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Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees. (a) Name a group of organisms that break down the dead leaves and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 shows an area of woodland with some small plants growing in the ground between the trees - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
a) Name a group of organisms that break down the dead leaves and release mineral ions into the soil.
Answer
The group of organisms responsible for breaking down dead leaves and releasing mineral ions into the soil is called decomposers. Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, play a crucial role in the nutrient cycling process by decomposing organic matter.
Step 2
b) Describe how these mineral ions are transported from the roots to the leaves of the plants.
Answer
Mineral ions are transported from the roots to the leaves of plants through a process known as transpiration. When plants absorb mineral ions from the soil, they enter the root hairs and move into the root cells by diffusion or active transport.
Once absorbed, these minerals travel through the xylem vessels, a type of vascular tissue, along with water that is also taken up from the soil. As water evaporates from the leaf surfaces during photosynthesis, it creates a negative pressure in the xylem, which facilitates the upward movement of the mineral-rich sap. This movement is also influenced by capillary action and cohesion of water molecules. Ultimately, the mineral ions reach the leaves where they are utilized in various physiological processes.