Plants and Animals

Plants and Animals

Friday, December 13, 2024

Microscope ☝️

Plant Cell ☝️

Plants and Animals

Q: What is the main purpose of a microscope in Integrated Science?
A: To magnify and examine the structure of plant and animal cells.
Q: What are the main parts of a plant cell?
A: Cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and vacuoles.
Q: What is the function of the cell membrane in a plant cell?
A: To control the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Q: What are the regions of growth in a plant?
A: Roots and shoots.
Q: How do plants obtain dissolved mineral salts from the soil?
A: Through their roots by a process called osmosis.
Q: What are the advantages of using organic fertilizers?
A: They are environmentally friendly, improve soil structure, and release nutrients slowly.
Q: What is the basic structure of an animal cell?
A: Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria.
Q: What is the main difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?
A: Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not.
Q: What are the differences between a stone and a small animal?
A: A stone is non-living, while a small animal is living and can move, grow, and respond to stimuli.
Q: What are the differences between a rat or a frog and a young plant?
A: A rat or a frog is an animal that can move and respond to stimuli, while a young plant is a living organism that grows and responds to stimuli but cannot move.
Q: What is the main difference between living and non-living things?
A: Living things can grow, move, and respond to stimuli, while non-living things cannot.
Q: What are some examples of animals?
A: Dogs, frogs, snakes, elephants, cows, and monkeys.
Q: What is the term used to describe the study of the structure and function of cells?
A: Cell biology.
Q: What is the main function of cells in living organisms?
A: To carry out the basic functions of life, such as growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
Q: What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
A: Unicellular organisms are made up of one cell, while multicellular organisms are made up of many cells.
Q: What is an example of a multicellular organism?
A: Humans, animals, and plants.
Q: What is the main advantage of being multicellular?
A: Multicellular organisms can specialize in different functions, leading to greater complexity and efficiency.
Q: What is the term used to describe the process by which cells become specialized?
A: Differentiation.
Q: What is the main function of the cell membrane in plant cells?
A: To control the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Q: What is the term used to describe the process by which plants make their own food?
A: Photosynthesis.
Q: What is the main purpose of a microscope in Integrated Science?
A: To see individual cells, small groups of cells, and tiny unicellular organisms.
Q: What type of microscope is used to see microscopic structures?
A: A compound light microscope.
Q: What is the function of the eyepiece in a microscope?
A: To look through and view an object, with a magnifying lens to enlarge the image.
Q: What is the function of the coarse adjustment knob in a microscope?
A: To move the body tube upwards and downwards to bring the image of the specimen into focus.
Q: What is the function of the fine adjustment knob in a microscope?
A: To make small upward and downward movements to focus clearly on the details of the specimen.
Q: What is the function of the diaphragm and condenser in a microscope?
A: To control the amount and brightness of the light falling onto the specimen.
Q: What is the function of the stage in a microscope?
A: To place the microscope slides with the specimen onto.
Q: What is the function of the clips in a microscope?
A: To hold the slide firmly in place once it has been placed on the stage.
Q: What is the function of the mirror in a microscope?
A: To reflect rays from a light source through the opening in the stage onto the slide.
Q: What is the function of the base in a microscope?
A: To place the microscope on the work surface.
Q: What is the purpose of using a compound light microscope to examine plant cells?
A: To magnify and observe the structure of plant cells.
Q: What type of cells can be used to examine plant cell structure?
A: Cells from the epidermal layer of sisal or onion bulb leaves.
Q: What is the first step in preparing a microscope slide to view plant cells?
A: Cut open an onion with a knife.
Q: What is used to remove the transparent layer of the upper epidermal layer of the leaves?
A: A pair of forceps or tweezers.
Q: What is placed onto the specimen on the microscope slide?
A: A drop of water or other mounting liquid, such as iodine solution.
Q: What is used to lower a coverslip carefully onto the specimen?
A: A dissecting needle or sharp needle, forceps, or pencil.
Q: What is the first step in viewing a specimen with a microscope?
A: Turn the coarse adjustment knob of the microscope to lower the stage to its lowest point.
Q: What is adjusted to reflect rays of light from the light source through the opening on the stage onto the specimen on the slide?
A: The mirror.
Q: What is used to hold the slide firmly in place on the stage?
A: The clips.
Q: What is the purpose of adjusting the mirror in a microscope?
A: To reflect rays of light from the light source through the opening on the stage onto the specimen on the slide.

