Section C Answer either Question 8 or Question 9. Write your answers in the spaces provided. (a) Sperm cells and pollen grains are both involved in sexual reproduction. Compare the functions of a sperm cell and a pollen grain and describe how the structure of each is related to its function. (b) Suggest reasons why sexual reproduction may be better for the survival of a species than asexual reproduction.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] any six from: similarities both gametes ;
2. [1] haploid / half chromosome number of body cell / produced by meiosis ;
3. [1] fuses with egg / fertilisation / to produce zygote ;
4. [1] differences sperm cell has flagellum / tail + move ;
5. [1] enzymes / acrosome + to penetrate egg ;
6. [1] wind pollination / carried by wind / insect pollination / carried by insect ;
7. [1] small / light / 'sticky' / sculptured coat ;
8. [1] pollen tube + to reach egg / ovule / ovary ;
9. [1] any four from: sexual reproduction + genetically different offspring ;
10. [1] sexual reproduction + variation ;
11. [1] asexual reproduction + genetically identical offspring/clones ;
12. [1] reference to mitosis / meiosis ;
13. [1] condition that affects survival, e.g. disease / temperature / water availability ;
14. [1] some individuals will survive changing environmental condition ;
15. [1] live in wider range of environments ;