Home / IB DP Biology A1.2 Nucleic acids-FA 2025- IB Style Questions For SL Paper 2

IB DP Biology A1.2 Nucleic acids-FA 2025- IB Style Questions For SL Paper 2

Question

a.i. Distinguish between the structure of amylose and the structure of amylopectin. [1]

a.ii. Suggest the reason for cellulose passing undigested through the human gut. [1]

b. Draw an annotated diagram to show how a peptide bond is formed. [3]

c. State two structural features that differ between RNA and DNA. [2]

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

amylose unbranched/helical while amylopectin branched / vice versa

a.i.

enzymes required to digest cellulose not present in the human gut 
OR
undigested cellulose provides bulk/fibre

a.ii.

a. correct structure of two amino acids 

b. H2O lost 

c. C from COOH of one links to N of NH2/NH3+ from the other 

d. correct labelling of the peptide bond

e.g.

b.

a. number of strands
OR
(usually) only one strand in RNA/two strands in DNA 

b. base composition
OR
uracil only in RNA / thymine only in DNA 

c. type of pentose
OR
ribose only in RNA / deoxyribose only in DNA

c.

Question

a. Sketch the complementary strand to complete the section of a DNA diagram.

[3]

b.i. Define mutation. [1]

b.ii. Explain how evolution by natural selection depends on mutations. [4]

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

a. correct base sequence: T, G, A;

b. strand drawn anti-parallel;

c. correct shapes used;

a.

change in genetic makeup/DNA/nucleotide/base sequence

b.i.

a. mutations cause variation among organisms of same species/population;

b. some variations/mutations make individual more suited to its environment/way of life;

c. individuals that are better adapted survive and produce offspring;

d. individuals pass on genetic characteristics/mutation/variation to offspring;

e. natural selection increases frequency of characteristics/alleles that make individuals better adapted;

b.ii.
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