Plant Cell

Q: What is the purpose of Step 4 in viewing a specimen with a microscope?
A: To turn the rotating nosepiece until the objective lens with the lowest magnification is in line with the body tube.
Q: What is the purpose of Step 5 in viewing a specimen with a microscope?
A: To slowly turn the coarse adjustment knob to raise the stage until a clear image of the specimen is seen.
Q: What is the purpose of Step 6 in viewing a specimen with a microscope?
A: To turn the fine adjustment knob until a very clear, magnified image of the specimen is seen.
Q: What is the term used to describe the process of enlarging an image many times using a microscope?
A: Magnification.
Q: How is the amount of magnification calculated when viewing a specimen with a microscope?
A: By multiplying the number on the eyepiece by the number on the objective lens used.
Q: What is the maximum magnification of most light microscopes used in high schools?
A: 1 000 times.
Q: What is the purpose of the diagram above?
A: To examine the structure of cells in a specimen under a compound light microscope.
Q: What is the purpose of making a biologically correct drawing of the cells observed in the diagram above?
A: To record and compare the observations with the cell structure.
Q: What are the main parts of a plant cell as shown in the diagram?
A: Nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm, vacuole, and chloroplast.
Q: What is the purpose of discussing how each part of the onion cell is suited to its function?
A: To understand the relationship between the structure and function of each part of the cell.
Q: What is the main function of the cell wall in a plant cell?
A: To protect the cell from bacteria, give the cell its shape, and make the plant cell firm.
Q: What is the term used to describe the ability of the cell wall to allow free movement of substances?
A: Permeable.
Q: What is the main function of the cell membrane in a plant cell?
A: To control the movement of substances that enter and leave the cell.
Q: What is the term used to describe the ability of the cell membrane to control the movement of substances?
A: Selectively permeable or differentially permeable.
Q: What is the main function of the cytoplasm in a plant cell?
A: To fill the cell and contain many different kinds of small structures called organelles.
Q: What is the main function of the chloroplasts in a plant cell?
A: To contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis.
Q: What is the main function of the vacuole in a plant cell?
A: To contain a solution of salts and sugars known as the cell sap.
Q: What happens to a plant cell when the vacuole contains the maximum amount of cell sap?
A: The cell becomes firm and is said to be turgid.
Q: What happens to a plant cell when the vacuole contains less than the maximum amount of cell sap?
A: The cell becomes softer and more flexible, and is said to be flaccid.
Q: What is the main function of the nucleus in a plant cell?
A: To contain the chromosomes and control the structure and all the activities of the cell.

