Organelle

Nucleus

Structure and function

enclosed in double membrane with pores

contains chromosomes with genes made of DNA to control protein

synthesis

made of RNA and protein

free in cytoplasm or attached to RER

site of protein synthesis

Rough endoplasmic
reticulum

interconnected sacs with ribosomes attached

transport proteins to other parts of cell

Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum

synthesis of lipids and steroids

Mitochondria

double membrane inner folded into cristae

site of later stages of aerobic respiration

one pair found in animal cells

made of protein microtubules

involved in spindle formation and cellular transport

digestive enzymes wrapped in membrane

breakdown of unwanted structures or old cells

dense body in nucleus

synthesis of ribosomes

Small fluid-filled sac in the cytoplasm, surrounded by membrane

Transports substances in out of the cell via the cell membrane and
between the organelles
Some are formed by the Golgi apparatus (exocytosis) and some
by the plasma membrane (endocytosis)

Ribosomes

Centrioles

Lysosomes

Nucleolus

Vesicle

Cells
Eukaryotes (such as human liver
cell)
Larger cells (2-200 um diameter)

Prokaryotes (such as a bacterium)

Linear DNA

Circular DNA

Nucleus present (DNA inside)

No nucleus (DNA free in cytoplasm as

plasmids)
Cell wall made out of polysaccharide

Animals have NO CELL WALL;

Plants have a CELLULOSE cell wall ;
Fungi have a CHITIN cell wall

Very small cells ( <2.0 um in diameter)

Many organelles such as

mitochondria/golgi

Few organelles, no mitochondria

Larger (80S ribosomes)

Small (70S ribosomes)

Rough endoplasmic reticulum & Golgi apparatus

{protein / polypeptides} produced by ribosome ;

ribosomes {held on/attached to/eq} rER ;
proteins {stored / transported / within rER / eq} ;
proteins {folded/assume 3-D shape/tertiary structure} within (lumen of) rER / eq;
(rER) produce vesicles / packages proteins /eq ;
vesicles fuse with Golgi (apparatus) / eq ;
Golgi {modifies/processes} protein ;
details of modification e.g. glycoprotein / carbohydrate added, trimming of

carbohydrate ;
water removed (to concentrate) / eq ;
Golgi produces {lysosomes / secretory vesicles}
vesicles {move towards / fuse with} cell surface membrane / correct reference to
exocytosis / eq ;

Tissue
{one / few / similar} cell types ;
working together / for the { same / eq } function / often cells come from the same
origin / eq ;
Organ
Organ has {many / several / different / eq} {cell types / types of tissue};
Organ has {many / eq} functions ;
Group of different tissues designated / working together / eq. for a particular function = 2 marks

division

interphase

Cell cycle:

G1 (first gap phase)

synthesis of cellular proteins and organelles

S (synthesis phase)

replication of DNA

G2 (second gap phase)

synthesis of spindle proteins

mitosis (nuclear
division)

separation of the 2 DNA helices making up the

chromosome

cytoplasmic division

cleavage of a single cell into two daughter cells

Mitosis phases:
Prophase:
idea that during prophase {chromosomes / chromatids} (becoming) visible ;
idea of centrioles move to opposite poles ;
reference to formation of {spindle /spindle-fibres / microtubules} ;
disappearance of nucleolus / nucleoli ;
breaking down of nuclear {envelope / membrane} (in prophase) ;
Metaphase:
nuclear envelope is broken down by metaphase / eq ;
(at metaphase) {chromosomes / centromeres} attached to spindle (fibres) ;
idea of {chromosomes / chromatids} lined up at equator ;
Anaphase:
centromeres divide / split / separate / pulled apart;
{spindle fibres / microtubules} become {shorter / contract / condense};
chromatids {separate / pulled apart};
chromosomes / chromatids move towards (opposite) {poles / ends / sides /
centrioles};
Telophase:
{spindle fibres / microtubules} have now {vanished / broken down / eq};
chromosomes {unravel / uncoil / eq} (and become invisible) ;

reference to reformation of {nuclear membrane / envelope / eq} / {nucleolus /

nucleoli};

