Movement of Substances Across Cell Membrane: Multiple-Choice Questions

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition) Chapter 3
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions
Chapter 3 Movement of substances across

cell membrane
Multiple-choice questions
[10133098]
** In an experiment, potato strips of the same size were cut from a potato and
immersed in sucrose solutions of different concentrations for 1 day. The ratio of
initial mass to final mass of each potato strip was calculated and the results were
presented in a graph. Which of the following graphs shows the results of the
experiment?
A B
initial mass initial mass

final mass final mass
concentration of concentration of
sucrose solution sucrose solution
C D
initial mass initial mass

final mass final mass
D
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© Oxford University Press 3-1

[10133109]
* In an experiment, two potato strips of the same size were cut from the same
potato. The strips were then hung on the two sides of a balance. The weight of
the two strips was the same at the beginning. The strips were then immersed into
different solutions.
potato strip potato strip
immerse in immerse in
solution X solution Y
balance
After 4 hours, the arm of the balance tilted to the right. Which of the following
can be deduced from the result?
A The water potential of solution X is higher than that of the potato tissue.
B The water potential of solution X is lower than that of the potato tissue.
C The water potential of solution X is higher than that of solution Y.
D The water potential of solution X is lower than that of solution Y.
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133132]
* Four pieces of plant tissue, each weighed 10 g, were immersed in four different
sucrose solutions. The table below shows the mass of the four pieces of tissue
after 1 hour.
Tissue W X Y Z
Mass after 1 hour (g) 12.3 11.4 9.6 7.2
The percentage of plasmolysed cells was the highest in tissue

A W.
B X.
C Y.
D Z.
D
---------------------------------------------------

[10133142]
* The diagram below shows the structure of the cell membrane.
Z
Y
In people with cystic fibrosis, a structure in the cell membrane is defective. As a

result, fewer chloride ions move out of the cells, leading to the production of
thick mucus. Which labelled structure in the cell membrane is most probably
defective?
A W
B X
C Y
D Z
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133144]
* The diagram below shows a set-up used to study diffusion.
beaker
sugar solution X
dialysis tubing filled with

20% sugar solution
More sugar diffuses out of the tubing than diffuses in. What is the concentration
of sugar solution X?
A 10%
B 20%
C 30%
D 40%
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133147]
** In an experiment, potato strips of the same size were cut from a potato and
immersed in sucrose solutions of different concentrations for 1 day. Which of the
following graphs shows the final mass of the potato strips in different sucrose
solutions?
A B
mass mass
C D
mass mass
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133152]
* Which of the following comparisons between diffusion and active transport is
not correct?
Diffusion Active transport
A energy is not required energy is required
B cell membrane is required cell membrane is not required
C substances move from a region of substances move from a region of
higher concentration to a region of lower concentration to a region of
lower concentration higher concentration
D carrier proteins are not involved carrier proteins are involved
B
---------------------------------------------------

[10133153]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the investigation below.
Beetroot cells contain a red pigment in the vacuoles. A student cut some cubes
(1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm) from a beetroot and washed them in running water for 20
minutes. The cubes were then put into test tubes containing distilled water and
alcohol of different concentrations (W, X, Y and Z) for 30 minutes. The table
below shows the colour intensity of the solutions after 30 minutes.
Solution Colour intensity (maximum 5+)

Distilled water –
W +
X +++
Y +++++
Z ++
(Key: ‘+’ means that the solution is red in colour. The larger the number of ‘+’, the more
intense the colour. ‘–’ means that the solution is colourless)
Which alcohol is highest in concentration?

A W
B X
C Y
D Z
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133167]
* Which of the following is/are correct explanation(s) of the experimental results?
(1) The phospholipids in the cell membrane dissolve in alcohol.
(2) The pigment molecules are non-polar and thus can move across the
phospholipid bilayer.
(3) Carrier proteins are present on the cell membrane of the beetroot cells to
transport the pigment molecules.
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A

---------------------------------------------------

[10133174]
** In which of the following set-ups the dialysis tubing shows the greatest increase
in weight after 3 hours?
A B
beaker beaker
10% glucose 10% glucose
solution solution
10% sucrose distilled
solution water
C D
beaker beaker
distilled distilled
water water
10% glucose 10% sucrose
solution solution
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133190]
* The diagram below shows a plant cell immersed in a solution.
surrounding
solution:
cytoplasm: Ψ = –300 kPa
Ψ = –400 kPa
space X
Which of the following correctly shows the water potential of the solution in
space X and the explanation?
Water potential Explanation
A –300 kPa The cell wall is fully permeable.
B –300 kPa The cell membrane is differentially permeable.
C –400 kPa The cell wall is fully permeable.
D –400 kPa The cell membrane is differentially permeable.
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133201]
** The diagram below shows the polarity of different parts of two protein molecules
found in a cell membrane.
P P P P P P
P P P P
N N P P
N N P P
N N P P Key:
N N P P P: polar
N N P P N: non-polar
P P P P
P P P P P P
X Y
Which of the following shows the arrangement of the two protein molecules in
the cell membrane?
X Y
A attached to the surface of the embedded half-way in the
phospholipid bilayer phospholipid bilayer
B embedded half-way in the spans the entire phospholipid
phospholipid bilayer bilayer
C spans the entire phospholipid attached to the surface of the
bilayer phospholipid bilayer
D spans the entire phospholipid spans the entire phospholipid
bilayer bilayer
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133205]
** The diagram below shows the water potentials of three adjacent plant cells.
cell X cell Y cell Z
Ψ = –300 kPa Ψ = –200 kPa Ψ = –275 kPa

Which of the following correctly shows the net movement of water between the
cells?
A cell X → cell Y → cell Z
B cell Z → cell Y → cell X
C cell X → cell Y; cell Z → cell Y
D cell Y → cell X; cell Y → cell Z
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133208]
* In an experiment, potato strips of the same size were cut from a potato and
immersed in sucrose solutions of different concentrations for 1 day. The ratio of
final mass to initial mass of each potato strip was calculated. The graph below
shows the results.
1.08
1.06
1.04
final mass
1.02
initial mass
0.98
0.96
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

–3
concentration of sucrose solution (mol dm )
The water potential of the potato tissue is the same as that of

A 0.18 mol dm–3 sucrose solution.
B 0.52 mol dm–3 sucrose solution.
C 0.72 mol dm–3 sucrose solution.
D 0.8 mol dm–3 sucrose solution.
B
---------------------------------------------------

[10133212]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.
P Q
Which of the following is/are the role(s) of structure X?

(1) cell recognition
(2) carrying polar substances across the cell membrane
(3) allowing non-polar substances to move across the cell membrane
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (1) and (2) only
D (2) and (3) only
A
---------------------------------------------------
[10133222]
* Which of the following correctly shows the paths through which water and fatty
acid molecules move across the cell membrane?
Water Fatty acid
A path P path P
B path P path Q
C path Q path P
D path Q path Q
C
---------------------------------------------------

[10133228]
According to the fluid mosaic model of cell membrane, which of the following
statements about the phospholipid molecules in the cell membrane is correct?
A They have hydrophilic tails pointing to the interior of the membrane.
B They are arranged in a bilayer, with membrane proteins covering the
surfaces of the membrane.
C They are free to depart from the membrane and dissolve in the surrounding
aqueous solution.
D They can move laterally along the plane of the membrane.
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133230]
* A cell that is hypertonic to the surrounding solution
A will experience a net movement of water into the cell from the surrounding
solution.
B has a lower concentration of solutes than the surrounding solution.
C has a water potential of zero.
D is in danger of plasmolysis.
A
---------------------------------------------------
[10133239]
* In the human small intestine, glucose in the lumen moves across the cell
membrane and enters the cells lining the small intestine rapidly. The cytoplasm
of the cells lining the small intestine has a low glucose concentration. Which of
following processes is most probably involved in the absorption of glucose?
A phagocytosis
B active transport
C diffusion
D osmosis
B
---------------------------------------------------

