DP Biology (first assessment 2025)

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Question 19M.2.HL.TZ1.a.ii

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.2.HL.TZ1.a.ii
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Describe Question number a.ii Adapted from N/A
a.ii.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.2.HL.TZ1.a.ii

Describe briefly how an artificial pacemaker works.

[2]

Markscheme

a. a pacemaker contains a battery and pulse generator
OR
it is connected to the heart by wires/cables ✔

b. it detects that the heart’s natural rhythm is incorrect ✔

c. it sends electrical impulses to correct the heartbeat/it replaces sinoatrial node ✔

d. provide a regular impulse/constant rhythm ✔

Examiners report

A majority of the candidates stated that the pacemaker sends electrical impulses or replaces the SA node, and they achieved 1 mark. Few were able to state that the pacemaker is connected to the heart by wires or that it monitors the heart rate itself.