IB Biology SL 3.1.11 Melatonin and circadian rhythms Question Bank
Practise IB Biology SL 3.1.11 by explaining how melatonin regulates sleep and circadian rhythms.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- State where melatonin is produced and identify its role in sleep regulation.
- Apply circadian-rhythm evidence to explain timing of melatonin release.
C3.1.11—Melatonin and sleep question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
(a) Melatonin helps to control circadian rhythms in the body. The graph shows the mean levels of melatonin in the body in day and night workers over 24 hours.
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Question (a)
(a)
State where melatonin is produced in the body.
[ 1 ]
pineal gland;
"Brain" not sufficient
Question (b)
(b)
Deduce, with a reason, what time of day would be a good time to take melatonin if you have travelled over several different time zones and are jet-lagged on your arrival.
[ 1 ]
Time of day: around 18:00 (locally);
OR
time that is in the range of local standard bed time;
Reason:
need to re-establish the increase that occurs after 18:00 hours / reestablish circadian rhythm / OWTTE;
OWTTE
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