M/S BIOLOGY

OSMOSIS, DIFFUSION & ACTIVE TRANSPORT

Question 1: Which processes can only occur through a membrane?
 Explanation:
o Active transport always requires a membrane because it involves protein carriers
embedded in the membrane to move substances against their concentration
gradient, using energy.
o Osmosis is the movement of water across a partially permeable membrane.
Without a membrane, it cannot occur.
o Diffusion can occur with or without a membrane, as it is the net movement of
particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
While it can occur across a membrane, it's not only through a membrane.
 Possible Answer: Based on the table, option A, B, and C all indicate that active transport
and osmosis occur through a membrane. Diffusion is indicated as occurring through a
membrane for A and B. However, the question asks which processes only occur through a
membrane. Since diffusion can happen without a membrane, it would not be included if
the question is strictly interpreted as "only." If the options represent processes that can
occur through a membrane, then all three can. Let's re-evaluate based on the provided
table. The table shows '☑' for active transport, diffusion, and osmosis for options A and
B, meaning 'yes' they occur. This means the question is likely asking which of these can
occur through a membrane, and all three can. However, since the question states "only
occur through a membrane", and diffusion can occur without one, options A and B are
not strictly correct for "only". Option C states diffusion does NOT occur, which is
incorrect. Option D states active transport does NOT occur, which is also incorrect. There
might be an interpretation issue with the question or options. Assuming the question
means which of these require a membrane or can occur through one, based on biological
principles: Active transport and Osmosis absolutely require a membrane. Diffusion can
occur through a membrane but also in open spaces. If we are forced to pick from the
given options, and the checkmark means "can occur through a membrane", then options
A and B are the most plausible in that all three listed processes can happen through a
 membrane. If the 'key' applies to all options, then '☑' means yes and 'X' means no. This
implies a specific set of answers.
 Revisiting question 1, based on the image in source 5:
o The question asks "Which processes can only occur through a membrane?"
o Let's analyze the options in the table:
 A: active transport (☑), diffusion (☑), osmosis (☑)
 B: active transport (☑), diffusion (☑), osmosis (☑)
 C: active transport (√), diffusion (X), osmosis (☑) (Note: √ likely means
☑ based on context)
 D: active transport (X), diffusion (blank), osmosis (☑)
o Active transport requires a membrane.
o Osmosis requires a partially permeable membrane.
o Diffusion can occur through a membrane, but also in other mediums (e.g., gases
diffusing in air). It does not only occur through a membrane.
o Given the question asks for processes that only occur through a membrane, and
knowing that diffusion does not only occur through a membrane, none of the
options A, B, C, or D are perfectly correct as they are presented if the "☑" means
"occurs through a membrane". If the question is asking which set of processes
can occur through a membrane, and implies that the ones marked with 'X' cannot,
then we need more clarity.
o Without further clarification on the exact meaning of the table and question
phrasing, it's hard to definitively pick one from the provided options as strictly
correct for "only". However, in biology exams, if a process requires a membrane,
it's often grouped as occurring "through a membrane."

Question 2: What shows how the rate of transpiration changes when conditions in the
atmosphere change?
  Explanation:
o Reduced wind: Wind blows away the water vapor around the stomata,
maintaining a steep water potential gradient. Reduced wind means less water
vapor is removed, so the humidity around the leaf increases, and the water
potential gradient becomes less steep, leading to a decrease in transpiration.
o Increased humidity: High humidity in the atmosphere means a lower water
potential gradient between the leaf and the air. This reduces the rate of water
evaporation from the leaf, leading to a decrease in transpiration.
 Possible Answer: A (reduced wind: decreases, increased humidity: decreases)

Question 3: The cell wall of a plant cell is removed using an enzyme. What would happen if
this cell is then placed in distilled water?
 Explanation:
o Distilled water has a very high water potential (close to zero). The cytoplasm of a
plant cell has a lower water potential due to dissolved solutes.
o Water will move by osmosis from the region of higher water potential (distilled
water) to the region of lower water potential (inside the cell).
o Normally, a plant cell's cell wall prevents it from bursting by providing structural
support. Without the cell wall, the cell membrane is the only barrier. As water
continuously moves into the cell, the internal pressure will increase until the cell
membrane can no longer withstand the pressure and bursts.
 Possible Answer: D (The cell would burst as water moves into it.)

