LIFE SCIENCES

GRADE 10

REMOTE LEARNING WORKBOOK

1
TERM 3

2
Week Topic Page

1&2 Cell division: mitosis 4

3 Animal tissues 13

4&5 Plant tissues and Organs: Anatomy of dicotyledonous 21

plants

6 Support and transport systems in plants: The leaf 34

7 Support and transport systems in plants: Transpiration 39

8 Support and transport systems in plants: Water uptake, 43

Transport of water & Translocation of manufactured food

9 & 10 Support system in animals: Human skeleton and Functions 49

of the skeleton

3
 WEEK 1 & 2: TOPIC: Cell division

SUB-TOPIC: Mitosis

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

THE CELL CYCLE

The cell cycle is the series of events that takes place in a cell which results in DNA
replication and cell division.

There are two main stages in the cell cycle.

1. Interphase during which the cell grows and replicates its DNA.

2. Mitotic phase (M-Phase) during which the cell divides and transfers one copy
of its DNA to two identical daughter cells.

4
 1. INTERPHASE

DNA in chromatin network duplicates.

DNA thickens and becomes visible.

MITOSIS

Mitosis can be divided into phases for convenience.

⚫ 1. Prophase

⚫ 2. Metaphase

⚫ 3. Anaphase
iPMATc.
⚫ 4. Telophase

⚫ Cytokinesis

1. PROPHASE
- The nuclear membrane and nucleolus disintegrate.
- The centrosome forms centrioles.
- Centrioles separate and move to opposite poles.
- Centrioles give rise to spindle fibres.
- Each chromosome is visible as two chromatids joined together by a
centromere.

2. METAPHASE
- Chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell.
- Each chromosome is attached to spindle fibres by its centromere.

5
 3. ANAPHASE
Spindle fibres contract pulling each chromatid to the opposite pole.

4. TELOPHASE

-The nuclear membrane reforms around the daughter chromosomes that have
gathered at each of the poles.
- The daughter chromosomes coil to form chromatin once again.
- The nuclear membrane reforms.

CYTOKINESIS

- is the division of the cytoplasm.

- it is not a stage of mitosis but the process of the cytoplasm splitting into
two.
- In an animal cell the cell membrane constricts.
- In a plant cell a cross wall is formed by the cell plate dividing the cytoplasm
in two.

6
 - There are now two genetically identical daughter cells which are identical to
the parent cell and to each other.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MITOSIS IN ANIMAL CELLS AND PLANT CELLS

ANIMAL CELLS PLANT CELLS

Mitosis occurs throughout the body. Occurs in meristematic tissue e.g. Tips
of roots.

Centrosomes / Spindle fibres form Centrosomes/ Spindle fibres do NOT

form.

Cytokinesis occurs by furrowing Cytokinesis occurs by the formation of a

cell plate

ROLE OF MITOSIS

7
 LIVING PROCESS FUNCTIONS /ROLE OF MITOSIS

The number of cells increases by mitosis

Development and growth enabling organisms to grow from a single cell to
a complex multicellular organism.

Cells are constantly lost and replaced by new

ones in the body, for example in the skin and in
Cell replacement
the gut, red blood cells live for only four months
and are replaced by mitosis.

Some organisms use mitosis to replace body

Replacement of damaged plant or animal
parts. For example, starfish replace lost arms
tissue (regeneration)
by mitosis.

Mitosis produces genetically identical

offspring. The process is known as budding.
Asexual reproduction
Mitosis is also the method by which yeast cells
multiply.

CANCER

Cancer is uncontrolled cell division or growth (mitosis) causing a tumour to form.

There are two types of tumours: Benign and Malignant.

Benign: These are not cancerous. They either cannot spread or grow, or they do so
very slowly. If a doctor removed them, they do not generally return.

Malignant: They are cancerous. The cells can grow and spread to other parts of the
body.

What Causes Cancer?

● Smoking and Tobacco.

● Diet and Physical Activity.

● Sun and Other Types of Radiation.

● Viruses and Other Infections.

Treatments for cancer: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy

8
 ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write ONLY the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.5) in your answer book, for example 1.6 B.

1.1 Each new cell produced by mitosis will have ...

A half the number of chromosomes.

B a full set of chromosomes.
C twice the number of chromosomes.
D two new nuclei.
1.2 Which of the following is NOT a function of mitosis?

A Growth
B Repair
C Asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms
D The formation of sex cells
1.3 If a cell divides by mitosis, how many cells will there be after three
divisions?

