Question 19M.3.HL.TZ1.4c
| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 3] | Reference code | 19M.3.HL.TZ1.4c |
| Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | c | Adapted from | N/A |
To investigate the effects of the drug MDMA (ecstasy) on impulsive behaviour, investigators carried out a test on former users, current users and those who had never taken the drug. Impulsive behaviours were defined by the researchers as those done quickly, without fully considering the consequences. The participants in the study were asked which of the images (1 to 6) was identical to the original image on the left.
The time and accuracy of their responses were recorded. The results are based on 15 participants per group.
[Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services]
Explain the effect MDMA has on the metabolism in the brain.
[3]
a. MDMA increases the release of serotonin ✔
b. occurs in synapses of brain cells ✔
c. MDMA binds to serotonin transporters so MDMA not removed from synapse ✔
d. MDMA also causes increased dopamine/norepinephrine secretion ✔
e. these neurotransmitters influence our mood/cause euphoria
OR
may lead to memory problems ✔
This question was not answered well. Few candidates addressed synaptic transmission as the key element when explaining an effect on brain metabolism. Very few students achieved full marks on this question.
