Plant structure & function
In which part of the plant does photosynthesis primarily take place in? (1 mark)
Leaves.
Which of the following is not an advantage for plant adaptation in an arid environment?
A. Increase heat intake; B. Decrease heat intake; C. Increse uptake; D. Decrease water loss.
A. Increase heat intake
What gas do plants take in from the atmosphere during photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide
Define IV & DV.
IV: what is changed
DV: what is measured
Match the following 'life' quotes that resonate best with each Y12 Bio teacher (HANA, LE-P, NGUM)
1. "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." (Albert Einstein)
2. "You gotta water your plants. Nobody can water them for you." (DJ Khaled)
3. “Happiness is a warm puppy.” (Charles M. Schulz)
1. LE-P
2. NGUM
3. HANA
Describe the function of a plant's roots? (2 marks)
- To absorb water & nutrients from the soil, and
- to anchor the plant in place.
Why do some plants, such as the Venus flytrap, develop the ability to catch and digest insects? And what type of adaptation is not represented by this ability?
A. To obtain nutrients from nutrient-poor soil; it is not a reproductive adaptation
B. To increase water absorption; it is not a behavioral adaptation
C. To attract pollinators; it is not a physiological adaptation
D. To prevent herbivores; it is not a structural adaptation
A. To obtain nutrients from nutrient-poor soil; it is not a structural adaptation
What two main products are formed during photosynthesis?
Glucose (sugar) and oxygen.
An experimental setup with all conditions the same but with no change to the IV. It is used to ensure the results observed are caused by the change in the IV
What of the following best describes the above setup?
A. Validity; B. Accuracy; C. Controlled variables; D. Control group.
D. Control group
3 TRUTHS / 1 LIE (NGUM)
1. Blue is my favourite colour.
2. I have studied English, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, and Chinese for over four years each in a formal educational setting.
3. English was my favourite subject during VCE.
4. I only learnt how to swim at the age of 25.
1. Blue is my favourite colour. (TRUTH)
2. I have studied English, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, and Chinese for over four years each in a formal educational setting. (LIE)
3. English was my favourite subject during VCE. (TRUTH)
4. I only learnt how to swim at the age of 25. (TRUTH)
Describe the function of the xylem & phleom in vascular plants.
Xylem transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while
- phloem transports sugars and nutrients produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
How do cacti adapt to survive in a desert environment? Provide 2 examples.
Cacti have thick, fleshy stems to store water, spines to reduce water loss and protect from herbivores, and shallow roots to quickly absorb any rainfall.
Write the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis.
carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen
Fill in the gaps:
A ________ experiment is one where you can reasonably assume that the change in the _________________ was caused by the change made to the__________________.
A VALID experiment is one where you can reasonably assume that the change in the DEPENDENT VARIABLE was caused by the change made to the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE.
3 TRUTHS / 1 LIE (LE-P)
1. Was saved by whales.
2. Worked in the UK & Japan as a post-doc.
3. Favourite colour is pink.
4. Attended St Albans SC as a student.
1. Was saved by whales (TRUTH)
2. Worked in the UK & Japan as a post-doc (TRUTH)
3. Favourite colour is pink (LIE)
4. Attended St Albans SC as a student (TRUTH)
What are stomata, and what role do they play in a plant's function?
Stomata are tiny openings on the underside of leaves that allow gas exchange (intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen), which is essential for photosynthesis.
They also help regulate water loss through transpiration.
How do guard cells help plants control water loss through stomata, and what environmental signals cause guard cells to close the stomata?
Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata by changing shape—when they swell with water, stomata open, and when they lose water, stomata close. This helps the plant balance water conservation with gas exchange. Environmental signals such as high temperatures, low humidity, and water scarcity can cause guard cells to close the stomata to reduce water loss.
Name the organelle & pigment in plant cells that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.
Chloroplasts & chlorophyll.
1. Which type of experimental error does calibrating your equipment reduce?
A. Personal. B. Random. C. Systematic.
2. How will this improve your results?
A. Accuracy only; B. Precision only; C. Both A & C; D. None of the above.
1. C, 2. A
3 TRUTHS / 1 LIE (HANA)
1. I once had a pet dragon.
2. I have two greyhounds.
3. I drive a manual car.
4. I have taught Biology for 25 years.
1. I once had a pet dragon. (TRUTH)
2. I have two greyhounds. (TRUTH)
3. I drive a manual car. (TRUTH)
4. I have taught Biology for 25 years. (LIE)
Describe the processes in vascular that are involved in:
i) the intake of water
ii) the movement of water
iii) the loss of water
Root pressure
Transpiration pull
Cohesion & tension
Provide two examples of how plants can minimise water loss.
Close stomata during the hottest part of the day;
Roll leaves
Have a thick waterproof layer on the leaf
Smaller number of stomata
Sunken stomata
No/reduced leaves
Silver leaves
Hairs on the surface
Besides plants, what other types of organisms can perform photosynthesis?
Certain types of algae, cyanobacteria, and some protists can also perform photosynthesis. These organisms have chlorophyll or similar pigments that allow them to capture light energy and produce their own food.
Which type of experimental error does repeating an experiement reduce?
A. Personal. B. Random. C. Systematic.
How will this improve your results?
A. Accuracy only; B. Precision only; C. Both A & C; D. None of the above.
B. Random
B. Precision only.
How many students studied VCE U3/4 Biology in 2023?
13,880 students