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Date	November 2018	Marks available	4	Reference code	18N.3.SL.TZ0.11
Level	Standard level	Paper	Paper 3	Time zone	TZ0 / no time zone
Command term	Discuss	Question number	11	Adapted from	N/A

Question

The micrograph shows a T4 bacteriophage.

Discuss the use of bacteriophages in water systems.

Markscheme

a. bacteriophages are viruses of bacteria/prokaryotes ✔

b. each bacteriophage is specific to certain bacterial groups
OR
they can be used to target specific bacteria ✔

c. can be used in sewage plants
OR
can kill bacteria that cause water contamination/disinfect water
OR
can kill bacteria that form biofilms at water purification plants ✔

d. can kill strains resistant to antibiotics
OR
can kill strains resistant to chlorine/chemical disinfectants ✔

e. «presence of» bacteriophages also act as indicators of bacteria present ✔

f. generally not harmful to humans ✔

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics) » B.3 Environmental protection

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………………......… mol m^–3
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[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OilCleanupAfterValdezSpill.jpg]

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[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics

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Markscheme

Examiners report

Syllabus sections

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