0653.B2.1.05 — State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a). root hair cells – absorption (b). palisade mesophyll cells – photosyn: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.b2.1.05 — state that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a). root hair cells – absorption (b). palisade mesophyll cells – photosyn
The newest 20 of 27 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iii)[2]
Suggest why the cell in Fig. 1.1 does not have chloroplasts.
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2a(ii)[2]
Complete the sentences about cell F in Fig. 2.1, to describe how the cell is adapted to its function. Cell F is adapted to its function by having a large .
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · February/March 2025 · Q3b[3]
Root hair cells are adapted for the uptake of mineral ions by having high numbers of mitochondria in their cytoplasm. Explain why large numbers of mitochondria are important for the uptake of mineral ions. (b) Root hair cells take in water and mineral ions from the soil.
See it on the paper → - 0653/21 · October/November 2024 · Q10[1]
In which area is the cell elongation the greatest?
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · May/June 2024 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Explain how the cell in Fig. 4.1 is adapted to its function.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2023 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Explain how the root hair cell is adapted for its function.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2023 · Q4a(iii)[3]
Palisade cells are involved in the synthesis of carbohydrates by photosynthesis. Explain the role of palisade cells in photosynthesis.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2a(iv)[2]
Describe the relationship between the temperature of the reaction mixture and the total volume of hydrochloric acid added.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2a(v)[1]
Explain why in Step 5 the mixture in the beaker is stirred before the temperature is measured.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2a(vi)[1]
Another student repeats the investigation. This student uses a measuring cylinder to measure each of the 5.0 cm 3 volumes of dilute hydrochloric acid instead of a burette. Explain one advantage of using a burette other than the precision of measurement.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2a(vii)[1]
Thermal energy (heat) is lost from the reaction mixture during the experiment. Describe one change in the apparatus to reduce this loss of thermal energy.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2b(i)[1]
The student observes a green precipitate. Circle the metal ion present in solution G. aluminium calcium iron( II ) iron( III ) zinc
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2b(ii)[1]
The student does not measure the volumes of the two solutions. Explain why measuring the volumes is not important in this procedure.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q2b(iii)[1]
The student repeats the procedure but this time uses 20 drops of aqueous copper( II ) sulfate instead of solution G. Describe what the student observes in the test-tube.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2023 · Q3a[1]
State one practical precaution that the student takes to ensure that the value of l 0 is as accurate as possible.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · October/November 2022 · Q3c(i)[1]
The student records one of the reaction times incorrectly. Circle the incorrect value in Table 3.2. Describe how this reaction time is recorded incorrectly.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · October/November 2022 · Q3c(ii)[1]
Explain why it is important to stir the reaction mixture.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · October/November 2022 · Q3c(iii)[1]
Describe the relationship between mass of sodium carbonate and reaction time.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · October/November 2022 · Q3c(iv)[2]
The rate of reaction is calculated using the equation shown. rate = mass of sodium carbonate reaction time Calculate the rate of reaction when 2.0 g of sodium carbonate is used. Give your answer to two significant figures. rate of reaction = g / s
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · October/November 2022 · Q4a(i)[1]
Calculate the value of r 2 for the parachute with r = 18.0 cm. Record this value in Table 4.1.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates gained partial credit for stating that the root hair cells are found underground and therefore there is no light available. Fewer responses linked the lack of chloroplasts to their normal role of photosynthesis, which they are unable to do underground.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/31 Q1(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates correctly completed the sentences about how the root hair cell is adapted to its function.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/42 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Some candidates had learned this section of the syllabus very well and gave complete answers. Partial credit was frequently awarded for a reference to active transport or that the uptake of mineral ions requires energy. Large numbers of candidates quoted that “mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell” but no credit was available for this statement alone, or for the suggestion that mitochondria...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0653/42 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
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