A 3 cells
B 4 cells
C 8 cells
D 16 cells

1.4 Study the following diagram.

The chromosome number of the cell is …

A 2
B 4
C 6
D 8

9
1.5 In a cell nucleus, the thread-like structures are called ...

A centriole.
B centrosomes.
C centromeres.
D chromosomes. (5x2=10)

QUESTION 2
Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.5) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1. The phase in which the cell replicates its DNA

2.2. Move to the poles during mitosis
2.3. Uncontrolled cell division
2.4. Cell division, which keeps chromosome numbers constant
2.5. Strands of cytoplasm that contract during cell division (5)

QUESTION 3

The micrographs (A to D) show the various stages of cell division.

3.1 Give the scientific name for cell division. (1)

3.2 The micrographs are not in the correct cell division sequence.
Use the letters only to write down the correct sequence. (4)

3.3 Is this a plant or animal cell? Give TWO visible reasons for your
answer. (3)

3.4 Name TWO places where this cell division occurs. (2)

10
 (10)

QUESTION 4
Complete the table

PHASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS IN

EACH PHASE

11
(15)

12
 WEEK 3: TOPIC: Plant and Animal tissues

SUB-TOPIC: Animal tissues

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

A tissue is a group of similarly differentiated cells which are adapted to perform a particular function.
Squamous

Sensory
Cuboidal
Epithelial
Nerve tissue
tissue Columnar
Motor
Ciliated columnar

Animal
tissue
Areolar
Striated
Connective Dense
Muscle
tissue
Smooth tissue Cartilage

Bone
Cardiac
Blood
13
14
Epithelial tissue

Epithelial tissue lines the cavities and surfaces of the body. It is usually separated
from the underlying tissue by a thin layer of connective tissue, called the basement
membrane.

Structure Location and function Diagram

Squamous epithelium Location

● Cells are thin and ● Skin surfaces
irregular
● Lines the mouth,
● Large flattened nucleus oesophagus, vagina,
alveoli and blood vessels.
● Cells are tightly packed
Function
and resemble a
pavement ● Allows materials to pass
through by diffusion
Cuboidal epithelium Location
● Cells are square- ● Lines the ducts of glands
shaped.
● Lines tubules of the kidney
● Round nucleus at the
Function
centre of the cell
● Secretion
Absorption
Columnar epithelium Location
● Cells are elongated ● Lines the intestines and
the gallbladder
● Oval shaped nucleus
Function
found at the base of the
cell ● Absorption

● Contain goblet cells ● Secretion of mucous and

which secrete mucous enzymes
Ciliated columnar Location
epithelium
● Lines the trachea and
● Columnar epithelium urinary tract and female
that contain cilia (hair- reproductive system
like structures) on the Function
free end of the cell.
● Cilia in the Fallopian tube
● Contain goblet cells help to move the ovum
which secrete mucous towards the uterus
● Dust particles are trapped

15
 in the mucous and
expelled via the lungs

Connective tissue

Structure Location Function

Areolar connective tissue Location Function

● A layer beneath the ● Prevents heat loss by
skin and loosely serving as insulating
connects the skin to material
underlying muscles
● Protects organs
● Packing tissue between
organs, blood vessels,
nerves and muscles
Dense connective tissue Location and function
● Tendons joins muscle
to bones
● Ligaments joins bone to
bone
Cartilage Location and function Function
● Occurs between bones ● Connects them together

● Lines joints ● Prevent dislocation

● C-shaped rings in the ● Keeps tubes open

trachea
● Pinna and tip of nose

●
Bone Location Function
● Bones of the ● Give shape and rigidity
endoskeleton of to the body
vertebrates
● Protects the brain,
spinal cord, heart and
lungs

16
 ● Muscle attachment to
make movement
possible
● Blood cells are made in
bone marrow
Blood Location Function
● Circulates in blood ● Red blood cells
vessels (erythrocytes) do not
have a nucleus and are
round biconcave discs.
Contain haemoglobin
● White blood cells
(leucocytes) have one
or more nuclei and
produce antibodies that
fight infection.
● Platelets are fragments
of red blood cells which
help blood clotting
● Plasma is the fluid
component of blood
and transports
substances around the
body

Muscle tissue

Structure Location and function Diagram

Skeletal muscle Location

● Made up of a large ● Attached to bone and
number of muscle fibres muscle
which appear as stripes Function
therefore also known as
● Voluntary movement of
striated muscle
the arms and legs for
● Muscle fibres are made walking
up of myofibrils and
each one contains more
than one nucleus

17
 Smooth muscle Location
● Thin spindle-shaped ● Walls of the alimentary
muscle fibres. canal, bladder, blood
vessels
● Each one contains a
Function
nucleus
● Involuntary movement
such as contraction
and relaxation

Cardiac muscle Location

● Network of branched ● Walls of the heart
muscle fibres that have Function
a faint striped
● Coordinate the
appearance
involuntary contraction
● Each muscle fibre and relaxation of the
contains a nucleus heart.

