BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Biology

BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Biology
Describe the function of the nucleolus - Answer - Produces ribosomes and RNA

Describe the function of the cell wall - Answer - Provides rigidity and protection to the
cell

Describe the function of the chloroplasts - Answer - Site of photosynthesis as they
contain chlorophyll

Describe the function of the plasmodesmata - Answer - A channel through the cell wall
the allows transport of materials from one cell to another

Describe the function of the amyoplasts - Answer - Stores starch and converts starch
back into glucose when the plant needs energy

Describe the function of the vacuole - Answer - Stores water and chemicals for cell use.
Also maintains turgor of cell

Describe the function of the tonoplasts - Answer - Membrane the surrounds the vacuole.
Protects the vacuole, isolates it from harmful substances and controls water flow in and
out of the vacuole

Why are gram positive bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics? - Answer - Permeable
cell wall whereas gram negative bacteria has a semi-permeable cell wall

Describe the adaptations found in a palisade cell - Answer - Closely packed together
Chloroplasts
Large vacuole

Explain why the palisade cell has a large amount of chloroplasts - Answer - To absorb
lots of light for photosynthesis

Explain why palisade cells are closely packed together - Answer - To form a continuous
layer in the leaf

Explain why palisade cells have a large vacuole - Answer - To maintain turgor (pushes
against the cell wall to maintain rigid shape)

Describe the adaptations of a root hair cell - Answer - Root hair shape
Large vacuole
Thin cellulose walls

Explain why root hair cells have an elongated section known as the root hair - Answer -
Increased surface area for maximum movement of water into the cell

, Explain why root hair cells have a large vacuole - Answer - Contains cell sap with low
water potential to encourage water into the cell

Explain why root hair cells have thin cellulose walls - Answer - Encourage movement of
water and minerals into the cell. Short distance for osmosis and diffusion

Describe the adaptations of a sperm cell - Answer - Lots of mitochondria
Shaped head containing acrosome (with enzymes)
Haploid nucleus
Tail for movement

Explain why a sperm cell has an undulipodium (tail) - Answer - To allow the sperm to
move to the egg

Explain why sperm cells contain large numbers of mitochondria - Answer - To produce
the large amounts of energy needed for movement

Explain why sperm cells have a shaped head - Answer - To push through the protective
layer of the egg cell

Explain why sperm cells contain acrosome in the head - Answer - To digest the zona
pellucida to allow entry into the egg cell

Explain why sperm cells have a haploid nucleus - Answer - Contains half the genetic
material.

Describe the adaptations of egg cells - Answer - Contains a haploid nucleus
Protective outer layer (zona pellucida)
Corona radiata

Explain why egg cells have a haploid nucleus - Answer - Contains half the genetic
material

Explain why egg cells have a zona pellucida (protective layer) - Answer - Protects the
cell and only allows one sperm cell to enter.

Explain why egg cells have a corona radiata (two or three layers attached to the zona
pellucida) - Answer - Contains all of the proteins needed to develop the fertilised cell

Describe the adaptations of red blood cells - Answer - No nucleus (mammals only)
Biconcave shape
Haemoglobin
Flexible