Cell Division, Cell Diversity & Cellular Organisation (OCR AS Biology)

Exam Questions

3 hours36 questions
1a
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5 marks

The cell cycle is divided into distinct phases during which tightly-regulated cellular processes occur.

Figure 1.1 shows the different phases of the cell cycle. ocr-a-2-6--e-sq-q1-dna-cell-cycle-

Figure 1.1

During interphase, the cell grows and carries out cellular functions. 

(i)
Identify phase 1, 2 and 3 of interphase in Figure 1.1 

 [3]

(ii)

State the cellular process that occurs during phase 2 of interphase. 

[1]

(iii)
Name the molecules that signal the cell to move between stages of the cell cycle.
[1]
1b
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5 marks

Figure 1.2 shows the changes that occur in DNA mass in the cell during the cell cycle. 

ocr-a-2-6--e-sq-q1-dna-mass-graph-

Figure 1.2

(i)
Identify the phases i, ii, iii and iv in Figure 1.2.
[4]
(ii)
Name the process that occurs between phases iv and i.
[1]

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2a
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3 marks

During mitosis, the cell’s nuclear material is divided to produce new nuclei. 

Describe the events occurring during anaphase of mitosis.

2b
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3 marks

 State two characteristics of the daughter cells that are produced during mitosis. 

2c
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3 marks

 Describe the activity of the centrosomes and spindle fibres during metaphase. 

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3a
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3 marks

Mitosis and meiosis are two processes of cell division that both involve prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.

Mitosis and meiosis produce different kinds of daughter cells. 

Identify which of these processes would produce the following:

(i)
Haploid daughter cells.

[1]

(ii)
Two daughter cells.

[1]

(iii)
Genetically diverse daughter cells. 
[1]
3b
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5 marks

These differences in the daughter cells of mitosis and meiosis are due to differences between the two processes.

Describe how:

(i)

Haploid daughter cells are produced by the process named at (a)(i).

[2]

(ii)
Two daughter cells are formed by the process named at (a)(ii).
[1]
(iii)
Genetically diverse daughter cells are produced by the process named at (a)(iii).
[2]
3c
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3 marks

Mitosis and meiosis are used for different purposes in the body.

(i)

State two roles of mitosis

[2]

(ii)
Describe one role of meiosis.
[1]

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4a
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5 marks

Specialised cells in the body are produced from stem cells, which can have different levels of potency.

(i)
Describe two ways in which a stem cell differs from a specialised cell. 

[2]

(ii)

Adult stem cells are multipotent.

Define the term multipotent.

[1]

(iii)
State the importance of adult stem cells.
[2]
4b
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4 marks

Figure 4.1 shows the production of specialised blood cells from stem cells in human bone marrow.

ocr-a-2-6--e-sq-q4-b-blood-stem-cells-

Figure 4.1

(i)

Name the process by which a myeloid stem cell becomes a red blood cell.

[1]

(ii)
Explain three adaptations of a red blood cell that enables it to perform its function. 
[3]

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5a
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4 marks

Totipotent stem cells can become any kind of cell in the body, which makes them especially useful for stem cell research and treatment. However, they only occur in humans in the very early stages of embryonic development.

A patient has leukemia, which is a cancer of the bone marrow, so they have difficulty producing their own blood cells. 

(i)
Explain why a bone marrow transplant could help them. 
[2]
(ii)
State one challenge of finding a suitable bone marrow donor.
[1]
(iii)
Describe one way in which the challenge mentioned at part (ii) could be overcome.
[1]
5b
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4 marks

Some organisms, such as plants, retain totipotent stem cells throughout their lives. One place where stem cells are found in plants is the cambium tissue.

(i)

State two other places where totipotent stem cells are found in plants.

[2]

(ii)

Cells on the inner edge of the cambium differentiate into xylem tissue which will transport water and mineral ions around the plant.

Describe how cambium cells differentiate into xylem cells.

[2]

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1a
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4 marks

Mitosis and meiosis are important in the life cycles of organisms.

Hydra is a small animal that lives in fresh water. When environmental conditions are favourable, Hydra reproduces asexually. Large numbers of offspring can be produced in this way.

Asexual reproduction in Hydra is shown in Fig. 19.1.

q19a-paper-2-nov-2020-ocr-a-level-biology

Fig. 19.1

(i)

Asexual reproduction involves mitosis.

Name the stages of mitosis in the correct order.