Q: What is the process by which plants grow in diameter and height?
A: Cell division, which causes existing cells to continually divide to form new cells.
Q: What type of growth occurs in plants as a result of cell division?
A: Apical growth.
Q: Where does apical growth take place in plants?
A: In the region just behind the tips of shoots and roots.
Q: What is the purpose of the above diagram?
A: To identify the regions of apical growth in the shoots and roots of germinating bean or maize seeds.
Q: What is the purpose of marking the shoots and roots of seedlings with a fine marker pen?
A: To divide the seedlings into sections that are 5 mm apart and to measure growth.
Q: What is observed when the seedlings are allowed to grow for a few more days?
A: The distance between the marks on the root and shoot of each seedling increases.
Q: What can be concluded from the observations made in the diagram above?
A: That apical growth occurs in the region just behind the tips of shoots and roots.
Q: What is the importance of recording measurements and observations in scientific experiments?
A: To provide evidence for conclusions and to compare results with others.
Q: What is the purpose of drawing the seedling in the correct biological way?
A: To provide a visual record of the seedling's growth and development.
Q: What can be learned from comparing the original drawing with the second drawing?
A: The changes that have occurred in the seedling's growth and development over time.
Q: What was observed in the experiment with the seedlings?
A: The distance between the marks on the stem and root increased in the part of the stem and root a short way behind the stem and root tips.
Q: What caused the increase in distance between the marks on the roots and stems of the seedlings?
A: New cells forming in that area and the newly formed cells increasing in length.
Q: What is the term used to describe the situation to which an organism reacts?
A: Stimulus.
Q: What is the term used to describe the reaction of an organism to a stimulus?
A: Response.
Q: What type of growth movement do plants exhibit in response to a stimulus?
A: Tropic movement.
Q: What is the term used to describe a plant growing towards a stimulus?
A: Positive response.
Q: What is the term used to describe a plant growing away from a stimulus?
A: Negative response.
Q: What can be observed in the picture of the pot plant above?
A: The plant has grown towards the window, indicating a positive response to the light stimulus.
Q: What is an example of a stimulus that can cause a plant to exhibit a tropic movement?
A: Light.
Q: What is the importance of understanding how plants respond to stimuli?
A: It helps us understand how plants adapt to their environment and how we can care for them.
Q: What is the term used to describe the growth response of plants towards or away from light?
A: Phototropism.
Q: What is the term used to describe the growth response of plants towards or away from gravity?
A: Geotropism.
Q: What is the term used to describe the growth response of plants towards or away from water?
A: Hydrotropism.
Q: What type of tropism is exhibited by roots growing towards water?
A: Positive hydrotropism.
Q: What type of tropism is exhibited by stems growing away from water?
A: Negative hydrotropism.
Q: What is the purpose of experiment?
A: To demonstrate phototropism in a stem using a growing bean seedling.
Q: What is observed when the cardboard box is removed after two to three days in experiment above?
A: The stems are all growing towards the opening in the box.
Q: What does the observation in experiment indicate about the stems?
A: That they are positively phototropic, growing towards the light.
Q: What is the importance of understanding phototropism in plants?
A: It helps us understand how plants adapt to their environment and how we can care for them.
Q: How can the results of the diagram above be used to support the concept of phototropism?
A: By showing that the stems grow towards the light source, demonstrating positive phototropism.

