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A2.2.13 (HL)—Cell differentiation

Cell differentiation produces specialized structures and functions by regulating gene expression, so cells with essentially the same genome develop distinct proteomes and phenotypes.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
A2.2.13
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2023
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • Identify
  • Determine
  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Explaining differentiation by claiming that specialized cells contain different sets of genes.

Recent exam appearances

May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ11[ 1 ]A2.2.13 (HL)—Cell differentiation
Practice this objective

Coverage 2023–2023 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Differentiated cells usually retain the same genome.
  • Different genes are activated in different cell types.
  • Gene-expression patterns create distinct cellular proteomes.
  • Specialized proteomes produce specialized cellular structures and functions.
ConceptIB Biology HL