4 (a) Plants use nitrate ions to make proteins and chlorophyll - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) Plants use nitrate ions to make proteins and chlorophyll.
(i) What effects will a low nitrate ion concentration in soils have on plants?
(ii) Which organisms... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) Plants use nitrate ions to make proteins and chlorophyll - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
What effects will a low nitrate ion concentration in soils have on plants?
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Answer
A low nitrate ion concentration in soils typically leads to reduced growth and darker green leaves in plants. Nitrate ions are essential for the synthesis of proteins and chlorophyll, which are critical for plant growth and health.
Step 2
Which organisms convert nitrogen to nitrate ions during the nitrogen cycle?
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Answer
Bacteria are the primary organisms responsible for converting nitrogen to nitrate ions during the nitrogen cycle. This process is known as nitrification.
Step 3
Calculate the surface area to volume ratio of the root hair cell.
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Answer
To calculate the surface area to volume ratio of the root hair cell:
Surface area = 36,000 µm²
Volume = 288,000 µm³
Surface area to volume ratio = Surface area / Volume = 36,000 µm² / 288,000 µm³ = 1 / 8 or 0.125.
Step 4
Explain the benefit to the plant of having root hair cells.
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Answer
Root hair cells have an increased surface area that allows them to absorb more mineral ions and water from the soil. This adaptation enhances the plant's ability to uptake essential nutrients and support its growth.
Step 5
Explain the changes in the number of algae in the lake from February to June.
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Answer
From February to June, the number of algae in the lake increases due to several factors. As temperatures rise in the spring, coupled with longer daylight hours, the conditions become more favorable for photosynthesis. This leads to heightened growth in algae, resulting in an increase in their population.