Question 4: Which processes are responsible for the uptake of ions from the soil by a plant
and the uptake of glucose into the villi of a human?
 Explanation:
 o Uptake of ions by a plant from the soil: Plants often need to absorb ions against
their concentration gradient (i.e., when the concentration of ions is higher inside
the root cells than in the soil). This requires energy and is therefore active
transport.
o Uptake of glucose into the villi: After digestion, glucose concentration in the
lumen of the small intestine can be lower than in the villi cells, especially as
absorption continues. To maximize absorption, glucose is absorbed against its
concentration gradient into the villi cells, which requires energy and is an
example of active transport.
 Possible Answer: A (active transport, active transport)

Question 5: The diagram shows three plant cells labelled P, Q and R. The arrows show the
direction of water movement by osmosis. What is the correct order of water potential in the
cells, from the highest to the lowest?
 Explanation: Water moves by osmosis from a region of higher water potential to a
region of lower water potential.
o Arrows show water moving from Q to P, and from P to R.
o This means Q has a higher water potential than P (Q>P).
o And P has a higher water potential than R (P>R).
o Therefore, the order from highest to lowest water potential is Q, P, R.
 Possible Answer: C (Q, P, R)

Question 6: What describes the diffusion of molecules?

 Explanation: Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient. It does
not require energy.
 Possible Answer: A (movement from a region of their higher concentration to a region
of their lower concentration down a concentration gradient)
Question 7: The diagram shows the concentration of magnesium ions in a healthy root hair
cell of a plant (5 mmol per dm³) and in the soil water surrounding it (3 mmol per dm³). For
the plant to remain healthy, how will the magnesium ions move?
  Explanation:
o The concentration of magnesium ions inside the root hair cell (5 mmol per dm3)
is higher than in the soil water (3 mmol per dm3).
o For the plant to absorb more magnesium ions and remain healthy, these ions must
move against their concentration gradient (from a lower concentration in the soil
to a higher concentration in the cell).
o Movement against a concentration gradient requires energy and is called active
transport.
 Possible Answer: A (into the cell by active transport)

Question 8: How do plants absorb nitrate ions by active transport?

 Explanation: Active transport is the movement of substances across a membrane against
their concentration gradient, meaning from a region of lower concentration to a region of
higher concentration. This process requires energy, typically derived from respiration.
 Possible Answer: A (against a concentration gradient using energy)

Question 9: The diagram shows the net movement of water by osmosis between four adjacent
cells. Which cell has the highest water potential?
 Explanation: Water moves by osmosis from a region of higher water potential to a
region of lower water potential.
o Water moves from C to D. So C has a higher water potential than D (C>D).
o Water moves from C to B. So C has a higher water potential than B (C>B).
o Water moves from D to B. So D has a higher water potential than B (D>B).
o Water moves from B to A. So B has a higher water potential than A (B>A).
o Combining these: C>D>B>A.
o Therefore, cell C has the highest water potential.
 Possible Answer: C
Question 10: Plant cells are placed in a solution with a lower water potential than that of the
cells. Which row is correct?
 Explanation:
 o If plant cells are placed in a solution with a lower water potential than the cells, it
means the external solution is more concentrated (has more solutes) than the cell
sap.
o Water will move by osmosis from the region of higher water potential (inside the
cell) to the region of lower water potential (outside the cell). Therefore, water
leaves cells.
o As water leaves the plant cell, the protoplast (cell membrane and its contents) will
shrink, and the volume of the vacuole decreases. This process is known as
plasmolysis.
 Possible Answer: C (movement of water by osmosis: leaves cells, volume of vacuole:
decreases) - Note: The provided source 26 is cut off, but based on the explanation, C is
the most logical answer. Assuming the table for C is "leaves cells" and "decreases".

Question 11: Which diagram illustrates the process of active transport?