 [2]

(ii)

Suggest why Hydra reproduces asexually when conditions are favourable.

 [2]

1b
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7 marks

When conditions are not favourable, Hydra reproduces sexually. This often happens in the winter.

Cells in the body wall produce sperms and eggs by meiosis.

Large numbers of sperms are released into the water. These sperms can fertilise eggs from different individuals. Each egg forms a tough outer coat, and can lie dormant at the bottom of the water until conditions improve.

(i)

Explain how sexual reproduction in Hydra leads to genetic variation in the offspring.

[6]

(ii)

Suggest why sexual reproduction in Hydra usually occurs in the winter.

[1]

1c
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4 marks

Mosses are small plants that live in damp conditions.

The life cycle of many mosses involves two stages: a gametophyte and a sporophyte.

The gametophyte contains haploid cells and produces sperms and eggs.

The sporophyte contains diploid cells and produces spores which can be spread easily through the air.

The spores germinate and grow into a gametophyte.

Fig. 19.2 shows the life cycle of the moss Funaria.

q19c-paper-2-nov-2020-ocr-a-level-biology

Fig. 19.2

(i)

The zygote grows into the sporophyte by mitosis.

The haploid gametophyte of one species of Funaria contains 28 chromosomes.

A single DNA molecule contains two strands.

Calculate the number of strands of DNA present in the nucleus of the zygote immediately before mitosis.

[1]

(ii)

Mark an X on Fig. 19.2 at the point at which meiosis occurs.

[1]

(iii)

A diagram of a moss sperm is shown in Fig. 19.3.

q19c-2-paper-2-nov-2020-ocr-a-level-biology

Fig. 19.3

The flagella allow the sperm to move towards an egg.

Suggest and explain another adaptation that is likely to be present in these sperm cells.

[2]

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2a5 marks

Fig. 16 below shows 6 onion cells at various stages of mitosis.

question-image-for-cara

Fig. 16

(i)

Name the stage of mitosis shown in cell A.

[1]

(ii)

Draw cell A. Label your drawing to show visible features.

[4]

2b6 marks
(i)

The volume of cell A is 5.4 × 104 μm3.

Assume that cell B is spherical.

Calculate the volume of cell B. A ruler has been added to the image to help with your calculations.
Use the formula: volume of sphere = 4 over 3 πr cubed

Give your answer in standard form in μm3.

[3]

(ii)

State the type of microscope that was used to view these images. Justify your answer.

[2]

(iii)

Mitosis is involved in growth and repair of tissues.

State two other roles of mitosis in multicellular organisms.

[1]

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3
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4 marks

Explain why a plant leaf is described as an organ.

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4a
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3 marks

Sperm cells in animals are formed by a process known as spermatogenesis.

Fig. 19.1 is a summary of the process of spermatogenesis.

q19-paper-1-june-2017-ocr-a-level-biology

Fig. 19.1

Three phases of meiosis are listed below.

Match each phase of meiosis to a letter on Fig. 19.1.

Metaphase 1 occurs during the stage labelled ....................

Telophase 2 occurs during the stage labelled .....................

Anaphase 1 occurs during the stage labelled ......................

4b
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4 marks

The chromosomes carried by sperm are made of DNA.

The following passage about nucleic acids has four words missing. Choose the correct missing words from the list below and complete the passage by writing them in the gaps.

q19b-paper-1-june-2017-ocr-a-level-biology

Nucleic acids are made from ........................................ monomers.

Phosphodiester bonds form between the monomers. They consist of a ........................................ group between the ........................................ molecules, forming the ‘backbone’ of the molecule.

In DNA, hydrogen bonding between the two antiparallel ........................................ causes the characteristic double helix shape.

4c
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4 marks

Fig. 19.2 is a transverse section of a sperm cell. The mitochondria of sperm cells form a spiral around the central flagellum.

q19c-paper-1-june-2017-ocr-a-level-biology

Fig. 19.2

(i)

Identify the structures labelled U, W and Z

[3]

ATP, FADH2 and hexose 1,6-bisphosphate are three organic products of respiration in sperm cells.

Table 19 shows how the production of ATP, FADH2 and hexose 1,6-bisphosphate in sperm cells is affected by three different substances.

