This question is about plant transport systems - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
This question is about plant transport systems.
06.1 Describe how water is transported from the soil to the atmosphere through a plant.
Dissolved sugars are moved ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about plant transport systems - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how water is transported from the soil to the atmosphere through a plant.
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Answer
Water is absorbed from the soil by osmosis through root hair cells. It then travels upward through the xylem vessels to the leaves. From the leaves, water is lost through small openings called stomata into the atmosphere. This process is driven by evaporation and transpiration.
Step 2
What is the name of the process that moves dissolved sugars through phloem?
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Answer
The process that moves dissolved sugars through phloem tissue is called translocation.
Step 3
Explain one way sieve tube cells are specialised for their function.
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Answer
Sieve tube cells have pores in their end walls, allowing sap containing dissolved sugars to move freely from one cell to another. Additionally, they lack a nucleus and other sub-cellular structures to maximize space for the transport of these sugars.
Step 4
What does the structure of the companion cells suggest about the process that moves dissolved sugars through the phloem tissue? Give a reason for your answer.
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The structure of companion cells suggests that the process requires energy since they contain many mitochondria. This energy is necessary to actively transport dissolved sugars through the sieve tube cells.
Step 5
Describe why it is important that dissolved sugars are moved both upwards and downwards in a plant.
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Dissolved sugars produced in the leaves during photosynthesis must be transported to various parts of the plant, including roots for energy and storage. This ensures that all tissues have access to glucose for respiration and growth. Moving sugars downwards also allows for proper development and division in roots and meristems.