[10133266]
shows how a unicellular organism obtains food particles.
unicellular food vacuole
organism particle
The food particle can enter the unicellular organism because

(1) the organism can move towards the food particle.
(2) the cell membrane of the organism is fluid in nature.
(3) the cell membrane of the organism is mosaic in nature.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A
---------------------------------------------------
[10133269]
* Bacteria never obtain food in this way because
A bacterial cells do not have a true nucleus.
B bacterial cells do not have a cell membrane.
C bacteria are autotrophic organisms.
D bacteria do not carry out respiration to release energy.
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133272]
Which of the following processes does not require a concentration gradient?
A diffusion
B osmosis
C active transport
D none of the above
C
---------------------------------------------------

[10133288]
** The graph below shows the change in the weight of a potato strip when it is
immersed in salt solutions of different concentrations.
4
3
change in weight of
gain 2 concentration of
1 salt solution (%)
potato strip (g)
0
0.5 1 1.5 2
-1
loss
-2
-3
-4
Which of the following is the reason for joining the points by a best fit straight
line?
A This averages the results and allows us to establish a relationship between
two variables.
B The individual points are wrong.
C The individual points are assumptions, while the best fit straight line is a
fact.
D The best fit straight line shows the accuracy of the results.
A
---------------------------------------------------
[10133289]
* Which of the following statements about osmosis are correct?
(1) It can result in an increase in pressure in plant cells.
(2) It can cause the bursting of animal cells.
(3) It is the diffusion of water molecules from a dilute solution to a more
concentrated solution.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
D
---------------------------------------------------

[10133327]
* The table below shows the contents of three test tubes. The test tubes were set up
to investigate the effect of different solutions on red blood cells.
Test tube Contents
X Blood sample and a hypotonic solution
Y Blood sample and an isotonic solution
Z Blood sample and a hypertonic solution
A drop of the contents from each test tube was transferred to a slide and observed
under the microscope. Which of the following correctly describes the
observation?
Test tube Observation
A X red blood cells shrink
B X red blood cells swell
C Y red blood cells become turgid
D Z red blood cells burst
B
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[10133337]
* The unicellular organism, Amoeba, shown below was placed into a beaker of
distilled water.
Which of the following shows the appearance of Amoeba after 15 minutes?

A B
C D

---------------------------------------------------

[10133356]
shows a molecule moving across the cell membrane.
X
outside of cell
Y inside of cell
Which of the following correctly identifies X and Y?

X Y
A oxygen protein molecule
B glucose protein molecule
C carbon dioxide carbohydrate molecule
D water carbohydrate molecule
B
---------------------------------------------------
[10133358]
* Which of the following substances also moves across the cell membrane by the
above process?
A glycerol
B carbon dioxide
C calcium ion
D triglyceride
C
---------------------------------------------------

[10133360]
* Which part of a phospholipid molecule contributes most to the thickness of the
cell membrane?
A glycerol
B fatty acid tails
C hydrophilic head
D phosphate group
B
---------------------------------------------------
[10133362]
* The diagram below shows some cells.
The salt concentration of the cells is 0.9%. If they are put into a 10% salt
solution, the cells will
A swell and burst.
B shrink.
C retain its normal shape.
D lose its salt content.
B
---------------------------------------------------
[10133365]
Which of the following drinks has the highest water potential?
A distilled water
B soup
C beer
D cola
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133380]
Which of the following statements about active transport are correct?
(1) It is the main way by which oxygen enters the cells.
(2) It enables plants to absorb minerals from the soil.
(3) It needs energy released in the process of respiration.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133381]
* Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?
A It is the net movement of water molecules from a solution with a low water
potential into a cell with a high water potential.
B All cells become plasmolysed in hypotonic solutions.
C One of the applications of osmosis is to preserve foods by immersing them
in hypertonic solutions.
D Osmosis occurs only in cells with a cell wall.
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133383]
Which of the following are the main components of cell membranes?
(1) proteins
(2) phospholipids
(3) nucleic acids
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133385]
The diagram below shows a tissue. What will happen to cell X if the tissue is
immersed in (1) a hypotonic solution or (2) a hypertonic solution?
cell X
(1) (2)
A burst become plasmolysed
B become plasmolysed burst
C turgid become plasmolysed
D become plasmolysed turgid
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133397]
Which of the following processes requires energy to occur?
A diffusion
B osmosis
C active transport
D none of the above
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133399]
* A student mounted some blood cells on a slide and observed them with a light
microscope. He found that the blood cells swelled. Which of the following was a
possible cause of the swelling of cells?
A He used a concentrated salt solution to mount the cells.
B He used distilled water to mount the cells.
C The cells are dead before mounting onto the slide.
D He lowered the cover slip too rapidly during the preparation of the mount.
B
---------------------------------------------------

[10133402]
* Which of the following statements about diffusion are correct?
(1) The particles will not move when there is no concentration gradient
between two regions.
(2) The concentration gradient of a substance is not affected by that of another
substance.
(3) Diffusion can take place without a differentially permeable membrane.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133405]
* The photograph below shows a piece of dialysis tubing being filled with 5%
sucrose solution.
Four pieces of dialysis tubing filled with 5% sucrose solution were immersed in
beakers of different solutions. Which of the following solutions would cause a
largest decrease in the concentration of sucrose solution in the tubing?
A distilled water
B 5% sucrose solution
C 10% sucrose solution
D 10% glucose solution
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133422]
* Cells in xylem vessels are dead cells. Which of the following processes occur(s)
in these cells?
(1) osmosis
(2) active transport
(3) diffusion
A (3) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133427]
The diagram below shows the gas exchange in Amoeba.
Which of the following processes is/are involved in the gas exchange of

Amoeba?
(1) osmosis
(2) active transport
(3) diffusion
A (3) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A
---------------------------------------------------

[10133441]
Which of the following statements about diffusion is correct?
A It is due to the random movement of the particles that have kinetic energy.
B It requires an additional input of energy.
C It takes place only in the presence of a differentially permeable membrane.
D It refers to the movement of water molecules only.
A
---------------------------------------------------
[10133443]
What will happen to an animal cell and a plant cell if they are put in a hypertonic
solution?
Animal cell Plant cell
A swells and then bursts becomes turgid
B volume remains unchanged becomes plasmolysed
C shrinks becomes flaccid
D volume remains unchanged volume remains unchanged
C
---------------------------------------------------
[10133449]
Plasmolysis refers to the situation that
A water enters a cell by osmosis.
B an animal cell shrinks.
C a cell is put in a hypotonic solution.
D a plant cell has its cell membrane pulled away from its cell wall.
D
---------------------------------------------------
[10133453]
* Which of the following is an importance of active transport in our body?
A It is the fastest way of absorbing substances.
B It does not require energy.
C It allows the greatest amount of substances to be absorbed when compared
with diffusion and osmosis.
D It allows absorption of essential substances against a concentration gradient.
D
---------------------------------------------------

