Biology Matters G.C.E.

'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Cells

Investigation 2.1 (page 19)

3. You should see something like Figure 2.5 under the microscope. The cell surface
membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus should be clearly visible.
4. The centrioles, chromatin threads and mitochondria are not visible under the light
microscope.
5. To prevent air bubbles from forming

Investigation 2.2 (page 19)

4. You should see something like Figure 2.6 under the microscope. The cell wall, cytoplasm
and nucleus should be clearly visible.
5. This cell does not contain chloroplasts. The chromatin threads and mitochondria are not
visible under the light microscope.
6. – Plant cells contain cell walls but animal cells do not.
– Animal cells are more irregular in shape than plant cells.

Test Yourself 2.1 (page 25)

1. (a) Centrioles play a part in cell division.

(b) Chloroplasts are the sites for photosynthesis.
(c) Golgi apparatus secretes substances made by the ER out of the cell, and
stores and modifies substances for secretion.
(d) Mitochondria is needed for aerobic respiration to ensure the release of
energy for cell activities.
(e) Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
(f) Rough ER transports proteins from the ribosomes to the Golgi apparatus for
secretion out of the cell.
(g) Smooth ER is involved in producing fats and steroids and in detoxification.
(h) Vacuoles store food substances and water.

2. – Cell wall is present in a plant cell but not in an animal cell.

– Chloroplasts are present in a plant cell but not in an animal cell.
– Centrioles are present in an animal cell but not in a plant cell.
– A plant cell has a large central vacuole but an animal cell has many small
vacuoles.

Test Yourself 2.2 (page 28)

Function Important Adaptations to function

characteristic(s) to serve
its function well
To absorb Needs a large surface area Long and narrow structure increases surface
water and to absorb water and area to volume ratio so that water and mineral
mineral salts mineral salts salts can be efficiently absorbed from the soil
from the soil
To deliver – Needs to be able to – Contains the pigment haemoglobin which
oxygen to all carry oxygen binds with oxygen and transports it from
parts of the the lungs to all parts of the body
body
– Needs to be able to – Circular, biconcave shape increases
take up and release surface area to volume ratio so that
oxygen quickly oxygen can diffuse into and out of the
whole cell at a faster rate

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Biology Matters G.C.E. 'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 2

Get It Right (page 30)

(a) False
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in producing fats and steroid.
(b) False
Centriole is absent in plant cells.
(c) True
(d) True

Let’s Review (page 31)

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

1. D
2. C

Section B: Structured Questions

1. (a) Cell surface membrane

(b) Chromatin
(c) Mitochondria
(d) Golgi apparatus
(e) Nucleus

2. (a) Cell surface membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic

reticulum, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes
(b) Centrioles
(c) Chloroplasts, large central vacuole

3. A and D. Presence of cell wall.

Section C: Free-Response Question

Refer to ‘Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum’ and Figure 2.14 in Section 2.1.

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