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CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science B2.1 Cell structure Exam Style Questions Paper 2

CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science Paper 2 - All Chapters

Question

Which type of specialised cell is shown?

A. ciliated cell
B. palisade mesophyll cell
C. root hair cell
D. sperm cell

▶️ Answer/Explanation
The diagram shows a cell with a long, thin extension projecting from its main body. This is characteristic of a root hair cell, which has this elongated structure to greatly increase the surface area for the absorption of water and mineral ions from the soil. The other options do not match this appearance as ciliated cells have hair-like projections (cilia), palisade cells are columnar and packed with chloroplasts, and sperm cells have a flagellum and distinct head region.
✅ Answer: (C)

Question

The diagram shows a section through a red blood cell.

Which statement is correct for red blood cells?

A. The cell has no nucleus to minimise oxygen binding.
B. The cell membrane has a small surface area in relation to volume.
C. The cytoplasm contains haemoglobin.
D. The flat structure makes it easier to be carried through arteries.

▶️ Answer/Explanation
The cytoplasm of a red blood cell is packed with haemoglobin, which binds oxygen.
The absence of a nucleus increases (not minimises) space for oxygen binding, so A is wrong.
The biconcave shape gives a large surface area to volume ratio and is not related to travel through arteries.
✅ Answer: (C)

Question

The diagram shows a specialised cell from a plant.

Which structures not found in animal cells are shown in the diagram and which structure often found in other plant cells is missing?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Structures unique to plant cells (not in animal cells) include the cell wall, chloroplast, and permanent vacuole.
In this cell, the labelled structures Z and W correspond to plant-specific structures, while the nucleus (a structure common to both plant and animal cells) is missing from those labelled but present in other plant cells.
✅ Answer: (D)

Question

The diagrams show four different cells found in living organisms.

Which cell types have a large surface area for diffusion?

A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 and 4

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Cells specialised for diffusion (such as root hair cells and alveolar cells) are flattened, elongated, or have projections that increase their surface area relative to volume.
Cells 1 and 4 in the diagram show this type of shape, unlike the more compact/rounded cells 2 and 3.
A larger surface area speeds up the rate of diffusion of substances into and out of the cell.
✅ Answer: (B)

Question

The diagram shows a section through a root hair cell.

Which statement describes how the structure of the root hair cell relates to its main function?

A. The nucleus is not at the centre of the cell.
B. The shape helps to support the plant.
C. The surface area is large.
D. The volume of the vacuole is small.

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Root hair cells are adapted for absorption of water and mineral ions. Their long, thin extension increases the surface area, allowing for more efficient uptake from the soil. The other options do not describe a function-related adaptation.
✅ Answer: (C)
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