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Leaf cells produce glucose - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
Leaf cells produce glucose. Plants can use glucose to make oils, cellulose and DNA. (a) (i) Oils are needed to make cell membranes. The diagram shows a plant cell.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Leaf cells produce glucose - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe the function of cell walls in plant cells.
Answer
Cell walls in plant cells serve several important functions:
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Structural Support: They provide rigidity and shape to the plant cell, helping to maintain its structure against internal pressure.
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Protection: Cell walls act as a barrier against mechanical stress and protect the cell from pathogens.
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Regulation: They control the movement of substances in and out of the cell, contributing to overall cellular homeostasis.
Step 3
Describe the structure of DNA.
Answer
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, has a double helix structure, which consists of two long strands of nucleotides coiled around each other. Each nucleotide is made up of three components:
- Deoxyribose Sugar: A five-carbon sugar molecule.
- Phosphate Group: A phosphate molecule that links the nucleotides together.
- Nitrogenous Bases: Four types of bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that pair specifically (adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine) to form the rungs of the helical structure.