OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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When can plant stem cells respond to their environment?

Only during reproduction
Throughout their life
Only when in danger
Only in the dormant stage

The correct answer is: Throughout their life

Plant stem cells have the remarkable ability to respond to their environment throughout their entire life span. This ongoing responsiveness allows them to adapt and grow in reaction to various stimuli such as light, gravity, and water availability. As plants encounter changes in their surroundings, stem cells can differentiate into various types of specialized cells. For instance, if a plant experiences a lack of water, stem cells in certain regions can produce more root cells to seek out moisture. Additionally, stem cells can respond to injury by producing new tissues to repair damaged areas. This continuous ability to respond to environmental changes contrasts with the other options, where responses are either limited to specific life stages or circumstances, indicating that plant stem cells do not solely function during reproduction, in response to danger, or only when dormant. Instead, their versatility throughout the plant's life cycle is crucial for growth, development, and survival.