Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Passage of information from parents to offspring

Passage of information from parents to offspring — practice question

(a) Spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Fig. 4.1 shows a diagram of some of the cells in a small section of a seminiferous tubule.
(a(i))[2]

On Fig. 4.1, indicate whether each labelled cell is haploid or diploid. Write $n$ for a haploid cell and $2n$ for a diploid cell.

(a(ii))[2]

Spermatogenesis includes meiosis, mitosis, growth and maturation. State which of these processes is used in each of the following stages of spermatogenesis: spermatogonium to primary spermatocyte; spermatid to spermatozoan (sperm).

(iii)[3]

Suggest why cultivating this genetically modified wheat might be considered acceptable, but growing genetically modified insect-resistant maize or cotton might be objected to.

(a(iii))[1]

State one role played by a Sertoli cell.

(b)[4]

Outline the treatment needed to obtain mature oocytes as part of an IVF procedure.

(c(i))[4]

With reference to Table 4.1, describe the effect of adding reproductive hormones on spermatid development after 48 hours.

(c(ii))[1]

Suggest a reason for the apparent decrease in the percentage of elongated cells between 24 hours and 48 hours in some of the samples.

(c(iii))[2]

Suggest why the culture medium was kept at a temperature of $30^\circ\text{C}$ rather than core body temperature ($37^\circ\text{C}$).

(ii)[1]

Suggest a reason for the apparent decrease in the percentage of elongated cells from 24 hours to 48 hours in some samples.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: spermatogonium $2n$

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