Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Control and coordination in plants

Control and coordination in plants — practice question

The Venus fly trap, Dionaea muscipula, is a carnivorous plant that is native to wetlands on the East Coast of the USA. In these wetlands, mineral ions released from decaying organisms are often washed out. Fig. 7.1 shows a Venus fly trap leaf.
(a)[2]

Suggest why catching insects in these wetlands is advantageous to a Venus fly trap.

(b(i))[1]

The leaves of the Venus fly trap close when they are stimulated by an insect. State which part of the leaf senses the stimulus.

(b(ii))[1]

Explain how the plant avoids wasting energy by not closing when it is unnecessary, for example when a large raindrop hits the receptor.

(c)[3]

Using Fig. 7.2 and Fig. 7.3, describe the ways in which the action potential of the Venus fly trap is different from that of a human.

(d)[5]

Describe how action potentials generated in the leaf cells of the Venus fly trap can cause the leaves to close and trap an insect.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Soil with a low mineral ion content

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