whether monochloramine is a good choice as a disinfectant for water systems.

• 20N.3.HL.TZ0.12a: Bacteria sometimes form biofilms inside metal pipes in water systems. Distinguish between free...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d:

  Explain how quorum sensing benefits the bacteria within the steel pipes.

• 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]

   

  Explain how oil pollution can be treated by bioremediation.

• 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.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:

  Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.

• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b:

  State a positive application of biofilms.

• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11c:

  Suggest two problems that could be caused by the presence of biofilms in water systems.

• 18N.3.HL.TZ0.9b: The formation of hydrophobic concrete is an example of how biofilms can be useful. Outline one...
• 18N.3.HL.TZ0.9a: Outline the characteristics which would indicate biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.
• 18N.3.SL.TZ0.11: The micrograph shows a T4 bacteriophage. Discuss the use of bacteriophages in water systems.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.9b: State the name of the strategy that involves the use of organisms to remove toxic substances from...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.8c: Outline the concept of an emergent property.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.9a: Outline the trend in amount of salt in the soil over the study period.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.ii:

  Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.

• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Identify the step where the extracellular matrix first appears.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.11:

  Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.

• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.10a: State the role of microorganisms in bioremediation.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.10b:

  Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.

• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.i: Define biofilm.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:

  Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.

• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Explain the persistence of urinary tract infections, if bacterial biofilms are formed.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.13: Discuss the use of microorganisms in bioremediation.
• 19M.3.SL.TZ1.8d: P. aeruginosa is a concern in hospitals because it tends to form biofilms. Outline one reason for...
• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.i: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. Define quorum sensing.
• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.ii: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. State three possible advantages to B....
• 19M.3.SL.TZ2.10a: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.11a:

  Outline what is meant by halophilic when describing the bacteria.

• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:

  Identify the salt concentration with the greatest rate of benzene biodegradation.

  ………………......… mol m^–3

• 19M.3.SL.TZ2.11:

  Explain the use of two named bacteria in response to pollution incidents.

• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.11c:

  State one genus of halophilic bacteria known to biodegrade benzene.

• 19M.3.HL.TZ1.11d: Suggest one advantage to the bacteria of breaking down benzene.
• 19M.3.SL.TZ2.10b: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
• 19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.i: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
• 19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.ii: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
• 19M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Outline one example of an environmental problem caused by biofilms.
• 19N.3.SL.TZ0.11b: State one other way in which the formation of biofilms can be inhibited.
• 19N.3.SL.TZ0.11a: Compare and contrast the effect of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration on the drop in pressure.
• 19N.3.SL.TZ0.11c: Some biological systems show emergent properties. Emergent properties arise from the interaction...
• 19N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:

  Outline the aims and methods of bioremediation.