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Transport in plants: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology A exam question on 3.1.3 Transport in plants, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,984 questions

  1. Q1(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 1(a): The photomicrograph shows a transverse section through the root of a herbaceous dicotyledonous plant. A B Name the cells labelled A and B in the photomicrograph

  2. Q1(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    3 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 1(b)(i): Calculate the SA : V of the root hair. Assume the root hair is cylindrical. Use the equations: Surface area of cylinder = 2πr(r + l ) Volume of cylinder = πr 2l

  3. Q1(b)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 1(b)(ii): State how a high SA : V helps a root hair cell perform its function. [1]

  4. Q1(c)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    3 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 1(c): Carbohydrates produced in palisade cells are transported in phloem to sinks, such as roots. Describe how carbohydrates move from palisade cells into companion c

  5. Q24(a)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 24(a): The cell surface membrane of companion cells has a key role in the loading of sucrose into phloem sieve tubes. A student wrote three incorrect statements as a p

  6. Q3(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 3(b)(i): State and explain one safety precaution that the students should take when dissecting the vascular tissue. [2]

  7. Q3(c)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 3(c)(i): The scientist plans to calculate the rate of transpiration by measuring the distance moved by the air bubble. The scientist carries out a preliminary trial by m

  8. Q3(c)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    6 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 3(c)(ii): Xylem vessels maintain the transpiration stream by transporting water up plant stems. (ii)* Describe how the scientist could use the potometer to collect the da

  9. Q3(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 3(d): Many plants, such as Erica cinerea (bell heather), have evolved adaptations to limit water loss by transpiration. This is a drawing of a leaf of E. cinerea. Air

  10. Q7

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 7: A potometer was used to estimate the rate of transpiration. The graph below shows the results from the experiment. 80 60 Volume of water taken up 40 by plant sh

  11. Q22(b)(i)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 22(b)(i): Identify tissues E and F. Tissue E Tissue F [2]

  12. Q22(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 22(b)(ii): Explain two ways tissue G is adapted for its function. [2]

  13. Q22(c)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 22(c): The sentences are about the transport of water through a plant. Complete the sentences using the most appropriate terms. In the apoplast pathway, water moves th

  14. Q22(d)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 22(d): Xerophytes are plants that are adapted to living in dry environments. Explain two ways that xerophytes are adapted to prevent water loss in dry environments. 1

  15. Q6

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 6: Which of the options describes movement of water through a plant? A The Casparian strip forces water to enter the cytoplasm before it can enter the xylem. B Wat

  16. Q21(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(a)(i): Describe what is meant by the term transpiration stream. [2]

  17. Q21(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(a)(ii): Suggest why the scientists sealed the borehole with tape. [1]

  18. Q21(a)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(a)(iii): The scientists found that the dye moved both up and down the stems. A student wanted to investigate this in the laboratory. They devised an experiment using wat

  19. Q21(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(b)(i): Explain why the plants wilted, even though they were given a lot of water. [3]