Nervous tissue

Nerve tissue is made up of neurons (specialized cells).

Structure Function Diagram

Sensory neuron Transmits nerve impulses
from receptors to the
central nervous system.

18
 Motor neuron Transmits nerve impulses
from the central nervous
system to effectors.

ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1 and 1.2) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.3 D.

1.1 Connective tissue that reduces friction between bones:

A Cartilage
B Tendon
C Ligament
D Blood

1.2 Which of the following are examples of connective tissues?

(i) Squamous tissue
(ii) Blood tissue
(iii) Cuboidal tissue
(iv) Tendons

A (i) and (ii) only

B (ii) and (iii) only
C (iv) only
D (ii) and (iv) only 2x (4)
2

QUESTION 2

19
Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 and 2.2) in your ANSWER
BOOK.

2.1 The type of epithelial tissue that forms the lining of the inner
surface of the mouth, vagina, oesophagus and blood vessels.
2.2 Neurons that transmit nerve impulses from sensory organs to the
central nervous system. (2)

QUESTION 3

Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow:

3.1 Identify the tissue labelled A. (1)

20
3.2 Name ONE part of the body that is lined by this tissue. (1)

3.3 State TWO functions of this tissue. (2)

3.4 Describe TWO ways how the tissue above is structurally suited for
its functions mentioned in QUESTION 3.3. (4)
(8)

QUESTION 4

4.1 Study the data in the following table and answer the questions that
follow.
Comparison of the composition of the types of blood cells per
mm3 blood

Types of blood Number of blood cells per mm3 blood in

cells three people
Person 1 Person 2 Person 3
Erythrocytes 8 350 000 2 200 500 6 000 500
(red blood cells)
Leucocytes 580 6 950 5 300
(white blood cells)
Thrombocytes 247 500 258 000 175
(blood platelets)

4.1.1 Identify the person:

(a) who lives at a very high altitude. Provide a reason for your
answer (2)
(b) who will get sick if exposed to a virus. Provide a reason for
your answer. (2)
(c) who suffers from haemophilia (blood cannot clot). Provide a
reason for your answer. (2)
(d) who is probably anaemic. Provide a reason for your answer.
(2)

4.1.2 Explain the function of an erythrocyte. (1)

(9)

4.2 Study the following specialised cells of animal tissue and answer the
questions below.

4.2.1 Name TWO functions of tissue B. (2)

21
 4.2.2 Provide a label for C. (1)

4.2.3 Name ONE place in the human body where EACH of the following
tissue types occur.
(a) Tissue D (1)
(b) Tissue F (1)

4.2.4 Tissue A contains osteocytes. Give a definition for the term

“osteocyte”. (1)
(6)

WEEK 4 & 5: TOPIC: Plant tissues and Organs

SUB-TOPIC: Anatomy of dicotyledonous plants

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Meristematic tissue
Apical Meristem: length
(Actively dividing
Lateral meristem: thickness
tissue)

Plant
tissues
Epidermis
Parenchyma
Permanent tissues Collenchyma
(Differentiated tissues Sclerenchyma
with specific function) Xylem
Phloem

Meristematic tissue:
Apical Meristem
Located at the growing points at the tips of roots and stems.

22
Results in an increase in the length of these structures.
Lateral meristem
This tissue is also called cambium. Cork cambium divides to produce the cork cells
that form the outer bark of a woody plant. Vascular cambium divides to make more
xylem and phloem tissue.

Results in the growth in thickness or width of roots and stems.

23
24
 Permanent tissues
Tissue Structure Function Illustration
Epidermal tissue
● Made up of a single ● They provide the inner
layer of cells tissues with protection.
● Cells are thin walled ● They control the
and brick shaped. opening and closing of
the stomata.
● There are 2 types of
specialized epidermal ● The stomata allows for
the entry and exit of
L/S of Leaf
cells: gases.
● The root hair absorbs
● The epidermis of leaves
water and mineral
and stems have a
salts.
specialized epidermal
cell called the guard
cell.
● The guard cells surround
an opening called the
stomata. T/S of root

● The epidermis of the

root has a specialized
cell called the root hair.

