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Date November 2018 Marks available 2 Reference code 18N.3.SL.TZ0.5
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term Outline Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

The drawings show the development of an immature neuron in a rat.

Describe the process taking place.

[2]
a.

Outline the possible changes to this neuron that could happen during the subsequent development of the nervous system.

[2]
b.

Suggest how the plasticity of the brain can benefit humans.

[1]
c.

Markscheme

a. «the process shows» the growth of an axon/dendrites/extensions ✔

b. differentiation/forming a specialized neuron ✔

c. responding to a chemical stimulus ✔

a.

a. the neuron forms synapses/multiple connections «with other neurons»
OR
a neural network forms
OR
more dendrites ✔

b. some synapses/connections in excess of what is required
OR
some synapses/connections not used ✔

c. it could be removed by neural pruning/apoptosis ✔

d. it could migrate to another place ✔

b.

a. allows brain to change/adjust/make new synapses throughout lifetime/with experience/learning ✔

b. allows regeneration of neurons after brain trauma
OR
allows other area «of the brain» to take over a function after brain trauma ✔ 

c. selective advantage/increases chance of survival ✔

 

OWTTE

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics) » A.1 Neural development
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Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics)
Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour

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