Skip to content
Try on iPad

Sexual reproduction in plants: WJEC A‑Level Biology questions

Every WJEC A-Level Biology exam question on 4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

Find questions1,223
Calculations

1,223 questions

  1. Q1(a)(i)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    1 mark4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(a)(i): Brightly coloured petals attract insects to the flowers. Suggest one other feature, not visible in Images 1.1A or B, that may enable these flowers to attract in

  2. Q1(a)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(a)(ii): Use the information provided to describe how cross-pollination is ensured in Himalayan balsam. [2]

  3. Q1(a)(iii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(a)(iii): Explain why cross-pollination is an advantage to a plant species colonising a new habitat. [2]

  4. Q1(b)(i)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    1 mark4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(b)(i): Structure X is part of the carpel. Identify structure X. [1]

  5. Q1(b)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(b)(ii): Flowering plants use a process of double fertilisation which produces a zygote and a primary endosperm nucleus within the ovule. Complete Table 1.3 by stating t

  6. Q1(b)(iii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    1 mark4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(b)(iii): The primary endosperm nucleus becomes endosperm in the seeds of many flowering plants. State one function of endosperm in seeds. [1]

  7. Q1(c)(i)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(c)(i): With reference to the habitat, suggest two additional methods by which Himalayan balsam seeds may be dispersed. [2] I. II.

  8. Q1(c)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 1(c)(ii): Explain why additional seed dispersal methods can be an advantage to this species. [2]

  9. Q2(a)(i)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 4, question 2(a)(i): The germinating pea seed labelled P in Image 2.1 was cut open. This is shown in Image 2.2. Image 2.2 Add three labelled lines to identify the cotyledon, plumule

  10. Q2(a)(ii)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 4, question 2(a)(ii): State two reasons why it is important that the radicle emerges prior to the plumule. [2]

  11. Q2(b)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 4

    3 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 4, question 2(b): Briefly describe the stages of germination in a non-endospermic seed such as the pea. [3] Question continued overleaf Gibberellin is required for maize kernel (

  12. Q2(c)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 4

    3 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 4, question 2(c): With reference to the function of gibberellin, explain why the mutant kernels germinate causing the appearance of the corn cob in Image 2.3. [3]

  13. Q1(c)(iii)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 1(c)(iii): This number of sets of chromosomes also occurs naturally in a certain plant tissue. State the name of this plant tissue and state its function. [2] Image 1.4 sh

  14. Q2(a)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    1 mark4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 2(a): The technician requested a materials list prior to the investigation. Apart from safety glasses, list three items of apparatus which would be needed to carry ou

  15. Q2(b)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    4 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 2(b): Identify structures A to D on the flower in Image 2.1 and describe their functions. [4] Structure Function A B C D

  16. Q2(c)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    4 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 2(c): Further research was carried out to determine how pollen from different species varied. Photomicrographs of two types of pollen from different species are shown

  17. Q3(c)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    3 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 3(c): The production of seeds requires sexual reproduction which involves meiosis. One way for a plant grower to produce plants with the same phenotype as the parent

  18. Q5(a)(i)

    Summer 2022 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2022 Unit 4, question 5(a)(i): Describe double fertilisation in plants. [2]

  19. Q5(a)(ii)

    Summer 2022 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2022 Unit 4, question 5(a)(ii): Explain why only the fertilised ovules develop into kernels. State the advantage to the plant of this. [2]