Diagrammatic representation of mitosis

Order: A D C E B note that A (interphase) is sometimes referred to as part of mitosis but

most of the time its listed as separate.
Difference between mitosis and meiosis
Meiosis

Mitosis

(Homologous) chromosomes associate in

pairs

(Homologues) independent/do not pair

(IGNORE ref. separation

Crossing-over/chiasmata formation

No crossing-over

Two/(nuclear stages) divisions/ 4 offspring

cells

One/(nuclear stage) division/ 2 offspring

cells;

Genetically different (product)

Genetically identical (product);

Cytokinesis
The cytoplasmic division of a cell at the end of mitosis, bringing about the separation
into two daughter cells.

Function/importance of spindle
Attachment of centromeres;
Separation of (daughter) chromatids;

Plants
Xylem tissue structure (Centre of the stem)

long cells / tubes with no end walls;

continuous water columns;
no cytoplasm / no organelles/named organelle;
to impede/obstruct flow / allows easier water flow;
thickening/lignin;
support / withstand tension / waterproof / keeps water in cells;
pits in walls;
allow lateral movement / get round blocked vessels;

Sclerenchyma fibres structure (Outer edge particularly)

Bundles of dead cells running vertically;

Hollow lumen;
No end walls;
Thickening/lignin;
support / withstand tension;
More cellulose than other plant cells;

Structure of function of starch

Contains amylose and amylopectin;
Amylose (not a mark) :
Long and unbranched chains;
1-4 glycosidic bonds;
coiled structure;
(so) compact;
(so) can fit more in a small space;
Amylopectin (not a mark) :
(long), branched chains;
(has) 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds;
side branches which can be broken down quickly;
Insoluble;
so water doesnt cause it swell via osmosis

Structure of cellulose

(cellulose) contains beta glucose / eq ;

(glucose molecules) joined by condensation reactions ;
appropriate reference to glycosidic bonds ;
appropriate reference to (only) 1- 4 (glycosidic bonds) ;
reference to inversion of alternate glucose molecules in the chain ;
{ unbranched / straight } chain ;
idea of microfibril composed of many cellulose molecules ;
(cellulose chains) held together by hydrogen bonds ;

Starch
-glycosidic bonds
Flexible chains
H bonds within each chain, forming

Cellulose
-glycosidic bonds
Straight chains
H bonds between chains, forming

helix
Reacts with Iodine to form purple

microfibrils
Doesnt react with Iodine

complex
Forms H-Bonds with water, so soluble

Cant form bonds with water, so

Easy to digest
Storage role

insoluble
Difficult to digest
Structural role

Structure of a chloroplast

Organelle
Cell wall

Diagram

Description

Middle lamella

Function

Rigid structure
surrounding
plant cells;
Cellulose;

Supports plant cells

Outermost
layer;
Adhesive;

Stability

Plasmodesmata

Channels in cell
wall that link
adjacent cells
together

Transport of substance
and communication
between cells

Pits

In very thin
regions;
Arranged in
pairs;

Transport of substance
between cells

Small and
flattened;
Surrounded by
double
membrane;
Thylakoid
membranes;
Stacked to form
grana;
Grana linked by
thin, flat
lamellae;

Photosynthesis
(Some in grana; some
stroma thick fluid in t
chloroplast)

Chloroplast

Amyloplast

Vacuole & Tonoplast

Small organelle
enclosed by
membrane;
Starch
granules;

Storage of starch;
Converts starch back t
glucose;

Vacuole is a
compartment
surrounded by
a membrane
called the
tonoplast

Vacuole contains cell s

(water, enzymes,
minerals, waste produc
Turgidity to prevent
wilting
Breakdown and isolatio
of unwanted chemicals
Tonoplast controls wha
enters and leaves the c

