First exams in 2025

IB Style Test - Topic A1.1 Cells

Theme A - Unity and diversity Level of Organisation: Molecules

Name ___________________ Time allowed: 30 minutes Mark: / 15(SL) 17(HL)

Multiple choice questions (4 marks)

1. Which bonds are responsible for the cohesive properties of water molecules?
A Hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
B Hydrogen bonds within water molecules.
C Covalent bonds between water molecules.
D Covalent bonds within water molecules.

2. Which of the following aid in the transfer of water between cells in a leaf and the outside
environment?
A Tension in xylem vessels.
B Active transport of water from cell to cell.
C Capillary action in the cell walls.
D Condensation of water on the leaf surface.

3. Which of the following are properties of most enzyme molecules?

A Hydrophobic and insoluble.
B Hydrophilic and soluble.
C Hydrophobic and soluble.
D Hydrophilic and insoluble.

4. Why is water a polar molecule?

A Because it contains hydrogen.
B Because hydrogen and oxygen are linked with a covalent bond.
C Because there are hydrogen bonds in the water molecule.
D Because the electrons in the covalent bond are not shared equally.

© Richard Scarr & David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test - Topic A1.1 Cells
Theme A - Unity and diversity Level of Organisation: Molecules

Structured answer questions

5. Draw a diagram to represent a water molecule. (2 marks)

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6. State the property of water that causes water to be retained in soil by capillary action.
(1 mark)

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7. Explain why the lipid tails of phospholipid molecules in the plasma membrane of cells are
“hydrophobic”.
(2 marks)

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© Richard Scarr & David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

2
 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test - Topic A1.1 Cells
Theme A - Unity and diversity Level of Organisation: Molecules

Extended response questions

Using three specific examples, explain how the physical properties of water support life in aquatic
environments. (6 marks)

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Additional Higher Level only (2 marks)

Outline two reasons why water is retained on the surface of the earth and supports life. (2 marks)

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© Richard Scarr & David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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