25
 Tissue Structure Function Illustration
Parenchyma Location:
● Acts as packing tissue
● Found in roots and
● Acts as a storage
stems.
organ, when it stores
● It is found between all food in the form of
the other tissues in starch and other
these organs. sugars.
Appearance:
● The air spaces between
● It is made up of thin the cells allows for the
walled, irregularly movement of water
shaped cells. and gases.
● The irregular shape
allows for the formation
of many air spaces
between the cells.
● They are called
chlorenchyma when
they have chloroplast.

26
 Tissue Structure Function Illustration
Collenchyma Location:
● Provides strength and
● This tissue is found in support to the aerial
stems and leaves. parts of the plant.
Appearance:
● It is closely packed
● This tissue is made up of making it strong to offer
thick walled, closely strength and support.
packed cells.
● It has thick cell walls to
offer strength and
support.

Scleremchyma
● There are 2 types of ● They provide strength
sclerenchyma cells. and support to the
plant.
● These are the
sclerenchyma fibres ● They have cell walls that
and stone cells, as are thickened with lignin
shown in the diagram that enable them to
alongside. provide support and
Location: strength to the plant
organ.
● It is found in roots,
stems, leaves, flowers
and fruit of plants.
● Stone cells are also
found in the flesh of
some fruits for example

27
Tissue Structure Function Illustration
pears and in the shell of
nuts.
Appearance:
● Its is made up of thick
walled cells.
● The cell walls are
thickened with lignin.
● These cells are closely
packed.
● The cells are dead,
there are no cell
contents.

28
Tissue Structure Function Illustration
Xylem Location:
● Xylem vessels and
● This tissue is found in tracheids transport
the roots, stems and water and mineral
leaves salts from the roots to
the stems of plants.
● Appearance:
● They are also able to
● There are 4 different
provide the plant with
types of cells that make strength and support.
up the xylem tissue.
● Xylem vessels are dead
● They are the xylem
cells with no cells
vessels and xylem contents to allow for the
tracheids. easy movement of
● The vessels are water.
cylindrical. ● The cross walls are
● They have cell walls absent or perforated to
allow for easy
that are thickened by
movement of water.
lignin.
● The vessels are round in
● The cross walls are
cross section to prevent
completely absent or
distortion when water
they are perforated,
moves through it.
meaning that they have
tiny pores in them. ● The vessels are able to
● They are dead cells form continuous tubes
because they are dead
with no cell content.
cells with no cell

29
Tissue Structure Function Illustration
The vessels lie end to contents and have no
end, forming a cross walls.
continuous tube.
● The tracheids are
elongated cells with
tapered ends.
● Their cell walls are also
thickened with lignin.

Phoem Location:
● They transport
● It is found in roots, manufactured food from
stems and leaves. leaves to all parts of the
Appearance: plant.
● This tissue is made up 4 ●
different types of cells.
Sieve Tubes
● These are elongated
cells.
● They have thin cell
walls that are
unthickened.
● The cross walls are
perforated.

30
 Tissue Structure Function Illustration
● They are living cells
with cell content.
● The cytoplasm occurs
as strands.
● Sieve tubes have no
nuclei.
Companion Cells:
● These cells are
attached to the sieve
tubes.
● They have nuclei.

● They control the

function of the sieve
tubes.

Anatomy of dicotyledonous plants -root and stem:

The main functions of the root is to
● Anchor the plant into the ground

● Absorb water and mineral salts from the soil

The main functions of the stem is to
● Transport of water and mineral salts from the root to the leaf

● Transport organic substances from the leaf to the rest of the plant

31
32
33
 ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1 to 1.6) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.7 D.

1.1 A tissue whose cells are capable of dividing and re-dividing is called
a…

A complex tissue.
B connective tissue.
C permanent tissue.
D meristematic tissue.

1.2 A learner was shown two slides of plant tissues: parenchyma and
sclerenchyma. Which of the features given below would be crucial in
identifying sclerenchyma?

A Location of nucleus
B Size of cells
C Thickness of cell walls
D Position of vacuoles

1.3 Root hairs are most important to a plant because they …

A anchor a plant into the soil.

B store starch.
C increase the surface area for absorption.
D provide a habitat for nits.

1.4 The cells of this tissue have thin cell walls, large vacuoles and
dense cytoplasm. This tissue is:

A Meristem
B Parenchyma
C Sclerenchyma
D Collenchyma

1.5 The diagrams below show the distribution of tissues in the stem and
root of a dicotyledonous plant.
Which tissues are xylem?

