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Cell structure and specialised cells: exam questions

5 questions, 13 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Spec 1.1–1.2Questions and mark scheme (PDF)3 pages

Question 1

Which structure is found in a plant leaf cell but not in an animal cell?

  1. Mitochondria
  2. Ribosomes
  3. Cell wall
  4. Nucleus
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 1

Answer: C cell wall (1)

Question 2

A bacterial cell and an animal cell both contain genetic material. (a) Describe two ways the genetic material of a bacterial cell differs from that of an animal cell. (2) (b) State the function of the flagellum of a bacterial cell. (1)

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 2
  • the DNA is not enclosed in a nucleus / bacterial cell has no nucleus / DNA is free in the cytoplasm (1)
  • the bacterial cell has plasmids / has plasmid DNA (as well as chromosomal DNA) (1) allow small rings of DNA
  • (b) to move the cell / to make the cell swim (1) allow for movement

Question 3

Explain how each of the following features helps a sperm cell to carry out its function. - the acrosome - the haploid nucleus - the mitochondria - the tail

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 3
  • acrosome contains (digestive) enzymes that digest / break down the outer layer of the egg cell (so the sperm can enter) (1)
  • haploid nucleus contains half the number of chromosomes, so the full number is restored when it fuses with the egg nucleus (1)
  • mitochondria release energy (by aerobic respiration) for the tail to move / for swimming (1)
  • tail moves / whips from side to side to push the sperm towards the egg (1) allow so the sperm can swim

Question 4

Describe three ways in which an egg cell is adapted to its function.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • nutrients / food store in the cytoplasm (1) allow to provide energy / nutrients for the early embryo
  • haploid nucleus / half the number of chromosomes (1) allow so the full number is restored when it fuses with the sperm nucleus
  • the cell membrane changes after fertilisation (1) allow so that no more sperm can enter

Question 5

Ciliated epithelial cells line the airways. Describe how these cells are adapted to their function.

[2 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 5
  • they have cilia / hair-like projections (on the surface) (1)
  • which beat / move to sweep mucus (containing trapped dust and microorganisms) away from the lungs (1)
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