A plant that is described as a mesophyte has evolved to grow in conditions that do not normally experience water stress (low availability of water). (a) Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of a cross section through the leaf of a herbaceous dicotyledonous mesophyte. Complete Fig. 5.1 by naming structure A and tissue layer B. [Figure 5.1]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] A = (waxy) cuticle ; / B = spongy mesophyll (layer / tissue); / R spongy mesophyll cell / I parenchyma
2. [3] one mark each correct row and each example must be different / structural feature in Fig. 5.1: structure A / one example of xerophytic adaptation: thick / thicker, (waxy cuticle) ; / A reflective layer / AW / structural feature in Fig. 5.1: upper epidermis / one example of xerophytic adaptation: multi-layered / more than one cell layer / hypodermis / or / thick walled / thick cell walls / sclerenchyma / or / presence of, trichomes ; / structural feature in Fig. 5.1: lower epidermis / one example of xerophytic adaptation: sunken stomata / or / stomata in, pits / grooves / crypts / chambers / or / presence of, trichomes / or / thick / thicker, (waxy) cuticle / or / few(er) stomata (per unit area) R no / fewer / or / stoma/stomata, with smaller, aperture / pore ;