 Explanation: Active transport involves moving substances against their concentration
gradient, often from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration,
and requires energy.
o Diagram A: Shows mineral ions moving into a root hair cell from the soil, where
the cell likely has a higher concentration of these ions. This is typical for active
transport.
o Diagram B: Shows water moving into a plant cell. This is osmosis, which is
passive.
o Diagram C: Shows oxygen moving from red blood cells to tissue cells, and
carbon dioxide moving from tissue cells to capillary walls. These are examples of
diffusion, which is passive (down a concentration gradient).
o Diagram D: Similar to B, shows water moving into a plant cell, which is
osmosis.
 Possible Answer: A
Question 12: Which statement is always correct when oxygen is diffusing out of a plant
cell?
  Explanation: Diffusion is the net movement of molecules from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration. If oxygen is diffusing out of a plant cell,
it means that the concentration of oxygen inside the cell is higher than the concentration
of oxygen outside the cell.
 Possible Answer: C (The concentration of oxygen is higher inside the cell than outside.)

Question 13: The diagram represents the passage of water molecules and glucose molecules
across a partially permeable cell surface membrane. Which arrow indicates osmosis?
 Explanation: Osmosis is the net movement of water molecules across a partially
permeable membrane from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water
potential.
o The diagram shows 'O' as water molecules and 'Δ' as glucose molecules.
o A shows water molecules moving from left (high concentration of water) to right
(lower concentration of water due to glucose). This fits the definition of osmosis.
o B shows glucose molecules moving into the membrane, not specifically water
movement.
o C shows water molecules moving from right to left, against the likely water
potential gradient if glucose is on the right.
o D shows glucose molecules moving through the membrane.
 Possible Answer: A

Question 14: What is an example of active transport?

 Explanation: Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient and
requires energy.
o A: Movement of glucose molecules into the cells of the villi - This is a classic
example of active transport, especially when glucose concentration in the gut
lumen is lower than in the villi cells.
o B: Movement of glucose molecules down a concentration gradient - This is
diffusion, which is passive.
o C: Movement of ions in blood plasma - This is typically transport within a fluid,
not across a membrane against a gradient.
 o D: Movement of water in the transpiration stream - This is primarily driven by
cohesion and adhesion of water molecules and a water potential gradient, not
active transport.
 Possible Answer: A

Question 15: The roots of a plant are placed in a dilute solution containing chloride and
nitrate ions. The graph shows how the rate of uptake of chloride and nitrate ions by the
roots of the plant varies with oxygen concentration. What can be concluded about how
chloride and nitrate ions enter the roots?
 Explanation:
o Nitrate uptake: The rate of nitrate uptake increases with oxygen concentration
and then plateaus. This indicates that nitrate uptake is dependent on aerobic
respiration (which produces ATP, a source of energy), and can be saturated
(limited by carrier proteins). This is characteristic of active transport.
o Chloride uptake: The rate of chloride uptake remains constant regardless of
oxygen concentration. This suggests that chloride uptake does not require energy
from respiration and is not dependent on oxygen. This is characteristic of
diffusion.
 Possible Answer: C (chloride: diffusion, nitrate: active transport)

Question 16: The diagram represents apparatus used to investigate osmosis. Which
molecules will move across the partially permeable membrane and which change will occur
in the solution level?
 Explanation:
o The apparatus contains concentrated starch solution inside a tube with a partially
permeable membrane at the bottom, and the tube is placed in water.
o A partially permeable membrane allows small molecules (like water) to pass
through but restricts larger molecules (like starch).
o Molecules that will move: Water molecules will move by osmosis from the
region of higher water potential (outside, pure water) to the region of lower water
 potential (inside, concentrated starch solution). Starch molecules are too large to
pass through the membrane.
o Change in solution level: As water moves into the concentrated starch solution,
the volume of the solution inside the tube will increase, causing the solution level
to rise.
 Possible Answer: D (molecules: water, solution level: rise)

Question 17: The small intestine of a person contains a lower concentration of glucose than
is present in the blood. The cells of the villi absorb glucose. By which process is the glucose
absorbed?
 Explanation:
o If the small intestine has a lower concentration of glucose than the blood, then for
glucose to be absorbed into the villi cells (and then into the blood), it must move
against its concentration gradient.
o Movement against a concentration gradient requires energy and is achieved by
active transport.
 Possible Answer: A (by active transport against the concentration gradient)