34
 Stem Root

A I and III
B I and IV
C II and III
D II and IV

1.6 Which tissue is made up of fibres and stone cells?

A collenchyma
B sclerenchyma
C parenchyma
D meristem (12)

QUESTION 2 (Questions taken from various sources)

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (2.1 to 2.4) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

2.1 Example of complex tissues A: Xylem

B: Phloem
2.2 Conducting tissue for water A: Xylem
and mineral salts B: Phloem
2.3 Tissue that is made of stone A: collenchyma
cells and fibres B: sclerenchyma
2.4 Plant cells without nuclei A: Parenchyma
B: Companion cells
(4x2) (8)

35
QUESTION 3 (Questions taken from various sources)

Study the diagrams below and answer the questions that follow.

3.1 Provide the LETTER and the NAME of the tissue which:
(a) Transports water and minerals up a plant
(b) Provides mechanical support to the plant
(c) Allows diffusion of gases (6)
3.2 Explain TWO ways in which tissue B is structurally suited for its
function. (4)
3.3 Tabulate TWO visible differences between tissue A and C. (5)
(15)
QUESTION 4

Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow.

A
B

C
D
E

36
4.1 Name the parts labelled A, B and C. (3)
4.2 Give ONE function of part F. (1)
4.3 What is the collective name of the tissues that transport water and
food in the structure shown above? (1)
4.4 Draw a fully labelled diagram to illustrate the structure of part
labelled B. (5)
(10)

QUESTION 5

Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow

A
B

E
F

5.1 Write the heading of the diagram above. (1)

5.2 Give TWO reasons to support your answer above. (2)
5.3 Provide label and function
(a) A (2)
(b) F (2)
5.4 Tissue E transport organic compounds from the leaves to all parts
of the plant. Name the two types of cells that make up this tissue. (2)
(9)

37
 :

WEEK 6: TOPIC: Support and transport systems in plants

SUB-TOPIC: The leaf

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

A leaf consists of a flat lamina (leaf blade) which is attached to the main stem by
means of a petiole.
The veins of the leaf blade consist of xylem and phloem that are continuous with
the xylem and phloem of the root and stem.

Cross-section of a dicotyledonous leaf showing the different tissue that

make up the leaf.

The leaf consists of three main sections:

● The epidermis

● The mesophyll

● The vascular bundles

38
1.The epidermis
The upper and lower surfaces of the leaf are covered by a thin transparent
epidermis.
The epidermis is thin and transparent so that the light can pass through for
photosynthesis.

A thin waxy cuticle covers the epidermis and ensures that water is not lost
through the epidermis.

The lower surface of the epidermis has specialized cells called stomata.
The stomata consist of a kidney-shaped guard cell that open and close the
stomatal pores.
The stomata are responsible for gaseous exchange.

2. The mesophyll
There are two types of mesophyll cells i.e. palisade and spongy mesophyll. They
fill the spaces between the between the upper and lower epidermis.
The palisade mesophyll cells are thin-walled parenchyma cell, are elongated and
are situated just below the upper epidermis. They contain large number of
chloroplasts to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.

The spongy mesophyll is round parenchyma that has many intercellular spaces
and air chambers to allow gases to diffuse easily. They have less chloroplasts than
the palisade.

3.The vascular bundles

The veins consist of xylem and phloem.
The xylem carries water from the roots up the stem and into the leaf where it is
needed in the mesophyll tissues for photosynthesis,
The phloem carries the food that is made by photosynthesis down to the other
parts of the plant.

How the leaf is adapted to its functions:

⮚ The lamina is large providing large surface area to absorb as much sunlight
as possible.
⮚ The lamina thin which allows gases to move in and out easily by diffusion.

⮚ The cuticle is impermeable to water and transparent – this prevents loss of

water and allows sunlight through to the palisade mesophyll cell.
⮚ Epidermal cells are transparent to allow sunlight through.

39
 ⮚ The lower surface has many stomata for gaseous exchange.

⮚ The palisade tissue is arranged longitudinally to increase the surface area

exposed to the sunlight.
⮚ The palisade has many chloroplasts to absorb the maximum amount of
sunlight.
⮚ The palisade has thin walls to allow osmosis and the diffusion of gases into
and out of the cells.
⮚ The spongy mesophyll has large intercellular air spaces for gaseous
exchange.
⮚ The vascular bundles have xylem to transport and mineral salts from the
roots up the stem to the mesophyll for photosynthesis.
⮚ The vascular bundles have phloem to transport the dissolved nutrients
made during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.

ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1 and 1.2) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.3 D.

1.1 Water vapor is lost through the stomata by …

A transpiration.
B respiration.
C photosynthesis.
D Gaseous exchange.