  20. Q21(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.3 Transport in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(b)(ii): The teacher suggested that the same effect would be seen if the plants had been watered with a solution containing cyanide ions that inhibit ATP synthesis. Expl
All 100 questions on Transport in plants, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(a) (2 marks): The photomicrograph shows a transverse section through the root of a herbaceous dicotyledonous plant. A B Name the cells labelled A and B in the photomicrograph
  2. June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the SA : V of the root hair. Assume the root hair is cylindrical. Use the equations: Surface area of cylinder = 2πr(r + l ) Volume of cylinder = πr 2l
  3. June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): State how a high SA : V helps a root hair cell perform its function. [1]
  4. June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(c) (3 marks): Carbohydrates produced in palisade cells are transported in phloem to sinks, such as roots. Describe how carbohydrates move from palisade cells into companion c
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (3 marks): The cell surface membrane of companion cells has a key role in the loading of sucrose into phloem sieve tubes. A student wrote three incorrect statements as a p
  6. June 2024, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): State and explain one safety precaution that the students should take when dissecting the vascular tissue. [2]
  7. June 2024, Paper 3, Q3(c)(i) (2 marks): The scientist plans to calculate the rate of transpiration by measuring the distance moved by the air bubble. The scientist carries out a preliminary trial by m
  8. June 2024, Paper 3, Q3(c)(ii) (6 marks): Xylem vessels maintain the transpiration stream by transporting water up plant stems. (ii)* Describe how the scientist could use the potometer to collect the da
  9. June 2024, Paper 3, Q3(d) (2 marks): Many plants, such as Erica cinerea (bell heather), have evolved adaptations to limit water loss by transpiration. This is a drawing of a leaf of E. cinerea. Air
  10. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): A potometer was used to estimate the rate of transpiration. The graph below shows the results from the experiment. 80 60 Volume of water taken up 40 by plant sh
  11. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q22(b)(i) (2 marks): Identify tissues E and F. Tissue E Tissue F [2]
  12. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q22(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain two ways tissue G is adapted for its function. [2]
  13. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q22(c) (3 marks): The sentences are about the transport of water through a plant. Complete the sentences using the most appropriate terms. In the apoplast pathway, water moves th
  14. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q22(d) (2 marks): Xerophytes are plants that are adapted to living in dry environments. Explain two ways that xerophytes are adapted to prevent water loss in dry environments. 1
  15. June 2023, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which of the options describes movement of water through a plant? A The Casparian strip forces water to enter the cytoplasm before it can enter the xylem. B Wat
  16. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe what is meant by the term transpiration stream. [2]
  17. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why the scientists sealed the borehole with tape. [1]
  18. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(a)(iii) (2 marks): The scientists found that the dye moved both up and down the stems. A student wanted to investigate this in the laboratory. They devised an experiment using wat
  19. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain why the plants wilted, even though they were given a lot of water. [3]
  20. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(ii) (2 marks): The teacher suggested that the same effect would be seen if the plants had been watered with a solution containing cyanide ions that inhibit ATP synthesis. Expl
  21. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why plants growing in high light intensity require more water than plants growing in shade, even when the temperatures are the same. [2]
  22. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): Which of the options is an adaptation of a hydrophyte? A A thick waxy cuticle B Fewer leaves, which results in a reduced SA:V ratio C Many stomata on the upper
  23. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Using the data provided in Fig. 1.1, calculate the surface area : volume of the large multicellular plant. Surface area : volume = [2]
  24. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why a large multicellular plant needs a transport system but a small multicellular plant does not. [2]
  25. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (6 marks): (b)* Fig. 1.2 shows a diagram of phloem tissue in the stem of a herbaceous dicotyledonous plant. Fig. 1.2 Sieve pore Companion cell Sieve tube element Nucleus C
  26. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): State the cause of transpiration in plants. [1]
  27. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (1 mark): Two factors that affect the rate of transpiration in plants are humidity and air movement. Name one other factor that affects the rate of transpiration in plant
  28. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Suggest three improvements the students could have made to their investigation. Improvement 1 Improvement 2 Improvement 3 [3] 8 The students’ results are shown
  29. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Complete the table by filling in the missing values for mean and rate of bubble movement for group A. Give your answers to 1 decimal place. Mean = mm Rate of bu
  30. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b)(iii) (1 mark): State the conclusion that can be drawn from the students’ results. [1]
  31. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): The students wanted to see how air movement affects rate of transpiration. Describe how you would modify the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.1 and Fig. 2.2 to determi
  32. June 2022, Paper 1, Q16(a) (3 marks): Explain, using examples of transported substances, why multicellular plants need transport systems. [3]
  33. June 2022, Paper 1, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Identify the tissue labelled B in Fig. 16.1. B [1]
  34. June 2022, Paper 1, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): State two functions of structure A. 1 2 [2]
