A scientist removes a sample containing 200 cells from the shoot tip of a mature flowering plant. The sample is grown on a suitable growth medium.
The scientist records these results.
| Time after removal / days | Number of living cells | Number of chromosomes in each cell examined | Observation of the cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 200 | 14 | No specialised features |
| 6 | 3200 | 14 | No specialised features |
After 20 days, the sample has developed roots and leaves. The scientist examines living root hair cells and palisade mesophyll cells in the plantlet. Each cell examined contains 14 chromosomes.
Describe how the sample developed into a plantlet. Use the information in the table and your knowledge.
Include a prediction about how the genetic information in the plantlet compares with the genetic information in the parent plant.
194 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Biology 2.1 Supplying the cell, covering 2.1.1 Transport across cell membranes, 2.1.2 Mitosis and the cell cycle, 2.1.3 Importance of cell differentiation, and 2.1.4 Stem cells. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.