DP Biology (first assessment 2025)

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Question 21M.2.HL.TZ2.2c

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Date May 2021 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 21M.2.HL.TZ2.2c
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ2
Command term Distinguish Question number c Adapted from N/A
c.
[Maximum mark: 2]
21M.2.HL.TZ2.2c
(c)

Distinguish between the outcomes of a cell dividing either by mitosis or meiosis.

[2]

Markscheme

a. mitosis produces two daughter cells while meiosis four ✔

b. mitosis produces cells with same number of chromosomes (2n) while in meiosis they are halved (n) ✔

c. mitosis produces body cells but meiosis produces gametes
OR
mitosis produces genetically identical cells but meiosis does not ✔

Allow answers in a table.

Reference to both has to be present for the mark.

Examiners report

There were several G2 comments about Q2a, as it could be said that several processes were occurring. Perhaps it should have been more specific. Two out of DNA replication, cell growth and duplication of organelles were expected for the two marks. A surprising number of candidates in all languages, confused 'processes' with 'phases' and stated that interphase consisted of G1, S and G2. Most managed to label prophase and anaphase correctly on the diagram as required in part (b). The answers to part (b) were generally clear, but some lost marks for not comparing the same point. For example 'Mitosis produces diploid cells, but meiosis produces gametes' did not score a mark. The mitotic index was well known.