ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

IB Biology SL 1.2.6 Variables affecting rate Question Bank

Practise IB Biology SL 1.2.6 by interpreting rate experiments involving temperature, exercise, respirometry, sensors and controlled variables.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Explain how temperature, substrate or exercise changes affect rates, then identify controls and measurements.
  • Interpret respirometer and sensor data to compare respiration rates while recognising controlled variables.

C1.2.6—Variables affecting rate question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

A student carried out an investigation to test cell respiration in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Bottles were filled with 5 g of yeast and 80 cm380 \mathrm{~cm}^{3} of water maintained at 40C40^{\circ} \mathrm{C}. A different mass of sucrose was added to each bottle: 5,15 and 30 g respectively.

Bottles were left for 15 minutes before attaching a standard balloon to the opening of each bottle. After 45 minutes, the circumference of each balloon was measured using a string. The volume of CO2\mathrm{CO}_{2} was calculated. Three trials per treatment were performed.

The diagram shows one trial, and the graph shows the mean of three trials.

Figure for Question C1.2.6—Variables affecting rate question 1 — IB Biology SL

Question (a)

(a)

State the independent variable.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Suggest a reason for waiting 15 minutes before attaching the balloons.

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Outline a reason for keeping the temperature at 40C40^{\circ} \mathrm{C}.

[ 1 ]

Question (d)

(d)

Suggest a conclusion of this experiment.

[ 1 ]

Question (e)

(e)

Explain how the method could have been carried out more effectively by the student.

[ 2 ]
All question bank results loaded