Substance Organic products of respiration per sperm cell
ATP
(10-10 mols-1)
FADH2
(10-11 mols-1)
Hexose 1,6-
bisphosphate
(10-11 mols-1)
Cyanide 2.54 0.00 5.78
Fluoride 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sucrose 6.89 2.53 5.42

Table 19

(ii)

What can be concluded about the difference between the effects of cyanide and fluoride on respiration in sperm?

[1]

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5a
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6 marks

Fig. 1 shows how stem cells from bone marrow can differentiate into the different blood cell types required by the body.


bone-marrow-stem-cells-sq

Fig. 1

(i)

A student studying stem cells refers to bone marrow stem cells as pluripotent.

Explain whether the student is correct.

[3]

(ii)

Explain the significance of process X in production of functional blood cells.

[3]
5b
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6 marks

A full blood count test is used to check the number of different blood cells in a patients blood.

The patient in Table 1 is suffering from blood cancer known as leukaemia. Leukaemia affects white blood cells and bone marrow leading to uncontrolled cell division of faulty cells. This blood count for the patient was taken after completion of a course of chemotherapy, a treatment used to kill cancer cells, which are more sensitive to the chemotherapy drugs than healthy cells.  

Component of the blood Healthy range Patient blood count
Men Women
Red blood cells 4.5-6.0 x106 µl-1 4.0-5.0 x106 µl-1 3.5 x106 µl-1
White blood cells 4.5-11.0 x103 µl-1 4.5-11.0 x103 µl-1 1.5 x103 µl-1
Platelets 1.5-4.5 x 105 µl-1  1.5-4.5 x 105 µl-1 3.1 x 105 µl-1

Table 1

(i)

This patient has been experiencing the following symptoms:

    • Fatigue
    • High heart rate
    • Dizziness

Using the data in Table 1, suggest a reason for the symptoms they have been experiencing.

[4]

(ii)

A doctor recommends that the patient self-isolates during their recovery period to reduce exposure to pathogens.

Explain why the doctor advised this.

[2]

5c
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4 marks

An alternative treatment for leukaemia patients is stem cell transplants.

(i)

Describe the features of stem cells which make them useful in treating medical issues, such as leukaemia.

[2]

(ii)

To maximise the chances of a successful stem cell transplant, it is important that the following procedures are followed:

  • Selection of a donor with the same blood type and similar tissue type.
  • A high dose of chemotherapy is given prior to the transplant.
  • Immunosuppressants should be taken after the transplant has taken place.

Explain why these step are important to maximise the chances of a successful stem cell transplant.

[2]

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1a2 marks

A researcher prepared a stained squash sample of cells from the tip of a garlic root. The first 3 mm of a root tip was cut off and stained on a microscope slide, before placing a coverslip on top of the sample and stain. She then examined the sample under a light microscope. 

During the sample preparation, the researcher pressed down on the sample tissue by applying pressure to the coverslip. Explain why this step was taken. 

1b2 marks

The researcher drew a picture of what she could see in the microscope's field of view. This is shown in Figure. 1.1.

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Figure. 1.1

Using Figure. 1.1, calculate the percentage of cells undergoing mitosis in the garlic root tip tissue. 

1c2 marks

This researcher’s colleagues calculated that the cell cycle of garlic root tips in growth is 1,320 minutes in length, and that on average, cells spend 4 hours in the visible stages of mitosis. 

Calculate the percentage difference between the data gathered by this researcher and the mean length of the mitotic stages found by her colleagues.

1d2 marks

Compare and contrast the process of cytokinesis in animal and plant cells. 

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2a3 marks

The cell pictured in Figure. 2.1 is undergoing the prophase stage of mitosis. Identify structures A, B and C and describe how they behave during prophase. 

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Figure. 2.1

Label

Name of structure

Behaviour during prophase

A

   

B

   

C

   

2b4 marks

Figure. 2.2 shows the mortality rates in men of various age groups from prostate cancer in Europe from 1980 to 2015.

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Figure. 2.2

Describe and explain the overalls trend shown in Figure. 2.2.

2c4 marks

Using data from Figure. 2.2, compare the percentage improvements in death rates between 1995 and 2015 in men of age groups 60-69 and men aged 80+.

Suggest an explanation for the difference you have calculated. 

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3a
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2 marks

A team of biologists estimated the number of cells in different phases of the cell cycle in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast). They took two samples, A and B, from different environmental conditions. One sample came from a nutrient-rich environment, the other from a nutrient-poor environment.

Their results are shown in the table below.

