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A slide of potato cells was viewed using a light microscope - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1

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A slide of potato cells was viewed using a light microscope. Figure 20 is a drawing of the slide showing starch grains in the potato cells. Figure 20 Calculate th... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A slide of potato cells was viewed using a light microscope - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1

Step 1

Calculate the mean number of starch grains in potato cells P, Q and R.

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Answer

To calculate the mean number of starch grains in potato cells P, Q, and R, first count the total number of starch grains observed in each of the cells. For example, if P has 5 starch grains, Q has 7, and R has 8, the total number of starch grains is:

5+7+8=205 + 7 + 8 = 20

Then, divide this total by the number of cells (which is 3 in this case):

Mean=2036.67\text{Mean} = \frac{20}{3} \approx 6.67

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the mean is 6.

Step 2

Which structures are found in plant cells but are not found in animal cells?

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Answer

The structures found in plant cells but not in animal cells are:

  • Cell wall
  • Chloroplast
  • Large vacuole

Thus, the correct answer is option D: cell wall, chloroplast, large vacuole.

Step 3

Calculate the percentage difference in the mean length of starch grains in potato 2 at 5 weeks and in potato 3 at 10 weeks.

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Answer

To find the percentage difference, first calculate the mean length of starch grains:

For potato 2: Mean length = 50 µm

For potato 3: Mean length = 30 µm

The difference in mean length is:

5030=20µm50 - 30 = 20\,\text{µm}

Now, calculate the percentage difference relative to the mean length of potato 2:

Percentage difference=(DifferenceInitial)×100=(2050)×100=40%\text{Percentage difference} = \left( \frac{\text{Difference}}{\text{Initial}} \right) \times 100 = \left( \frac{20}{50} \right) \times 100 = 40\%

Step 4

State two variables the scientist should have controlled to improve this investigation.

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Answer

  1. Temperature of the environment where potatoes are stored.

  2. Humidity or moisture levels in the storage conditions.

Step 5

State why the potatoes need glucose.

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Answer

The potatoes need glucose for energy and respiration. Glucose is a vital source of energy for cellular processes, enabling the plant to grow and maintain its cellular functions.

Step 6

Devise a plan to investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

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Answer

Plan for the Investigation

  1. Set up the experiment: Place a light source at varying distances from a pondweed in water.
  2. Measurement: Measure the amount of oxygen produced, which can be assessed by counting the number of bubbles released or measuring the volume of oxygen collected in a syringe.
  3. Repeat: Conduct the experiment multiple times at different distances from the light source to gather sufficient data.

Variables and how to control them

  • Ambient Light: Ensure the room is completely dark before starting, closing curtains or turning off other light sources.
  • Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature of the water.
  • Carbon Dioxide Concentration: Add sodium hydrogen carbonate to the water to keep the carbon dioxide levels consistent.
  • Amount of Pondweed: Use the same amount of pondweed in each trial to ensure consistency.

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