DP Biology (first assessment 2025)
Question 23M.2.HL.TZ2.d
Date | May 2023 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 3] | Reference code | 23M.2.HL.TZ2.d |
Level | HL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ2 |
Command term | Explain | Question number | d | Adapted from | N/A |
d.
[Maximum mark: 3]
23M.2.HL.TZ2.d
The concentration of urea in blood plasma is typically about 30 mg per 100 ml. In urine it can be as high as 1800 mg per 100 ml. Explain how this increase in concentration is achieved.
[3]
Markscheme
- urea is toxic/ a (excretory) waste product removed from the body/ blood (plasma) by the kidneys/in the urine (to be excreted in the urine);
- urea filtered out from blood in glomerulus/Bowman’s capsule;
- water reabsorbed from filtrate (by osmosis);
- in proximal convoluted tubule/descending loop of Henle/collecting duct;
- loop of Henle maintains hypertonic conditions in the medulla;
- little/no urea reabsorbed from filtrate;
