IB Biology - teaching & learning resources

Topic 9: Plant science

9.1 Plant structure and growth - 4 hours

Assessment statement

Obj

Teacher’s notes

9.1.1

Draw and label plan diagrams to show the distribution of tissues in the stem and leaf of a dicotyledonous plant.

1

Plant Stem & Leaf Experiment

Leaf structure PPT

Leaf Structure WORD

Note that plan diagrams show distribution of tissues (for example, xylem, phloem) and do not show individual cells.

9.1.2

Outline three differences between the structures of dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants.

2

Monocot - Dicot Experiment

emphasize 3 differences between monocot & dicotyledonous plants (e.g. include: parallel versus net-like venation in leaves, distribution of vascular tissue in stems, number of cotyledons, floral organs in multiples of 3 in monocot versus 4 or 5 in dicot, fibrous adventitious roots in monocot versus tap root with lateral branches in dicot).

9.1.3

Explain the relationship between the distribution of tissues in the leaf and the functions of these tissues.

3

This should be restricted to dicotyledonous plants. The functions should include: absorption of light, gas exchange, support, water conservation, and the transport of water and products of photosynthesis.

Past paper questions

9.1.4

Identify modifications of roots, stems and leaves for different functions: bulbs, stem tubers, storage roots and tendrils.

2

PPT summary of 9.1

Essentials for 9.1

9.1.5

State that dicotyledonous plants have apical and lateral meristems.

1

Apical meristems are sometimes referred to as primary meristems, and lateral meristems as cambium. Meristems generate new cells for growth of the plant.

9.1.6

Compare growth due to apical and lateral meristems in dicotyledonous plants.

3

9.1.7

Explain the role of auxin in phototropism as an example of the control of plant growth.

3

PPT explanation of AUXIN

 

9.2 Transport in angiospermophytes (4 hours)

Assessment statement

Obj

Teacher’s notes

9.2.1

Outline how the root system provides a large surface area for mineral ion and water uptake by means of branching and root hairs.

2

9.2.2

List ways in which mineral ions in the soil move to the root.

1

There are three processes: diffusion of mineral ions, fungal hyphae (mutualism), and mass flow of water in the soil carrying ions.

9.2.3

Explain the process of mineral ion absorption from the soil into roots by active transport.

3

9.2.4

State that terrestrial plants support themselves by means of thickened cellulose, cell turgor and lignified xylem.

1

9.2.5

Define transpiration.

1

Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from the leaves and stems of plants.

Aim 7: Data logging with pressure sensors, humidity, light or temperature probes to measure rates of transpiration can be performed.

9.2.6

Explain how water is carried by the transpiration stream, including the structure of xylem vessels, transpiration pull, cohesion, adhesion and evaporation.

3

Limit the structure of xylem vessels to one type of primary xylem.

9.2.7

State that guard cells can regulate transpiration by opening and closing stomata.

1

9.2.8

State that the plant hormone abscisic acid causes the closing of stomata.

1

9.2.9

Explain how the abiotic factors light, temperature, wind and humidity, affect the rate of transpiration in a typical terrestrial plant.

3

Ppt summary of 9.2

9.2.10

Outline four adaptations of xerophytes that help to reduce transpiration.

2

 

Worksheet on marram grass

9.2.11

Outline the role of phloem in active translocation of sugars (sucrose) and amino acids from source (photosynthetic tissue and storage organs) to sink (fruits, seeds, roots).

2

No detail of the mechanism of translocation or the structure of phloem is required.

 

9.3 Reproduction in angiospermophytes (3 hours)

Assessment statement

Obj

Teacher’s notes

9.3.1

Draw and label a diagram showing the structure of a dicotyledonous animal-pollinated flower.

1

Limit the diagram to sepal, petal, anther, filament, stigma, style and ovary.

9.3.2

Distinguish between pollination, fertilization and seed dispersal.

2

Simple flowers and seeds Summary sheet

9.3.3

Draw and label a diagram showing the external and internal structure of a named dicotyledonous seed.

1

The named seed should be non-endospermic. The structure in the diagram should be limited to testa, micropyle, embryo root, embryo shoot and cotyledons.

9.3.4

Explain the conditions needed for the germination of a typical seed.

3

See germination worksheet

9.3.5

Outline the metabolic processes during germination of a starchy seed.

2

Absorption of water precedes the formation of gibberellin in the embryo’s cotyledon. This stimulates the production of amylase, which catalyses the breakdown of starch to maltose. This subsequently diffuses to the embryo for energy release and growth. No further details are expected.

9.3.6

Explain how flowering is controlled in long-day and short-day plants, including the role of phytochrome.

3

Photoperiodism worksheet needed

Limit this to the conversion of Pr (red absorbing) to Pfr (far-red absorbing) in red or white light, the gradual reversion of Pfr to Pr in darkness, and the action of Pfr as a promoter of flowering in long-day plants and an inhibitor of flowering in short-day plants.

 

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