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Figure 8 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 6
Figure 8 shows a banana plantation. After the bananas have been harvested, the old plants are cut down. The suckers then develop into mature plants producing the ne... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 8 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the function of a meristem in the growth of a plant.
Answer
Meristem cells are undifferentiated, meaning they have not yet specialized into specific cell types. They play a crucial role in plant growth as they can divide and produce more cells through mitosis. This growth contributes to the elongation and differentiation of various plant structures, allowing the plant to grow taller and develop new leaves and roots.
Step 2
Describe how the student would prepare a microscope slide using these cells.
Answer
The student would start by using a thin section of the meristem cells for observation. Next, they should add a stain to enhance visibility, applying a named stain that highlights cellular details. Finally, the student would carefully place a cover slip on top of the sample, ensuring that no air bubbles are trapped, which could interfere with the examination under the microscope.