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IB Biology HL B2.3.1 Differentiation After Fertilization Questions

Explore how insulin mRNA, selective gene activation and morphogen gradients reveal differentiation of embryonic cells after fertilization in IB Biology HL B2.3.1.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Use insulin mRNA or other biochemical production evidence to show that a specific gene is active in differentiating embryonic cells.
  • Explain that morphogen or signalling-chemical gradients activate different genes in unspecialized embryonic cells, producing distinct cell types.
  • Explain that selective activation and suppression of genes causes cells from a zygote to differentiate into specialized cell types.

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

[Maximum number: 1]

Type I diabetes is a leading cause of death in advanced countries and is associated with various severe or fatal complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, and amputations. Embryonic stem cells are considered to be a powerful tool in the treatment of diabetes.

In a study, embryonic stem cells were grown in culture and tested for insulin mRNA. A drug was injected into two groups of healthy mice in order to simulate type I diabetes 15 days prior to the transplant of embryonic stem cells. The mice in the transplant group received embryonic stem cells that produce insulin mRNA. The control group did not receive the transplant. The graph shows the blood glucose concentration in both groups.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL B2.3.1 Differentiation After Fertilization Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Describe the reason for testing for insulin mRNA in the embryonic stem cell cultures.

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