plumiPlant cells, fibres and mineral ions: Edexcel A‑Level Biology A questions
Every Edexcel A-Level Biology A exam question on Plant cells, fibres and mineral ions (specification points 4.7–4.12), 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q2(c)
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Q8(e)
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Q6(a)
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All 103 questions on Plant cells, fibres and mineral ions, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q2(c) (4 marks): Leaves of enset plants can be used to make fibres for weaving. Describe how the tensile strength of fibres from enset plants can be determined. (4)
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q5(c) (4 marks): Explain how the structure of tissues in the stem enables water to be transported from the roots to the leaves. (4)
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q6(c)(ii) (3 marks): Some antibiotics destroy the bacterial cell wall. Bacteria have cell walls made of peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a polymer of sugars with amino acids attached
- June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Bacteria in root nodules are able to fix nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonium compounds that the plant can use. Name two organic molecules, containing nitrogen, need
- June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): The fibres extracted from pineapple leaves contain cellulose and lignin. Which of the following tissues contain lignin? (1) A only phloem B only sclerenchyma C
- June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (4 marks): Explain how the features of xylem vessels are related to its functions. (4)
- June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (2 marks): Fibres for textiles can also be made from oil‑based plastics. Explain why the use of fibres from pineapple leaves is more sustainable than producing fibres from
- June 2024, Paper 1, Q1(b) (3 marks): Describe the role of mineral ions in the production of plant biomass. (3)
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q8(e) (2 marks): Sloths have ‘the longest digestive process on record for a plant-eating mammal’ (paragraph 7). Deduce the advantage to the sloth of a slow digestive process. (2
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following letters labels a xylem vessel? (1) A P B Q C R D S
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which of the following is the main function of xylem vessels? (1) A transport of mineral ions and organic solutes B transport of water and mineral ions C transp
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which of the following tissues contains sieve tubes? (1) A epidermal B phloem C sclerenchyma D xylem
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (3 marks): Calcium ions are transported through plant tissues. Explain the importance of calcium ions to plants. (3)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (4 marks): Plant fibres contain cellulose. There are similarities and differences between the structures of cellulose and starch. Compare and contrast the structures of mo
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (3 marks): Jute fibres can be used on their own or mixed with other materials to form a composite. An investigation determined the tensile strength of jute fibres and two
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(c) (5 marks): In another investigation, the tensile strength of plant fibres treated with sodium hydroxide was measured. The results of this investigation are shown in the gr
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (2 marks): Cotton is an example of a crop grown as a monoculture. Explain why the production of cotton fibres from cotton plants is sustainable. (2)
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): Describe the importance of nitrate ions to plants. (3)
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following molecules found in plants contains magnesium ions? (1) A amylose B calcium pectate C cellulose D chlorophyll
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (4 marks): Devise a laboratory experiment to measure the effect of magnesium ion concentration on the growth of pea plants. (4)
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Nitrate ions are required for the synthesis of (1) A amino acids B cellulose C starch D sucrose
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Phosphate ions are required for the synthesis of (1) A cellulose B chlorophyll C nucleic acids D sucrose
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Magnesium ions are present in the structure of (1) A amino acids B cellulose C chlorophyll D starch
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q10(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the calcium ion concentration in the soft tissue of a human. (3) µg g–1
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q10(b)(ii) (6 marks): Calcium ions are also found in the tissue of plants. The calcium ion concentration in one species of plant has been measured. It was found to be 170 µg g–1 of p
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Which structure contains pits? (1) A B C D
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which structure could be reinforced with lignin? (1) A B C D
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which structure contains vesicles? (1) A B C D
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): It is possible to investigate the location of xylem tissue in a plant stem by using a microscope. The following method is used: 1. cut the stem of a broad bean
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(a) (4 marks): Plant fibres contain cellulose. Cellulose molecules are arranged in microfibrils in cell walls of plants. Describe the structure of a cellulose microfibril. (4)
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(b) (2 marks): An investigation was carried out to determine the tensile strength of three types of plant fibre. The table shows the tensile strength and the composition of th
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(c) (6 marks): In another investigation, the effect of fibre diameter on tensile strength was measured. The graph shows the results of this investigation. 160 140 120 100 Tens