Question 18: Identical pieces of potato are placed in sucrose solutions of different
concentrations. After three hours, the mass of each potato piece is measured. Which graph
shows the results of this experiment?
 Explanation:
o Osmosis in potato cells: Potato cells contain cell sap with a certain water
potential.
o In very dilute sucrose solutions (high water potential): Water will move into
the potato cells by osmosis, causing the potato pieces to gain mass and become
turgid. The more dilute the solution (closer to pure water), the more water enters,
and the greater the mass gain.
o In isotonic sucrose solution (water potential equal to potato cells): There will
be no net movement of water, and the mass of the potato piece will remain
 approximately the same. This point is where the graph crosses the initial mass (or
no change in mass) line.
o In concentrated sucrose solutions (low water potential): Water will move out
of the potato cells by osmosis, causing the potato pieces to lose mass and become
flaccid (plasmolysed). The more concentrated the solution, the more water leaves,
and the greater the mass loss.
o Therefore, the graph should show:
 An increase in mass at low sucrose concentrations.
 A point where mass remains constant (isotonic point).
 A decrease in mass at high sucrose concentrations.
 Possible Answer: D (The graph starts with higher mass at low sucrose concentration and
decreases as sucrose concentration increases, illustrating water loss by osmosis). Note:
The options for the graphs are labeled A, B, C, D in the image for question 18 and also
question 27 which is identical. For 18, D looks like the correct one as it shows a
decrease in mass as sucrose concentration increases, and implies a higher initial mass.
However, let's re-examine if any graph represents the typical initial mass vs. final mass.
Often, such graphs show the change in mass or the final mass. If the y-axis is "mass of
potato after three hours", then it should start high for dilute solutions (mass gain) and
end low for concentrated solutions (mass loss). Graph D shows a continuous decrease in
mass as sucrose concentration increases, which is consistent with water moving out of
the potato cells in increasingly concentrated solutions.

Question 19: The diagram shows a section through a green leaf. The arrows represent the
movement of...
 Explanation: The diagram shows arrows originating from the mesophyll cells and
moving towards the air spaces within the leaf, and then upwards, likely indicating
evaporation from the leaf surface. This represents the movement of water vapor from the
cells to the atmosphere.
 Possible Answer: D (water during transpiration.)
Question 20: The diagram shows some cells in the root of a plant that is absorbing water
from the soil. How does the water potential of the cell marked 2 differ from the water
potentials of the cells marked 1 and 3?
 Explanation: Water is absorbed by root hair cells (cell 1) from the soil and then moves
across the root cortex to the xylem (towards cell 3, which is likely further into the root).
Water always moves down a water potential gradient.
o For water to move from cell 1 into cell 2, the water potential of cell 1 must be
higher than cell 2 (1>2).
o For water to move from cell 2 into cell 3, the water potential of cell 2 must be
higher than cell 3 (2>3).
o Therefore, cell 2 has a lower water potential than cell 1, but a higher water
potential than cell 3.
 Possible Answer: C (lower than cell 1 and higher than cell 3)

Question 21: In the human circulatory system, what causes the transfer of materials from
the capillaries to the tissue fluid?
 Explanation: The primary force driving the outward movement of fluid and small
solutes from the capillaries into the tissue fluid is the hydrostatic pressure of the blood,
which is blood pressure. Osmosis (due to plasma proteins) draws some fluid back in, but
the initial outward filtration is due to pressure. Active transport is for specific uptake, and
capillarity refers to surface tension.
 Possible Answer: B (blood pressure)

Question 22: Below is a series of cell processes. Which of these involve active transport?
1. mineral ions entering root hair cells
2. glucose uptake by villus cells
3. water entering root hair cells
 Explanation:
o 1. Mineral ions entering root hair cells: Often, mineral ions are in lower
concentration in the soil than inside the root cells, so they are absorbed against a
concentration gradient by active transport.
 o 2. Glucose uptake by villus cells: As explained in Question 17, glucose is
absorbed into villus cells by active transport, especially when gut glucose levels
are low.
o 3. Water entering root hair cells: Water moves into root hair cells by osmosis,
which is a passive process and does not require active transport.
 Possible Answer: A (1 and 2 only)

Question 23: Which process does not depend on respiration?

