Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines, with mark schemes. Covers plant cell structure, starch, cellulose, xylem and sclerenchyma fibres, plant minerals and drug testing.
Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources, including Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
From £10.99View flashcards
About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines
This part of Topic 4 covers plant structures used by humans. Practicals on fibre strength and antimicrobial properties of plants are related.
What you need to know
- Plant cell structure Cell wall, middle lamella, plasmodesmata, pits, chloroplasts, amyloplasts, vacuole and tonoplast.
- Starch and cellulose Starch (amylose and amylopectin) stores energy; cellulose is made of beta-glucose with hydrogen bonds between chains forming microfibrils.
- Xylem and fibres Xylem vessels and sclerenchyma fibres are strengthened by lignin and used for sustainable materials.
- Medicines and drug testing Plants as a source of drugs, Withering's digitalis study and modern trials with placebos and double blinding.
Common mistakes in Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines
- Confusing starch and cellulose structure.
- Saying xylem cells are living.
- Forgetting the role of the double blind trial.
Try three Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines exam-style questions
1. Explain how the structure of cellulose makes it strong. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Beta-glucose forms straight chains (1); hydrogen bonds form between chains (1), forming microfibrils that give high tensile strength (1).
2. State one use of a mineral ion in plants. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
Any one: nitrate for amino acids, magnesium for chlorophyll, calcium for the middle lamella.
3. Explain the purpose of a double blind trial. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Neither patient nor doctor knows who receives the drug (1), reducing bias in the results (1).
Topic 4: Plant Cells, Fibres and Medicines FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 4 cover?
Plant cell structure, starch, cellulose, plant fibres, minerals and drug testing.
Are there core practicals?
Yes, determining the tensile strength of plant fibres and investigating antimicrobial properties of plants.
Why is Withering studied?
His digitalis study is an early example of drug testing, compared with modern methods.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
