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O-LevelBiologyPlant Nutrition5090/21 · Oct/Nov 2014 · Q910 Marks

Describe the path taken by a molecule of carbon dioxide, and the processes in which it is involved, from the moment it leaves the atmosphere until it forms part of a starch molecule in a leaf.

  1. (a)Describe the path taken by a molecule of carbon dioxide, and the processes in which it is involved, from the moment it leaves the atmosphere until it forms part of a starch molecule in a leaf.[7]
  2. (b)Explain how a lack of magnesium in the soil in which a plant is growing may reduce the formation of starch in a leaf.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [max. 7] between guard cells / through stoma ;
  2. [max. 7] into intercellular/air space ;
  3. [max. 7] dissolving in water (film);
  4. [max. 7] diffusion;
  5. [max. 7] through cell wall ;
  6. [max. 7] of mesophyll cell (or named) ;
  7. [max. 7] to chloroplast ;
  8. [max. 7] during photosynthesis ;
  9. [max. 7] links with water molecule ;
  10. [max. 7] glucose + forms starch ;
  11. [max. 3] little magnesium absorbed ;
  12. [max. 3] deficiency in chlorophyll ;
  13. [max. 3] less light energy trapped ;
  14. [max. 3] photosynthesis inhibited / limiting factor / AW ;
  15. [max. 3] less glucose/starch/carbohydrate formed ;

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About this question

Topic
Plant Nutrition, O-Level Biology (syllabus 5090). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
O-Level Biology, Oct/Nov 2014 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 9.

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