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(a)(i) (1 mark): Which labelled structure in the photograph contains lignin? (1) A E B F C G D H
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(a)(ii) (1 mark): The diagram shows a transverse section through a plant stem. J Which of the labelled structures in the photograph is located in the area labelled J in the diagr
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): The part of the stem labelled L contains (1) A phloem that transports organic solutes B sclerenchyma fibres that provide support C sieve tubes that transport wa
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(b)(ii) (1 mark): The part of the stem labelled M contains (1) A phloem that transports organic solutes B sclerenchyma fibres that transport water C sieve tubes that synthesise o
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(b)(iii) (1 mark): The structure labelled N is a (1) A part of the phloem that transports water B sclerenchyma fibre that provides support C sieve tube that transports organic sol
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q7(b)(iv) (3 marks): The line labelled X on the photograph represents the width of the vascular bundle. The actual width of the vascular bundle is 320 µm. Calculate the magnificatio
- November 2021, Paper 3, Q1(a) (2 marks): Explain why the seedling needs a supply of magnesium ions. (2)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Calculate the total mass in kilograms of plastic bags given out to customers. Give your answer in standard form. (2) Answer kg
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Describe the structure of starch. (3)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why this plastic material is only partially sustainable. (2)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): The tensile strength of plant fibres can be tested using different methods. One method is to attach both ends of a fibre to clamps horizontally and hang increas
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(a) (1 mark): Which molecule contains magnesium ions? (1) A amino acid B amylose C chlorophyll D DNA
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b) (4 marks): Seedlings of rice plants were grown for two weeks in a complete solution containing all the mineral ions required. After two weeks, the plants were divided into
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(c) (5 marks): ‘The growth of seedlings is affected by the concentration of magnesium ions whereas germination of seeds is not.’ Devise an investigation to obtain valid eviden
- October 2020, Paper 1, Q10(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following describes the relationship between the mass of wheat grain and the moisture content of the wheat grain? (1) A inverse correlation B negat
- October 2020, Paper 1, Q10(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the standard deviation for the mass of wheat using the formula s = Σ − 2 ( x x ) − n 1 (3) Answer
- October 2020, Paper 1, Q10(b)(i) (1 mark): Fertilisers contain phosphate ion compounds. Plants need phosphate in order to synthesise (1) A both cellulose and phospholipids B both phospholipids and polysa
- October 2020, Paper 1, Q10(c) (6 marks): Biological farming aims to reduce the use of fertilisers to add minerals to the soil. The following is some information on biological farming. ● Biological farm
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (2 marks): Explain the role of the middle lamella when a plant cell completes mitosis. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (2 marks): Describe the importance of magnesium ions in the production of plant fibres. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the standard deviation when using the mean diameter. (2) Answer
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the standard deviations were calculated for these data. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(i) (2 marks): Describe the arrangement of glucose monomers in a cellulose molecule. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(ii) (6 marks): Devise a method to find the relationship between the actual diameter and the tensile strength of kapok fibres. (6)
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which of the following structures is found only in plant cells? (1) A amyloplast B Golgi apparatus C mesosome D vacuole
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q6(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which of the following structures is found in both animal and plant cells? (1) A amyloplast B cell wall C pili D smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q6(c) (3 marks): The diagram shows part of a molecule of chitin, a modified polysaccharide found in fungal cell walls. CH3 CH3 C O C O CH2OH H NH CH2OH H NH O O H H O O H OH H H
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Cellulose and amylopectin are polymers of hexose sugars. State one difference between the hexose in cellulose and the hexose in amylopectin. (1)
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (1 mark): The cellulose molecules form microfibrils. Name the bond between adjacent cellulose molecules in a cellulose microfibril. (1)
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(c)(ii) (3 marks): The student also hypothesised that the cells in zone 1 would be smaller in size than the cells that had differentiated into xylem vessels in zone 3. The student
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (4 marks): Plant fibres contain cellulose in their cell walls. Explain how tensile strength is related to the arrangement of cellulose in plant fibres. (4)
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (2 marks): The photograph shows a coffee cup made from bamboo fibres. section made from bamboo fibres Explain why the use of bamboo fibres to make coffee cups is sustainab
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(c) (3 marks): The effect of mixing bamboo fibre with resin was investigated. The tensile strength of fibres made from a mixture of resin and different masses of bamboo fibre
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q6(b) (9 marks): The carbohydrate content of vegetables ranges from 3 to 35%. However, meat contains little to no carbohydrate. Milk is the only food source from animals that co
