SmarterEd

Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 13

Describe features that a student could observe under a microscope to determine whether cells on a slide are plant or animal cells.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Observations could include (only 3 required):

  • Cell wall: present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.
  • Chloroplasts: green organelles present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.
  • Large central vacuole: typically present in plant cells, while animal cells have smaller, multiple vacuoles.
  • Mitochondria and lysosomes: suggests it is an animal cell.
  • Cell shape: Plant cells often appear more rigid and rectangular, while animal cells are usually more rounded or irregular in shape.
Show Worked Solution

Observations could include (only 3 required):

  • Cell wall: present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.
  • Chloroplasts: green organelles present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.
  • Large central vacuole: typically present in plant cells, while animal cells have smaller, multiple vacuoles.
  • Mitochondria and lysosomes: suggests it is an animal cell.
  • Cell shape: Plant cells often appear more rigid and rectangular, while animal cells are usually more rounded or irregular in shape.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 12

A table has been created to examine the roles of a plant's root system, along with the organs involved and an example of cell specialisation within the system.

Fill in the table below.   (3 marks)

\begin{array} {|l|c|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Role} & \text{1.   ___________________________________________}  \\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text{2.   ___________________________________________}  \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Organs} &\text{1.   ___________________________________________}  \\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text{2.   ___________________________________________}  \\
\hline
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Example of} & \text{______________________________________________}  \\
\text{cell specialisation}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text{______________________________________________}  \\
\hline
\end{array}

Show Answers Only

\begin{array} {|l|c|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Role} &\text {Anchors plant, absorbs water and}\\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text {minerals (choose 2)}  \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Organs} & \ \text {Roots (tap / lateral / fibrous), tubers,}\  \\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} &\text {bulbs (choose 2)}\\
\hline
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Example of} & \text{Root hair cells have a large surface} \\
\text{cell specialisation}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text{area to increase absorption.}  \\
\hline
\end{array}

Show Worked Solution

\begin{array} {|l|c|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Role} &\text {Anchors plant, absorbs water and}\\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text {minerals (choose 2)}  \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Organs} & \ \text {Roots (tap / lateral / fibrous), tubers,}\  \\
\text{(2 examples)}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} &\text {bulbs (choose 2)}\\
\hline
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \text{Example of} & \text{Root hair cells have a large surface} \\
\text{cell specialisation}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt} & \text{area to increase absorption.}  \\
\hline
\end{array}

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 9

  1. Identify two different types of tissues found in a leaf.   (1 mark)
  2. Discuss how the overall structure of the leaf as an organ enhances its ability to perform photosynthesis.   (2 marks)
Show Answers Only

a.   Types of tissues can include (choose two):

  • Epidermis, xylem and ground tissue. 

b.   Leaf structure and photosynthesis:

  • A leaf’s broad, flat shape maximises the surface area exposed to sunlight, allowing for efficient light capture.
  • The epidermis on the upper surface is often transparent, allowing light to penetrate to the photosynthetic tissues beneath, while also providing protection and controlling water loss.
  • The xylem, part of the vascular tissue network throughout the leaf, ensures efficient transport of water and minerals to photosynthetic cells, supporting the process of photosynthesis.
Show Worked Solution

a.   Types of tissues can include (choose two):

  • Epidermis, xylem and ground tissue. 

b.   Leaf structure and photosynthesis:

  • A leaf’s broad, flat shape maximises the surface area exposed to sunlight, allowing for efficient light capture.
  • The epidermis on the upper surface is often transparent, allowing light to penetrate to the photosynthetic tissues beneath, while also providing protection and controlling water loss.
  • The xylem, part of the vascular tissue network throughout the leaf, ensures efficient transport of water and minerals to photosynthetic cells, supporting the process of photosynthesis.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 8

Epidermal tissues in plants can be compared to the epithelium in animals.

  1. Describe one structural similarity between these tissue types.   (1 mark)

  2. Outline one functional similarity they share.   (1 mark)

  3. Discuss how both tissues contribute to their respective organism's interaction with the environment.   (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.   Structural similarity could include one of the following:

  • Both plant epidermal tissue and animal epithelium form a single layer of tightly packed cells that cover the outer surfaces of the organism.
  • Both types of tissue are typically attached to a basement membrane that separates them from underlying tissues. 

b.   Functional similarity could include one of the following:

  • Both tissue types serve as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying tissues from physical damage.
  • Both tissue types can provide protection from pathogens and excessive water loss. 

c.   Interaction with the environment:

  • In plants, the epidermis regulates gas exchange through stomata and may produce structures like trichomes for protection or water conservation.
  • Similarly, in animals, the epithelium can be specialised for absorption, allowing the organism to respond to various environmental stimuli.
Show Worked Solution

a.   Structural similarity could include one of the following:

  • Both plant epidermal tissue and animal epithelium form a single layer of tightly packed cells that cover the outer surfaces of the organism.
  • Both types of tissue are typically attached to a basement membrane that separates them from underlying tissues. 

b.   Functional similarity could include one of the following:

  • Both tissue types serve as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying tissues from physical damage.
  • Both tissue types can provide protection from pathogens and excessive water loss. 

c.   Interaction with the environment:

  • In plants, the epidermis regulates gas exchange through stomata and may produce structures like trichomes for protection or water conservation.
  • Similarly, in animals, the epithelium can be specialised for absorption, allowing the organism to respond to various environmental stimuli.