Edexcel International A Level Biology
Edexcel International A Level Biology Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development Exam Questions
Free Edexcel International A Level Biology exam questions for Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell ultrastructure, protein transport, gametes and fertilisation, mitosis, meiosis, stem cells and differential gene expression.
Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About Edexcel International A Level Biology Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development
This topic is part of Unit 2 (Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation) of Edexcel International A Level Biology. It covers the ultrastructure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, how proteins are made and transported through the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and how tissues and organs are organised. You learn the structure of mammalian gametes and how fertilisation happens in mammals and flowering plants, then the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. The final section explains stem cells, cell specialisation through differential gene expression, and how genes and the environment interact to produce phenotypes. Mitosis root tip practicals and microscope calculations are commonly examined.
What you need to know
- Cell ultrastructure Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, nucleolus, ribosomes, rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes and centrioles. Prokaryotes have circular DNA, plasmids, 70S ribosomes and a cell wall.
- Protein transport Proteins made on the rough ER are transported in vesicles to the Golgi apparatus for modification, then secreted by exocytosis.
- Gametes and fertilisation The acrosome reaction lets sperm digest the zona pellucida; the cortical reaction prevents polyspermy. In plants, the pollen tube delivers two male nuclei for double fertilisation.
- Mitosis and meiosis Mitosis produces genetically identical cells for growth and asexual reproduction. Meiosis produces haploid gametes; independent assortment and crossing over create variation.
- Stem cells Totipotent and pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into specialised cells. Their use in therapy raises ethical issues, particularly when embryos are used.
- Gene expression and phenotype Cells specialise because transcription factors switch on different genes. Phenotype results from genotype and environment; polygenic traits show continuous variation.
Common mistakes in Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development
- Saying specialised cells have lost genes; they have the same genes but express different ones.
- Confusing centrioles with centromeres.
- Describing meiosis as producing identical cells; it produces genetically different haploid cells.
- Forgetting the cortical reaction when describing fertilisation.
- Writing that stem cells are only found in embryos; adult tissues also contain some stem cells.
Try three Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development exam-style questions
1. A student counted 240 cells in a root tip squash and 30 were in mitosis. Calculate the mitotic index. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
30 / 240; = 0.125 (12.5%).
2. Describe the role of the Golgi apparatus in protein secretion. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Receives proteins in vesicles from the rough ER; modifies them, for example by adding carbohydrate; packages them into vesicles that move to the cell surface membrane for exocytosis.
3. Explain how double fertilisation occurs in flowering plants. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Pollen grain lands on the stigma and a pollen tube grows down the style; tube nucleus controls growth; two male nuclei pass into the ovule; one fuses with the egg cell to form the zygote and the other fuses with the polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development FAQs
What does Edexcel International A Level Biology Cell structure, reproduction and development cover?
It covers cell ultrastructure, protein transport, gametes and fertilisation in animals and plants, mitosis, meiosis, stem cells and how gene expression leads to specialisation.
Which unit is it examined in?
It is examined in Unit 2, Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation, and related practical skills are also assessed in the practical units.
How do I identify organelles in electron micrographs?
Practise with labelled micrographs, looking for features such as double membranes and cristae for mitochondria, ribosome dots on rough ER and flattened stacked sacs for the Golgi apparatus.
