(a) (i) State two main functions of roots. [2 marks]
(ii) Make a drawing 8-10cm long of the transverse section of the stem of a dicotyledonous plant and label fully.
[9 marks]

(b) In a tabular form, state three differences between the functions of vascular tissues of plants and skeleton of mammals. [3 marks]

(c) State: (i) two functions of xylem tissues;
(ii) one function of phloem tissues. [3 marks]

(d) What is meant by the term tropism? [3 marks]

A few candidates attempted this question and scored poorly. Most candidates could not correctly label the parts of the drawn transverse section of a stem. Questions (b) and (d) were poorly answered.
The expected answers are:

(a) (ii) Drawing of the T. S. of the stem of a dicotyledonous plant

Quality (Q) Clarity of Lines (CL) – lines not broken; not wooly
Neatness of labels (NL) – guidelines ruled, labels horizontal
Size (Sz) – 8 – 10cm long

Details (D) Presence of cortex/collenchymas/parenchyma (PC)
Medullary rays shown (MR)
Shape of vascular bundle (VB)

Labels (L)
Cortex/collenchymas/parenchyma, endodermis, epidermis, pericycle/sclerenchyma, medullary ray, pith, phloem, xylem, cambium. Note: Spellings must be correct to score

(b) Differences between the functions of the vascular tissues of plants and mammalian skeleton

SKELETON	VASCULAR TISSUES
-aids breathing	does not aid breathing;
-does not conduct water/food	conducts water/food;
-aids movement/locomotion in mammals	does not aid movement/locomotion;
-protects some vital/delicate parts/organs;	does not protect vital/delicate parts/organs;
-composed of bones/cartilage	composed of dense protoplasm and lignified walls.

Note: Points must correspond to score.
(d) Tropism The directional growth/response; of plant organ; to external stimulus/light/water/force of gravity.