IB Biology SL A1.1 Water Question Bank
Practise IB Biology SL A1.1 with evidence-led questions on water polarity, hydrogen bonding, cohesion, adhesion, solvent action and thermal properties.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Biology SL A1.1 with evidence-led questions on water polarity, hydrogen bonding, cohesion, adhesion, solvent action and thermal properties.
The diagram shows the structure of part of a fungus.

Water is the main component of vacuoles and cytoplasm in fungi. Draw a diagram to show the structure of a water molecule.
a. two hydrogens and one oxygen;
b. ( 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen) linked by single lines to represent bonds placed at an angle;

Water is one of the most abundant molecules on Earth. Living organisms must maintain homeostatic levels of water to survive.
Outline how the cohesive properties of water benefit living organisms.
a. cohesion is caused by the polarity of water
OR
water molecules have a negative and positive end;
b. water molecules are attracted to each other
OR
water molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds;
c. (cohesion) enables water to move along stems/xylem
OR
enables a continuous column of water in transpiration/transpiration pull;
d. surface tension provides a habitat for some organisms
OR
some insects can walk on water surface because of surface tension/other verified example OR
cohesion is related to buoyancy allowing organisms (like ringed seal) to float;
e. helps animals regulate body temperature (through evaporative cooling);
f. (cohesion causes high specific heat) so maintains a stable temperature in aquatic environments
OR
water is liquid at a wide range of temperatures supporting many aquatic habitats;
4
Marking guidance:
max
Which of the following is a consequence of the adhesive properties of water?
Stable temperatures of aquatic environments
Water movement by capillary action in soil
Transport of dissolved nutrients in blood plasma
Cooling effect of sweating
B