Cell wall structure

Ref to cellulose ;
Cellulose arranged into microfibrils ;
Embedded into a matrix ;
Named component of matrix e.g. pectin / hemicellulose ;
Ref to {primary and secondary cell walls / several layers of microfibrils} ;
Ref to plasmodesmata ;

Plant fibres
cellulose microfibrils (in cell wall) ;
reference to net-like arrangement (of microfibrils) ;
secondary cell wall ;
reference to secondary cell wall being thicker ;
idea that these features make them the plant fibres strong ;
Sustainability
(NOT A MARK - Oil-based plastics and fuels are not sustainable as):
Release carbon dioxide / ref. to global warming / pollution ;
plastic is from oil ;
oil is a non-renewable resource ;
Generation of non-biodegradable waste ;
(however) {plants / starch} are renewable ;
plants can be re-grown / eq ;
(fibres often biodegradable so) doesnt accumulate / doesnt take up landfill space /
eq ;

Starch
Found in all plants
Bioplastics less fossil fuel used up
& crops can be regrown.

Vehicle fuel such as bioethanol.

Same reasoning as above.

Other uses include glues, plaster,

hair mousses and antiperspirants.

Plant fibres
Ropes and fabrics less fossil fuel
used up & crops can be regrown to
maintain supply

Products are biodegradable this

means less accumulates and fills up
landfills.

Easier to grow and process

cheaper and easier for developing
countries

Disadvantages
The ropes made from plant fibres arent as strong;
Bags made out of paper are less strong than plastic bags and disintegrate when wet;
Degradation of waste requires aerobic organisms, so little happens in deep landfill
sites;
Closer to the surface, methane (a greenhouse gas) is often produced;
Tissues of a leaf
Lower epidermis contains stomata to let air in and out for gas exchange
Spongy mesophyll full of spaces to let gases circulate
Palisade mesophyll most photosynthesis occurs here
Xylem carries water to the leaf & transports mineral ions
Phloem carries sugars away from the leaf
Upper epidermis covered in a waterproof waxy cuticle
Plants requirements of water + mineral ions
Water;
Photosynthesis;
Structural rigidity / transport minerals / temperature regulation;
Magnesium ions;
Chlorophyll;
Nitrate ions;
DNA / protein / chlorophyll production;
Required for plant growth / fruit production / seed production;
Calcium ions;
Plant growth;
Digitalis
Foxglove extract;
Treated dropsy;
reference to digitalis as active drug;
idea of extracting drug (from the plant / soup) / tested on patients /

idea of try to find suitable dose / trial and error ;

Modern day drug testing

idea that only contemporary testing will use animals / eq ;
idea that only contemporary testing will {test on healthy people / have phase 1} ;
idea that {phase 1 / eq} is to {detect side effects / find safe dosage} ;
idea that only contemporary testing will pay volunteers ;
idea that only contemporary testing may involve double-blind trials ;
idea that after phase 1, phase 2 occurs drugs are tested on a larger group of
people ;
idea that this checks how effective the drug actually is ;
idea that only contemporary testing will {use statistical analysis / reference to phase 3
/ use large number / comparison to existing treatments } ;
idea of more regulation ;
idea of controlling {factors /variables / eq} in tested cohort e.g. age, lifestyle ;
Placebo
idea of two groups ;
idea that group 1 is given {placebo / inactive substance / sugar pill / eq} ;
reference to placebo effect ;
idea that other group is given the drug ;
idea that this checks the effectiveness of the drug / eq ;
Double-blind trial
idea that neither doctors nor patients know placebo/drug group;
idea that this reduces bias;
reference to phase 2 / 3;
Leaf cross-section

(Phloem + xylem in vascular bundle)

Stem cross-section

P = Phloem; Q = Sclerenchyma fibres; R = Xylem; S = Cortex; T = Epidermis; U = Cambium

Adaptations in (different) Xerophytes relating to water
shallow roots enable rapid uptake of rainfall;
widespread/shallow roots allow collection of larger volume water/over a larger
area/rapid uptake of water;
swollen stem for water storage;
deep roots for accessing deep groundwater;
small/ no leaves so little transpiration;
Structure of leaves of Xerophytes to keep water in

