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IB Biology HL B2.3.1 Differentiation After Fertilization Questions

Explore how a zygote’s unspecialized cells become distinct cell types as different genes are activated during development in IB Biology HL B2.3.1.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Use insulin mRNA evidence to infer that differentiating embryonic cells are expressing the insulin gene.
  • Relate signalling-chemical gradients in unspecialized cells to cell differentiation.
  • Explain how selective gene expression and suppression differentiate embryonic cells.

IB Biology HL B2.3.1 Differentiation After Fertilization Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A liver cell and a neuron developed from the same zygote both retain genes L and N. RNA from L is abundant in the liver cell but scarce in the neuron; RNA from N shows the opposite pattern.

Which interpretation best explains how these cells can become specialized?

A

The two cells must use different genetic codes to translate the same genes.

B

Each cell must delete every gene that it does not currently express.

C

Different expression of shared genes can produce different sets of proteins.

D

Retaining the same genes requires the two cells to have identical protein production.

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