EXPERIMENT
Q: What is the purpose of above experiment?
A: To demonstrate geotropism in roots and stems using a newly germinated bean.
Q: What is geotropism?
A: The growth response of plants towards or away from gravity.
Q: How are the seeds positioned in the beaker?
A: At a 45° angle so that their radicles (roots) point upwards and their plumules (shoots) point downwards.
Q: What is observed after three to five days?
A: The roots of the germinating seeds have curved away from the top of the beaker and are now growing downwards, and the shoots of the germinating seeds have curved away from the bottom of the beaker and are now growing upwards.
Q: What does the observation in the diagram above indicate about the stems?
A: That they are negatively geotropic, growing upwards (away from the earth).
Q: What does the observation in the diagram above indicate about the roots?
A: That they are positively geotropic, growing downwards (towards the earth).
Q: What is the importance of understanding geotropism in plants?
A: It helps us understand how plants adapt to their environment and how we can care for them.
Q: How can the results of above experiment be used to support the concept of geotropism?
A: By showing that the roots grow towards the earth (positive geotropism) and the stems grow away from the earth (negative geotropism).
Here are some questions and short answers based on the text:
Q: Why do plants need nutrients?
A: To live, be healthy, grow, and produce a large crop yield.
Q: Where do plants absorb nutrients from?
A: From the soil in which they grow.
Q: What happens to plants that grow on nutrient-poor soils?
A: They grow badly, are unhealthy, and do not produce a good crop yield.
Q: What is a deficiency disease or condition?
A: A condition caused by a lack of any essential nutrient.
Q: What are the essential plant nutrients?
A: Nitrogen (N), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), and Iron (Fe).
Q: What is the source of nitrogen for plants?
A: Root nodules of legumes, and from the soil as nitrate and ammonium particles.
Q: What is the effect of a deficiency of nitrogen on plants?
A: Chlorosis (yellowing) in older leaves, and poor growth of all plant organs.
Q: What is the source of phosphorus for plants?
A: From the soil as phosphate particles.
Q: What is the effect of a deficiency of phosphorus on plants?
A: Stunted growth, leaf fall, and reduced plant growth.
Q: What is the source of potassium for plants?
A: Manure, compost, and wood ash.
Q: What is the effect of a deficiency of potassium on plants?
A: Reduced plant growth, reduced root, fruit, and seed development, and chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves.
Q: What is the importance of iron for plants?
A: It is necessary for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Q: How do plants absorb mineral salts?
A: Through their roots, in the form of mineral salts dissolved in water.
Q: What are root hairs, and what is their function?
A: Root hairs are tiny, hair-like structures near the tips of roots, made of a single cell. They allow water and dissolved mineral salts to enter the root easily.
Q: What is the process by which water moves into the root hairs?
A: Osmosis.
Q: What is the process by which mineral salts move into the root hairs?
A: Diffusion.
Q: How is water with dissolved mineral salts carried from the roots to the rest of the plant?
A: Through the stem, into the branches, leaves, and flowers.
Q: What is the main factor responsible for the upward movement of water in the plant?
A: A suction force created by transpiration.
Q: What is transpiration?
A: The loss of water vapour from the above-ground parts of a plant, mainly the leaves.
Q: What is the importance of root hairs in plant nutrition?
A: They increase the surface area of the root, allowing more water and mineral salts to be absorbed.
Q: How do plants regulate the amount of water and mineral salts they absorb?
A: Through osmosis and diffusion, which allow plants to absorb water and mineral salts as needed.
Q: What would happen to a plant if it were unable to absorb enough water and mineral salts?
A: It would likely suffer from nutrient deficiencies and may not be able to carry out essential functions, leading to poor growth or even death.
Q: What is the purpose of diagram above?
A: To show how plants absorb water and dissolved mineral salts.
Q: What materials are used to represent dissolved minerals in Activity 5?
A: Red or blue ink, or coloured chalk dust.
Q: What is observed after one hour in Activity 5?
A: The colour of the stems of both plants is observed.
Q: What is done to the plants after removing them from the beakers in Activity 5?
A: A cross-section is cut through the stem and main (tap) root using a scalpel or razor blade.
Q: What is observed in the cross-sections of the root and stem in Activity 5?
A: The colour of the ink is seen in the areas of the root and stem that correspond to the position of the vascular bundles (xylem cells).
Q: What does the observation in Activity 5 indicate about the absorption of water and dissolved minerals by plants?
A: That plants absorb water and dissolved minerals through their roots, which are then transported to the stem and other parts of the plant through the xylem cells.
Q: What is the importance of understanding how plants absorb water and dissolved minerals?
A: It helps us understand how plants obtain the necessary nutrients for growth and development, and how we can provide optimal growing conditions for plants.
Q: How can the results of Activity 5 be used to support the concept of plant nutrition?
A: By demonstrating how plants absorb water and dissolved minerals, and how these nutrients are transported throughout the plant.
Q: What happens to minerals dissolved in water within a plant?
A: They are transported within the plant through the vascular bundles (xylem cells) to the leaves.
Q: What is the importance of dissolved minerals in water for plant absorption?
A: Unless a substance is dissolved in water, a plant will not absorb it.