  35. June 2022, Paper 1, Q16(c) (4 marks): Fig. 16.2 on the insert is a coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a longitudinal section through vascular tissue in the stem of a dicotyledon. Explain
  36. June 2022, Paper 1, Q16(d) (3 marks): A mycorrhiza is mutualistic association between a fungus and a plant. The fungus penetrates root cells and assists with uptake of water and nutrients. A group o
  37. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Victoria cruziana is a tropical species of flowering plant, native to South America. Its leaves have stomata only on their upper surface and contain a large amo
  38. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Cells in the leaves of plants synthesise amino acids. Which of the statements explains why plants need a vascular system to support amino acid synthesis? A To t
  39. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(a)(i) (1 mark): Describe what happens inside the model, immediately after the tap on the flask is opened. [1]
  40. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the water level in the capillary tube starts to rise after a few minutes. [2]
  41. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(a)(iii) (3 marks): With reference to the diagram, name the plant cells or tissues that are represented by: The capillary tube The beaker of distilled water The flask [3]
  42. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): The student measured the increase in the level of the coloured liquid in the capillary tube after 2 minutes. It had risen by 8 mm. The capillary tube has a diam
  43. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain how the properties of water are related to the transport role of water in a stem. [3]
  44. November 2021, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Water is transported across the root of a plant by more than one pathway. Which of the following statements about water molecules moving via the symplast pathwa
  45. November 2021, Paper 1, Q19(b)(ii) (1 mark): Cacti are popular house plants. Suggest why cacti do not grow well in a terrarium. [1]
  46. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(a) (2 marks): Besides safety precautions, explain one practical precaution that should be taken when using a potometer. Precaution Explanation [2]
  47. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the standard deviation for the distance travelled when the fan was switched on. 2 / ( x x ) - Use the formula: s = n 1 - Give your answer to 2 signifi
  48. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(b)(ii) (1 mark): What can you conclude from comparing the standard deviations of the two means? [1]
  49. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(c)(i) (2 marks): The student wanted to estimate the total leaf surface area of the shoot. At the end of the investigation they removed all the leaves from the shoot. They placed
  50. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(c)(ii) (2 marks): In this investigation, the student calculated the rate of transpiration to be 30 mm3 min–1. They estimated the total leaf surface area of the shoot to be 37 cm2
  51. November 2021, Paper 1, Q20(e) (6 marks): The figure shows a potometer used to measure the rate of transpiration in a leafy shoot. leafy shoot water reservoir screw capillary tube clip air-water rubber
  52. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): The rate of transpiration of water can be estimated by recording the rate of water uptake using a potometer. Two potometers were set up, one with large leaves a
  53. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The image below shows a transverse section of a stem vascular bundle of a sunflower, Helianthus annuus. Which of the options, A to D, labels the xylem vessels?
  54. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Wolffia arrhiza is one of the smallest flowering plants in the world. Which of the options, A to D, explains the absence of a transport system in Wolffia arrhiz
  55. November 2020, Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): The figure below shows a drawing of a light microscope image. The image is a cross-section taken from the stem of a dicotyledonous plant. F E G Which of the row
  56. November 2020, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Which of the following statements, A to D, does not correctly describe the structure or formation of plant vascular tissues? A Companion cells are linked to xyl
  57. November 2020, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Large multicellular animals need a transport system for oxygen and carbon dioxide. Large multicellular plants do not need a transport system for oxygen and carb
  58. November 2020, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which of the following statements, A to D, describes the movement of water across plant roots? A The Casparian strip blocks movement by the symplast pathway. B
  59. November 2020, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): Which of the following statements about water transport in plants is/are correct? 1 Transpiration happens as a consequence of the need for gas exchange. 2 There
  60. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (4 marks): Identify two problems with this method and for each problem suggest how the method can be improved. 1 2 [4]
  61. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): The results of the experiment are shown in Fig. 24.2. 0.05 0.04 0.03 volume of water collected after 6 hours per area of leaf (cm3 cm–2) 0.02 0.01 0 tomato wate
  62. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(c) (4 marks): Describe how a potometer can be used to calculate a more accurate rate of transpiration. [4]
  63. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(d) (2 marks): Name and describe two pathways that water takes to reach the xylem vessels at the base of the stem. [2]
  64. June 2019, Paper 3, Q1(b) (3 marks): Sago pondweed has evolved many adaptations to its aquatic environment. Three such adaptations are described below. Explain the advantage of each adaptation. Ada
  65. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The giant water lily, Victoria amazonica, grows in the shallow waters of the Amazon river basin. Which of the following adaptations, A to D, enables Victoria am
  66. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (3 marks): Water enters plants through the roots. Most roots are covered in root hairs. The number of root hairs per mm2 of root surface is described as the density of roo
  67. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the standard deviation of root hair density for cress grown in mineral solution B. 2 x x / ( ) - = Use the formula: s n 1 - [Write your answer in the
