Practise 33 exam-style questions on Cell specialisation for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
33 questions
2–5 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
Explain how cell differentiation leads to formation of a tissue, and give an example of a specialised cell type in a human tissue.
Model answer
Differentiation is the process where stem cells develop specific structures and organelles to perform a function; groups of specialised cells with the same function form a tissue. Example: red blood cells specialised for oxygen transport in blood tissue.
Explanation
During differentiation cells gain structures (e.g., haemoglobin in RBCs) enabling a function. Many such cells grouped together (e.g., blood or muscle tissue) carry out the tissue's role.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Differentiation = cells develop specialised structures suited to function; these similar specialised cells group to form tissues
1 mark
Example: red blood cell (for oxygen transport) / muscle cell / nerve cell etc.
Question 2
3 marks
Why are phloem sieve tube elements alive whereas xylem vessels are dead at maturity? Relate each state to their function.
Model answer
Phloem sieve tubes are alive because they need metabolic activity (companion cells) for active loading/unloading of sugars; xylem vessels are dead and hollow to form continuous tubes facilitating passive upward water flow without contents obstructing it.
Explanation
Phloem transport requires energy-dependent loading, so cells remain alive. Xylem transports water passively under tension; being dead and hollow maximises flow and lignified walls provide strength.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Phloem sieve tubes are alive to allow active processes (loading/unloading) and to be supported by companion cells
1 mark
Xylem vessels are dead and empty to form continuous hollow tubes for water transport
1 mark
Relates living state to need for ATP and metabolism vs dead state to unobstructed flow and strength
Question 3
4 marks
Explain how the structure of a palisade mesophyll cell in a leaf is related to its role in photosynthesis.
Model answer
Many chloroplasts to capture light energy; elongated shape and arranged perpendicular to the leaf surface to maximise light absorption; large vacuole positions chloroplasts near cell edge; numerous chloroplasts move within cell to optimise light capture.
Explanation
Palisade cells are tall and packed with chloroplasts to intercept as much light as possible for photosynthesis. The vacuole helps position chloroplasts; chloroplasts can rearrange to avoid damage or maximise capture.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Many chloroplasts to capture light / light energy
1 mark
Elongated shape and dense packing increases light absorption per unit area
1 mark
Large vacuole pushes chloroplasts to cell periphery / near light
1 mark
Chloroplasts can move within cell to optimally absorb light
Question 4
4 marks
Describe how the structure of a ciliated epithelial cell in the trachea supports its function of keeping airways clear.
Model answer
Cilia on the apical surface beat to move mucus and trapped particles out of the airway; goblet cells produce mucus to trap debris; many mitochondria supply energy for cilia beating.
Explanation
Ciliated epithelial cells have cilia that create a coordinated sweeping motion to move mucus out of the airway; goblet cell mucus traps particles; mitochondria provide energy for ciliary motion.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Cilia present to beat and move mucus/trapped particles
1 mark
Mucus-producing (goblet) cells associated to trap particles
1 mark
Many mitochondria to provide ATP for cilia movement
1 mark
Cell polarity (apical cilia and basal nucleus) optimises directional movement
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