 Explanation: Respiration provides energy (ATP) for active processes.
o A: Active uptake of ions - Depends on respiration (requires energy for active
transport).
o B: Conduction of nervous impulses - Depends on respiration (involves active
transport of ions to maintain membrane potential).
o C: Diffusion of glucose - Does not depend on respiration. Diffusion is a passive
process driven by kinetic energy of molecules, moving down a concentration
gradient.
o D: Muscle contraction - Depends on respiration (requires ATP for muscle fiber
movement).
 Possible Answer: C (diffusion of glucose)

Question 24: The sentence describes the uptake of water by a plant. "Water moves into the
root hairs of a plant by osmosis through a ...…1…... permeable cell membrane, ……2……
a water potential gradient." Which words correctly complete gaps 1 and 2?
 Explanation:
o Gap 1: The cell surface membrane (and also the tonoplast surrounding the
vacuole) is partially permeable, meaning it allows some substances (like water)
to pass through more easily than others.
o Gap 2: Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of higher water potential
to a region of lower water potential, which is described as moving down a water
potential gradient.
 Possible Answer: C (1: partially, 2: down)
Question 25: Which process needs energy from respiration?
 Explanation: Processes that need energy from respiration are active processes.
o A: Movement of carbon dioxide into the alveoli - Diffusion (passive).
o B: Movement of oxygen into red blood cells - Diffusion (passive).
o C: Uptake of glucose by cells in the villi - This is active transport and requires
energy from respiration, especially when absorbing against a concentration
gradient.
o D: Uptake of water by root hair cells - Osmosis (passive).
 Possible Answer: C (uptake of glucose by cells in the villi)

Question 26: The mass of a cube of fresh potato is found. It is then placed in a test-tube
containing a dilute solution of sucrose. After an hour, its mass has increased. Which
process has occurred and what has happened to the concentration of the sucrose in the
solution in the test-tube?
 Explanation:
o Process occurred: The potato cube gained mass when placed in a dilute sucrose
solution. This indicates that water moved from the solution into the potato cells.
This movement of water across a partially permeable membrane from a region of
higher water potential to a region of lower water potential is osmosis.
o Sucrose concentration change: As water moves out of the sucrose solution and
into the potato cells, the amount of sucrose in the solution remains the same, but
the volume of water in the solution decreases. This means the concentration of
sucrose in the surrounding solution will increase.
 Possible Answer: D (process: osmosis, sucrose concentration: increased)

Question 27: Identical pieces of potato are placed in sucrose solutions of different
concentrations. After three hours, the mass of each potato piece is measured. Which graph
shows the results of this experiment?
 Explanation: This is the same as Question 18. The graph should show mass gain at low
sucrose concentrations (dilute solutions, water enters), a point of no change (isotonic
 solution), and mass loss at high sucrose concentrations (concentrated solutions, water
leaves).
 Possible Answer: D (Assuming the y-axis is final mass, it should decrease as sucrose
concentration increases beyond the isotonic point, and be higher than initial mass at low
sucrose concentrations. Graph D shows a decreasing trend, which is consistent with water
loss as external sucrose concentration increases.)
Question 28: Which of these processes require energy from respiration?
 Explanation: Respiration provides energy for active processes.
o Diffusion: Is a passive process, does not require energy from respiration.
o Osmosis: Is a passive process (a special type of diffusion for water), does not
require energy from respiration.
 Possible Answer: D (diffusion: X, osmosis: X, where X = energy not required)

