Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Testing for biological molecules

Testing for biological molecules — practice question

Fig. 1.1 presents a labelled drawing of a leaf palisade mesophyll cell viewed with a high-quality light microscope. If that same leaf mesophyll cell were shown as an electron micrograph at the same magnification, it would reveal more detail than Fig. 1.1 does.
(a)[2]

Explain why an electron micrograph can show more detail than a light micrograph when both are viewed at the same magnification.

(b)[3]

Describe three further features that could be seen in an electron micrograph of the leaf mesophyll cell that are not shown in Fig. 1.1.

(c)[2]

The labelled chloroplast in Fig. 1.1 measures $5.0\,\mu\text{m}$. Calculate the magnification of the cell shown in Fig. 1.1. Show your working.

(d(i))[2]

In Fig. 1.1, starch granules can be seen inside the chloroplasts. Starch is the main storage compound in plants and consists of amylopectin and amylose. Describe the structural differences between amylopectin and amylose.

(d(ii))[1]

State one role of magnesium ions in chloroplasts.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the electron microscope is used

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