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the structure labelled C. (1)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain the function of the structure labelled C. (2)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): Draw one link on the diagram that would hold these molecules together in a microfibril. (1)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (3 marks): Compare and contrast the structure of cellulose and amylopectin. (3)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (1 mark): Plant cells also contain structures called amyloplasts. Amyloplasts (1) A allow fluid exchange B consist mainly of pectin C are membranes surrounding the vacuol
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Label a sclerenchyma fibre with the letter S. (1)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the magnification of this image. (3) Answer
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): A nucleus will be found in a (1) A companion cell B sclerenchyma fibre C sieve tube D xylem vessel
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Xylem and sclerenchyma fibres both (1) A provide support B transport glucose C transport hormones D transport mineral ions
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(iii) (1 mark): The cell wall forms a greater percentage of the total mass of the sclerenchyma fibre than of a phloem sieve tube. Which of the following explains this differenc
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the mean reduction in the number of fruit produced by peanut plants grown in soil without calcium ions. Give your answer to two decimal places. (3) An
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (3 marks): Comment on the results of this investigation. (3)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (5 marks): Devise an investigation to determine the effect of nitrate ion concentration on the growth of young peanut plants. (5)
- June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(b) (1 mark): Ropes used in climbing need to have high tensile strength. State what is meant by the term tensile strength. (1)
- June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(c) (4 marks): Climbing ropes can be made from manila (a plant fibre) or nylon (an oil-based plastic). Various factors affect the tensile strength of these ropes, including di
- June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(d) (2 marks): Tissues that contain lignin provide strength to plant fibres. Describe the positions in the stem of those tissues that contain lignin. (2)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the monomer that makes up cellulose. (1)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which of the following correctly describes how these monomers are held together in a cellulose molecule? (1) A by glycosidic bonds in a branched chain B by glyc
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Cellulose molecules are held together in bundles called microfibrils. These microfibrils are embedded in a matrix containing calcium pectate. Calcium pectate ca
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): The cell walls in some plant tissues have secondary thickening. This may contain a substance called lignin. Which of the following properties can lignin give to
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): Name a plant tissue that has lignin in its cell walls. (1)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (3 marks): Some plant cells also contain the polymer starch. Explain how the structure and properties of starch are related to its function as a storage molecule. (3)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): Give reasons why the use of fibres from plants is sustainable. (2)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following are variables that would need to be controlled when testing the tensile strength of these fibres? (1) A humidity and light intensity B li
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how the tensile strength of these fibres can be measured. (3)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q6(c) (4 marks): Fibres of curaua, jute and sisal were examined using an electron microscope. These electron micrographs were examined and the physical features of the fibres we
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): Calculate the magnification of this image. (1) Answer: ×
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (1 mark): The wall of the sieve tube element contains (1) A cellulose, lamellae and lignin B cellulose, lignin and pectin C hemicellulose, microfibrils and pectin D hemic
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(d)(i) (2 marks): Describe the structure labelled Z that connects the cytoplasm of the companion cell to the sieve tube element. (2)
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(d)(ii) (3 marks): The electron micrograph shows a difference in the number of mitochondria in the sieve tube element and in the companion cell. Explain the difference in the numb
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (1 mark): Which compounds, found in plants, contain nitrogen from nitrate ions? (1) A cellulose, amino acids and DNA B DNA, enzymes and amino acids C DNA, enzymes and sta
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage decrease in nitrate ion concentration from the root to the leaf. (2) Answer
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how nitrate ions are transported from the root to the leaves. (2)
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): The concentration of magnesium ions in the soil was found to be very low. Explain the effects of a shortage of magnesium ions on a plant. (3)
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (6 marks): Lead ions can be toxic to plants. Different plants are killed by different concentrations of lead ions. The toxic concentrations for different plant categories
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Why does the food store in seeds contain starch rather than cellulose? (1) A starch can be stored for longer because it has 1–4 bonds B starch has more mineral
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why starch must be broken down before it can be used by the cells of the growing plant. (2)
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