  20. Q5(b)

    Summer 2022 · Unit 4

    2 marks4.2 Sexual reproduction in plants
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2022 Unit 4, question 5(b): Using Images 5.2 and 5.3, briefly describe how the following seeds are dispersed. [2] Image 5.2 Image 5.3 Dandelion Cocklebur Dandelion Cocklebur
All 41 questions on Sexual reproduction in plants, as a list
  1. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Brightly coloured petals attract insects to the flowers. Suggest one other feature, not visible in Images 1.1A or B, that may enable these flowers to attract in
  2. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Use the information provided to describe how cross-pollination is ensured in Himalayan balsam. [2]
  3. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why cross-pollination is an advantage to a plant species colonising a new habitat. [2]
  4. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Structure X is part of the carpel. Identify structure X. [1]
  5. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Flowering plants use a process of double fertilisation which produces a zygote and a primary endosperm nucleus within the ovule. Complete Table 1.3 by stating t
  6. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(b)(iii) (1 mark): The primary endosperm nucleus becomes endosperm in the seeds of many flowering plants. State one function of endosperm in seeds. [1]
  7. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(c)(i) (2 marks): With reference to the habitat, suggest two additional methods by which Himalayan balsam seeds may be dispersed. [2] I. II.
  8. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why additional seed dispersal methods can be an advantage to this species. [2]
  9. Summer 2024, Unit 4, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): The germinating pea seed labelled P in Image 2.1 was cut open. This is shown in Image 2.2. Image 2.2 Add three labelled lines to identify the cotyledon, plumule
  10. Summer 2024, Unit 4, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): State two reasons why it is important that the radicle emerges prior to the plumule. [2]
  11. Summer 2024, Unit 4, Q2(b) (3 marks): Briefly describe the stages of germination in a non-endospermic seed such as the pea. [3] Question continued overleaf Gibberellin is required for maize kernel (
  12. Summer 2024, Unit 4, Q2(c) (3 marks): With reference to the function of gibberellin, explain why the mutant kernels germinate causing the appearance of the corn cob in Image 2.3. [3]
  13. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q1(c)(iii) (2 marks): This number of sets of chromosomes also occurs naturally in a certain plant tissue. State the name of this plant tissue and state its function. [2] Image 1.4 sh
  14. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q2(a) (1 mark): The technician requested a materials list prior to the investigation. Apart from safety glasses, list three items of apparatus which would be needed to carry ou
  15. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q2(b) (4 marks): Identify structures A to D on the flower in Image 2.1 and describe their functions. [4] Structure Function A B C D
  16. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q2(c) (4 marks): Further research was carried out to determine how pollen from different species varied. Photomicrographs of two types of pollen from different species are shown
  17. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q3(c) (3 marks): The production of seeds requires sexual reproduction which involves meiosis. One way for a plant grower to produce plants with the same phenotype as the parent
  18. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe double fertilisation in plants. [2]
  19. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why only the fertilised ovules develop into kernels. State the advantage to the plant of this. [2]
  20. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q5(b) (2 marks): Using Images 5.2 and 5.3, briefly describe how the following seeds are dispersed. [2] Image 5.2 Image 5.3 Dandelion Cocklebur Dandelion Cocklebur
  21. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q5(c)(i) (2 marks): State the following variables in this experiment: [2] Independent variable Dependent variable
  22. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q5(c)(ii) (3 marks): State the conclusion you can draw from the experimental results shown in Image 5.4. Use your knowledge of plant hormones to explain your answer. [3]
  23. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): State the function of the tapetum. [1]
  24. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain the appearance of the tetrad. [2]
  25. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe the function of the tube nucleus in the growth of the pollen tube. [2]
  26. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): In maize, the distance between the stigma and the micropyle is 20 cm. It takes 20 hours for the pollen tube to grow and reach the micropyle. Calculate the rate
  27. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(b)(iii) (1 mark): Use clearly drawn label lines to show the following: A = Female gamete. B = Polar nuclei. [1]
  28. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(b)(iv) (3 marks): Describe the role of mitosis and meiosis in the formation of the female gamete. [3]
  29. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q1(b)(v) (3 marks): With reference to the photomicrograph, explain why fertilisation in plants is referred to as double fertilisation. [3]
  30. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q3(a) (2 marks): State how the appearance of the flower would be different if the tomato flower was wind-pollinated. [2]
  31. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): State three ways in which you would ensure that the extracts from both varieties of tomato were comparable. [2] To compare the concentration of inhibitor the fo
  32. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why the seeds need to be washed before placing on the filter paper. [1]
  33. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): Explain why the extracts from both varieties of tomato were tested on seeds from both varieties. [1]
  34. Summer 2019, Unit 4, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): Describe and explain a suitable control for this experiment. [2]
  35. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q5 (9 marks): The diagrams below show a peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea) and a barley seed (Hordeum vulgare). seed coat seed coat cotyledon cotyledon endosperm plumule aleurone
  36. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): State whether the florets shown in the diagram are genetically identical or genetically different. Explain your answer. [2]
  37. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): State one way shown in the diagram in which the structure of a floret reduces the chance of self-pollination. [1]
  38. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain the advantage of preventing self-pollination. [2]
  39. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Leaf cells of S.squalidus contain 20 chromosomes. For this plant, state the number of chromosomes found in the following: [2] I. Female gamete II. Primary endos
  40. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q5(a) (4 marks): Describe how you would develop and refine this practical procedure to determine whether treatment of seeds with a 0.1 mmol dm–3 solution of gibberellic acid inc
  41. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q5(b) (2 marks): The following experiment was carried out to test the hypothesis that gibberellic acid stimulates amylase synthesis which then causes germination. Oat seeds were

Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © WJEC CBAC Ltd, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every WJEC A-Level Biology paper.

Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.