Photomicrograph Power-up Exercise

Class: Name: ( ) Marks: /10

Capillary
Coverage:
Ch 2 The cell as the basic unit of life
Ch 8 Transport in humans
Ch 21 Respiration ()

The electron micrograph below shows a cross section of a capillary. Cell X and fluid Y are
present in the capillary.

cell X

capillary
fluid Y

(×8000)

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Level 1

a With reference to one observable feature in the electron micrograph, explain how capillary
is adapted for its function. (2 marks)

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
 Blood vessels Ch 8 p. 13

b Describe how tissue fluid is formed from fluid Y. (2 marks)

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
 Formation of tissue fluid Ch 8 p. 32

Level 2

c A student thought that no energy can be released from food in cell X because cell X has no
mitochondria. Comment on the student’s view. (3 marks)

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
 Subcellular structures Ch 2 p. 21, Respiration Ch 21 p. 10

d High altitude training can increase the number of cell X in the body. Explain why a larger
number of cell X in the body can help improve the performance of marathon runners.
(3 marks)

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
 Blood cells Ch 8 p. 5, Respiration Ch 21 p. 10

Related DSE questions

Bio 2019 IA Q15

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 Answers
a The wall of capillary is made up of one-cell thick endothelium. 1m
It provides a short distance for rapid diffusion of materials. 1m
b At the arteriole end of the capillary bed, the pressure of fluid Y in the capillaries is higher than the pressure of
the fluid surrounding the body cells. 1m
This forces some components of the fluid Y (e.g. water, minerals, sugars, lipids and hormones) out of the
capillary walls to form tissue fluid. 1m
c The student is not correct. 1m
Without mitochondria, the Krebs cycle and the oxidative phosphorylation do not occur, but glycolysis can
still occur. 1m
Energy can be released from food by anaerobic respiration. 1m
d As there is a larger number of cell X, the blood has a higher oxygen-carrying capacity. 1m
This can increase the rate at which oxygen is supplied to skeletal muscles during exercise. 1m
Respiration can be carried out at a higher rate to provide more energy for more frequent / powerful muscle
contraction. 1m
(Total: 10 m)

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