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Figure 14 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
Figure 14 shows a banana plantation. After the bananas have been harvested, the old plants are cut down. The suckers then develop into mature plants producing the n... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 14 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the function of a meristem in the growth of a plant.
Answer
The function of a meristem in the growth of a plant is to produce new cells that allow for growth in length and thickness, particularly at the tips of stems and roots. Meristematic cells are undifferentiated and can divide by mitosis to produce more cells, which can then differentiate into various types of specialized cells.
Step 2
Describe how the student would prepare a microscope slide using these cells.
Answer
To prepare a microscope slide using cells from a meristem, the student would first take a small sample of the meristem tissue. This sample should be placed on a clean microscope slide. A drop of water or a suitable staining solution may be added to the sample to improve visibility. Then, a coverslip is carefully placed over the sample to avoid air bubbles, securing it for microscopic examination.
Step 4
Step 5
Describe the structure of DNA and how it can be extracted from plant cells.
Answer
DNA is structured as a double helix, consisting of two long strands of nucleotides twisted around each other. Each nucleotide comprises a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. To extract DNA from plant cells, a method involves breaking open the cells using a detergent to dissolve cell membranes, followed by adding salt to precipitate the DNA. Finally, alcohol is added to separate the DNA from other cellular components.