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A-LevelBiologyCell membranes and transportMay/June 2023Paper 1 Q191 Mark

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of concentration of sucrose solution on cells in a plant tissue. A sample of plant tissue was cut into seven cylinders of equal length and diameter. The mass of each cylinder was recorded. Each of the seven cylinders was put into a different sucrose solution concentration. [Figure 19.1] After two hours, the cylinders were removed, blotted dry and reweighed. The percentage change in mass of each cylinder was recorded. The graph shows the results of this investigation. [Figure 19.2] Which row explains the results if plant tissue cells were put in a sucrose solution of 0.45 mol dm⁻³?

Awater potential of the cytoplasm of the cells at the start of the experiment compared with the water potential of 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: less negative; change in volume of the vacuoles of the cells at the end of the experiment, that were initially placed in 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: decreased
Bwater potential of the cytoplasm of the cells at the start of the experiment compared with the water potential of 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: less negative; change in volume of the vacuoles of the cells at the end of the experiment, that were initially placed in 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: increased
Cwater potential of the cytoplasm of the cells at the start of the experiment compared with the water potential of 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: more negative; change in volume of the vacuoles of the cells at the end of the experiment, that were initially placed in 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: decreased
Dwater potential of the cytoplasm of the cells at the start of the experiment compared with the water potential of 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: more negative; change in volume of the vacuoles of the cells at the end of the experiment, that were initially placed in 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: increased

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: water potential of the cytoplasm of the cells at the start of the experiment compared with the water potential of 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: less negative; change in volume of the vacuoles of the cells at the end of the experiment, that were initially placed in 0.45 mol dm⁻³ sucrose solution: decreased

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Biology Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Cell membranes and transport in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2023 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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