Reduce number of stomata; reduce surface area

Thick waxy cuticle; increases diffusion distance
Leaves reduced to spines; reduces surface area
Epidermal hairs; reduced diffusion gradient
Sunken stomata; reduced concentration difference
Curled leaves; reduced concentration gradient

Environmental factors the influence water loss in a leaf

temperature ;
increase gives more (kinetic) energy / movement to water molecules ;
on surface of spongy mesophyll cells ;

greater evaporation (into air spaces) ;

increases diffusion gradient / rate (of water vapour through stomata) ;
wind / air movement ;

increases / speeds removal of water vapour / humid air ;

from (leaf) surface/ stomata ;

increases diffusion gradient (of water vapour through stomata) ;
decreases boundary layer ;

humidity ;
increase means more water vapour around leaf / stomata ;
reduces diffusion gradient (of water vapour through stomata) ;

light intensity ;
increase causes stomata to open / widen ;
so more diffusion of water vapour ;
from air spaces (in spongy mesophyll) ;

water stress / extremely high temperature / high winds ;

stomata close ;
less diffusion ;

How to find surface area of a leaf

draw round leaf on graph / squared paper / grid ;
count squares
Explanation of water pathways as it travels from the epidermis of a root to a Xylem
vessel.

apoplast pathway described ;

e.g. water moves through the cell walls
or water moves through the spaces between cells

symplast pathway described ;

e.g. water moves through the cytoplasm

reference to the vacuolar pathway;

e.g. water moves through the vacuoles

reference to the endodermis and {Casparian strip / layer of suberin / waxy layer} ;
function of the Casparian strip ;
e.g the Casparian strip is waterproof or stops movement of water in the apoplast
pathway

Role of the epidermis

endodermal cells have Casparian strip ;

reference to {suberin / eq} ;
which is waterproof / eq ;
stops movement of water in apoplast pathway / description ;
water directed into symplast pathway / description ;
reference to {control of uptake / active transport of ions (into xylem)} ;

How AT of mineral ions into xylem vessels in the roots results in water entering
vessels and then being moved up the xylem tissue

Water potential in xylem reduced (by entry of ions);

Water potential gradient established between xylem and surrounding cells;
Plasma membranes of surrounding cells are partially permeable;
Water enters xylem by osmosis;
Volume of water in xylem increases;
Cannot move back due to gradient;
Pressure in xylem increases (and forces water upwards);

Cohesion-tension theory
Evaporation from leaves / transpiration;
Water in xylem under tension*/negative pressure/pulled up;
Water molecules cohere*/stick together/form hydrogen bonds; [Ignore: references to
adhesion]
So water a single column;
Another mark scheme for cohesion-tension theory
water evaporates/transpires;
reduces water potential / creates water potential gradient / increases
osmotic gradient ;
moves via apoplast pathway;
water drawn out of xylem;
creates tension/pulling effect / creates negative pressure (in context);
cohesive forces or H bonding between water molecules / water moves as a column

Uses of water in a plant

photosynthesis ;
{component / eq} of {cytoplasm / sap} ;
water as a solvent /eq ;
water as a transport medium /eq ;
involved in thermoregulation / eq ;
reference to role in structural support ;
reference to involvement in hydrolysis ;
reference to turgor changes ;
Transpiration
Loss of water vapour from the surface of the plant, mainly from the leaves ;
Root pressure in relation to water moving through the xylem
Involves active transport;
Secretion / movement of salts into xylem;
Reference to role of endodermis ;
Water moves along water potential gradient ;
Why less water is lost at upper surface of leaves
more stomata on the lower surface;
(thicker) waxy cuticle on the upper surface ;

