Home / iGCSE Biology (0610)-8.3 Transpiration – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

iGCSE Biology (0610)-8.3 Transpiration – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

Question

A student wanted to investigate the effect of humidity on transpiration. She set up two sets of apparatus with identical-sized plants of the same species.

The masses of the water in both tubes were measured at the start of the investigation and again after five days. The table shows the results of the investigation.

Which statement describes and explains these results?

(A) Transpiration in tube $Y$ was higher than in tube $X$ as the plastic bag decreased the humidity.
(B) Transpiration in tube $Y$ was higher than in tube $X$ as the plastic bag increased the humidity.
(C) Transpiration in tube $Y$ was lower than in tube $X$ as the plastic bag decreased the humidity.
(D) Transpiration in tube $Y$ was lower than in tube $X$ as the plastic bag increased the humidity.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
To find the transpiration rate, we calculate the water loss: Tube $X$ lost $40.3 – 34.6 = 5.7$ g, while Tube $Y$ lost only $41.0 – 39.4 = 1.6$ g. This confirms transpiration was lower in tube $Y$. The plastic bag around tube $Y$ traps water vapor released by the leaves, significantly increasing the humidity levels inside the bag. A higher humidity reduces the concentration gradient of water vapor between the leaf interior and the surrounding air. Consequently, the rate of diffusion out of the stomata slows down, leading to lower overall water loss compared to the exposed plant in tube $X$.
Answer: (D)

Question

The mass of water lost from a plant was investigated. The leaves of the plant were covered with a type of grease that acts as a waterproof barrier. The environmental conditions remained the same throughout the experiment. The table shows the results of the investigation.

treatmentmass lost in seven days / $g$
no grease applied$12.0$
grease applied only to the upper surface of every leaf$8.7$
grease applied to both surfaces of every leaf$0.0$

What is the mean daily rate of water loss through the upper surface of the leaves?

(A) $0.47 \text{ g / day}$
(B) $1.24 \text{ g / day}$
(C) $1.71 \text{ g / day}$
(D) $3.30 \text{ g / day}$
▶️ Answer/Explanation
To find the water loss from the upper surface, we compare the “no grease” scenario (loss from both surfaces) to the “upper surface greased” scenario (loss from lower surface only). The difference is the amount lost through the upper surface over $7$ days: $12.0\text{ g} – 8.7\text{ g} = 3.3\text{ g}$. To calculate the mean daily rate, divide this total by the duration of the experiment: $3.3\text{ g} \div 7 \text{ days} \approx 0.4714\text{ g / day}$. Rounding to two decimal places gives $0.47\text{ g / day}$. This calculation isolates the transpiration occurring specifically through the stomata or cuticle on the top side of the leaf.
Answer: (A)

Question

Which conditions cause the highest rate of transpiration?

(A) high temperature, high wind speed and high humidity
(B) high temperature, high wind speed and low humidity
(C) low temperature, low wind speed and low humidity
(D) low temperature, low wind speed and high humidity
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from leaf surfaces, which is driven by a concentration gradient. High temperatures increase the kinetic energy of water molecules, speeding up evaporation. High wind speeds prevent water vapor from accumulating near the leaf, maintaining a steep diffusion gradient between the inside and outside of the leaf. Conversely, low humidity ensures the surrounding air is dry, further maximizing the rate at which water diffuses out of the stomata. Therefore, the combination of hot, windy, and dry conditions results in the maximum water loss.

Answer: (B)

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