IB Biology SL A2.2 Cell Structure Questions
Practise IB Biology SL A2.2 with questions on cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, microscopy and structure–function links.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- State cell theory and identify evidence that living cells are basic units arising from pre-existing cells.
- Calculate magnification or actual cell size, calibrate eyepiece graticules and report microscope measurements with correct units.
- Compare light and electron microscopy using resolution, preparation and the ultrastructure visible in each.
- Identify structures common to cells, compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic organization, and link prokaryotic structures such as plasmids, pili, flagella or ribosomes to function.
- Relate eukaryotic organelle compartmentalization and plant, animal or fungal cell features to structure and function.
- Explain how unicellular organisms carry out nutrition, response, homeostasis, growth and reproduction in one cell.
- Explain atypical cells, identify cells or organelles in micrographs, and draw or label unshaded cell diagrams with proportions and scale.
Covered syllabus points
A2.2.1—Cells as basic structural unitA2.2.2—Microscopy skillsA2.2.3—Developments in microscopyA2.2.4—Structures common to all cellsA2.2.5—Prokaryote cell structureA2.2.6—Eukaryote cell structureA2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organismsA2.2.8—Differences in eukaryotic cellsA2.2.9—Atypical cell structureA2.2.10—Cell identification in micrographsA2.2.11—Drawing and annotation
Question 1
Outline the cell theory.
Question 2
The image shows a cast of the lower surface of a leaf from a busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) plant as seen under a light microscope with a magnification of .
State how the magnification of the microscope was calculated.
Question 3
The figure shows a transmission electron micrograph of rotavirus particles. Each rotavirus is about 70 nanometres in diameter.
State a reason for using an electron microscope to view this virus rather than a light microscope.
Question 4
The neuron is a specialized cell that exhibits a structure important to its function.
The diagram shows a neuron interacting with a muscle cell.
List two structures that neurons have in common with prokaryotic cells.
Question 5
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Outline the structures in M. tuberculosis that are not present in a human cell.
Question 6
The diagram shows the structure of part of a fungus.
State with a reason whether the fungus is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
Question 7
Single-celled organisms of the genus Paramecium carry out all functions of life.
Which functions of life are performed by the contractile vacuole?
A
Nutrition
B
Reproduction
C
Homeostasis
D
Metabolism
Question 8
The diagram shows the structure of part of a fungus.
The structure labelled II is the outer part of the fungus. State the main component of this structure.
Question 9
The diagram shows the structure of part of a fungus.
Identify one feature of the fungus that is atypical of cell structure.
Question 10
The electron micrograph shows a palisade mesophyll cell.
State the name of the structures labelled I and II.
I.
II.
Question 11
Draw a labelled diagram of a eukaryotic plant cell as seen in an electron micrograph.
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