Variation, evolution and classification

Continuous variation
idea that individuals in a population vary within a range / no distinct categories;
credit example e.g skin colour / mass / height ;
Discontinuous variation
reference to two or more distinct categories;
idea that an individual only falls into one of these categories;
credit example e.g gender / blood group ;
Species
Group of similar organisms ;
able to reproduce to give fertile offspring / eq ;
Taxonomy
Science of classification - naming & organising organisms into groups based on
similarities and differences
Classification rankings
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Use of binomial name
idea that confusion is avoided since species have different non-scientific names in
countries
first = genus; second = species name

Molecular phylogeny
Study of evolutionary history of organism groups
Measures relation between species;
DNA and proteins examined the more closely related the more similar the
molecules
Domains
Bacteria, Achaea and Eukarya ;
Prokaryotae in Archaea and Bacteria ;
Other kingdoms (organisms with a nucleus) in Eukarya ;
Archaea and bacteria distantly related, so classified into two domains ;

KINGDOM

EXAMPLES

Prokaryotae

Bacteria

Protocista

Algae, protozoa

Fungi

Mould, yeast, mushrooms

Plantae

Mosses, ferns, flowering

plants

Animalia

Insects, fish, reptiles, birds,

mammals, molluscs,
nematodes

Comparison of species

Fossil records
Homologous features

FEATURES
Prokaryotes
Single-celled
No nucleus
Less than 5 m
Eukaryotic
Generally water
inhabitants
Single-celled or
simple multi-cellular
Eukaryotic
Chitin cell wall
Saprotrophic (absorb
substances from
decaying organisms)
Eukaryotic
Multicellular
Celluse cell walls
Contain chlorophyll
Photosynthesis ability
Autotrophic (produce
own food)
Eukaryotic
Multi-cellular
No cell walls
Heterotrophic
(consume plants +
animals)

Evolutionary history
DNA Base sequence
Ecological Niches

Variation of genotype to variation of phenotype

Individuals of a species have different genotypes;
This means a variation in phenotype / eq;
Idea that some characteristics are monogenic (controlled by one gene);
Reference to discontinuous variation / example;
Idea that most characteristics are polygenic at different loci (controlled by many
genes);
Reference to continuous variation / example ;
Environmental influences to phenotypes
Height polygenic;
(by) nutrition / example e.g. malnutrition limiting childs maximum height;
Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) monogenic;
Enzyme that {breaks down / eq} monoamines;
Reference to low levels of MAOA to mental health problems;
Reference to antidepressants / tobacco reducing MAOA levels;
Cancer;
(by) diet;
Animal hair colour;
Seasonal / temperature influences / example e.g dark hair in summer but white hair
in winter;
Genes required to trigger the change ;

Adaptations

Niche

Role of the species within its habitat;

Interactions with other living organism / example e.g. prey and predators;
Interactions with non-living environment / example e.g. gas exchange;
reference to niche being unique to species;
reference to competition if two species occupy the same niche;

Behavioural

The way an organism acts to increase its chance of

survival and reproduction

Physiological

Processes inside an organisms body that increase chance

of survival

Anatomical

These are structural features of an organisms body that

increase its chance of survival

Adaptations
idea of selection pressure / change in environment;
reference to competition / predation ;
mutation (in context) ;
idea of advantageous allele;
idea that individuals with advantageous { alleles / characteristics / eq } survive and
breed ;
idea of (advantageous) { allele / mutation } being passed on (to future generations) ;
idea of more individuals with this adaptation in the population / increased frequency
of advantageous alleles in the population

Biodiversity and endemism

Biodiversity
Variety of living organisms in an area
Species diversity
Number of different species (in an area)
Abundance of each species (in an area)
Genetic diversity
Variation of alleles within a species
Species richness
the number of species ;
in {an area /one location /habitat} ;
Endemic
idea that the ( species / eq ) is restricted in its distribution / species only found in one
specific { location / area / eq }
Habitat
The area in which an organism lives
Measurement of species diversity
Count the number of different species ;
The higher the number of species, the greater the species richness ;
Limitation no indication of the abundance of each species ;
(so) Count the number of different species and number of individuals ;
Usage of biodiversity index / eq ;
Practical measurements of species diversity
choose an area within the habitat to sample ;
idea that the sample is random ;

idea of reduction of bias ;

count the number of individual species ;
Ways: plants quadrat; airborne insects sweepnet; ground insects pitfall trap;
aquatic animals net ;
reference to repeats ;
Estimate total number of individuals or total number of different species ;
idea of sampling technique being the same ;