Question Bank Short questions
Short questions
[10133625]
* A student wanted to observe some red blood cells under the microscope. The
student placed a small sample of blood onto a microscope slide and added a drop
of distilled water. When viewed at high-power, the student observed that the red
blood cells had burst.
In a similar procedure using plant epidermis, the student observed the plant cells
did not burst.
a Explain these observations. (5 marks)
b Suggest how the student could modify the procedure to observe red blood
cells without them bursting. (1 mark)
OCR GCE (AS) Cells, Exchange and Transport May 2012 Q4a
-- answer --
a The red blood cells had a lower water potential than distilled water. 1m
Water moved down the water potential gradient / from a region of higher water
potential to a region of lower water potential by osmosis. 1m
The cell membrane of red blood cells could not withstand the pressure and thus
the cells burst / haemolysis occurred. 1m
The cell wall of the plant cells could provide support to the cells / could withstand
the pressure so that the cells did not burst. 1m
The plant cells became turgid and water uptake was reduced. 1m
b Use a solution with a water potential the same as / similar to / lower than that of
the red blood cells instead of distilled water.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133628]
* The size and solubility of molecules has an effect on their ability to be taken up
by cells.
An investigation was carried out into the permeability of a cell membrane to a
number of different non-polar, organic molecules. The molecules differed in their
size and in their solubility in oil compared with their solubility in water.
The higher the solubility, the more soluble the molecule is in oil compared with
water.
The graph below shows the results of this investigation.
The size of the circle drawn on the graph indicates the size of the molecule; the
larger the circle, the larger the molecule.

membrane permeability
(arbitrary unit) 0.75
0.5
0.25
0 1 2 3 4
solubility in oil compared to water (arbitrary unit)
a Describe what relationship, if any, there is between the permeability of this

cell membrane and the size of the molecules. (1 mark)
b Describe what relationship, if any, there is between the permeability of this
cell membrane and the solubility of the molecules in oil compared with
water. (1 mark)
c Use your knowledge of the structure and properties of cell membranes to
explain the results of this investigation. (3 marks)
Edexcel GCE (AS) Biology Unit 1 Jan 2011 Q6b
-- answer --
a There is no relationship between them. 1m
b The permeability increases as the solubility in oil compared to water increases.
1m
c The cell membrane is mainly made up of a phospholipid bilayer. /
The fatty acid tails of phospholipid molecules are hydrophobic. /
Non-polar molecules / molecules that have high solubility in oil compared to water
will pass through the membrane more readily. / Polar molecules / molecules with
low solubility in oil compared to water will pass through the membrane less
readily. /
Permeability is linked to the readiness of the molecule to dissolve in the
phospholipid bilayer. (any 3) 1m x 3
---------------------------------------------------

[10133633]
* Read the following article and answer the questions.
Mangrove is a unique intertidal wetland ecosystem found in sheltered

tropical and subtropical shores. Periodically, it receives salty sea water from
tidal flushing. Many plants cannot survive in this saline environment. To
overcome the problem of water absorption caused by high salinity, some
mangrove plants maintain a higher solute concentration than that of the
surrounding water in their root cells.
a Explain why many plants cannot survive high salinity. (3 marks)

b Suggest how the mangrove plants increase the solute concentration in their
root cells. (1 mark)
c How does an increase in solute concentration affect the water potential?
(1 mark)
-- answer --
a The water potential of their cells is higher than that of the surrounding salty water.
1m
The cells lose water to the surroundings 1m
by osmosis. 1m
b The mangrove plants may take in salts from the surrounding water / accumulate
sugars in their root cells. 1m
c An increase in solute concentration lowers the water potential. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133645]
* A student mixed some blood with an equal volume of detergent and then put a
drop of the mixture on a slide. Under the microscope, no cells but a uniform pale
red colour could be observed.
a Explain the observation. (2 marks)
b Describe and explain what would be observed if the blood is mixed with
distilled water instead of detergent. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a The cell membrane which was made up of phospholipids dissolved in the
detergent. 1m
Haemoglobin / Red pigment from the red blood cells leaked into the surroundings
and produced a pale red colour. 1m
b No cells but a uniform pale red colour would be observed. 1m
Distilled water is hypotonic to the red blood cells. 1m
Water would enter the red blood cells by osmosis. 1m
The red blood cells would swell and finally burst, releasing the haemoglobin / red
pigment. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133667]
* A student carried out an experiment to study the uptake of substance X by root
tissue of a plant. He immersed four identical cubes of plant tissue into beakers of
solutions. The solutions have the same concentration of substance X but different
concentration of oxygen. The table below shows the results.
Concentration of oxygen Rate of uptake of substance X

(arbitrary unit) (arbitrary unit)
0 7
5 29
10 90
20 100
a The student concluded that the tissue takes in substance X by diffusion and
active transport. Do you agree? Give evidence to support your answer.
(4 marks)
b How would the rate of uptake of subtstance X change if cyanide is added to
the solution? Explain why. (3 marks)

-- answer --
a Agree.
The rate of uptake of substance X increased with concentration of oxygen. 1m
This suggested that the uptake involves active transport because active transport
requires energy from respiration and respiration needs oxygen. 1m
Substance X was still taken in by the tissue in the solution without oxygen. 1m
This suggested that the uptake involves diffusion, which does not need energy.
1m
b Substance X would be taken in at a rate of 7 arbitrary units. 1m
Cyanide stops respiration. The cells cannot release energy for active transport.
1m
The cells take in substance X by diffusion only. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133668]
** The diagram below shows a piece of dialysis tubing containing a sugar solution
(X) immersed in another sugar solution (Y).
capillary tube
solution X:
4% sucrose +
dialysis tubing 4% glucose
solution Y:
6% sucrose +
0.2% glucose
The liquid level in the capillary tube rises initially and then falls gradually.
Explain why. (6 marks)
-- answer --
At the beginning, the water potential of solution X is lower than that of the solution Y.
1m
There is a net movement of water molecules from solution Y to solution X by osmosis,

leading to a rise in the liquid level. 1m

Glucose molecule is small enough to pass through the dialysis tubing. 1m
The concentration of glucose in solution X is higher than that of solution Y. 1m
There is a net movement of glucose molecules out of the tubing by diffusion and leads
to a decrease in water potential of solution Y and increase in water potential of solution
X. 1m
Water molecules move from solution X to solution Y by osmosis, leading to a fall in the
liquid level. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133670]
** The graphs below show the effect of concentration difference between the inside
and outside of a cell on the rates of uptake of two substances by the cell. The
rates of uptake of the two substances when cyanide is present are also shown.
with and
without
cyanide
rate of rate of
without
uptake of uptake of
cyanide
substance substance
X Y
with cyanide
concentration difference concentration difference
between inside and outside between inside and outside
of cell of cell
Name the process involved in the uptake of substances X and Y. Explain briefly.
(6 marks)
-- answer --
Substance X is taken into the cell by diffusion / osmosis. 1m
As concentration difference increases, the rate of uptake increases. 1m
The rate of uptake is not affected by the presence of cyanide, indicated that the
process is passive / does not require energy.
1m
Substance Y is taken into the cell by active transport. 1m
The rate of uptake levels off when concentration difference is large. This is because all
carrier proteins on the cell membrane are occupied. 1m
The rate of uptake drops to zero in the presence of cyanide, indicated that the process

is active / requires energy. 1m

---------------------------------------------------

[10133671]
* The table below shows the rate of absorption of two kinds of sugars, X and Y, by
the cells in the inner wall of the small intestine. The rates of absorption when
cyanide is present are also shown.
Rate of absorption (arbitrary unit)

Cyanide absent Cyanide present
X 1.00 0.29
Y 0.26 0.26
a State three conclusions that can be obtained from the results. (3 marks)
b Which of the two sugars is absorbed by diffusion only? Explain your
answer. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a More sugar X than sugar Y is absorbed by the cells. /
The two kinds of sugars are absorbed at similar rate when cyanide is present. /
Presence of cyanide significantly reduces the rate of absorption of sugar X. /
Presence of cyanide does not affect the rate of absorption of sugar Y. (any 3)
1m x 3
b Sugar Y 1m
The rate of absorption remains the same in the presence of cyanide. 1m
This suggests that absorption of sugar Y does not need energy from respiration /
is a passive process. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133673]
State three ways in which osmosis is different from diffusion. (3 marks)
-- answer --
Osmosis always involves a differentially permeable membrane while diffusion does not.
1m
Osmosis refers to the movement of water molecules only, while diffusion refers to the
movement of any molecules including water molecules. 1m
During osmosis, there is a net movement of water molecules from a region of higher
water potential (i.e. lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water potential
(i.e. higher solute concentration). During diffusion, there is a net movement of
molecules from a region of higher solute concentration to a region of lower solute
concentration.

