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A-LevelBiologyTransport in plantsMay/June 2017Paper 1 Q241 Mark

An aphid, such as a greenfly, uses a tubular mouthpart called a stylet to feed on nutrients in the plant. It inserts the stylet through the surface of a stem or leaf. When a stylet is cut near the aphid's head, leaving the stylet in the plant, a liquid with a low water potential continues to flow out of the plant. Which statement explains this?

AThe stylet is in a phloem sieve tube element in which there is a high concentration of solutes.
BThe stylet is in a phloem sieve tube element in which there is a low concentration of solutes.
CThe stylet is in a xylem vessel element in which there is a high concentration of solutes.
DThe stylet is in a xylem vessel element in which there is a low concentration of solutes.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: The stylet is in a phloem sieve tube element in which there is a high concentration of solutes.

📋 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 Transport in plants in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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