Measurement of genetic diversity

Genetic diversity is the variety of alleles in the gene pool of a species;

The gene pool is the complete set of alleles in a species
The greater the variety of alleles, the greater the genetic diversity
Measured by phenotype;
idea that different alleles code for different versions of the same characteristics;
Larger the number of phenotypes, the greater the diversity;
Measured by genotype;
Sequence of Base pairs in DNA analysed;
Order of bases in alleles is different;
By sequencing DNA, similarities and differences are observed;
Larger the number of alleles, the greater the genetic diversity

Reduction of genetic diversity

Reduced variety/number of different alleles/DNA / reduced gene pool (in new
population);

Founder effect;

A few individuals from a population become isolated/form colonies

(Genetic) bottlenecks;

(Significant) fall in size of population

Selective breeding / artificial selection;

Using organisms with particular alleles/traits/phenotypes/characteristics;

Importance of storing seeds rather than plants

take {less / smaller} space / eq ;
can have more individuals / eq ;
reference to {greater / more} genetic variety ;
idea of less {maintenance / cost} ;
likely to survive longer / eq ;

can freeze seeds / eq ;

Importance of storing seeds from different plants

idea of {greater / maintain} genetic variety
e.g. wider gene pool, different alleles ;
idea of less chance of inbreeding ;
idea of reducing chance of storing seeds with
{low viability / disease / eq} ;

Seeds of different sizes

idea of maintaining or increasing {genetic diversity / size of gene pool / genetic

variation} ;
idea of more chance of having beneficial alleles /eq ;
increases chance of future survival {if environment changes / due to higher

adaptability } / eq ;
less chance of all being susceptible to a disease / eq ;

How zoos maintain the genetic diversity of endangered species

breeding programme / eq ;
careful selection of mate / eq ;
allowing only to mate with a different individual to previous mating / eq ;
only allowing those with different genes to mate / eq ;
use of genetic testing / eq ;
record keeping (studbooks) ;
reason for outbreeding ;
reintroduction to the wild / eq ;

Seedbank conservation
details of assessment of seed viability e.g. only select seeds with a living embryo,

use of X ray (to detect embryo presence) / eq ;

idea of {cleaning seeds / surface sterilisation / eq} ;
idea of drying (of the seed) ;
idea of storing at low temperatures ;
idea of regularly testing viability (during storage of seed) ;
idea of what to do if viability decreases, e.g. if less than 75% germinate collect fresh
seed for storage

Problems with re-introduction and captive breeding

idea that conditions are difficult to re-create in captivity / lizards wont breed / eq ;

ethical issues qualified e.g. cruelty / immorality ;

reintroduced species could bring disease ;
idea that the reintroduced species may not retain their natural behaviours in the wild ;

Sexual reproduction
Ways in which a human sperm cell is specialised for its function
shape qualified e.g. hydrodynamic, streamlined ;
idea of reduced resistance ;
{acrosome / vesicle} containing {enzyme / acrosin};
involved in {digestion / break down} of the {zona pellucida / jelly layer} ;
{haploid / eq} nucleus ;
allows restoration of {diploid / full complement / 46 / eq} chromosomes at fertilisation
;
mitochondria qualified e.g. large number, correct location ;
to supply {ATP / energy} for {movement / eq} ;
{flagellum / eq} present ;
for propulsion / swimming / motility / eq ;
{markers / receptors} in cell surface membrane ;
to bind to egg cell surface membrane / detect chemicals released by ovum / eq ;

OVUM

large cell, incapable of independent movement

wafted along oviducts by cilia and muscular contractions of the tubes
cytoplasm contains protein and lipid food reserves
surrounded by a jelly-like coat the zona pellucida which hardens
after one sperm penetrates ovum preventing any others entering

