ijmb model questions vol1 2024 biology | Essay

Prepare for your exams with ijmb model questions vol1 questions? Reviewing past/model questions is one of the most effective ways to guarantee a high score. This practice hub features authentic 2024 biology (Essay) questions designed to simulate the real exam environment.

Practice these randomly selected questions to test your readiness.

Question 1 View Details
The diagram shows a typical eukaryotic animal cell with its major organelles labelled A–I.
Question Parts
(a)
State the principal function of each of the labelled organelles (A: cell membrane, B: cytoplasm, C: nucleus, D: nucleolus, E: mitochondrion, F: ribosome, G: rough endoplasmic reticulum, H: Golgi apparatus, I: lysosome).
(b)
Explain how the structure of the cell membrane enables its function in selective transport.
(c)
A peer claims that the mitochondrion is the site of protein synthesis. Evaluate this claim, using information from the diagram and general cell‑biology principles.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 2 View Details
The labelled diagram shows the sequential stages of cell division (mitosis) in a typical animal cell.
Question Parts
(a)
Identify the stage in which sister chromatids separate and describe the key events that occur in this stage.
(b)
Explain the role of the spindle apparatus throughout mitosis, citing at least two distinct functions.
(c)
The diagram indicates that DNA replication occurs during Interphase. If the diploid chromosome number of the cell is 24, calculate:
() Number of chromatids present at the end of S‑phase.
() Number of chromatids present at the end of mitosis (just before cytokinesis).
(d)
A researcher treats the cells with a drug that disrupts microtubule polymerisation. Predict the stage at which the cell cycle is most likely to be arrested and justify your answer using the diagram.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 3 View Details
The diagram shows the major organs of the human digestive system involved in the processing of food.
Question Parts
(a)
Identify each labelled organ in the diagram and state its primary function in digestion.
(b)
Describe the sequential steps by which a carbohydrate‑rich meal is broken down and absorbed, referring to the relevant organs shown.
(c)
Explain how inadequate dietary fibre would affect the structure and function of the large intestine, using the diagram as a reference.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 4 View Details
The diagram shows a labelled schematic of the human respiratory system.
Question Parts
(a)
Identify each labelled part in the diagram.
(b)
Explain the mechanical events that occur during normal inhalation and exhalation, referring to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
(c)
Describe the process of external respiration at the alveolar‑capillary membrane, including the role of partial pressure gradients.
(d)
Discuss how respiration is regulated during moderate‑intensity exercise, mentioning both neural and chemical control mechanisms.
(e)
A patient presents with a partial obstruction of the right main bronchus. Predict the physiological consequence on gas exchange and propose an appropriate clinical intervention.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 5 View Details
A healthy adult male is traveling from sea level to a high‑altitude region (approximately 3000 m above sea level).
Question Parts
(a)
Describe the complete pathway that blood follows from the right ventricle of the heart to the alveolar capillaries, the gas‑exchange process that occurs there, and the return route to the left atrium.
(b)
Explain how the diffusion of O₂ across the alveolar–capillary membrane is driven, and discuss qualitatively how a fall in atmospheric pressure at high altitude influences this diffusion process.
(c)
Using the alveolar gas equation, calculate the approximate alveolar PO₂ at the altitude of 3000 m. Assume: atmospheric pressure at sea level = 760 mmHg, at 3000 m = 523 mmHg; fraction of inspired O₂ (FIO₂) = 0.21; water vapour pressure (PH₂O) = 47 mmHg; arterial PCO₂ = 40 mmHg; respiratory quotient (R) = 0.8.
(d)
Briefly discuss two major physiological adaptations that help maintain adequate tissue oxygen delivery when a person resides at high altitude.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 6 View Details
Consider the renal physiology of an adult human under normal resting conditions.
Question Parts
(a)
Outline the structure of a nephron and state the principal function of each of its main segments (glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, collecting duct).
(b)
State the three principal forces that determine the net filtration pressure (NFP) across the glomerular capillary wall and write the equation that relates them.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 7 View Details
A 45‑year‑old adult presents for a routine health check. Laboratory results show a fasting blood glucose concentration of 5.8 mmol L⁻¹. The examiner asks you to discuss the mechanisms that maintain blood glucose within a narrow range in a healthy individual and to evaluate the consequences when these mechanisms are compromised.
Question Parts
(a)
Explain the role of the pancreas in the short‑term regulation of blood glucose, describing the actions of both insulin and glucagon.
(b)
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus has negligible endogenous insulin secretion. Predict the effect on fasting blood glucose and discuss at least two physiological compensatory mechanisms that the body may employ in the short term.
(c)
Suggest two lifestyle interventions that could assist the maintenance of euglycaemia in a person with impaired insulin production, and justify how each intervention supports homeostatic control.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 8 View Details
You are reviewing the neurophysiological basis of coordinated movement in a 28‑year‑old athlete who has recently suffered a traumatic brain injury. The examiner asks you to analyse the integration of sensory input, central processing and motor output that underlies precise limb coordination.
Question Parts
(a)
Describe the complete pathway of a monosynaptic stretch reflex, from the muscle spindle to the contracting muscle, indicating the type of neurons involved at each stage.
(b)
A lesion is identified in the dorsal column‑medial lemniscal pathway of the same athlete. Predict the specific deficits in proprioceptive perception and explain how these deficits would impair coordinated voluntary movements.
(c)
Design a controlled experimental protocol to investigate the role of the cerebellum in the timing of sequential finger movements. Include the hypothesis, key variables, experimental groups, and the method of data collection.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 9 View Details
A 28‑year‑old woman presents with a 6‑month history of irregular menstrual cycles ranging from 35 to 48 days. She reports occasional mid‑cycle spotting. On day 10 of her cycle, serum hormone concentrations are: FSH 12 IU/L, LH 8 IU/L, estradiol 150 pg/mL, progesterone 0.8 ng/mL. On day 20, the values are: FSH 6 IU/L, LH 20 IU/L, estradiol 350 pg/mL, progesterone 1.2 ng/mL.
Question Parts
(a)
Identify which phase of the menstrual cycle each set of hormone values corresponds to, giving a brief justification for each.
(b)
Based on the hormone pattern and the reported cycle length, discuss the most likely endocrine disturbance responsible for the irregularity.
(c)
Assuming that ovulation occurs 36 hours after the LH concentration reaches 20 IU/L, estimate the probable day of ovulation in this woman's cycle.
(d)
Propose a concise management plan (pharmacological and lifestyle measures) to regularise her cycles, explaining the rationale for each component.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer
Question 10 View Details
In a certain pea plant, seed colour is controlled by allele A (yellow) dominant over a (green), and seed shape by allele B (round) dominant over b (wrinkled). The two loci are located on the same chromosome. A plant heterozygous for both traits (AaBb) was test‑crossed with a double recessive (aabb). The progeny obtained were: 420 yellow‑round, 80 yellow‑wrinkled, 70 green‑round, 30 green‑wrinkled.
Question Parts
(a)
Determine whether the two genes are linked or assort independently, showing all calculations.
(b)
Calculate the recombination frequency and the map distance between the two loci.
(c)
Using the recombination frequency obtained, predict the expected phenotypic ratio in the F₂ generation that would result from self‑pollinating the original AaBb parent.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer

Master the Exam!

You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.

Unlock Full Access Available for Android & Windows
Help others prepare! Share this practice hub:
Chat with Support