VCE Biology Question Thread

[darkz]

For the question below from STAV 2013, why is option A not correct? (I understand that option C is correct). Don't B and T cells differentiate from stem cells in the bone marrow which is a primary lymphoid organ and thus part of the lymphatic system? I did some research online and couldn't find anything saying otherwise..

The lymphatic system:
A. manufactures B and T cells from stem cells.
B. consists of arteries and capillaries but no veins.
C. has lymph nodes that are storage sites for macrophages and lymphocytes.
D. carries all types of blood cells.

B & T cells are both made in the bone marrow - but B cells mature in the bone marrow, T cells mature in the thymus

[galaxy21]

B & T cells are both made in the bone marrow - but B cells mature in the bone marrow, T cells mature in the thymus

But aren't the bone marrow and thymus types of primary lymphatic tissues/organs as they produce lymphocytes (B and T)?

[PhoenixxFire]

But aren't the bone marrow and thymus types of primary lymphatic tissues/organs as they produce lymphocytes (B and T)?

I feel like this is potentially just an oversight by STAV. I’d say they’re both technically correct, although the way option A is worded is a bit strange as it implies that manufacturing cells is a function of the lymphatic system rather than something that occurs in the lymphatic system. If something like this came up in a VCAA exam then pick the option that best fits what the study design requires you to know which is option C, but yeah I reckon stav just messed up.

[PopcornTime]

What's the best definition for DNA ligase?

[darkz]

What's the best definition for DNA ligase?

You can probably just write that DNA ligase is an enzyme which catalyses the formation of covalent bonds between fragments of DNA at their phosphate backbone.

[Maya24]

Would we need to know about biological implications as the study design only mentions social and ethical issues? Also, would we need to know about gene therapy?
Thanks 

[randomnobody69420]

We don’t know need to know about meiosis, homologous chromosomes etc. anymore right?

[darkz]

Would we need to know about biological implications as the study design only mentions social and ethical issues? Also, would we need to know about gene therapy?
Thanks

Well the study design says ethical and social implications/ issues for techniques that apply to DNA techniques only. But biological/ethical/social implications for genetically modified and transgenic organisms. And no, I don't believe you need to know about gene therapy specifically, if they ask you a question about it, they will most likely give you a lot of background information on it and then ask questions that require you to apply the background + your own to elements on the study design itself

We don’t know need to know about meiosis, homologous chromosomes etc. anymore right?

Correct, you don't need to know about cell division/ basically any of genetics

[galaxy21]

Hi again... Just wondering, when doing questions that require reading a graph, such at the graph attached below, how precise do we need ot be with data? The question asked: Referring to the data, compare the average leaf surface area of young ramets eaten by the caterpillars
in Runner A and Runner B. and in my answer, I referred to B as 0.17cm^2, whereas the VCAA exam report says 0.15cm^2. Would I lose the mark because of this?
Thanks!

[darkz]

Hi again... Just wondering, when doing questions that require reading a graph, such at the graph attached below, how precise do we need ot be with data? The question asked: Referring to the data, compare the average leaf surface area of young ramets eaten by the caterpillars
in Runner A and Runner B. and in my answer, I referred to B as 0.17cm^2, whereas the VCAA exam report says 0.15cm^2. Would I lose the mark because of this?
Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that there would be a small margin of leniency with reading graphs, so you would still get the mark

[PopcornTime]

Do we need to know about cloning for the exam? Like question 12 SA in 2013 vcaa bio exam.

[darkz]

Do we need to know about cloning for the exam? Like question 12 SA in 2013 vcaa bio exam.

I don't believe you need to know about cloning since it pretty much falls into a bit of genetics and biotechnology, however in my opinion, even if you did not know what cloning was, you can still do Q12 in the 2013 exam as all the information is within the diagram (apart from defining a clone - but you can kinda work out that it just means that two organisms are genetically identical)

[kiara rodrigo]

is there a list of topics which we definitely dont need to know for the new study design? i have been doing some old past papers and i didnt do the 1/2 so i was a bit confused. like neuron and plant structure and homeostasis?

[darkz]

is there a list of topics which we definitely dont need to know for the new study design? i have been doing some old past papers and i didnt do the 1/2 so i was a bit confused. like neuron and plant structure and homeostasis?

You can probably just refer to the current study design to see what's on it, but yes, plant structure, homeostasis, the neuron stuff and pretty much all of genetics is out of the study design

[PhoenixxFire]

Also details of the Krebs cycle & electron transport chain and information about specific cytokines is out. Feel free to ask here if you’re not sure if somethings relevant anymore.