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A-LevelBiologyTransport in plants9700/22 · Feb/Mar 2020 · Q17 Marks

Phloem sap is transported from sources to sinks in phloem sieve tubes. Each sieve tube is constructed from phloem sieve tube elements.

  1. (a)The structure of a phloem sieve tube element is adapted to its function. Each of explanations A to F describes how a particular structural feature of a phloem sieve tube element in a source is suited to the function of transporting phloem sap. The matching structural feature for each explanation is listed in Table 1.1. A for entry of sucrose and other organic compounds B for rapid entry of water to create high hydrostatic pressure C provides pores to allow the flow of phloem sap from one sieve tube element to the next D to form very long tubular structures for the transport of phloem sap from source to sink E decreases resistance to the flow of phloem sap within each sieve tube element, so the speed of flow is maintained F provides more space to increase the volume of phloem sap transported per unit time Complete Table 1.1 by writing the correct letter from A to F in the last column of each row, so that each structural feature is matched to the correct explanation. Use each letter only once. The first row has been completed for you. Table 1.1 structural feature of phloem sieve tube element There is no nucleus or large permanent vacuole. The end walls are perforated to form sieve plates. There is only a thin layer of cytoplasm around the edge of the cell. The cell is elongated and arranged end to end with other cells. The cell has plasmodesmata connecting to a companion cell. There is a thin cellulose cell wall. explanation F[4]
  2. (b)At the sink, sucrose and other organic compounds are unloaded from the phloem sieve tube element. Explain why the process of unloading helps the mass flow of phloem sap from the source to the sink.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [4] 1(a) (F)
  2. C
  3. E
  4. D
  5. A
  6. B
  7. ;;;;
  8. all five correct = four marks
  9. three or four correct = three marks
  10. two correct = two marks
  11. one correct = one mark
  12. [3] 1(b) 1 water, leaves sieve tube (element) / follows sucrose ;
  13. any two from:
  14. 2 down the water potential gradient / from higher to lower water potential / by osmosis / sucrose (in companion cell in sink) lowers water potential;
  15. A for water potential
  16. 3 decreases volume in sieve tubes (in sink) ;
  17. 4 decreases (hydrostatic) pressure (in sieve tubes in sink);
  18. 5 pressure higher (in sieve tube) at source than pressure (in sieve tube) at sink / (maintains) pressure gradient from source to sink / sap moves down pressure gradient ;

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About this question

Topic
Transport in plants, A-Level Biology (syllabus 9700). Structured question, 7 marks.
Source
A-Level Biology, Feb/Mar 2020 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 1.

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