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Question 19M.3.HL.TZ1.10

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 19M.3.HL.TZ1.10
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Explain Question number 10 Adapted from N/A
10.
[Maximum mark: 3]
19M.3.HL.TZ1.10

The diagram shows a spherical array of phospholipid molecules enclosing a water droplet. Such structures can be used to introduce genes into plant protoplasts.

[Source: SuperManu, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liposome#/media/File:Liposome_scheme-en.svg]

 

Explain briefly how plant protoplasts are prepared and how vesicles can be used to introduce genes into them.

[3]

Markscheme

a. enzymatically remove wall from plant cell to make protoplast ✔

b. use liposome ✔

c. get genes of choice into the vesicle/liposome ✔

d. get protoplast to fuse with the vesicle/liposome ✔

Examiners report

This question was not answered well by most candidates. Students struggled to explain concepts like how protoplasts are made, or the role of vesicles/liposomes.

Syllabus sections