Question 29: Four identical pieces of potato are treated in two stages, as shown. Which
piece of potato will be largest after 2 hours?
 Explanation:
o Boiling (Stage 1): Boiling potato pieces kills the cells and denatures the cell
membranes, making them fully permeable (not selectively permeable). Therefore,
osmosis will not occur in a meaningful way; water and solutes can move freely.
o Unboiled (Stage 1): Unboiled potato pieces have living cells with partially
permeable membranes, allowing osmosis.
o Stage 2:
 10% salt solution: This is a highly concentrated solution (low water
potential).
 Distilled water: This has a very high water potential.
o Analyze options:
 A: Boiled, then 10% salt solution. Cells are dead, water/solutes will likely
move to equalize, but no turgor or swelling.
 B: Boiled, then distilled water. Cells are dead, water will enter due to
concentration gradient, but the piece won't become turgid and may not
 swell as much as a living cell due to structural integrity changes from
boiling.
 C: Unboiled, then 10% salt solution. Living cells in a concentrated
solution will lose water by osmosis and shrink (plasmolysis).
 D: Unboiled, then distilled water. Living potato cells in distilled water
(high water potential) will take in water by osmosis. The cell wall prevents
bursting, causing the cells to become turgid and the potato piece to swell,
making it the largest.
 Possible Answer: D

Question 30: The table shows the concentrations of some mineral ions in the root hair of a
plant and in the soil around it. How are these mineral ions absorbed from the soil by the
plant?
 Explanation:
o Magnesium: Concentration in root hair (75) is higher than in soil (15). To absorb
more, it must move against the concentration gradient. This is active transport.
o Nitrate: Concentration in root hair (126) is higher than in soil (47). To absorb
more, it must move against the concentration gradient. This is active transport.
 Possible Answer: A (magnesium: active transport, nitrate: active transport)

Question 31: Where and how does carbon dioxide enter a plant?
 Explanation: Carbon dioxide is a gas used in photosynthesis. It enters the plant through
small pores on the leaf surface called stomata. The movement of gases from a region of
higher concentration (atmosphere) to a region of lower concentration (inside the leaf cells
during photosynthesis) is by diffusion.
 Possible Answer: D (where: stomata, how: diffusion)
Question 32: Diagram 1 shows an onion cell that has been placed in pure water. The cell is
now placed in a concentrated sugar solution. It changes to appear as in diagram 2. Which
statement explains the change?
 Explanation:
o Diagram 1 (in pure water): The cell is turgid, meaning it has taken in water, and
the cell membrane is pressed against the cell wall. Pure water has a higher water
potential than the cell sap.
o Diagram 2 (in concentrated sugar solution): The cell membrane has pulled
away from the cell wall, and the protoplast has shrunk. This is plasmolysis.
o A concentrated sugar solution has a lower water potential than the cell sap.
Therefore, water moved by osmosis out of the cell, causing it to shrink.
 Possible Answer: D (Water has moved out of the cell.)

Question 33: Five pieces are cut from a potato, all of equal size and shape. The pieces are
then placed in sugar solutions of different concentrations. After four hours, the change in
length of each potato piece is measured. The results are shown in the graph. Which
concentration of sugar solution has approximately the same water concentration as the
potato?
 Explanation:
o The graph shows "percentage change in length of potato" versus "concentration of
sugar solution."
o When the potato piece has approximately the same water concentration (or water
potential) as the surrounding sugar solution, there will be no net movement of
water by osmosis. This means there will be no change in length (0% change).
o On the graph, locate the point where the line crosses the x-axis (where
"percentage change in length of potato" is 0). This point corresponds to the
isotonic concentration of the sugar solution.
o Looking at the graph, the line crosses the 0% change point at approximately 0.15
mol dm⁻³.
 Possible Answer: B (0.15 mol dm⁻³)
Question 34: The diagram shows cells in fresh blood and the same cells after the blood has
been mixed with liquid X. Which statement describes the water potential of liquid X?
 Explanation:
o Fresh blood cells: Appear normal (biconcave discs for red blood cells).
o Blood after mixing with liquid X: The red blood cells appear shrunken and
crenated (spiky). This indicates that water has moved out of the red blood cells by
osmosis.
o For water to move out of the cells, liquid X must have a lower water potential
(higher solute concentration) than the cytoplasm of the red blood cells.
 Possible Answer: D (It is lower than that of the cell cytoplasm.)

