A2.2 Compare cells - written task
This structured extension question is in the style of the IB exam questions but it has a particular emphasis on the concepts, the themes and links between them.
- It requires analytical skills more than factual recall.
- This could be a classroom task, a revision moment or a homework activity.
There is a hidden model answer which appears when the answer is submitted.
This extended answer question is in the style of the IB exam questions using "compare and contrast" as the command term. It is a chance to practice forming these more detailed answers.
This electron microscope image shows cells in the roots of a soya bean plant.
It is unusual to see prokaryote cells in symbiosis with eukaryote cells.
This is an example of a mutualistic relationship between a prokaryote that fixes atmospheric nitrogen to form nitrate and a photosynthetic plant. The plant benefits from the bacteria by gaining the nitrates that are needed for protein manufacture and the prokaryote benefits by gaining carbohydrates formed from the photosynthesis of the plant.
The focus of the question is
Compare and contrast the structure of a prokaryote cell and a eukaryotic plant cell. (6 marks)
Teachers note
Compare and contrast requires similarities and differences
The presence of membrane-bound organelles is one mark point, an example gains further credit.
In each statement, there must be a comment about both types of cells for a mark to be awarded.