Life Processes, Cells, and Cell Organisation

Question 1

how to use a microscope to view slides

Answer 1

Use methylene blue for animal cells (nucleus = orange/yellow) and iodine for plant cells (nucleus = blue/black)

1. Move the stage (the flat ledge the slide sits on - that has the clip) down to its lowest position
2. Place the glass slide onto the stage
3. Select the lowest power objective lens
4. Turn the coarse focus knob (the bigger one) slowly until you are able to see the cells
5. Turn the fine focus knob slowly until the cells are in focus and you can see them clearly
6. Repeat steps 1-5 using the higher power magnification to see the cells in more detail

Question 2

list and describe the 7 life processes

Answer 2

Movement - All living things move, even plants
Respiration - Getting energy from food
Sensitivity - Detecting changes in the surroundings

Growth - All living things grow
Reproduction - Making more living things of the same type
Excretion - Getting rid of waste
Nutrition - Taking in and using food

Question 3

What are the differences between a plant cell and an animal cell

Answer 3

Similarities:
1. Nucleus (has the DNA of the cell)
2. Cytoplasm (Jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended & where chemical reactions take place)
3. Cell Membrame (Controls what enters and exits the cell)
4. Mitochondria (where energy is made)

Differences - Plants only
1. Cell Wall (to give structure and support to the plant)
2. Vacuole (to store food and water - sap)
3. Chloroplasts (Where photosynthesis takes place)

Question 4

list at least 5 specialised cells and explain how they are adapted to their function

Answer 4

*Red blood cells.
-They don’t have a nucleus, allowing more space to carry oxygen.

*Sperm cells.
-A tail helps the sperm moves towards an egg cell.

*Egg cells.
-The egg cell’s cytoplasm contains nutrients for the growth of the early embryo.

*Ciliated cells.
-Cilia (hairs) sweep the mucus away.

*Root hair cells.
-They have a long spike in their middle to have maximum surface area for maximum water and mineral absorption

Question 5

describe how organisms are organised and give examples

Answer 5

Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ System -> Organism

e.g.
Red Blood Cell->Blood ->Vein->Circulatory System->Human Being

Question 6

what are the 4 main plant organs and how are they adapted to their function

Answer 6

*Flower - Have bright colours and nectar to attract organisms to come to them
*Stem - Carries water and nutrients to different parts of the plant and provides support to make it stand
*Leaf - Has a large area to absorb light for photosynthesis
*Root - Have a large surface area for the root hair cell to absorb more water and minerals