A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide. The student then placed this slide on the stage of a light microscope and looked through the eyepiece. No cells could be seen in the piece of onion. Explain two ways this method could be improved to see details of the onion cells. Figure 4 shows mitosis occurring in some plant cells. (i) The cells in Figure 4 were taken from a rapidly growing part of a plant. Which part of a plant has rapidly dividing cells? (ii) Which stage of mitosis is shown in cell R? (iii) Describe two genetic similarities of the new cells that would be produced by cell Q in Figure 4. (iv) The cells in Figure 4 were heated in hydrochloric acid. State two safety precautions that should be taken when heating hydrochloric acid. (c) Explain one advantage of using an electron microscope to observe plant cells.

GCSE Edexcel Biology Combined Science Microscopy: A student cut a piece of onion a

A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Question 4

A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide. The student then placed this slide on the stage of a light microscope and looked through the eyep... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Step 1

Explain two ways this method could be improved to see details of the onion cells.

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Answer

Use a Stain: Applying a stain to the onion cells can enhance visibility. A dye can be used to color the cell organelles, making them more prominent and easier to observe under the microscope.
Adjust the Focus and Magnification: The microscope's focus should be adjusted carefully, and using a higher power lens can increase magnification to allow for a clearer view of the cells.

Step 2

Which part of a plant has rapidly dividing cells?

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Answer

The correct answer is B: meristem.

Step 3

Which stage of mitosis is shown in cell R?

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Answer

The correct answer is C: anaphase.

Step 4

Describe two genetic similarities of the new cells that would be produced by cell Q in Figure 4.

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Answer

Both new cells will have the same genetic material as cell Q, ensuring that they are genetically identical as they are produced through mitosis.
The new cells will contain the same number of chromosomes, maintaining the species' chromosomal count.

Step 5

State two safety precautions that should be taken when heating hydrochloric acid.

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Answer

Wear goggles to protect the eyes from splashes.
Avoid contact with acid and wear gloves to keep skin safe from burns.

Step 6

Explain one advantage of using an electron microscope to observe plant cells.

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Answer

Using an electron microscope allows for higher resolution and greater magnification, enabling detailed visualization of cellular structures that cannot be seen with a light microscope.

A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student cut a piece of onion and placed it on a microscope slide - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Explain two ways this method could be improved to see details of the onion cells.

Which part of a plant has rapidly dividing cells?

Which stage of mitosis is shown in cell R?

Describe two genetic similarities of the new cells that would be produced by cell Q in Figure 4.

State two safety precautions that should be taken when heating hydrochloric acid.

Explain one advantage of using an electron microscope to observe plant cells.

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