1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133682]
The diagram below shows a process by which sodium ions are being transported
across the cell membrane.
step 1
sodium ion
carrier protein
step 2
a Name the process. (1 mark)

b Explain why sodium ions cannot move through the phospholipid bilayer.
(1 mark)
c Suggest one modification in the cell membrane that could result in an
increase in the rate of sodium ion transport across the cell membrane.
(1 mark)
-- answer --
a Active transport 1m
b Sodium ions are charged / hydrophilic / insoluble in lipids. 1m
c Increase the number of carrier proteins in the cell membrane. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133698]
* Read the following article and answer the questions.
The structure of cell membrane has been the research subject of many
scientists in the past 200 years.
Until the 1970s, scientists believed that the cell membrane was composed
of a phospholipid bilayer sandwiched between two layers of hydrophilic
proteins. This was the ‘sandwich model’.
protein
phospholipid
bilayer
protein
However, further experiments showed that the membrane proteins have

hydrophilic parts and hydrophobic parts. If the membrane proteins are on both
sides of the bilayer as in the ‘sandwich model’, the membrane would be
unstable.
Electron micrographs also showed that tiny dots are present between the
two phospholipid layers. These tiny dots were suggested to be proteins by
Singer and Nicolson. These evidence led Singer and Nicolson to propose the
fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane in 1972.
a Explain why the membrane proteins having hydrophobic parts would make
the membrane in the ‘sandwich model’ unstable. (1 mark)
b What is the evidence that supported the model proposed by Singer and
Nicolson? (2 marks)
c Suggest two features of scientific models from the information given in the
article. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a The hydrophobic parts of the membrane proteins would be repelled by both the
aqueous environment and the hydrophilic heads of the phospholipid molecules.
1m
b The membrane proteins have hydrophilic parts and hydrophobic parts. This
implies that the membrane proteins are not on both sides of the phospholipid

bilayer.
1m
Electron micrographs showed that tiny dots are present between the two
phospholipid layers. These were suggested to be proteins embedded in the
phospholipid bilayer. 1m
c Scientific models are tentative and subject to change. 1m
Scientific models are built to visualize things that cannot be observed directly.
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133716]
* Amoeba is a unicellular organism that lives in freshwater ponds. It constantly
discharges excess water in the body by a special vacuole. The graph below
shows the changes in the frequency of discharge in an Amoeba as the water
potential of the surrounding solution decreases.
40
number of discharges per
30
minute
20
10
0
decreasing water potential of the
surrounding solution
a On the graph, mark with the letter W the point at which the water potential
of the surrounding solution is equal to that of the Amoeba. Give a reason for
your answer. (2 marks)
b Compare the water potential of the Amoeba and that of the surrounding
solution when the frequency of discharge is 30 times per minute.
(1 mark)
-- answer --
a Correct marking at the rightmost end of the line 1m
When the water potential of the surrounding solution is equal to that of the
Amoeba, no water is discharged by the special vacuole. 1m
b The water potential of the surrounding solution is higher than that of the Amoeba.

1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133717]
* Three discs were cut from the same potato and were immersed in three salt
solutions of different concentrations. After 30 minutes, the discs were removed
from the solutions. Cells from each disc were mounted and observed under a
light microscope. The diagram below shows three cells observed.
a i Identify the cell which is taken from

1 the disc immersed in a hypotonic solution. (1 mark)
2 the disc immersed in an isotonic solution. (1 mark)
ii Briefly describe the process that causes the change in the appearance
of the cells. (2 marks)
b Name the sub-cellular structure that prevents plant cells from bursting.
(1 mark)
c The experiment was repeated using red blood cells. Draw a diagram to
show the appearance of a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution.
(2 marks)
-- answer --
a i 1 Cell Y 1m
2 Cell Z 1m
ii There is a net movement of water molecules 1m
from the solution of higher water potential to the solution of lower water
potential. 1m
b Cell wall 1m
c Correct title 1m
Correct diagram which shows a red blood cell shrinks 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133729]
a Fill in the blanks below to define the process of diffusion.
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of to a
region of . (2 marks)
b Complete the following diagram to show the movement of each substance
using suitable words selected from the list below. (3 marks)
glucose carbon dioxide oxygen
nucleus
cell membrane
c Which part of the cell controls the movement of substances in and out of the
cell? (1 mark)
-- answer --
a higher concentration 1m
lower concentration 1m
b Moving into the cell:
glucose 1m
oxygen 1m
Moving out of the cell:
carbon dioxide 1m
c Cell membrane 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133735]
* Samples of blood were mixed with different liquids. A drop of mixture was put
on a slide and was examined under a microscope.
a The table below shows the three liquids mixed with blood sample.
Complete the table by selecting one phrase that correctly describes the
observation for each liquid. (3 marks)
I No cell but a uniform pale red colour is seen.
II The cells become wrinkled.
III The cells appear normal.
Slide Liquid added Observation under the microscope

X Distilled water
20% sucrose
Y
solution
0.9% sodium
Z
chloride solution
b Explain the observations of slides Y and Z. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a
Slide Liquid added Observation under the microscope
X Distilled water I
Y 20% sucrose II
solution
0.9% sodium
Z III
chloride solution
1m x 3
b Y:
The water potential of red blood cells is higher than that of 20% sucrose solution.
1m
Water leaves the red blood cells by osmosis. 1m
Z:
The water potential of red blood cells is about the same as that of 0.9% sodium
chloride solution. 1m
There is no net gain or loss of water in the cells. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133756]
* The diagram below shows two adjacent plant cells.
cell X cell Y
Ψ = –1500 kPa Ψ = –600 kPa
a Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the net flow of water. Explain your
answer. (2 marks)
b i How does the solute concentration affect the water potential of a cell?
(1 mark)
ii Explain why many species of plants are unable to survive in a habitat
of low water potential. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a From cell Y to cell X 1m
The water potential of cell Y is higher than that of cell X. 1m
b i The higher the solute concentration, the lower / more negative the water
potential. 1m
ii If the water potential of the cells is higher than that of the surroundings,
1m
water will leave the cells continuously by osmosis. 1m
The plants will lack water for metabolic reactions / photosynthesis. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133791]
a The following statements outline the process of phagocytosis but they are in
wrong order.
I The cell releases enzymes to digest the particle in the vacuole.
II The particle is enclosed in a small vacuole.
III A pit or pseudopodium is formed to engulf the target particle.
VI The digested products diffuse to the cytoplasm.
Arrange them in proper order. (2 marks)

b What is the importance of phagocytosis? (2 marks)

-- answer --
a III → II → I → VI 2m
b Some unicellular organisms engulf food particles by phagocytosis. 1m
In humans and other mammals, certain types of white blood cells engulf harmful
microorganisms by phagocytosis. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133793]
a i Glucose cannot diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer of the cell
membrane directly. Explain why. (1 mark)
ii Glucose is transported across the membrane by the carrier proteins.
Name this process. (1 mark)
iii Besides acting as carrier proteins for transporting glucose, suggest two
other functions of membrane proteins. (2 marks)
b Suggest one modification in the cell membranes that could result in an
increase in the rate of glucose uptake. (1 mark)
-- answer --
a i Glucose molecules are polar / water-soluble molecules. / Glucose molecules
are not lipid-soluble. 1m
ii Active transport 1m
iii They provide channels for transporting certain ions and small, polar
molecules. /
They are involved in cell recognition. /
They receive chemical messengers (e.g. hormones) outside the cell. /
They speed up reactions in the cell. (any 2) 1m x 2
b Increase the number of carrier proteins in the cell membrane. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

