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Cell structure: exam questions

7 questions, 18 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Question 1

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

  1. Nucleus
  2. Ribosome
  3. Chloroplast
  4. Mitochondrion
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 1

Answer: C (chloroplast) (1)

Question 2

Describe three ways in which a plant cell differs from an animal cell.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 2
  • plant cell has a cell wall, animal cell does not (1)
  • plant cell has chloroplasts, animal cell does not (1)
  • plant cell has a large vacuole (containing cell sap), animal cell does not (have a large vacuole) (1)
  • allow 'cellulose' for cell wall; ignore 'plants have a cell membrane' (both have one)
  • Max 3

Question 3

Which statement about the DNA in a bacterial cell is correct?

  1. It is enclosed in a nucleus.
  2. It is circular and lies free in the cytoplasm.
  3. It is found only in the mitochondria.
  4. It is absent.
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 3

Answer: B (1)

Question 4

State the function of each of the following structures in a cell.

Cell structures
StructureFunction
Cell membrane
Ribosome
Mitochondrion
Chloroplast
[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • cell membrane: controls movement of substances into and out of the cell (1) allow controls what enters and leaves; ignore 'protects the cell'
  • ribosome: makes proteins / protein synthesis (1)
  • mitochondrion: aerobic respiration / releases energy (1)
  • chloroplast: photosynthesis / absorbs light energy for photosynthesis (1) ignore 'contains chlorophyll' alone

Question 5

Complete the table by stating the function of each specialised cell.

Specialised cells
CellFunction
Palisade mesophyll cell
Neurone
Root hair cell
[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 5
  • palisade mesophyll cell: photosynthesis (1)
  • neurone: conduction of electrical impulses (1)
  • root hair cell: absorption (of water and mineral ions) (1)

Question 6

(a) State how new cells are produced. [1] (b) Write these in order, from smallest to largest: organ, cell, organism, tissue, organ system. [1]

[2 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 6
  • (a) by division of existing cells (1)
  • (b) cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism (all in correct order) (1)

Question 7

Describe what is meant by the terms tissue and organ. Give an example of each.

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 7
  • tissue: a group of cells with similar structures (1)
  • working together to perform a shared function (1)
  • organ: a structure made up of a group of tissues (1)
  • working together to perform specific functions (1)
  • example of a tissue, e.g. muscle tissue / palisade mesophyll (1)
  • example of an organ, e.g. stomach / heart / leaf (1)
  • Max 4