Photo AI
Figure 2 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
Figure 2 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 2 shows a banana plantation - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the function of a meristem in the growth of a plant.
Answer
Meristem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to divide and produce more cells. They play a crucial role in plant growth by allowing the plant to lengthen and develop new tissues through mitosis. These new cells can differentiate into specialized types, contributing to various functions within the plant.
Step 2
Describe how the student would prepare a microscope slide using these cells.
Answer
To prepare a microscope slide, the student would first take a thin section of the meristem cells using a sharp blade. Next, they would add a stain or a named stain to the sample to enhance visibility under the microscope. Finally, the student would carefully place a cover slip on top of the sample to flatten it and reduce air bubbles.
Step 4
Step 5
Describe how a prokaryotic cell is different from the cell in Figure 3.
Answer
Prokaryotic cells differ from the eukaryotic cell in Figure 3 in several ways: they do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, their genetic material is in the form of circular DNA or plasmid DNA located in the cytoplasm, and they lack structures like mitochondria and chloroplasts.