Question Bank Structured questions
Structured questions
[10133902]
* a i Name the process by which water leaves a cell. (1 mark)
ii Describe the route that water molecules take through the cell surface
membrane. (2 marks)
A student carried out an investigation to determine the effects of different

sucrose concentrations on cells from pieces of onion epidermis.
• Strips of epidermis were taken from an onion.
• Separate pieces of epidermis were placed into water and a range of sucrose
solutions.
• The pieces of epidermis were left for 30 minutes before being removed.
• The pieces of epidermis were then viewed at high-power under the
microscope.
The student counted 100 cells from each piece of epidermis. The student noted
how many cells had become plasmolysed. The results are shown in the table
below.
Concentration of sucrose Water potential of Percentage of cells

–3
solution (mol dm ) sucrose solution (kPa) plasmolysed (%)
0.0 0 0
0.1 –260 0
0.3 –860 3
0.4 –1120 7
0.5 –1450 39
0.6 –1800 57
0.7 –2180 83
0.8 –2580 94
1.0 –3500 100
b None of the onion epidermis cells this student observed had burst when left
in pure water. Explain why plant cells do not burst when they are left in
pure water. (2 marks)

c i The water potential of the onion epidermis cells can be assumed to be

the same as the water potential of a solution that causes 50%
plasmolysis. Use the information from the table to estimate the water
potential inside these onion epidermis cells. (1 mark)
ii Suggest how the student could construct and use a graph to obtain a
better estimate of the water potential. (2 marks)
d Suggest how the student could modify the procedure to make the results
more reliable and accurate. (4 marks)
OCR GCE (AS) Cells, Exchange and Transport Jan 2011 Q6
-- answer --
a i Osmosis 1m
ii Water molecules move across the cell membrane through the channel
proteins. 2m
b The cell wall of the cells 1m
provides strength / withstands pressure / prevents the cell membrane from
expanding too much. 1m
c i Between –1451 and –1799 kPa 1m
ii Plot the percentage of cells plasmolysed against the water potential of the
solution. 1m
Look up the corresponding water potential where the percentage of cells
plasmolysed is 50%. 1m
d Any four from: 1m x 4
Reliable:
Observe more pieces of onion epidermis from each solution. /
Count more cells in each piece of epidermis. /
Calculate a mean. /
Ignore anomalous results.
Accurate:
Use more intermediate concentrations within existing ranges. /
Narrow the range of concentrations of sucrose solutions around the concentrations
where the percentage of cells plasmolysed is nearly 50%. /
Take photographs and mark the cells when counting.
---------------------------------------------------

[10133907]
* Plant scientists carried out an experiment to find the water potential of plant
cells. Discs of potato tuber, about 1 mm thick, were cut and weighed. Repeat
samples were taken and placed in a series of sucrose solutions ranging from 0.0
to 0.6 mol dm–3 in covered dishes at a constant temperature of 20 °C. After
1 hour the samples were blotted rapidly between sheets of filter paper and re-
weighed.
The results they obtained are shown in the table below.

Concentration of sucrose
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
solution (mol dm–3)
Mean percentage change
+22 +17 +9 +3 –3 –10 –15
in mass (%)
a i Plot these figures on the graph paper below. (2 marks)

+25
+20
+15
+10
mean +5
percentage
change in
mass (%) concentration
0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 of sucrose
solution
–3
(mol dm )
–5
–10
–15
–20

ii Draw a line of best fit on the graph paper. (1 mark)

b Use the graph to work out the concentration of sucrose solution equal to the
water potential of the potato cells. (1 mark)
c Why were the dishes containing the discs and sucrose solution covered
during the experiment? (1 mark)
d Suggest two reasons for expressing the change in mass as a percentage
change. (2 marks)
OCR GCE (AS) Applied Science Cells and Molecules Jan 2011 Q2
-- answer --
a i Correct plotting of points 2m
ii Appropriate smooth line of best fit 1m
b 0.34 – 0.36 mol dm–3 1m
c To prevent evaporation of water. /
To reduce changes to water potential. /
To prevent contamination. 1m
d To allow comparison. /
Not all the discs were of the same mass at the start. /
Not all the discs were of the same thickness at the start. /
Not all the discs were identical in size. (any 2) 1m x 2
---------------------------------------------------
[10133918]
* The diagram below shows a unicellular organism Paramecium.
contractile
vacuole
nucleus
cell
membrane

Paramecium lives in freshwater environment. Due to the difference in water

potentials between the cytoplasm of Paramecium and the surrounding
environment, water continuously enters Paramecium.
A special structure called contractile vacuole is present in Paramecium to
regulate its water content. Solutes are first actively transported into the
contractile vacuole from the cytoplasm. This causes water to move into the
contractile vacuole. The contractile vacuole then contracts to expel the solution
out of the cell.
a Compare the water potentials of the cytoplasm of Paramecium and the
surrounding environment. (1 mark)
b Describe the route by which water molecules enter Paramecium through its
cell membrane. (1 mark)
c What is the consequence if excess water is not removed from Paramecium
by the contractile vacuole? (1 mark)
d Explain why the transport of solutes into the contractile vacuole causes
water to move into it. (3 marks)
e Unicellular organisms with a cell wall usually do not have contractile
vacuoles. Explain why. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a The water potential of the cytoplasm of Paramecium is lower than that of the
surrounding environment. 1m
b Through the channel proteins in the cell membrane. 1m
c Paramecium may burst. 1m
d As the amount of solutes increases, the water potential of the solution in the
contractile vacuole decreases. 1m
The water potential of the solution in the contractile vacuole becomes lower than
that of the cytoplasm. 1m
Thus, there is a net movement of water molecules into the contractile vacuole by
osmosis. 1m
e The cell wall restricts the entry of water when the cells become turgid. 1m
Water eventually stops entering the cells, thus the unicellular organisms with a
cell wall will not burst. They do not need contractile vacuoles to regulate water
content.
1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133922]
* In 1925, two scientists Gorter and Grendel performed an experiment about the
arrangement of phospholipid molecules in the cell membrane. They extracted
phospholipids from the cell membrane of red blood cells in 10 cm3 of blood.
They then allowed the phosphlipids to spread on the surface of water as a thin
layer. The diagram below shows the arrangement of phospholipid molecules on
the surface of water.
fatty acid
glycerol with
water phosphate group
a With reference to the properties of phospholipid molecules, explain the

arrangement of phospholipid on the surface of water. (4 marks)
b It is known that the total surface area of the red blood cells is 12 m2. What
was the total area of phospholipid molecules on the surface of water?
Explain your answer. (2 marks)
c In 1972, Singer and Nicolson proposed a model called fluid mosaic model
to illustrate the structure of the cell membrane. Draw a labelled 2D-diagram
to show the structure of the cell membrane according to the fluid mosaic
model. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a The part of the phospholipid molecule with glycerol and phosphate group is polar /
hydrophilic. 1m
Thus it is attracted to the water molecules. 1m
The fatty acid chains are non-polar / hydrophobic. 1m
Thus they are repelled by the water molecules. 1m
b 24 m 2
1m
The phospholipid molecules are arranged in a bilayer in the cell membrane. 1m
c Correct drawing 1m
Correct title 1m
Correct labels 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133928]
* Some potato strips were weighed and immersed in sucrose solutions of different
concentrations for 30 minutes, and then weighed again. The graph below shows
the gain or loss in mass of the potato strips expressed as percentage of the
original mass, at each concentration of sucrose solution.
+40
X
gain +30
+20
+10
percentage concentration
change in 0 of sucrose
mass 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 solution (M)
–10
–20
loss –30
Y
–40
a Which two terms can be used to describe the conditions of the potato cells
at points X and Y respectively? (2 marks)
b Which concentration of sucrose solution has a water potential equal to that
of the potato tissue? (1 mark)
c If a potato strip immersed in 0.35 M sucrose solution for 30 minutes is
transferred to 0.15 M sucrose solution, describe and explain what will
happen to the potato cells. (3 marks)
d Draw a diagram to show the appearance of the potato cell immersed in
0.375 M sucrose solution as seen under a light microscope. Label the
different parts of the cell and the solution(s) present. (4 marks)

