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Question 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b

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Date May 2018 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Explain Question number b Adapted from N/A
b.
[Maximum mark: 3]
18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b

Bacterial biofilms play an important role in urinary tract infections. They can be responsible for persistence of infections. The diagram shows biofilm formation.

(b)

Explain the persistence of urinary tract infections, if bacterial biofilms are formed.

[3]

Markscheme

a. extracellular matrix does not let antibiotic enter
OR
has physical properties/adherence that make it hard to remove 

b. emergent properties may spread/cause antibiotic resistance 

c. quorum sensing communicates/signals to all cells 

d. slow reproduction rate/growth makes antibiotic less effective
OR
dormant cells have lower metabolic rate so antibiotic not that effective 

e. some bacteria escape the biofilm to colonize other areas/invade «renal» tissue

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