Home / IB DP Biology-D1.3 Mutations and gene editing – IB Style Questions For SL Paper 1A

IB DP Biology-D1.3 Mutations and gene editing - IB Style Questions For SL Paper 1A -New Syllabus

IBDP Biology Paper 1 - All Chapters

Question

What is one characteristic of mutations?
(A) They occur randomly.
(B) They only occur in germ cells.
(C) The frequency cannot be increased by external factors.
(D) They only occur in certain base sequences of the genome.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

Mutations occur randomly throughout the genome and can happen in any cell type. While external factors like radiation and chemicals can increase mutation frequency, the fundamental characteristic is that mutations arise by chance rather than being directed to specific locations or sequences.
✅ Answer: (A)

Question

A mutation in which type of cell could be inherited?

(A) Beta cell in the pancreas
(B) T-cell in the lymph
(C) Sperm cell in the testis
(D) Skeletal muscle cell in the diaphragm
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Correct Answer: \( \boxed{\mathbf{C}} \)

Only mutations in gametes (sex cells) can be passed to offspring. A sperm cell carries genetic information that contributes to the next generation, whereas mutations in somatic cells (beta cells, T-cells, and skeletal muscle cells) affect only the individual and are not inherited.

Question

The flow chart summarizes methods of gene transfer.

Which enzymes are used in steps I and II?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Answer: B

Explanation:

Step I: Cutting the plasmid and the human gene

  • This step involves cutting both the bacterial plasmid and the target human gene (e.g., insulin gene).
  • The enzyme that cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences is a restriction enzyme (restriction endonuclease).

Enzyme used in Step I: Restriction enzyme

Step II: Joining the human gene with the plasmid

  • This step involves ligating the human gene into the plasmid to produce recombinant DNA.
  • The enzyme that joins DNA fragments together is DNA ligase.

Enzyme used in Step II: DNA ligase

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