-- answer --
a X: turgid 1m
Y: flaccid / plasmolysed 1m
b 0.25 M 1m
c The water potential of 0.15 M sucrose solution is higher than that of the potato
cells. 1m
Water will enter the cells by osmosis. 1m
The cells will become turgid again. 1m
d
cytoplasm cell wall

starch grain
cell
sucrose membrane
solution
A potato cell immersed in 0.375 M sucrose solution
Correct drawing (cell membrane clearly separates from the cell wall) 1m
Correct title 1m
Correct labelling of structures 1m
Correct label of sucrose solution in the space between cell wall and cell
membrane
1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133930]
* The diagram below shows an alga being taken into an Amoeba.
alga
Amoeba X
a Name the process. (1 mark)

b State the function of X and Y in the process. (4 marks)
c Explain how the structure of the cell membrane allows this process to occur.
(3 marks)

-- answer --
a Phagocytosis 1m
b X (mitochondrion) is the main site where the energy-releasing stage of respiration
takes place. 1m
The energy released is used in the synthesis of digestive enzymes / forming small
vacuoles / movement of Amoeba towards the alga. 1m
Y (rough endoplasmic reticulum) is involved in the synthesis of proteins. 1m
Digestive enzymes needed in the digestion of the engulfed alga are proteins.
1m
c The phospholipid molecules can move laterally in the cell membrane. / The cell
membrane is fluid in nature. 1m
This makes the membrane flexible. 1m
The cell membrane can change shape to form the pseudopodium / pit to surround
the alga during phagocytosis. 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133940]
** A student carried out an experiment to estimate the water potential of beetroot
cells. The steps involved in the experiment are shown below.
1 Fill 2 test tubes with 0.1 M sucrose solution.
2 Put 5 pieces of beetroot into one of the test tubes (tube X). Wait for 2 hours.
3 Remove a small amount of sucrose solution from tube X. Release 1 drop
into the other test tube of sucrose solution (tube Y). Observe whether the
drop moves upwards or downwards.
4 Repeat steps 1 to 3 with 0.2 M, 0.3 M, 0.4 M and 0.5 M sucrose solutions.
remove small
dropper amount of
sucrose
solution
sucrose release a drop
solution into another
test tube
beetroot
tube X tube Y

The table below shows the results.
Concentration of sucrose
Movement of the drop
solution (M)
0.1 Moves downwards
0.2 Moves downwards
0.3 Moves downwards
0.4 Not move
0.5 Moves upwards
a State the concentration of sucrose solution that has the same water potential
as the beetroot cells. (1 mark)
b Explain why the drop moves upwards in 0.5 M sucrose solution.
(4 marks)
c In another experiment, pieces of beetroot are immersed in ethanol for 2
hours. Describe what will happen and explain. (3 marks)
-- answer --
a 0.4 M 1m
b The water potential of the beetroot cells was higher than that of 0.5 M sucrose
solution. 1m
There was a net movement of water from the beetroot to the sucrose solution.
1m
As a result, the sucrose solution became diluted. 1m
The drop of diluted sucrose solution was less dense / lighter than the 0.5 M
sucrose solution, therefore it moved upwards. 1m
c The ethanol will become red. 1m
Ethanol will dissolve the phospholipids in the cell membrane of the beetroot cells.
1m
The red pigments in the cells will leak out. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133966]
The photomicrographs below show some epidermal cells of Zebrina in sucrose
solution and in distilled water.
(×100) (×100)
in distilled water in sucrose solution
a i Describe the appearance of the epidermal cells in distilled water and in

the sucrose solution. (2 marks)
ii Hence, determine whether distilled water and the sucrose solution are
hypotonic, isotonic or hypertonic to the epidermal cells. (2 marks)
b Explain the appearance of epidermal cells in the sucrose solution in terms of
the net movement of water. (2 marks)
c Describe the appearance of red blood cells if they are put in distilled water
and the sucrose solution. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a i In distilled water, the epidermal cells are turgid. 1m
In the sucrose solution, the epidermal cells are plasmolysed. 1m
ii Distilled water is hypotonic to the epidermal cells. 1m
The sucrose solution is hypertonic to the epidermal cells. 1m
b The water potential of the sucrose solution is lower than that of the epidermal
cells.
1m
There is a net movement of water out of the cells by osmosis. 1m
c In distilled water, the red blood cells will swell and finally burst. 1m
In the sucrose solution, the red blood cells will shrink. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133968]
** a Three plant cells and their water potentials (Ψ) are shown below.

Ψ = –1850 kPa Ψ = –2140 kPa Ψ = –1110 kPa
The cells were placed in a sucrose solution (Ψ = –500 kPa).

i State which cell would take in water at the highest rate. Explain your
answer. (2 marks)
ii The water potential of a cell is always a negative number. Why?
(3 marks)
b Substances can move across the cell membranes into plant cells by either
diffusion or active transport.
In an investigation, plant tissues were immersed in a solution containing
two unknown substances, P and Q. After three hours, the tissues were
removed from the solution and the concentrations of the two substances in
the cytoplasm were measured. The results are shown in the graph below.
Key:
50
concentration of
substance in
40 solution
concentration of
concentration 30 substance in
(arbitrary unit) cytoplasm
20
10
0
substance P substance Q
i Deduce whether the substances moved into the cells by diffusion or

active transport. (3 marks)
ii Suggest two examples for the substances. (1 mark)

-- answer --
a i Cell Y 1m
The difference in water potential between cell Y and the sucrose solution is
the greatest. 1m
ii The water potential of pure water is defined as zero. 1m
Cells always contain solutes. 1m
The presence of solutes lowers the water potential. Thus the water potential
of a cell is always negative. 1m
b i By active transport. 1m
The concentrations of the substances in the cytoplasm are higher than those
in the solution. 1m
The substances must be transported into the cells against the concentration
gradient by active transport. 1m
ii Glucose / Sodium ion / Potassium ion / Nitrates
(any 2 or other correct answers) 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10133980]
* The diagram below shows part of a cell membrane.
P
outside of cell
inside of cell
R S T
a Using the letters in the diagram, state which labelled part is most likely
i a channel protein. (1 mark)
ii hydrophobic. (1 mark)
b Explain why the structure of the cell membrane is described as fluid and
mosaic. (2 marks)

c When pieces of onion are put into water, substance X diffuses out from the
cells. Pieces of onion of the same mass were put into water at different
temperatures. The concentrations of substance X in the water at different
temperatures were measured after a known period of time. The graph below
shows the results.
concentration of
substance X
35 40 45 50 55 60 65
temperature (oC)
Describe and explain the shape of the graph. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a i T 1m
ii Q 1m
b Fluid: The phospholipid molecules can move laterally in the cell membrane. 1m
Mosaic: The protein molecules are interspersed among the phospholipid
molecules in a mosaic pattern. 1m
c The concentration of substance X in water increases slowly as the temperature
increases from 35 °C to 48 °C. 1m
At temperature of above 48 °C, it increases rapidly. 1m
It is because as temperature increases from 35 °C to 48 °C, substance X has
more kinetic energy. Thus, the rate of diffusion increases.
1m
At temperature of above 48 °C, the cell membrane breaks down. Thus, the rate of
diffusion increases rapidly. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10133994]
* Various methods have been used to preserve seafood. Salting is one of the
commonly used methods. A large amount of salt is placed on fresh fish. The
photograph below shows a tuna. After salting, the tuna can be kept for years.
a Salting removes water from tuna. Describe how this can be done.
(3 marks)
b Explain how tuna can be preserved through the process of salting.
(4 marks)
c Suggest two other methods to remove water from tuna so that the purpose of
preservation can be achieved. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a Salt dissolves in water to give a concentrated salt solution. 1m
The water potential of the cells of the tuna is higher than that of the concentrated
salt solution. 1m
There is a net movement of water molecules from the cells of the tuna to the
concentrated salt solution. 1m
b The water potential of the tuna tissue becomes low after salting. 1m
It is hypertonic to the microorganisms. 1m
Water is drawn out from the microorganisms growing on the tuna tissue by
osmosis. 1m
The microorganisms will die or stop growing due to a lack of water. 1m
c Drying / Freeze drying / Adding sugar / alcohol / vinegar / Immersing in
concentrated salt solution / sugar solution / vinegar / Pickling
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1m x 2
---------------------------------------------------