1.2 Which one of the following has large intercellular spaces for gaseous
exchange?
A Palisade mesophyll
B Spongy mesophyll
C Upper epidermis
D Lower epidermis (4)

40
QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.4) in your ANSWER
BOOK.

2.1 The movement of gases across a surface in opposite directions.

2.2 The loss of water vapour from a plant through the surface of
2.3 leaves.
2.4 Cells that controls the opening of the stoma. (4)
Openings on a leaf that allows gases to pass through.

QUESTION 3 (Questions taken from various sources)

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 The tissue that transport A

water and mineral salts B Xylem
from the soil up the plant Phloem

3.2 Waxy layer that prevents A Cuticle

evaporation of water B Epidermis

3.3 Site of photosynthesis A Stoma

B Chloroplast

(3 x 2) (6)

QUESTIO 4
N

Study the following diagram that illustrates organs and tissues of a plant and answer the
questions below.

41
 4.1 Tissue C is responsible for the transport of water in a plant. Name the tissue. (1)

4.2 List THREE ways in which tissue C is adapted for the transport of water. (3)

4.3 Name the plant organs X and Y. (2)

4.4 Answer the following questions based on structure D.

(a) Identify the structure (1)
(b) To which plant tissue group does this structure belong? (1)
(c) Supply a reason why this structure is not covered by a waxy cuticle. (2)
(10)

42
 WEEK 7: TOPIC: Support and transport systems in plants

SUB-TOPIC: Transpiration

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

TERMINOLOGY

Term Description/definition

Transpiration The loss of water vapour from the aerial parts of the plant
through the stomata of the leaf

Guttation The formation of drops of water around the margin of the

leaves of some plants as a result of root pressure

Humidity The amount of water vapour in the air

Wilt When a plant becomes limp and floppy because it has lost too
much water

1. The relationship between water loss and leaf structure

Path of water movement through a leaf

43
 An open and closed stomata

The structural adaptations to limit water loss

● Position of a stomata: Ventral than dorsal – more stomata at the bottom

surface
● Sunken stomata: Air is trapped outside of stomata decreasing the diffusion
gradient
● Thickened cuticle: Prevents water loss; the thicker the cuticle the lesser
transpiration
● Small leaf surface: Small surface area for evaporation

● Leaf arrangement: Lamina is not exposed to the sun to decrease evaporation

2. Factors that affect the rate of transpiration:

(a)Temperature (b) Wind (c) Humidity (d) Light intensity

44
(a) Temperature: heat increases the kinetic energy of water molecules
When temperature rises water vapour diffuses out of the leaf faster.
(b) Wind: removes water vapour close to the surface of the leaf.
(c) Humidity: air that is humid is filled with water therefore decreasing diffusion
between air and leaf spaces causing a decrease in the rate of transpiration.
(d) Light intensity: in brighter light the stomata opens more which allows more
transpiration, transpiration occurs faster during the day than at night.

A potometer is used to measure the rate of transpiration in a plant

A POTOMETER

45
 ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

ACTIVITY 1

An investigation was carried out to compare the rate of water absorption and
the rate of transpiration of plant over 24 hours. The results of the investigation
are shown in the table below:

Time of day Rate of absorption of Rate of water loss by

water (cm³/h) transpiration (cm³/h)

00:00 2,0 0,5

04:00 1,5 0,3

06:00 1,5 0,5

08:00 1,5 2,0

10:00 2,2 3,5

12:00 3,5 5,0

14:00 4,7 6,4

16:00 5,6 7,3

18:00 6,0 4,5

46
20:00 3,4 O,9

24:00 2,0 0,5

1.1 Draw a line graph on the same set of axes to illustrate the
data in the table above.
(7)
1.2 Identify
(a) Dependent variable
(1)
(b) Independent variable
(1)
1.3 Give TWO ways to ensure that the results are valid. (2)

1.4 At what time was sunrise? Give a reason for your answer. (2)

1.5 At what time of the day was the rate of transpiration at its
maximum? (1)

1.6 At what time of the day was the rate of absorption at its
maximum? (1)

1.7 Between which hours was the rate of transpiration greater

than the rate of water absorption? What do you think
happened to the plant during these hours? (3)

1.8 Was there a net loss or a net gain of water by the plant
during the 24-hour period? Show how you arrived at your
answer. (4)

1.9 Explain what happens to the plant to cause absorption to

rise after 8:00. (3)
(25)

WEEK 8: TOPIC: Support and transport systems in plants

SUB-TOPIC: Water uptake, Transport of water & Translocation of

manufactured food

47
 NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Uptake of water and minerals into xylem in roots in xylem of leaves.

Xylem Tissue

▪ Moves materials via the process of transpiration

▪ Transports water and minerals from the roots to aerial parts of the plant.