SPER
M

smaller than the ovum and motile (it can move)

long tail for swimming, powered by energy released by mitochondria
head contains acrosome (package of digestive enzymes) to break
down the zona pellucida

Importance of meiosis
Halves chromosome number / diploid to haploid / 2n to n ;
Diploid restored at fertilisation ;
Reference to independent assortment ;
Reference to crossing over
Four {sperm / gametes} produced ;
Independent assortment
Copy of each chromosome randomly assigned to each cell ;
Leads to large number of different combinations ;

Role of digestive enzymes for the style

idea of {breakdown / digestion / eq} of style ;
(breaks down) protein / pectin / middle lamella ;
reference to hydrolysis / eq ;
easier for pollen tube to grow / reduced resistance / eq ;
supplies {nutrients / named nutrient / energy}
for (pollen tube) growth / eq ;
Crossing over
(before 1st meiotic division) homologous pairs of chromosomes pair up
chromatids {twist / tie / eq} around each other ;
{bits / parts / eq} of the chromatid break off and join the other chromatid ;
reference to different combination of alleles ;
reference to different combination of alleles in the 4 daughter cells ;
Meiosis
DNA replicated to two identical chromosomes (chromatids) ;
DNA condenses to form (double-armed) chromosomes (from two sister chromatids) ;
reference to homologous pairing of chromosomes ;
reference to first division e.g. homologous pairs separated chromosome number
halves ;
reference to second division e.g. pairs of sister chromatids separated ;
four new cells (gametes) which are genetically different produced ;
Fertilisation in humans
Fertilisation in / sperm swims to {oviduct / fallopian tube / eq} ;
reference to acrosome reaction with the zona pellucida;
idea that digestive enzymes are released from the acrosome;
idea that the sperm are able to move through it to the cell membrane;
reference to fusion of cell membrane with sperm head;
egg cell releases cortical granules into space between zona pellucida and cell
membrane ;
idea that the zona pellucida thickens so only one sperm fertilises the egg cell;
reference to discarding of tail / only the nucleus entering ;
idea that nuclei of both gametes fuse ;
zygote forms with full number of chromosomes ;
Fertilisation in flowering plants
Firstly, a grain of pollen lands on the stigma;
Grain absorbs water and splits open;
Pollen tube grows out of the pollen grain down the style;
Reference to 3 nuclei present;
One tube nucleus on tubes tip and two male gamete nuclei behind it ;
idea that enzymes from tube digest surrounding cells to make a way through for
pollen tube;
tube grows through micropyle once it reaches the ovary and into embryo sac within
the ovule;

tube nucleus {disintegrates / breaks down / eq}and tip of pollen tube bursts to release
2 male nuclei ;
one nucleus fuses with egg nucleus to form a zygote;
division by mitosis to form embryo;
other male nucleus fuses with two other polar nuclei at the centre of the embryonic
sac to form triploid nucleus;
large nucleus forms to become a food store called endosperm ;
reference to double fertilisation

Stem Cells
Totipotent stem cell
totipotent (stem cells) can give rise to {all / any / 216} cell types / eq ; .
(stem cells) are {undifferentiated / unspecialised} / eq ;
can keep dividing / eq ;
only present in early life of embryo ;
no genes switched off ;
Pluripotent stem cell
Pluripotent (stem cells) can give rise to {all / any} cell types / eq ;
EXCEPT extraembyronic cells ;
Note first point must be linked with second to earn marks
Differentiation
The process by which a cell becomes specialised ;
Location of stem cells
Embryo differentiate into all cells needed to form a fetus ;
Adult tissues e.g. bone marrow ;
Differential gene expression - enabling cells to have different structures and
functions.

different genes active in different cells / different genes

active at different times / some genes {active / inactive} / eq ;
active genes make mRNA / eq ;
active genes make proteins / polypeptides /eq ;
(proteins) control cell {processes / eq} ;
idea of permanent change (to cell) / eq