[10134007]
The diagram below shows a set-up used to demonstrate osmosis.
capillary tube
concentrated
sucrose solution
distilled water
dialysis tubing
(differentially
permeable)
a Describe and explain the change in the liquid level in the capillary tube after
1 hour. (4 marks)
b Can the sucrose molecules diffuse across the dialysis tubing? Why?
(2 marks)
c Which part of the cell is differentially permeable? (1 mark)
d If distilled water in the set-up is replaced by a dilute sucrose solution, how
will the results differ? (3 marks)
-- answer --
a The liquid level rises. 1m
The water potential of distilled water is higher than that of the concentrated
sucrose solution. 1m
There is a net movement of water molecules from distilled water to the
concentrated sucrose solution 1m
by osmosis. 1m
b No. 1m
Sucrose molecules are too large to pass through the dialysis tubing. 1m
c Cell membrane 1m
d The water potential difference between the two solutions will be smaller. 1m
Fewer water molecules will move into the concentrated sucrose solution. 1m
The rise in liquid level will be smaller. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10134009]
The diagram below shows two set-ups used to demonstrate osmosis.
capillary tubes
10% sucrose
solution
distilled 20%
dialysis tubing
water sucrose
solution
set-up X set-up Y
a Define osmosis. (3 marks)

b What are the changes in the liquid levels in the capillary tubes in the two
set-ups after 1 hour? Explain the results. (4 marks)
c The dialysis tubing has one property that is very important for osmosis to
take place. What is that property and how does it make osmosis possible?
(3 marks)
-- answer --
a The net movement of water molecules 1m
across a differentially permeable membrane 1m
from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential. 1m
b The liquid level in set-up X rises. 1m
It is because there is a net movement of water molecules from distilled water to
the 10% sucrose solution by osmosis. 1m
The liquid level in set-up Y falls. 1m
It is because there is a net movement of water molecules from the 10% sucrose
solution to the 20% sucrose solution by osmosis. 1m
c The dialysis tubing is differentially permeable. 1m
It allows small molecules to pass through 1m
but not large molecules. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10134035]
* The diagram below shows a set-up used to study osmosis. A raw potato was cut
into the shape of a cup. Concentrated sucrose solution was added to the well
inside and the potato cup was placed into a beaker containing distilled water.
concentrated
sucrose solution
distilled water
raw potato cup
a How did the level of sucrose solution in the well change after 1 day?
b How will the level of sucrose solution change if the potato is boiled?
c In another experiment, a raw potato cup containing distilled water was
placed into a beaker containing sucrose solution. What happened to the
water level of the distilled water after 1 day? Why? (2 marks)
-- answer --
a The level of sucrose solution rose. 1m
It is because the water potential of distilled water is higher than that of the
concentrated sucrose solution. 1m
There was a net movement of water molecules from distilled water to the
concentrated sucrose solution 1m
by osmosis. 1m
b The level of sucrose solution will fall 1m
because a boiled potato will become fully permeable. 1m
Both the water molecules and sucrose molecules will leave the well 1m
by diffusion. 1m
c The water level of distilled water fell 1m
because there was a net movement of water molecules from distilled water to the
---------------------------------------------------

[10134054]
* a Suppose a piece of dialysis tubing is filled with a 20% sugar solution. What
will happen to the volume of the solution in the dialysis tubing if the
dialysis tubing is immersed in the following solutions? Give a reason in
each case.
i Distilled water (3 marks)
ii 20% sugar solution (3 marks)
iii 40% sugar solution (3 marks)
b Deducing from the answer in a, what precaution should be taken when a
doctor injects glucose solution into a patient’s blood? (1 mark)
-- answer --
a i The volume will increase. 1m
The water potential of distilled water is higher than that of 20% sugar
solution. 1m
Water will enter the dialysis tubing by osmosis. 1m
ii The volume will remain unchanged. 1m
The water potential of the sugar solutions inside and outside the dialysis
tubing is the same. 1m
There is no net movement of water across the dialysis tubing. 1m
iii The volume will decrease. 1m
The water potential of 40% sugar solution is lower than that of 20% sugar
solution. 1m
Water will leave the dialysis tubing by osmosis. 1m
b The water potential of the glucose solution for injection must be the same as that
of blood.
1m
---------------------------------------------------

[10134055]
* The diagram below shows a set-up used to study diffusion. Both water molecules
and iodine molecules can pass through the dialysis tubing. The set-up was left at
room temperature for 1 hour and observation on any changes was made.
iodine solution
dialysis
tubing distilled water
a Was there any change in the distribution of iodine molecules? Explain.

(2 marks)
b What was the net movement of water molecules? (1 mark)
c If the whole set-up is put in a water bath at 40 °C, would there be any
differences in the result? Explain. (2 marks)
d State and explain whether there will be any net movement of molecules in
the following cases:
i Iodine solution of a lower concentration than the one outside, instead
of distilled water, is put inside the dialysis tubing. (2 marks)
ii Iodine solution of the same concentration as the one outside, instead of
distilled water, is put inside the dialysis tubing. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a Some iodine molecules were found inside the dialysis tubing. 1m
Iodine molecules diffused from a region of higher concentration to a region of
lower concentration.
1m
b There was a net movement of water molecules out of the dialysis tubing. 1m
c The changes would be more rapid. 1m
At a higher temperature, the rate of diffusion would be higher. 1m
d i There will be a net movement of iodine molecules into the dialysis tubing
and a net movement of water molecules out of the dialysis tubing 1m
because there are concentration differences of iodine and water between
the solutions on the two sides of the dialysis tubing.
1m
ii There will be no net movement of molecules across the dialysis tubing
1m
because there is no concentration differences of iodine and water between

the solutions on the two sides of the dialysis tubing. 1m

---------------------------------------------------

[10134068]
* In a hen’s egg, there is a thin and differentially permeable membrane inside the
shell. This membrane can be used to study osmosis. In an experiment, two hen’s
eggs were immersed in a dilute acid until the shells had dissolved. After
washing, one of the egg was immersed in distilled water and the other was
immersed in a concentrated salt solution. Changes were observed after 1 day.
a Explain the term ‘differentially permeable membrane’. (1 mark)
b Describe the changes of the two eggs after 1 day. Explain. (6 marks)
c State two factors that affect the rate of osmosis. (2 marks)
d In natural circumstances, hen’s eggs are not immersed in water. What
substances do you think normally diffuse through the differentially
permeable membrane inside the shell of the hen’s egg? (1 mark)
-- answer --
a A membrane with holes that allow only small molecules to pass through. 1m
b The volume of the egg that was immersed in the distilled water increased. 1m
As the water potential of the egg was lower than that of distilled water, 1m
there was a net movement of water molecules into the egg. 1m
The volume of the egg that was immersed in the concentration salt solution
decreased. 1m
As the water potential of the egg was higher than that of the concentrated salt
solution, 1m
there was a net movement of water molecules out of the egg. 1m
c Concentration gradient across the differentially permeable membrane 1m
Temperature 1m
d Gases 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10134069]
* In order to show the movement of water into and out of a human cheek cell when
the cell is placed in a concentrated solution, a model is set up using the following
materials and apparatus:
dialysis tubing 1 piece
thread 2 pieces
20% sucrose solution 200 mL
10% sucrose solution 100 mL
beaker 1