▪ Xylem occupy the inner portion or centre of the vascular bundle and is composed of
vessel elements and tracheids

▪ Vessel wall consists of fused cells that create a continuous tube for the unobstructed
flow of water and materials.

▪ Vessels are composed of dead tissue at maturity, such that vessels are hollow with
no cell contents

Phloem

▪ Moves materials via the process of active translocation

▪ Transports food and nutrients to storage organs and growing parts of the plant
(bidirectional transport)

▪ Phloem occupy the outer portion of the vascular bundle and are composed of sieve
tube elements and companion cells

▪ Vessel wall consists of cells that are connected at their transverse ends to form
porous sieve plates (function as cross walls)

▪ Vessels are composed of living tissue, however sieve tube elements lack nuclei and
have few organelles

48
Minerals are actively transported into the xylem vessels. This lowers the water
potential in the xylem and water flows by osmosis. Root pressure pushes some of
the water upwards. Water evaporates from the surface of leaf by transpiration and
water is lost. The water must be replaced as it moves out of the xylem into the leaf,
creating a low hydrostatic pressure and tension. Water molecules are attracted to
each other by forces of cohesion creating a continuous column of water so that water

49
 can be pulled upwards. Water molecules are also attracted to the walls of the xylem
by forces of adhesion and causing capillary action.
Translocation is the movement of organic compounds (e.g. sugars, amino acids)
from sources to sinks

▪ The source is where the organic compounds are synthesised – this is the
photosynthetic tissues (leaves)

▪ The sink is where the compounds are delivered to for use or storage – this includes
roots, fruits and seeds

Organic compounds are transported from sources to sinks via a vascular tube
system called the phloem

▪ Sugars are principally transported as sucrose (disaccharide), because it is soluble

but metabolically inert

▪ The nutrient-rich, viscous fluid of the phloem is called plant sap.

50
 ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following

questions. Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next
to the question number.
1.1.1 Vascular tissue in plants consists of …
A. meristems.
B. xylem and phloem.
C. parenchyma and collenchyma.
D. epidermis.

1.1.2 The layer of cells that encloses the vascular tissue in the central region
of a root is the …
A. Endodermis
B. Cortex
C. Epidermis
D. Apical meristem

1.1.3 Sugar is conducted in solution through specialized cells known as:

A. Fibers.
B. Companion cells.
C. Sieve tube elements.
D. Tracheids. (6)

1.2 Give the correct biological definition for each of the following biological
terms:
1.2.1 Capillarity
1.2.2 Translocation
1.2.3 Root pressure
1.2.4 Transpiration pull
1.2.5 Xylem.
(5)

51
1.3 Study the table below and complete it by writing the Letter and the
correct answer:

TRANSPORTATION VS TRANSLOCATION

Transportation Translocation

Type of Water A
substance
transported

Type of tissue B C
involved

Movement D Up and down.

(4)

QUESTION 2

2.1 Make a labelled diagram of the structure which absorbs water from
soil. (5)

2.2 Name the process by which the plant absorbs water. (1)

2.3 Describe the structural suitablity of the xylem in performing its function. (3)

2.4 Study the table below which illustrates the rate of water absortion
and the rate of transpiration by the leaves.

Time Rate of water Rate of transpiration (ml

absorption (ml per per hour)
hour)
6:00 1.5 0.5

8:00 1.5 2.0

10:00 3.2 4.5

12:00 4.5 6.0

14:00 5.7 7.4

16:00 7.6 9.3

52
 18:00 8.0 5.5

2.4.1 Define transpiration. (2)

2.4.2 At what time did maximum transpiration occur? (1)
2.4.3 During which time period did the rate of water loss from the plant
exceed the rate of water absorption? Suggest a reason for this. (4)
2.4.4 Describe how water moves from the root cortex until it reaches the
xylem of the leaves. (4)
2.4.5 Draw line graphs,on the same set of axes, to illustrate the results in
the table. (6)
(26)

53
 WEEK 9 & 10: TOPIC: Support system in animals

SUB-TOPIC: Human skeleton and Functions of the skeleton

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

The functions of a skeleton:

● It facilitates movement

● It protects tissues and organs

● It supports the body

● Stores minerals

● Assists with hearing (ossicles bones in our ears)

Human Skeleton:

Human
skeleton

Axial Appendicular

The human skeleton is composed of two parts:

1. The axial skeleton is made up of all the bones around the axis of the body.
This includes the skull bones, vertebral column and thoracic cage.
2. The appendicular skeleton are the upper and lower limbs as well as the
shoulder and pelvic girdles. It’s bones “append” to the axial skeleton.

