Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Transport mechanisms

Transport mechanisms — practice question

Most of the water lost by plants leaves via the stomata in the leaf. The gap between a pair of open guard cells is called the stomatal aperture, as illustrated in Fig. 2.1. Scientists studied how stomatal aperture affected transpiration rates in leaves of $Tradescantia\ zebrina$ under two conditions: air circulated by a fan (moving air) and air that was still (non-moving air). The findings are shown in Fig. 2.2.
(a(i))[3]

Compare the effect of stomatal aperture on the transpiration rate in $T.$ $zebrina$ under the two conditions.

(a(ii))[3]

Explain how stomatal aperture affects transpiration rates in non-moving and moving air.

(b(i))[2]

Explain how the stomatal structures shown in Fig. 2.3 and Fig. 2.4 provide an advantage to plants such as spruce and pine.

(b(ii))[1]

Some plants that grow in very dry habitats shut their stomata during the day and open them at night. State one disadvantage of this strategy for these plants.

(b(iii))[2]

State and explain two leaf adaptations that help plants survive in dry conditions, excluding those that involve stomatal number or stomatal structure.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $\Psi$ means water potential

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