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IB DP Biology Questions

1.5 The Origin of Cells

Question 1

Which phase of mitosis is characterised by the alignment of chromosomes at the equator of the cell?

A. Prophase

B. Metaphase

C. Anaphase

D. Telophase

Question 2

What was the primary significance of the Miller-Urey experiment?

A. It demonstrated the process of mitosis.

B. It showed the formation of organic molecules from inorganic precursors.

C. It proved the RNA world hypothesis.

D. It discovered the structure of DNA.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis and meiosis?

A. Mitosis results in diploid cells, while meiosis results in haploid cells.

B. Mitosis occurs only in animals, while meiosis occurs only in plants.

C. Mitosis involves DNA replication, while meiosis does not.

D. Mitosis produces identical cells, while meiosis produces non-identical cells.

Question 4

What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory of the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

A. They have a similar structure to prokaryotic cells.

B. They cannot function independently of the cell.

C. They lack their own DNA and ribosomes.

D. They have their own DNA and ribosomes.

Question 5

Which hypothesis suggests that life originated from self-replicating RNA molecules?

A. Protein world hypothesis

B. RNA world hypothesis

C. Metabolism-first hypothesis

D. Endosymbiotic theory

Question 6

a) Outline the phases of mitosis and explain the significance of the checkpoints in each phase. [4]

b) Discuss the Miller-Urey experiment and its implications for the understanding of the origin of life. [3]

Question 7

a) Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis, focusing on their roles in growth and reproduction. [4]

b) Explain the RNA world hypothesis and discuss how it proposes that self-replicating ribonucleic acid molecules were precursors to current life. [3]

Question 8

a) Discuss the emergence of metabolism-first cells and how this theory contributes to the understanding of the origin of cells. [3]

b) Provide evidence supporting the theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and discuss the implications for eukaryotic evolution. [4]

Question 9

a) Describe the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle and explain how they prevent the progression of cancer. [3]

b) Evaluate the significance of the Miller-Urey experiment in supporting the theory of abiogenesis. [3]

c) Discuss the RNA world hypothesis and its implications for the evolution of life on Earth. [3]

Question 10

a) Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis, focusing on their outcomes and biological significance. [4]

b) Explain the emergence of metabolism-first cells and how this concept contrasts with the RNA world hypothesis. [3]

c) Discuss the evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory and its importance in explaining the origin of eukaryotic cells. [4]

Question 11

What is the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

A. To accelerate cell division

B. To ensure each phase of the cell cycle is completed accurately

C. To prevent DNA replication

D. To initiate apoptosis in healthy cells

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a phase of meiosis?

A. Prophase I

B. Anaphase II

C. Metaphase III

D. Telophase I

Question 13

What is the significance of the emergence of metabolism-first cells in the origin of life?

A. It supports the theory of panspermia.

B. It suggests that metabolic networks could form before the existence of genetic material.

C. It disproves the RNA world hypothesis.

D. It indicates that life originated from proteins.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of cells produced by meiosis?

A. They are genetically identical to the parent cell.

B. They are diploid.

C. They contribute to the growth and repair of tissues.

D. They are genetically diverse.

Question 15

What implication does the presence of their own DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts have for eukaryotic evolution?

A. It suggests that eukaryotic cells originated from archaea.

B. It supports the theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living prokaryotes.

C. It indicates that eukaryotic cells can produce their own energy without mitochondria.

D. It disproves the endosymbiotic theory.

Question 16

a) Outline the phases of meiosis and discuss their role in genetic diversity and reproduction. [4]

b) Evaluate the significance of the Miller-Urey experiment and the RNA world hypothesis in understanding the origin of life. [3]

c) Explain how the presence of DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts supports the theory of endosymbiosis. [3]

Question 17

a) Discuss the role of turgor pressure in plant cells and how it is affected by hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions. [3]

b) Explain the function of the sodium-potassium pump and how it utilises energy from ATP. [3]

c) Describe the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis and its role in nutrient uptake. [3]

Question 18

a) Describe the phases of mitosis and explain their significance in cellular growth and repair. [4]

b) Discuss the findings of the Miller-Urey experiment and how they contributed to the understanding of the origin of life. [3]

c) Explain the RNA world hypothesis and discuss its implications for the emergence of life on Earth. [3]

d) Evaluate the evidence supporting the idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and the implications of this for eukaryotic evolution. [4]

Question 19

a) Compare and contrast the processes of diffusion and facilitated diffusion, highlighting the factors affecting their rates. [3]

b) Define hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions and explain their effects on plant cell turgor pressure. [4]

c) Discuss the role and mechanism of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining cell membrane potential. [3]

d) Describe the process of phagocytosis and its role in the immune response. [4]

Question 20

a) Outline the concept of the RNA world hypothesis and discuss how it contrasts with the metabolism-first theory regarding the origin of life. [4]

b) Explain the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle and their role in preventing cancer. [3]

c) Discuss the evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory and its implications for the evolution of eukaryotic cells. [4]

d) Describe the different types of endocytosis and their roles in cellular function. [3]

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