Question 35: Which processes can take place in a root hair cell when oxygen is not
available?
 Explanation: Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration, which produces ATP (energy)
for active processes.
o Active transport: Requires energy (ATP) from respiration. If oxygen is not
available, aerobic respiration cannot occur efficiently, so active transport would
be severely inhibited or stop.
o Diffusion: Is a passive process that does not require metabolic energy from
respiration. It relies on the kinetic energy of molecules.
o Osmosis: Is also a passive process (diffusion of water) and does not require
metabolic energy from respiration.
 Possible Answer: D (diffusion and osmosis only)

Question 36: The diagram shows apparatus used to investigate osmosis. Which molecules
will move across the partially permeable membrane and which changes in levels will
occur?
 Explanation:
o The setup has a concentrated sugar solution inside the tube and water outside. The
membrane is partially permeable.
 o Molecules moving: Water molecules are small enough to pass through the
partially permeable membrane. Sugar molecules are generally too large. Water
will move from the region of higher water potential (outside water) to the region
of lower water potential (inside sugar solution).
o Changes in levels: As water moves into the tube containing the concentrated
sugar solution, the volume of solution inside the tube will increase. This will
cause level 1 (inside the tube) to rise and level 2 (outside the tube) to fall.
 Possible Answer: D (molecules: water, level 1: rise, level 2: fall)

Question 37: What causes water to enter plant roots from the soil?
 Explanation: Water enters plant roots from the soil by osmosis. For osmosis to occur,
there must be a water potential gradient, with water moving from a region of higher water
potential to a region of lower water potential. Therefore, the water potential in the root
hairs must be lower than in the soil.
 Possible Answer: D (Water potential in root hairs is lower than in the soil.)

Question 38: The diagram shows a root hair, surrounded by a dilute solution of mineral
ions. Which statement is correct?
 Explanation:
o "Dilute solution of mineral ions" outside suggests a relatively high water potential
in the soil.
o Inside the root hair cell, there is a "concentrated solution of mineral ions,"
meaning a lower water potential.
o Water molecules move by osmosis from a region of higher water potential to a
region of lower water potential.
 Possible Answer: B (Water molecules move into the root hair because their
concentration is lower outside. - This phrasing is a bit ambiguous as water concentration
refers to water potential. If the mineral ion concentration is dilute outside, then the water
concentration is effectively higher outside. If mineral ion concentration is concentrated
inside, then water concentration is effectively lower inside. Therefore, water moves from
higher water concentration outside to lower water concentration inside.) Let's re-evaluate
 option B carefully: "Water molecules move into the root hair because their concentration
is lower outside." This is incorrect. Water moves from higher water concentration to
lower water concentration. So, if water moves into the root hair, it's because the water
concentration (water potential) is higher outside the root hair than inside.
 Revisiting Question 38 with precision:
o The diagram shows "dilute solution of mineral ions" outside and "concentrated
solution of mineral ions" inside.
o This means the water potential outside is higher than the water potential inside
the root hair cell.
o Water moves by osmosis from higher water potential to lower water potential.
o Therefore, water molecules move into the root hair.
o Why? Because the water potential (or concentration of water molecules) is higher
outside than inside.
o Let's check the given options based on this:
 A: Water molecules move into the root hair because their concentration is
lower inside. (Correct: Water concentration is lower inside, meaning lower
water potential inside).
 B: Water molecules move into the root hair because their concentration is
lower outside. (Incorrect).
 C: Water molecules move out of the root hair because their concentration
is lower inside. (Incorrect).
 D: Water molecules move out of the root hair because their concentration
is lower outside. (Incorrect).
 Possible Answer: A (Water molecules move into the root hair because their
concentration is lower inside.)

Question 39: Which process can involve active transport?

 Explanation: Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient and
requires energy.
o A: Carbon dioxide intake through stomata - Diffusion (passive).
 o B: Mineral ion intake through root hairs - Often against a concentration
gradient, requiring energy. This is a primary function of active transport in plants.
o C: Mineral ion transport through xylem vessels - Driven by transpiration pull, not
active transport.
o D: Water leaving mesophyll cells - Evaporation/Diffusion of water vapor
(passive).
 Possible Answer: B (mineral ion intake through root hairs)

