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IB Biology HL D1.3.4 Causes of Mutation Questions

In IB Biology HL D1.3.4, mutations can arise from replication errors, repair errors or chromosome damage. Mutagens include chemicals, ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain how environmental mutagens, including chemical mutagens and radiation, can change DNA base sequences or increase mutation frequency.
  • Use dose-response or exposure evidence to assess a chemical mutagen claim, limiting conclusions to the tested dose, organism and exposure route.

IB Biology HL D1.3.4 Causes of Mutation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

In a hypothetical study, new DNA sequence changes occur in both unexposed cells and cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation, with a higher frequency in the exposed group.

Which explanation is consistent with the causes of gene mutation?

A

Only radiation causes mutations; changes in the unexposed cells cannot be mutations.

B

Ultraviolet radiation directs cells to make only changes that improve their survival.

C

Replication errors can cause mutations, but external factors cannot affect mutation frequency.

D

Internal replication or repair errors can cause mutations, and a mutagen can increase their frequency.

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