Dicot Stem Structure and Function

00:00 7 marks

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The micrograph shows a cross-section of a plant stem.
[VISUALIZATION: Micrograph of a dicot stem cross-section showing vascular bundles arranged in a ring, with labelled epidermis, cortex, phloem, xylem, and pith.]

(a) Identify the tissue labelled X. [1]

(b) Outline the function of the tissue labelled Y. [1]

(c) Draw a plan diagram to show the distribution of tissues in this stem section. [3]

(d) State the function of the cortex. [1]

(e) State one difference between the structure of a stem and a root in a dicot plant. [1]

Part a

1 minutes 1 marks

Question

Identify the tissue labelled X. [1]



Hint Hint

Hint

Look for thick‑walled cells on the inner side of each vascular bundle.

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Xylem

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Part b

1 minutes 1 marks

Question

Outline the function of the tissue labelled Y. [1]



Hint Hint

Hint

Recall that phloem moves products of photosynthesis throughout the plant.

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Transport of organic compounds (sugars) from source to sink

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Part c

3 minutes 3 marks

Question

Draw a plan diagram to show the distribution of tissues in this stem section. [3]



Hint Hint

Hint

Include a circular outline, ring of vascular bundles, and label epidermis, cortex, vascular bundles and pith.

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Complete Answer

Plan diagram: Circular outline representing stem; ring of discrete vascular bundles each with phloem outer and xylem inner; labelled epidermis, cortex, bundles and central pith.

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Part d

1 minutes 1 marks

Question

State the function of the cortex. [1]



Hint Hint

Hint

Think about storage and support roles of cortical parenchyma.

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Storage of food (e.g., starch) and support

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Part e

1 minutes 1 marks

Question

State one difference between the structure of a stem and a root in a dicot plant. [1]



Hint Hint

Hint

Consider vascular bundle arrangement or presence of root hairs.

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Complete Answer

Stem has vascular bundles in a ring and a central pith; root has a central vascular cylinder (stele) and root hairs.

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