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Xylem and phloem: exam questions

4 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Question 1

Which statement about phloem is correct?

  1. It transports water and mineral ions.
  2. It transports sucrose and amino acids.
  3. It supports the plant.
  4. It absorbs water from the soil.
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 1

Answer: B (1)

Question 2

State two functions of xylem and one function of phloem.

[3 marks]
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  • (xylem) transport of water / mineral ions (1)
  • (xylem) support (1)
  • (phloem) transport of sucrose / amino acids (1) ignore 'food' alone

Question 3

Describe where xylem and phloem are found in a cross-section of the stem of a non-woody dicotyledonous plant.

[3 marks]
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  • in vascular bundles (1)
  • arranged in a ring near the outside of the stem (1)
  • xylem on the inside and phloem on the outside of each bundle (1)

Question 4

Describe the position of the xylem and phloem in a cross-section of a root.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • in the centre of the root (1)
  • forms an X / star shape (1)
  • phloem between the arms (of the X) (1)