a Draw a labelled diagram to show the model. (4 marks)

b What will you observe in a after 1 hour? Give an explanation for your
observation. (3 marks)
c Which part of a human cheek cell does the dialysis tubing represent?
(1 mark)
-- answer --
a
beaker
20% sucrose
dialysis tubing solution
10% sucrose
thread
solution
Correct drawing 2m
Correct labels 2m
b The dialysis tubing will shrink. 1m
The water potential of the 10% sucrose solution is higher than that of the 20%
Therefore, there is a net movement of water molecules out of the dialysis tubing.
1m
c Cell membrane 1m
---------------------------------------------------
[10134072]
* Two potato cubes were immersed in distilled water at 20 °C and 50 °C. The table
below shows the percentage changes in the mass of the potato cubes.
Percentage change in mass (%)
Time (hour)
20 °C 50 °C
0 0 0
0.5 +5 +7
1.0 +7 0
1.5 X Y
2.0 +12 –8
2.5 +14 –10
3.0 +16 –10
3.5 +17 –10
4.0 +17 –10

a Given that the initial mass of both potato cubes is 50 g. If the potato cubes
at 20 °C and 50 °C weighed 54.5 g and 47.5 g respectively after 1.5 hours,
calculate the values of X and Y. (2 marks)
b i Describe the changes in the mass of the potato cube at 20 °C during the
4-hour period. (3 marks)
ii Explain the change in the mass of the potato cube at 20 °C after 3.5
hours. (2 marks)
c From the result of the first 0.5 hour of the potato cubes, what appeared to be
the effect of temperature on the mass of the potato cubes? (1 mark)
d Explain the decrease in the mass of the potato cube at 50 °C from 0.5 hour
to 2.5 hours. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a At 20 °C:
[(54.5 – 50) / 50] x 100% = +9% 1m
At 50 °C:
[(47.5 – 50) / 50] x 100 % = –5% 1m
b i There was a rapid increase in the mass of the potato cube during the first
0.5 hour.
1m
There was a gradual increase from 0.5 to 3.5 hours. 1m
The mass remained unchanged after 3.5 hours. 1m
ii The potato cells were turgid. 1m
The entering of water was resisted by the rigid cell wall. 1m
c At a higher temperature, there was a larger increase in the mass of the potato
cube. 1m
d The cell membrane of the potato cells was destroyed by high temperature. 1m
The cell contents leaked out. 1m
---------------------------------------------------

Question Bank Essays
Essays
[10134149]
* Using suitable examples, discuss the importance of diffusion, osmosis and active
transport to organisms. (12 marks)
-- answer --
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a
region of lower concentration. 1m
Diffusion enables cells to exchange materials with the environment / obtain useful
materials like oxygen and nutrients / remove waste like carbon dioxide. 1m
Substances in cells are also distributed throughout the cytoplasm by diffusion. 1m
Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a differentially permeable
membrane / net movement of water molecules across a differentially permeable
membrane from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential.
1m
The absorption of water in human small intestine 1m
and the absorption of water in plant roots are carried out by osmosis. 1m
Active transport is a process in which substances are moved across the cell membrane
at the expense of energy from respiration. 1m
Absorption of glucose in the small intestine of humans 1m
and the absorption of minerals from the soil into the roots of plants involve active
transport. 1m
(or other reasonable examples)
Communication 3m
---------------------------------------------------
[10134151]
* Describe and explain the structure of the cell membrane and its role in diffusion
and active transport. (10 marks)
-- answer --
Any five from: 1m x 5
The cell membrane is mainly made up of phospholipids and proteins. /
The phospholipid molecules are arranged in a bilayer. /
The hydrophilic heads face the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell. /
The hydrophobic fatty acid tails point inwards. /
Some proteins are attached to the surface of the bilayer, some are embedded half-way

Question Bank Essays
in the bilayer, and others span the entire bilayer. /

The phospholipid molecules can move laterally. /
Protein molecules are interspersed among the phospholipid molecules in a mosaic
pattern.
Role of cell membrane in diffusion:
Small, non-polar molecules can move across the cell membrane through the bilayer.
1m
Role of cell membrane in active transport:
The carrier proteins on the cell membrane are involved in active transport of small,
polar molecules. 1m
Communication 3m
---------------------------------------------------
[10134161]
* Compare the consequences of putting plant cells and animal cells into distilled
water. (10 marks)
-- answer --
The water potential of distilled water is higher than that of the cells. 1m
There is a net movement of water molecules into the cells by osmosis. 1m
Both animal cells and plant cells increase in volume. 1m
In plant cells, the swelling is finally resisted by the rigid cell wall. 1m
The plant cells become turgid. 1m
Animal cells do not have a cell wall. 1m
The animal cells finally burst. 1m
Communication 3m
---------------------------------------------------

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New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology (Second Edition) Chapter 3

Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

Chapter 3 Movement of substances across

initial mass initial mass

initial mass initial mass

© Oxford University Press 3-1

potato strip potato strip

The percentage of plasmolysed cells was the highest in tissue

© Oxford University Press 3-2

In people with cystic fibrosis, a structure in the cell membrane is defective. As a

dialysis tubing filled with

© Oxford University Press 3-3

© Oxford University Press 3-4

Solution Colour intensity (maximum 5+)

Which alcohol is highest in concentration?

© Oxford University Press 3-5

© Oxford University Press 3-6

© Oxford University Press 3-7

cell X cell Y cell Z

Ψ = –300 kPa Ψ = –200 kPa Ψ = –275 kPa

© Oxford University Press 3-8

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

The water potential of the potato tissue is the same as that of

© Oxford University Press 3-9

Which of the following is/are the role(s) of structure X?

© Oxford University Press 3-10

© Oxford University Press 3-11

The food particle can enter the unicellular organism because

© Oxford University Press 3-12

© Oxford University Press 3-13

Which of the following shows the appearance of Amoeba after 15 minutes?

© Oxford University Press 3-14

© Oxford University Press 3-15

Which of the following correctly identifies X and Y?

© Oxford University Press 3-16

© Oxford University Press 3-17

© Oxford University Press 3-18

© Oxford University Press 3-19

© Oxford University Press 3-20

Which of the following processes is/are involved in the gas exchange of

© Oxford University Press 3-21

© Oxford University Press 3-22

© Oxford University Press 3-23

a Describe what relationship, if any, there is between the permeability of this

© Oxford University Press 3-24

Mangrove is a unique intertidal wetland ecosystem found in sheltered

a Explain why many plants cannot survive high salinity. (3 marks)

© Oxford University Press 3-25

Concentration of oxygen Rate of uptake of substance X

© Oxford University Press 3-26

© Oxford University Press 3-27

leading to a rise in the liquid level. 1m

© Oxford University Press 3-28

is active / requires energy. 1m

© Oxford University Press 3-29

Rate of absorption (arbitrary unit)

© Oxford University Press 3-30

© Oxford University Press 3-31

a Name the process. (1 mark)

© Oxford University Press 3-32

However, further experiments showed that the membrane proteins have

© Oxford University Press 3-33

© Oxford University Press 3-34