Phase of the cell cycle Sample A / number of cells counted Sample B / number of cells counted

G1

312

451

S

203

294

G2

136

196

Mitosis

27

39

Total

678

980


In sample A, a full cell cycle took 1 hour and 35 minutes, whereas, in sample B, a full cell cycle took 60 minutes. 

Calculate the time, in minutes, that the cells in sample A were in S phase during one cycle. Show your working.

3b
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2 marks

The biologists studying the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast) from part (a) hypothesised that when the yeast was exposed to stressful conditions, the growth rates were low. 

Suggest, with a reason, which sample came from the nutrient-rich conditions.

3c
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2 marks

The availability of nutrients is also a key factor in regulating the cell cycle of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast).  Below is a table containing data scientists collected for two sites which were deficient in nitrogen and phosphate. 

Phase of the cell cycle Deficient in nitrogen 
/ number of cells counted
Deficient in phosphate /
number of cells counted
G1 207 181
S 135 118
G2 90 79
Mitosis 0 0
Total 432 378

Deduce, giving a reason, the point at which a nutrient-poor environment would stop the cell cycle of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

3d
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2 marks

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast) nuclei are, on average, 2 µm in diameter, but the DNA molecules packed into them have been measured up to 355 µm in length. 

Describe the process that enables the DNA molecules, that comprise the 16 chromosomes of yeast, to be packed into the nuclei.

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4a3 marks

Distinguish between totipotent, multipotent and pluripotent cells.

4b5 marks

Pluripotent stem cells extracted from the early embryo can be used to treat a variety of diseases including muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis and macular degeneration. However, in 2006, scientists in Japan found that adult stem cells could become induced pluripotent stem cells. Some believe that the use of induced pluripotent stem cells is a more appropriate method for treatment of patients than pluripotent stem cells.

Evaluate the use of pluripotent and induced pluripotent stem cells in treatment of life changing diseases such as those mentioned above.

4c5 marks

In plants, totipotent cells are located in the growing shoot and root tips. Scientists used a plant culture technique to investigate the effect of the plant age on the level of totipotency.  Young plants were divided into five groups with 5 in each group. Each group was grown for a specific time period:

Group A was grown for 5 days

Group B was grown for 10 days

Group C was grown for 15 days

Group D was grown for 20 days

Group E was grown for 25 days

A plant tissue culture technique was used, the method was carried out as follows:

  1. Cut off a 5 mm shoot tip from each of the 5 plants in groups A-E, this is the explant.
  2. Place each explant on a nutrient agar medium inoculated with growth hormones and glucose.
  3. Cover the explant samples to prevent contamination and grow for 2 weeks in a suitable environment.   

The results are shown in the table below.

Age of plant before explant was removed / days Percentage of explants which showed totipotency / %
5 83
10 73
15 56
20 75
25 38

 

The scientists concluded that explants grown from older plants exhibited less totipotency than those from younger plants.

Evaluate this statement.

4d2 marks

Describe the observations that would be made by the scientists to determine the percentage totipotency of the plants in this investigation.

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5a2 marks

Explain why it is important that one chromosome from each homologous pair ends up in each new cell during meiosis. 

5b2 marks

Meiosis is important in the life cycles of many organisms. One example of this is for organisms that reproduce sexually.

Explain why it is important for these organisms. 

5c1 mark

A moss is a flowerless spore-producing plant. The spores are produced in capsules and under favourable conditions can germinate into a branching green thread. Figure. 5.1 shows some of the stages of the life cycle of a moss plant.

Mark on the diagram with the letter X where meiosis occurs.


DKjEJdGq_1Figure. 5.1

5d5 marks

The processes in meiosis can lead to genetic variation among the haploid cells produced.

Explain these processes and how they lead to genetic variation. 

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6a2 marks

Figure. 6.1 shows how the mass of DNA changes over time during two different types of cell division of a diploid organism. 

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Figure. 6.1

Explain what is happening at stage X and Y

6b1 mark

Identify which of the division types shown in Figure. 6.1 represents meiosis and explain your answer. 

6c2 marks

Figure. 6.2 shows a diploid cell containing different chromosomes. 

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Figure. 6.2

Complete Figure. 6.2 showing the appearance of the four different types of gametes produced by this diploid cell. 

6d4 marks

A diploid organism contains 38 chromosomes.

Calculate the possible number of different combinations of chromosomes following meiosis and explain why this value may not be the actual number.   

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