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EnglandBiology

Topic 6: Plant structures and their functions

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is photosynthesis, and what factors limit its rate?

Describe photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, explain the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide as limiting factors, and use the inverse square law for light intensity.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 6.1 to 6.6, covering photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide as limiting factors, the light-intensity core practical, and the inverse square law.
10 min answer →

How do plants survive extreme environments and respond to light and gravity?

Explain how plants are adapted to survive in extreme environments, how plant hormones such as auxins control growth in phototropisms and gravitropisms, and the commercial uses of plant hormones.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 6.14B to 6.16B, covering adaptations to extreme environments, how auxins control phototropism and gravitropism, and the commercial uses of auxins, gibberellins and ethene.
9 min answer →

How does water move through a plant, and what affects the rate?

Explain how water and mineral ions are transported by transpiration including the role of stomata, how sucrose is moved by translocation, and the effect of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 6.9, 6.10, 6.12 and 6.13, covering transpiration and the stomata, translocation of sucrose, the effect of light, temperature and air movement on water uptake, and rate calculations for transpiration.
9 min answer →

How are root hair cells, xylem, phloem and the leaf adapted to their functions?

Explain how root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions, how the structures of xylem and phloem are adapted to their function, and how the leaf is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 6.7, 6.8 and 6.11B, covering how root hair cells are adapted to absorb water and ions, the structure and function of xylem and phloem, and how the leaf is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange.
9 min answer →