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A-LevelBiologyTransport in plantsMay/June 2024Paper 5 Q214 Marks

The responses of plant species to water stress can be classified as either isohydric or anisohydric. • Isohydric plant species close stomata during times of water stress. This behaviour minimises water loss by transpiration but also reduces carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis. • Anisohydric plant species do not close stomata during times of water stress. This behaviour maximises carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis but also increases water loss by transpiration. A biologist studied 10 tree species from Australia. The biologist studied the effect of water stress and high environmental temperatures on five isohydric tree species and five anisohydric tree species. For each tree species studied: • The biologist obtained 20 young trees. • The young trees were grown in containers of soil in controlled conditions in a glasshouse. • The environmental conditions in the glasshouse were chosen to represent summer conditions in Australia. The mean glasshouse temperature was 28°C. • All the young trees were given a good supply of water for 10 weeks, so that the young trees acclimatised to the environmental conditions in the glasshouse. After the 10-week period of acclimatisation, the biologist divided the young trees from each species into four groups of five trees. Table 2.1 shows the experimental conditions used by the biologist for the next five weeks. [Table 2.1] At the end of week 5, the biologist measured the stomatal conductance of three leaves from each young tree at 12:00 (midday). Stomatal conductance is a measure of water vapour loss from the intercellular air spaces of leaves to the atmosphere through the stomata.

📋 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 structured question tests Transport in plants in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 14 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2024 examination, Paper 5 Variant 1.

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