Practise 27 exam-style questions on Fungal diseases 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.
27 questions
1–3 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 rose black spot affects the growth of the plant.
Model answer
Reduced leaf area leads to less photosynthesis so less glucose produced for respiration and growth; plant may be weakened and produce fewer flowers.
Explanation
The infected leaves have reduced photosynthetic area and damaged chloroplasts, so the plant makes less glucose. Less photosynthate means less energy for respiration and building new tissues, reducing overall growth and flower production.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Less photosynthesis due to loss of leaf area
Must link leaf loss/spotting to photosynthesis reduction.
1 mark
Less glucose/energy available for growth (so plant growth reduced)
Award only if consequence of reduced photosynthesis is given.
Question 2
2 marks
Why is it important to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling and applying fungicides?
Model answer
To reduce the risk of chemical exposure to the skin and prevent health hazards; to protect clothing and avoid accidental spread of chemicals.
Explanation
Fungicides can be harmful to humans. Wearing gloves and appropriate clothing minimizes skin contact and the chance of carrying residues to other plants or areas, ensuring safer application.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Protects skin and reduces health risks from chemical exposure
1 mark
Prevents contamination of clothes and accidental spread to non-target areas or plants
Question 3
3 marks
A gardener discovers rose black spot on some plants. Outline three immediate control measures they should take to reduce the spread.
Model answer
Remove and destroy affected leaves; avoid overhead watering; apply a suitable fungicide according to instructions.
Explanation
Removing infected material lowers the number of spores present. Destroying the leaves prevents the fungus surviving in compost. Avoiding overhead watering reduces splashing of spores. Fungicides can reduce fungal growth and spore production when used correctly.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Remove and destroy affected leaves
Must state destroy (not compost) to prevent re-infection.
1 mark
Avoid overhead watering
Or use watering at soil level to reduce splash.
1 mark
Use fungicide / apply appropriate fungicide
Award if safe application / follow instructions mentioned.
Question 4
3 marks
Describe a routine monitoring plan a gardener could use through a season to detect early rose black spot and decide when to apply treatments.
Model answer
Inspect plants weekly, especially underside of leaves and new growth; record % leaves infected or count spots; set action threshold (e.g., >5% leaves infected) to trigger treatment; adjust frequency during wet periods.
Explanation
Regular monitoring with quantitative records and pre-defined action thresholds allows timely and targeted control, reducing unnecessary treatments and catching outbreaks early.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Inspect regularly (e.g., weekly) and check underside of leaves and new growth
1 mark
Record infection level (percentage of leaves or number of symptomatic leaves) and keep logs
1 mark
Use an action threshold (e.g., apply treatment when infection exceeds a set %), increase checks in wet conditions
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