Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2018 Biology Question 1

Practice practical question 1 from the 2018 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Cell Structure, Microscopy, Cell Dimensions .

Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2018 Biology Practical
Topics: Cell Structure Microscopy Cell Dimensions
Question 1 IGCSE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2018 • BIOLOGY • practical

A student is investigating the size of plant cells using a compound microscope. The student prepares a slide of a thin transverse section of an onion epidermis and uses an ocular micrometer that has been calibrated with a stage micrometer. The calibration shows that 1 division on the ocular micrometer corresponds to 0.005 mm at the total magnification used (400×).

Question Parts

( a )
The student measures the length of three typical cells and records 28, 30 and 32 ocular divisions respectively. Calculate the average actual length of a cell in micrometres (µm).
( b )
The width of the same cells is measured as 12, 13 and 11 ocular divisions respectively. Calculate the average actual width of a cell in micrometres (µm).
( c )
Assuming the cell is a rectangular prism whose depth is equal to its width, estimate the cell’s volume and surface area. Show the formulas you use and give the final answers in µm³ and µm² respectively.
( d )
Explain how the surface‑area‑to‑volume ratio you have calculated influences the rate at which nutrients can diffuse into the cell.

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About This Question

This is Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2018 Biology Question 1. It is one of the practical questions from the 2018 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers Cell Structure, Microscopy, Cell Dimensions .

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