In the diagram below the axial skeleton’s labels are on the left-hand side and the
appendicular skeleton’s labels are on the right-hand side.

54
The skull is composed of the following facial bones:

Lacrimal – Paired bones that form the wall of the orbit (eye socket)
Mandible – Bone that forms the lower jaw.
Maxilla – Bone that forms the upper jaw.
Nasal – Paired bones that form the bridge of the nose.
Zygomatic arch – Paired facial bones that form the cheeks.

55
 Diagram of facial bones

Ventral (bottom) side of the skull:

● The skull has an opening at the bottom where the spinal cord enters the skull.
We call this opening the foramen magnum.
● The top part on the inside of the mouth is called the palate it separates the
mouth cavity from the nose cavity. So, that you can eat and breath at the
same time.

Diagram showing the bottom (ventral)view of the skull

The Cranium of the skull:

The cranium of the skull is the part where the brain is situated. It forms a bony casing
which protects the brain.

56
 Diagram indicating where the cranium is

Ossicles- three bones in ear, helps with hearing (smallest bones in body)

The Spine

It is the central support of the body. It provides a framework to support the trunk and
rigid protection for the spinal cord. Portions of the spine surround the spinal cord
providing bony protection for the spinal cord just as the skull protects the brain with a
bony shell. The Spinal Column made up of 24 Vertebrae. These bones are stacked
on top of one another.

The vertebral column can be divided into 5 regions:

● Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae of the neck (C1-C7), C1 is the atlas and C2 is the
axis
● Thoracic spine: 12 vertebrae of the mid-back (T1-T12)

● Lumbar spine: 5 vertebrae of the lower back (L1-L5)

● Sacrum

● Coccyx

A normal vertebral column creates a double-S curve when viewed from the side of
the body. The cervical vertebrae gently curve inward, while the thoracic spine curves
gently outward, followed by the lumbar spine, which curves inward again. This
structure gives the spinal column great strength and shock-absorbing qualities.

The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine that forms by the
fusing of 5 sacral vertebrae. Immediately below the sacrum are 3 to 5 small bones
that naturally fuse together at adulthood forming the coccyx or tailbone.

57
The Appendicular skeleton

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the shoulder girdle, the upper
limbs, the pelvic girdle, and the lower limbs.

The pectoral girdle bones provide the points of attachment of the upper limbs to the
axial skeleton. The human pectoral girdle consists of the clavicle (or collarbone) in
the anterior (front), and the scapula (or shoulder blades) in the posterior(back).

The pelvic girdle attaches to the lower limbs of the axial skeleton. Because it is
responsible for bearing the weight of the body and for locomotion, the pelvic girdle is
securely attached to the axial skeleton by strong ligaments. It is composed of ilium,
Ischium and pubis bones.

58
Diagram of the shoulder, arm, elbow and hand Diagram of the hip, leg, knee and foot

ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1 to 1.3) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.4 D.

1.1 The bones that form part of the lower arm:

A Fibula and tibia

B Mandible and maxilla
C Vertebra and coccyx
D Radius and ulna

1.2 The part of the skull where the brain is situated:

A Foramen magnum
B Cranium

59
 C Orbit
D Zygomatic arch

1.3 Bones that make up the pelvic girdle:

A Meta tarsals, tarsals and phalanges

B Clavicle and scapula
C Ischium, ilium and pubis
D Ossicles and sternum (6)

QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.8) in your ANSWER
BOOK.

2.1 The opening through which the spinal cord enters the skull
2.2 Twenty-four stacked bones that forms part of the spine.
2.3 Girdle where the legs attach to the axial skeleton.
2.4 Bony part that separate the mouth cavity from the nose cavity
2.5 The upper bone of the leg.
2.6 Part of spine that is composed of 12 vertebrae.
2.7 The bone that forms part of the knee.
2.8 Scientific name for the collar bone. (8)

QUESTION 3 (Questions taken from various sources)

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 Bone that is part of A

appendicular skeleton B Coccyx
Skull
3.2 Bone that is part of jaws A Foramen magnum
B Mandible

3.3 Bone that forms the A Phalanges

fingers B Ulna

60
 (3 x 2) (6)

QUESTION 4

Study the diagrams below and answer the questions that follow.

4.1 Provide labels for structures A -G. (7)

4.2 Write down the LETTER and NAME of the structures that forms
part of the pectoral girdle. (4)

4.3 Name THREE bones that are connected to the elbow. (3)

4.4 Which bones do the feet and hands have in common? (1)
(15)

QUESTION 5

Cut out the bones on the following page and build your own human skeleton by
pasting them in the correct place.

61
62