IB Biology HL B3.2 Transport Question Bank
Practise IB Biology HL B3.2 by linking transport structures to pressure, cardiac cycles, xylem, phloem and mass-flow evidence.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Biology HL B3.2 by linking transport structures to pressure, cardiac cycles, xylem, phloem and mass-flow evidence.
Explain how the structure of capillaries relates to their functions.
Complete correct answer:
Adaptations of capillaries for exchange include: capillary walls are thin/one cell thick for better diffusion; the lumen has a small diameter/narrow lumen so capillaries can fit into small spaces/between cells; the small diameter gives greater surface area for molecular exchange; pores between cells of the walls allow plasma to leak out; pores between cells of the walls allow phagocytes/immune components to enter tissues; only one red blood cell passes at a time for efficient oxygen uptake.
Marking guidance:
Award up to 3 marks. Do not accept membranes for the thin wall point.
Which characteristic of the subclavian vein distinguishes it from the subclavian artery?
Larger lumen
Absence of valves
Presence of pores
Two layers of muscle
A
Hypertension (blood pressure exceeding 140 mmHg ) affects millions of people worldwide. Many modern societies consume more sodium in the form of salt (NaCl) than is required for normal physiology. The effect of changing the levels of dietary sodium has been studied in various organisms.
Scientists recorded the blood pressure changes in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) fed a diet without added sodium (control) or a sodium supplemented diet (experimental) as follows
- 5 grams of salt per day from December 1991 until May 1992
- 10 grams of salt per day until June 1992
- 15 grams of salt per day until August 1993
after which no more salt was added to the diet until the experiment ended.

Blood pressure is measured in the arteries. Explain how arteries are adapted to withstand increases in blood pressure.
thick outer layer of collagen fibres/thick muscle wall (give it strength);
thick layers of circular/elastic muscle fibres gives it (thick alone not sufficient,
flexibility to support changes in blood pressure; (must be qualified)