Benefits
Replace damaged tissues (in diseases) ;
credit example e.g. nerve tissue for spinal cord or heart tissue for heart-related
diseases ;
idea of saving many lives e.g. growth of organs for those waiting for transplants ;

idea of quality of live being improved e.g. replacing damaged cells in eyes in blind
people ;

Adult stem cells (multipotent)

body tissues of an adult e.g bone marrow ;
simple operation but discomfort to patient ;
needle into centre of a bone ;
small quanity of bone marrow removed ;
idea that adult stem cells {are not flexible / are limited in use / eq} ;
Embryonic stem cells
Obtained from early embryos
Embyros created in IVF lab / explained
Stem cells removed after 4-5 days
Embryos destroyed ;
idea that embryonic stem cells can develop into {all / any / 216 / eq} cell types ;
more likely to cause immune rejection than {adult / somatic} stem cells ;
totipotent until blastocyst phase (where the cells are pluripotent) ;

Ethics
Destructed embryos were viable ;
idea of right to life ;
stem cells from unfertilised embryos have fewer objections ;
arguments that only adult stem cells should be used because there are no embryos
destroyed ;
however adult stem cells are limited in use ;
Regulatory authorities
Proposals of research are examined to see if theyre carried out for good reason ;
Licensing/monitoring centres ensures that fully-trained staff carry research out ;

Guidelines / codes of practice to ensure scientists are working in a similar manner ;

Monitoring developments in research to ensure any changes are regulated and

guidelines are up-to-date;

Providing advice/information to the government and professionals to promote the
science involved in the research, and aid society in understanding the benefits

Experiment-based questions
Observing mitosis

Cut ~5mm tip from a growing root;

Place root on a watch glass, then add hydrochloric acid;
Add drops of stain to darken chromosomes and make them more visible under

microscope (credit example; e.g. toluidine blue);

Warm watch glass using a Bunsen burner;
Place root tip on a microscope slide;
Use a mounted needled to break the tip open and spread it evenly;
Add more drops of stain and place a cover slip over it;
Squash the cover slip;
Warm slide to intensify stain;
Repeat experiment to increase reliability;

Totipotency & Tissue Culture

Single cell taken from a growing area (credit example e.g. root)

idea that cell is placed in a sterile growth medium;

idea that the growth medium contains nutrients and growth hormones;

plant cell will {grow / divide / eq} into unspecialised cells ;

idea that unspecialised cells will differentiate into specialised cells if the conditions
are optimum

Cells will grow and differentiate into an entire plant

Plant tensile strength

Attach each of the four fibres to a clamp stand at one end;

Hang weights from other end;
Add one weight at a time to the fibres until they break
Record the mass taken to break each fibre;
More mass = greater tensile strength;
Repeat experiment to increase reliability;
Keep variables constant such as length of fibres, temperature, and humidity;
Protective gear must be worn;

Investigating plant mineral deficiencies (January 2013)

Idea of genetically similar plants e.g. clones, cuttings, explants or seedlings from

same parent plant ;

plants all of same { age /size } (at start) ;
reference to at least five nutrient broths with different (nitrate) concentrations ;
sensible range of different nitrate concentrations either side of and including 200

(ppm) ;
correct reference to any two abiotic variables that need to be kept constant (volume

of mineral solution / size of container / amount of light) ;

idea of sensible measure of growth e.g. mass / number of leaves / length of roots

/height of plant ;
time allowed for growth { weeks / months };
appropriate reference to repeats, e.g. replication at each concentration or repeating
the whole experiment

Anti-microbial properties of plants

Take plant extract by drying and grinding;

Soak in ethanol;
Filter liquid bit;
Evenly spread bacteria on {agar / nutrient plate / eq};
Dip disc of absorbent paper in plant extract;
Soak a disc in ethanol to act as a control;
Place discs on plate, widely apart;
Incubate plate to allow bacterial growth;
idea that an {inhibition zone / clear patch / eq} (on the lawn of the bacteria) will be

present if plant has antimicrobial properties;

no inhibition zone should be present on control disc;