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Plants move mineral ions: • from a low concentration in the soil • to a high concentration in the root cells - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Plants move mineral ions: • from a low concentration in the soil • to a high concentration in the root cells. What process do plants use to move these minerals ions... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Plants move mineral ions: • from a low concentration in the soil • to a high concentration in the root cells - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how the student might have collected the data in Table 1.
Answer
The student likely used a systematic method to count the stomata. First, they mounted a thin layer of the leaf epidermis on a microscope slide. Then, they examined one area of the leaf and counted the number of stomata visible under the microscope. This process was repeated in four other areas of the same leaf to ensure a larger sample size. Finally, the student calculated the mean number of stomata by adding the counts from the different areas and dividing by the number of areas counted.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why this is an advantage to the plant.
Answer
Having very few stomata on the upper surface of the leaf helps the plant minimize water loss. This is particularly beneficial in arid environments where water conservation is crucial for survival. Fewer stomata can also reduce the risk of wilting, which enables the plant to maintain its turgidity and overall health.