  68. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(ii) (1 mark): The scientist thought that mineral solution B might cause a reduction in root hair density. Suggest an appropriate statistical test that the scientist could car
  69. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(i) (3 marks): Identify A, B and C on Fig. 24. A B C [3]
  70. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(ii) (1 mark): Some plants, such as mosses, do not have xylem. Mosses are small plants that rarely grow more than a few cm in height. Suggest why mosses do not need structures
  71. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Phloem tissue is made up of different cell types. Identify the type of phloem cell into which the stylet is inserted to obtain the sap. [1]
  72. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why sucrose is a more suitable transport molecule than glucose. [1]
  73. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): State what assumption is made when using this apparatus to measure the rate of transpiration. [1]
  74. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (6 marks): An investigation was carried out into the loss of water from a leafy shoot. The apparatus used is shown in Fig. 4.1. water leafy shoot syringe rubber tube tap a
  75. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Identify an anomalous reading in the data and evaluate the extent to which it has affected the mean that has been calculated. [3]
  76. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest a reason for the reading that you identified as anomalous in (i). [1]
  77. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(iii) (3 marks): The internal diameter of the capillary tubing was 0.7 mm. Table 4.2 shows the mean rate of transpiration in each of the experimental conditions. Mean rate of tr
  78. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(iv) (1 mark): The control experiment in this investigation was to measure the mean rate of transpiration in still air. Explain why the control experiment is carried out in th
  79. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(c) (1 mark): Another student suggested using an alternative apparatus for measuring the rate of transpiration of a leafy shoot. Fig. 4.2 shows this apparatus. leafy shoot ca
  80. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(d) (2 marks): The student wanted to compare the rates of transpiration of the two leafy shoots shown in Fig. 4.3. Fig. 4.3 Describe how the student could ensure that a valid
  81. June 2018, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which of the statements, A to D, applies to transpiration and evaporation? A It occurs at a faster rate at higher humidity. B It occurs at a slower rate at grea
  82. June 2018, Paper 1, Q18(a) (6 marks): (a)* Plants lose water by transpiration. The rate of transpiration varies between different species of plant. The rate of transpiration can be measured using a
  83. June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(b) (2 marks): Fig. 1 shows a cross section of the root of an onion plant. M N Fig. 1 Identify the tissues shown at M and N. M N [2]
  84. June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(b) (3 marks): Glucose and other carbohydrates are present in respiring cells. The concentrations of carbohydrate molecules vary between tissues. A student conducted tests on
  85. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): A student designed an investigation into the rate of transpiration in plants. They used eight leaves of the same size, age and species. They kept environmental
  86. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Which of the following, A to D, is not an adaptation to reduce water loss in plants? A an extensive root system that extends far from the plant B leaves that ar
  87. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): During translocation of photosynthetic products in the phloem sieve tube, hydrogen ions are moved out of companion cells, then sucrose enters the companion cell
  88. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q23(b)(ii) (2 marks): Name the two tissues labelled Q and S on Fig. 23. Q S [2]
  89. June 2017, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Which of the statements, A to D, correctly describes the process of adhesion? A attraction of water molecules to the impermeable walls of xylem tissue B attract
  90. June 2017, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Mistletoe is a plant parasite that lives on the stems of other plants. It survives by removing water and assimilates from the host plant. The mistletoe binds to
  91. June 2017, Paper 1, Q18(c)(ii) (2 marks): Fig. 18 shows a process that occurs in the cell surface membrane of the endodermis in the root. ATP ADP + Pi Fig. 18 Explain how the events shown in Fig. 18 cau
  92. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, is a reason why plants require specialised transport tissue? A to allow osmosis to take place B because they all have a large surf
  93. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Many plants are adapted to the availability of water in their environment; one group of these plants is the xerophytes. Which one of the following statements co
  94. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): A group of students wanted to observe the position of xylem vessels in the leaf stalks (petioles) of celery. Describe a procedure they could use to do this. [2]
  95. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Water Starwort is a hydrophyte belonging to the genus Callitriche. It is an aquatic plant which has its stems fully submerged in water. Cholla is a cactus belon
  96. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (3 marks): Xylem and phloem are two vascular tissues found in plants. State one similarity and two differences between the structure of xylem and phloem. Similarity 1 Diff
  97. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): A diagram of a potometer is shown below. screw clip air bubble Which of the following options, A to D, is a precaution that is not needed when setting up a poto
  98. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (2 marks): Halophytes are plants that have the ability to live in soils with a very low water potential. In the UK these plants form part of salt marsh communities. Sugges
  99. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (4 marks): State all the letters that provide evidence for the following conclusions: Translocation is an active process. Sugars are translocated from source to sink. [4]
  100. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (3 marks): Explain how mass flow of the phloem sap occurs in plants with a vascular system. [3]

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