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A2.2 Cell differentiation - written task

This structured extension question is in the style of the IB exam questions. It has a particular focus on the concept of cell differentiation and the question begins with a little bit of information about a research paper.  This provides some clues to help answer the questions, but not the answers.

Students will need to make links between this example and the concept of cell differentiation, and other examples will need to be known to answer this question well.

  • This could be a classroom task, a revision moment or a homework activity.
  • There is a hidden model answer which appears when the answer is submitted.

This extended answer question is in the style of the IB exam questions. 

In stem cell research, evidence was found by L. D. Buttery in 2009 supporting the hypothesis that supplemental vitamin C improves the differentiation of mouse embryonic stems cell into specialised tissues, including, cartilage, bone, and blood.

The research suggest that Vitamin C may influence stem cell differentiation by modulating DNA and histone demethylation.  This is an excellent example of a cell's environment affecting cell differentiation in bone marrow.1

The focus of the question is on the differentiation of cells into specialised cells.

1 Reference; Buttery L. D., et al, Differentiation of osteoblasts and in vitro bone formation from murine embryonic stem cells, Tissue Engineering. (2001) 
Image source: D.Faure 2024 CC BT

 

 

Describe the process of cell differentiation (3 marks)

10 lines
Show model answer

 

 

 

Outline an example which illustrates how cell differentiation can be initiated (or promoted) by an environmental stimulus. (2 marks)

5 lines
Show model answer

The example should be relevant but the details of the mechanism are not needed in this topic.

 

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