1. EXEX.1B.HL.TZ0.

Titin is a protein found in sarcomeres which affects the stiffness of muscle. Muscles with
greater stiffness are more resistant to elongation or shortening. The role of titin in muscle was
studied using mutant mice with short titin fibres in their skeletal muscle (ST) which were
compared against a control group of mice with titin fibres of normal length (NT).

[Source: adapted from Ambjorn Brynnel, Yaeren Hernandez, Balazs Kiss, Johan Lindqvist, Maya Adler, Justin Kolb, Robbert van der Pijl, Jochen Gohlke, Joshua Strom,

John Smith, Coen Ottenheijm, Henk L Granzier (2018). Downsizing the molecular spring of the giant protein titin reveals that skeletal muscle titin determines passive

stiffness and drives longitudinal hypertrophy. eLife. 7:e40532 https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.40532.]

(a.i)

State the independent variable in this investigation.

[1]

(a.ii)
Suggest a variable that needs to be kept constant in both groups of mice to ensure reliable
results

[1]

(a.iii)

Comment on the significance of the error bars for muscle stiffness shown in the graph.

[1]

(b)

From the results of this investigation, suggest a possible consequence of shorter titin on
movement.

[1]
(c)

Explain how marine mammals are adapted for movement in water.

[3]
2. 24M.2.HL.TZ1.5

The diagram shows the bones and muscles of the human elbow joint.

[Source: Aldona, n.d. [Human arm]. [image online] Available at: https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/illustration/an-example-of-an-anatomical-and-physical-

royalty-free-illustration/1291366338 [Accessed 16 May 2023]. Source adapted.]

(a)

Identify structures X and Y.

[2]

(b)

Outline the antagonistic action of the muscles of the elbow.

[2]
(c)

State one reason that striated muscle cells are considered atypical.

[1]

(d)

Explain how specialized cardiac muscle cells initiate each heartbeat.

[3]
3. 24M.2.HL.TZ2.103

[N/A]

[[N/A]]

(a)

A study using 14 people was carried out to examine how much force they could sustain over 6
minutes. The participants were asked to hold a hand grip sensor with as much force as
possible throughout this time period. Hand grip strength was measured using the hand grip
sensor and related software.

[Source: Masakatsu, N. and Shinichi, D., 2013. Figure 1. Cross-correlation coefficients and the changes of force values during two maximal sustained hand grip and

toe grip exertions. [graph] (American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 1(2), pp. 28–32).]

[[N/A]]

(a.i)

State one variable that could influence the results of this study.

[1]
(a.ii)

Suggest a reason for the shape of the graph.

[1]

(b)

The electron micrographs show sections of muscle fibre in two different states.

[Source: Bergtrom, Gerald, "Annotated Cell and Molecular Biology 5e: What We Know and How We Found Out" (2022). Cell and Molecular Biology 5e: What We Know

and How We Found Out - All Versions. 15. https://dc.uwm.edu/biosci_facbooks_bergtrom/15. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 Deed

(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en).]

[[N/A]]

(b.i)

Label a sarcomere on electron micrograph I.

[1]
 [Source: Bergtrom, Gerald, "Annotated Cell and Molecular Biology 5e: What We Know and How We Found Out" (2022). Cell and
Molecular Biology 5e: What We Know and How We Found Out - All Versions. 15. https://dc.uwm.edu/biosci_facbooks_bergtrom/15.
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 Deed (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)]

(b.ii)

Deduce what events occur in muscle fibres to change them from the state shown in electron
micrograph I to the state shown in electron micrograph II.

[2]

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024