9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.

3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name:

Understandings, Applications and Skills

NOS: Developments in scientific research follow improvements in analysis and deduction
improvements in analytical techniques allowing the detection of trace amounts of substances has
led to advances in the understanding of plant hormones and their effect on gene expression. (1.8)

Statement Guidance

9.3.U1 Undifferentiated cells in the meristems of plants

allow indeterminate growth.
9.3.U2 Mitosis and cell division in the shoot apex
provide cells needed for extension of the stem
and development of leaves.

9.3.U3 Plant hormones control growth in the shoot apex. Auxin is the only named hormone
that is expected.
9.3.U4 Plant shoots respond to the environment by
tropisms.
9.3.U5 Auxin efflux pumps can set up concentration
gradients of auxin in plant tissue.
9.3.U6 Auxin influences cell growth rates by changing
the pattern of gene expression.
9.3.A1 Application: Micropropagation of plants using
tissue from the shoot apex, nutrient agar gels
and growth hormones.

9.3.A2 Application: Use of micropropagation for rapid

bulking up of new varieties, production of virus-
free strains of existing varieties and propagation
of orchids and other rare species.

Theory of knowledge:
Plants communicate chemically both internally and externally. To what extent can plants be said
to have language?
Utilization:
Micropropagation is used for rapid bulking up of new varieties of plant.
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Biology Topic 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
Aims:
Aim 6: Investigations into tropisms could be carried out.
9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name:

9.3U1, U2

1. What are plant meristems and how do they allow indeterminate growth in plants?

2. Define-

Apical meristem-

Root apical meristem-

Shoot apical meristem-

Lateral meristem-

9.3 U3

3. Define hormone.

4. Auxin is a plant hormone. What is it's chemical name? What does Auxin control?

9.3 U3,U4

5. (a) Define Phototropism.

9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name:

(b). Identify where inside the stem (shoots) of plants auxin is produced.

(c). If auxin is dispersed/ diffused evenly throughout a plant stem (shoot), what direction does the
stem grow?

(d). If a plant auxin is more concentrated/ abundant on the LEFT side of a plant, what direction
does the plant grow?

(e). On which side of a plant stem (shoot) would you find LESS auxin, on the side facing the sun or
the side facing the shade?

(f). Explain how auxin elongates cells.

9.3 U5, U6

7. A plant on its side will still grow the shoots towards the light and roots towards the earth. Indicate
diagrammatically, how phototropism occurs using the concepts of auxin efflux pumps.
9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name:

8. How does auxin or light affect gene expression?

9.3.A1,A2

9. Explain the use of auxin and cytokinin in the micropropagation of plants.

10. What are the advantages of using micropropagation?

9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name:

11. Explain the role of auxin in phototropism. (8 marks)

9. Plant Biology (Core) 9.3 Growth in Plants (2016-2018) Name: