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.

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 unit A2.2.2—Microscopy skills A2.2.3—Developments in microscopy A2.2.4—Structures common to all cells A2.2.5—Prokaryote cell structure A2.2.6—Eukaryote cell structure A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms A2.2.8—Differences in eukaryotic cells A2.2.9—Atypical cell structure A2.2.10—Cell identification in micrographs A2.2.11—Drawing and annotation

[Maximum number: 2]

Outline the cell theory.

[Maximum number: 1]

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 $600 \times$ .

State how the magnification of the microscope was calculated.

[Maximum number: 1]

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.

All question bank results loaded

a	cells can only arise from preexisting cells
b	living organisms are composed of cells/smallest unit of life
c	organisms consisting of only one cell carry out all functions of life in that cell/cells perform life functions at some point in their existence
d	although most organisms conform to cell theory, there are exceptions

Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3