First exams in 2025

IB Style Test – SL/HL Topic C2.2 Neural signalling

Theme C: Interaction and independence: Level of Organisation: Cells

Name ___________________ Time allowed: 20 mins SL / 35 mins HL Mark:/ 16(SL) 30(HL)

Multiple choice questions (3 marks)

1. Which of the following are involved in the creation of a resting potential across a neuron
membrane?

I. Diffusion of ions across the membrane.

II. Active transport of ions.
III. ATP from respiration.
IV. Concentration gradients of sodium and potassium ions.

A. I only
B. I and IV only
C. All of the above
D. II, III and IV only

2. Which of the following occur when an action potential arrives at the presynaptic membrane
of a synapse?

I. Movement of mitochondria to the membrane.

II. Uptake of calcium ions.
III. Movement of vesicles containing neurotransmitter to the presynaptic
membrane.
IV. An action potential occurs in the synapse.

A. All of the above

B. IV only
C. II and III only
D. II, III and IV only

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

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 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test – SL/HL Topic C2.2 Neural signalling
Theme C: Interaction and independence: Level of Organisation: Cells

3. The diagram shows a neuron. Which row in the table give the correct labels for the diagram?

1 2 3
A Cell body Dendrites Axon
B Axon Cell body Dendrites
C Axon Cell body Dendrites
D Cell body Axon Dendrites

Structured answer questions (10 marks)

4. The diagram shows a synapse between two neurons.

Explain the role of each of the following in the functioning of a synapse.

a. Synaptic vesicle. (2 marks)

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

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 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test – SL/HL Topic C2.2 Neural signalling
Theme C: Interaction and independence: Level of Organisation: Cells

b. Mitochondrion. (2 marks)

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c. Calcium ions at the presynaptic membrane. (2 marks)

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d. Synaptic cleft. (2 marks)

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e. Neurotransmitter. (2 marks)

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Extended response questions. (3 marks)

5. Outline three reasons why an action potential can only pass in one direction across a
synapse.
(3 marks)

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

3
 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test – SL/HL Topic C2.2 Neural signalling
Theme C: Interaction and independence: Level of Organisation: Cells

Higher level structured answer questions. (6 marks)

6. Explain how the following are involved in the withdrawal response of the forearm to touching a
hot object.

a. Threshold potential in the heat receptor in the skin. (2 marks)

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b. Summation in the dendrites of the sensory neurons. (2 marks)

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c. Saltatory conduction. (2 marks)

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

4
 First exams in 2025
IB Style Test – SL/HL Topic C2.2 Neural signalling
Theme C: Interaction and independence: Level of Organisation: Cells

Higher level Extended response. (8 marks)

7. Describe the role of voltage-gated ion channels in the transmission of an action potential along
an axon. (5 marks)

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8. Using a specific example, explain how synaptic transmission can be affected by a chemical
substance from outside the body of the organism. (3 marks)

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

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