GCSE Biology Past Paper Questions

Questions and Answers

What process do plants use to move mineral ions into root cells?

Active transport

Describe how water moves from roots to the leaves.

By transpiration stream in xylem.

What advantage to a plant does having very few stomata on the upper surface of the leaf have?

Less water lost so it will not wilt.

Why should tools used to handle plants with TMV be washed afterwards?

To prevent the virus spreading. Signup and view all the answers

How can scientists use a plant with a TMV-resistant gene to create more plants resistant to TMV?

They can take stem cells from the meristem. Signup and view all the answers

How would you test for the presence of glucose in a fruit?

Heat a sample of the fruit and add a few drops of Benedict's solution. Glucose will turn the solution from blue to orange. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why plants with TMV have stunted growth.

Less photosynthesis is carried out, therefore less glucose is made so there is less energy for growth because glucose is needed for making amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

How does the human body prevent the entry of microbes?

Acid in the stomach kills pathogens in food. Skin forms a barrier / produces antimicrobial secretions. Hairs in the nose trap particles, which may contain pathogens. Trachea/bronchi has mucus which traps pathogens. Bronchi have cilia which waft mucus to throat to be swallowed. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how glucose from the small intestine is moved to a muscle cell.

Glucose is absorbed by diffusion into the bloodstream, then blood delivers the glucose to muscles in capillaries. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the test you would use to find out if protein is present in food.

Add Biuret reagent to the food sample. A purple color shows that protein is present. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plant Mineral Uptake

Plants utilize active transport to move mineral ions into root cells, allowing them to absorb essential nutrients effectively.

Water Transport in Plants

Water travels from roots to leaves through the transpiration stream in the xylem, maintaining hydration and nutrient transport.

Stomata and Water Conservation

Having fewer stomata on the upper leaf surface reduces water loss, preventing wilting and enhancing survival in arid conditions.

Plant Pathogen Management

Tools used for handling plants infected with Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) must be washed afterward to prevent the virus's spread to healthy plants.

TMV Resistance Cultivation

Scientists can cultivate more TMV-resistant plants by extracting stem cells from the meristem of a plant already possessing the resistant gene.

Glucose Detection in Fruits

To test for glucose, heat a fruit sample and add a few drops of Benedict's solution; a color change from blue to orange indicates glucose presence.

Impact of TMV on Plant Growth

TMV infection leads to reduced chlorophyll production and leaf discoloration, resulting in stunted growth due to decreased photosynthesis and lower energy availability for growth.

Human Microbial Defense Mechanisms

The body prevents microbe entry through various barriers: stomach acid kills pathogens in food, skin serves as a physical barrier with antimicrobial secretions, and nasal hairs filter airborne particles.
Mucus in the trachea and bronchi traps pathogens, while cilia sweep mucus towards the throat for swallowing, further protecting the respiratory system.

Glucose Transport to Muscles

Glucose from the small intestine enters the bloodstream via diffusion and is transported to muscle cells through capillaries, ensuring energy availability for muscle function.

Protein Detection in Food

To determine protein presence in food, add Biuret reagent to the sample; a purple coloration indicates that protein is present.

Description

This quiz features flashcards covering past paper questions and answers based on AQA GCSE Biology. Test your knowledge on key biological processes such as active transport and transpiration. It's a great way to prepare for your exams and reinforce your understanding of plant biology.