Xylem and phloem: past paper questions
Real questions on xylem and phloem
The newest 20 of 73 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(i)[2]
State the function of the parts labelled A and B in Figure 2.3. A B
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(i)[2]
State the names of two types of cell that water passes through in the root.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3a[2]
In plants, substances are transported in the xylem and phloem. State the names of two molecules transported by the phloem that are not transported by the xylem.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(i)[1]
State the letter in Figure 3.1 that shows the position of the phloem.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(ii)[1]
State the letter of the structure shown in Figure 3.2 that supplies the leaf with water and mineral ions.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(iii)[2]
State the names of J and K in Figure 3.2. J
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q8a(i)[1]
State the name of D in Figure 8.1.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q8a(ii)[3]
State the name of the processes labelled A, B and C in Figure 8.1. A B
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3e[1]
State the name of a plant structure that contains lignin and cellulose. Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[4]
Explain how transpiration causes the movement of water in the xylem.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[1]
Fig. 2.1 is a diagram of a cross-section of a monocotyledonous stem. Describe how the distribution of vascular bundles in a dicotyledonous stem would differ from the monocotyledonous stem shown in Fig. 2.1. Fig. 2.1 vascular bundle
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[3]
Fig. 2.2 is an incomplete drawing of a cross-section of a dicotyledonous root. Complete Fig. 2.2 by: • • sketching the distribution of phloem and xylem labelling the phloem, xylem and a root hair.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2d[2]
State two functions of xylem.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2e[5]
A farmer investigated the effect of girdling on the mass of apple fruit produced by apple trees. The farmer removed a 3 mm strip of bark and phloem tissue from the branches that produce the fruit, as shown in Fig. 2.3. girdled branch of the tree main trunk of the tree 3 mm wide strip of bark and phloem completely remov...
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Describe the pathway a water molecule takes from the soil to reach the xylem.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(iv)[6]
Complete the sentences about water movement through the xylem. The xylem transports water and . containing cellulose and . Water moves upwards in the xylem because of transpiration . This draws up a of water molecules, held together by Xylem cells form a long continuous with thick walls
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(i)[3]
Explain why wilting occurs.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(ii)[2]
Marram grass, Ammophila arenaria, is a xerophyte. Fig. 3.2 is a photomicrograph of a cross-section of a marram grass leaf. Fig. 3.2 Explain one way that the marram grass leaf shown in Fig. 3.2 is adapted to reduce transpiration.
See it on the paper → - 0610/61 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[2]
Xylem forms cylinder-like structures in a celery stalk. Calculate the volume of a cylinder which is 100 mm long and has a diameter of 0.06 mm. Use this formula: v = π r 2 h Use a value for π of 3.14. Give your answer to two decimal places. mm 3 Space for working.
See it on the paper → - 0610/61 · October/November 2025 · Q1f[4]
Fig. 1.8 is a photograph of a celery leaf. (f) Fig. 1.8 Draw a large diagram of the celery leaf shown in Fig. 1.8.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates were able to correctly identify the phloem and xylem, although a few candidates got them the wrong way round.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/33 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Very few correctly identified the cortex cells. Incorrect answers included all parts of a plant.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/33 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Very few candidates gave an answer which mentioned structure or support. Most candidates stated transport of water but many also stated transport of sucrose.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/33 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
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