Question 40: Which process, occurring in the human body, does not involve energy from
respiration?
 Explanation: Processes that do not involve energy from respiration are passive
processes.
o A: Contraction of heart muscle - Requires ATP from respiration.
o B: Diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood - This is a passive
process driven by a concentration gradient; no energy from respiration is directly
used for the movement itself.
o C: Digestion of bread - Involves muscular contractions (peristalsis) and enzyme
synthesis/secretion, which require energy.
o D: Maintaining a constant body temperature - Thermoregulation involves
metabolic processes and muscle activity (shivering) that require energy from
respiration.
 Possible Answer: B (diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood)

Question 41: A human red blood cell is placed in a strong salt solution. In which direction
does water move and what is the effect on the cell?
 Explanation:
o Strong salt solution: Has a very low water potential (high solute concentration)
compared to the cytoplasm of a red blood cell.
o Movement of water: Water will move by osmosis from the region of higher
water potential (inside the red blood cell) to the region of lower water potential
(outside, in the strong salt solution). So, water moves out of the cell.
 o Effect on cell: As water leaves the red blood cell, it will shrink and become
crenated (shriveled).
 Possible Answer: C (movement of water: out of the cell, effect on cell: slight decrease in
size)

Question 42: Four strips are cut from a fresh potato. The length of each strip is measured.
One strip is placed in water, the others in different concentrations of sugar solution. After
an hour, the strips are measured again. The results are shown in the table. Which liquid is
water?
 Explanation:
o When a potato strip is placed in water (pure water or very dilute solution), water
will move into the potato cells by osmosis (because the potato cells have a lower
water potential). This will cause the potato strip to swell and increase in length.
o Let's look at the changes in length:
 A: Original 75 mm, Final 75 mm (No change) - This would be an isotonic
solution.
 B: Original 78 mm, Final 85 mm (Increase of 7 mm) - This shows an
increase in length.
 C: Original 82 mm, Final 80 mm (Decrease of 2 mm) - This shows a
decrease in length (likely concentrated sugar solution).
 D: Original 86 mm, Final 87 mm (Increase of 1 mm) - This also shows an
increase in length.
o Between B and D, B shows a more significant increase (7 mm) compared to D (1
mm). Placing a fresh potato strip in pure water usually results in a noticeable
increase in size due to water uptake and turgor. The larger increase in length for B
makes it the most likely candidate for being placed in water.
 Possible Answer: B
Question 43: The table shows the concentration of a substance inside and outside four
different cells. Which cell would need the most energy to absorb the substance by active
transport?
 Explanation: Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient (from
lower to higher concentration). The greater the concentration gradient against which the
substance is moved, the more energy (ATP) is required. We are looking for the largest
difference where the "inside cell" concentration is higher than the "outside cell"
concentration.
o A: Inside 3, Outside 6. (Substance would diffuse in, not need active transport to
move in unless going from 6 to higher inside). If we are moving it into the cell by
active transport, it means we are moving from 6 to 3, which is down a gradient.
However, the question implies absorption by the cell. So if the cell wants to take
in more, and its concentration is 3, but outside is 6, it could diffuse in. If it wants
to move from an outside concentration of 6 to an inside concentration of 3, that
doesn't make sense for absorption.
o Let's re-interpret the question: "Which cell would need the most energy to absorb
the substance by active transport?" This implies the substance is being moved into
the cell, and the cell is already maintaining a higher concentration inside than
outside, or is trying to move it from a lower outside concentration to a higher
inside concentration.
o Let's calculate the ratio of inside/outside concentration to see the gradient being
maintained or overcome for active transport into the cell (where inside
concentration is higher than outside):
 A: Inside 3, Outside 6. (Movement into cell would be 6 to 3, which is
down, not active transport in).
 B: Inside 3, Outside 9. (Movement into cell would be 9 to 3, which is
down, not active transport in).
 C: Inside 6, Outside 3. To maintain 6 inside when outside is 3 requires
active transport. The gradient is 6/3 = 2.
 D: Inside 9, Outside 3. To maintain 9 inside when outside is 3 requires
active transport. The gradient is 9/3 = 3.
 o The largest concentration gradient against which active transport is working to
bring the substance in is when the inside concentration is highest relative to the
outside concentration.
o Comparing C and D, cell D has a much higher concentration inside (9) compared
to outside (3), indicating a steeper gradient that needs to be maintained or
established by active transport. This would require the most energy.
 Possible Answer: D