Biology 5090 · O Level · Asexual and sexual reproduction

Asexual and sexual reproduction — practice question

A gardener cultivates a species of dahlia, which is a flowering plant. Each year, he picks his strongest plants and takes cuttings from them to produce new plants.
(a(i))[3]

Trimming off the lower leaves and putting the cuttings inside a transparent bag helps stop them wilting until roots form. Suggest and explain how these two steps help to prevent wilting. removal of lower leaves [BLANK] placing in a transparent bag [BLANK]

(a(ii))[2]

Taking cuttings is a commercial use of asexual reproduction. Define asexual reproduction.

(b)[4]

The stems of the dahlia cuttings contain xylem vessels. Describe two functions of xylem vessels in the young stems of dahlias. For each function, explain one way in which xylem structure is adapted for this function.

(c)[5]

The gardener’s dahlia cuttings develop into full-sized plants with flowers. The gardener decides that he wants to produce a plant that combines the disease-resistant features of one of these plants with the red petal colour of another. Using named parts of the flowers, describe how he could do this.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Taking off the lower leaves reduces surface area / stomata

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