Q: What is the role of plants in the food chain?
A: Plants are producers, making food through photosynthesis, and all animals depend on them for food.
Q: Why do farmers grow crops?
A: To feed humans or livestock, such as cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep.
Q: What is the purpose of adding fertilizers to the soil?
A: To ensure that plants have the correct types and amounts of nutrients for optimal growth.
Q: What are fertilizers?
A: Natural or synthetic materials added to the soil to supply one or more plant nutrients essential for plant growth.
Q: What types of materials are included in fertilizers?
A: Manure and chemical compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Q: What is the effect of well-fertilized soil on plant growth?
A: It produces healthy and robust plant growth, as shown in the maize plants the diagram.
Q: What are the sources of carbon for plants?
A: Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and water absorbed by the plant.
Q: What are the sources of hydrogen for plants?
A: Water absorbed by the plant.
Q: What are the sources of nitrogen for plants?
A: Nitrogen in the atmosphere, nitrate and ammonium ions in the soil.
Q: What are the sources of phosphorus for plants?
A: Phosphate ions from the soil, bone meal.
Q: What are the sources of potassium for plants?
A: Manure, compost, wood ash.
Q: What are the sources of sulphur for plants?
A: Sulphate ions in the soil.
Q: What are the sources of calcium for plants?
A: Calcium ions in the soil, bone meal.
Q: What are the sources of magnesium for plants?
A: Magnesium ions in the soil, compost, humus, dung.
Q: What are the sources of sodium for plants?
A: Sodium particles in the soil, wood ash.
Q: What are the sources of iron for plants?
A: Iron sulphate in the soil.
Q: What are organic fertilizers?
A: Dead, decaying substances such as leaves, cow dung, poultry manure, and stalks of cereals.
Q: What are the benefits of using organic fertilizers?
A: They improve soil fertility, structure, and overall health, leading to healthier plants and increased crop yields.
Q: What are the advantages of using organic fertilizers?
A: They improve soil texture, water retention, and bacterial action, and make the soil soft for cultivation.
Q: What are the disadvantages of using organic fertilizers?
A: They may not be easily available, take a long time to decompose, promote weed growth, and encourage pests that harm crops.
Q: What are chemical or inorganic fertilizers?
A: They are manufactured in factories and are also known as artificial fertilizers.
Q: What is an example of a company that manufactures chemical fertilizers in Zambia?
A: Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, situated in Kafue, Lusaka Province.
Q: What are some examples of chemical fertilizers manufactured by Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia?
A: D Compound and ammonium nitrate.
Q: When is D Compound fertilizer typically applied to maize crops?
A: When the crop is young, to promote root and leaf development.
Q: When is ammonium nitrate fertilizer typically applied to maize crops?
A: When the crop is about to flower, to promote cob formation.
Q: What are the main active ingredients of inorganic fertilizers?
A: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Q: What is the importance of using fertilizers in agriculture?
A: They provide essential nutrients for plant growth, leading to increased crop yields and improved food security.
Q: What are the advantages of using inorganic fertilizers?
A: They are easy to use, transport, and are quick-acting, effective, and increase crop yield.
Q: What are the disadvantages of using chemical fertilizers?
A: They are costly, can change the soil's acidity, and can harm the environment.
Q: What is mixed farming, and how can it improve soil health?
A: Mixed farming is growing different types of crops in the same field during the same season. It can improve soil health by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil fertility, and promoting biodiversity.
Q: What is crop rotation, and how can it improve soil health?
A: Crop rotation is growing a different crop in a field each season. It can improve soil health by breaking disease and pest cycles, improving soil structure, and increasing soil fertility.
Q: What can happen if inorganic fertilizers are overused?
A: Overusing inorganic fertilizers can result in burning plants' leaves or root systems, making the soil acidic, and causing environmental damage.
Q: Why is it important to follow the recommended amount of fertilizer for crops?
A: Following the recommended amount of fertilizer can prevent over-fertilization, which can harm plants, waste money, and cause environmental damage.
Q: What are the effects of inorganic fertilizers on the soil if they are overused?
A: Overusing inorganic fertilizers can cause the soil to become too acidic, leading to reduced plant growth or death.
Q: How can farmers minimize the negative effects of inorganic fertilizers on the soil?
A: Farmers can minimize the negative effects by following the recommended amount of fertilizer, using crop rotation and mixed farming, and monitoring soil health.
Q: What role do micro-organisms play in soil health?
A: They help increase plants' natural defenses against pests and diseases and improve soil fertility.
Q: How do acidic soils affect micro-organisms?
A: Acidic soils harm micro-organisms, reducing their ability to benefit the soil.
Q: What happens to soil particles when soils become too acidic?
A: They break down and become too small, leading to a highly compacted soil with reduced drainage and air circulation.
Q: What is the effect of over-applied inorganic fertilizers on groundwater?
A: Unused fertilizers can seep into the ground and contaminate water supplies, harming ecosystems and affecting drinking water.
Q: How can the adverse effects of inorganic fertilizers be reduced?
A: By using them correctly, following directions, using minimum amounts, and taking steps to prevent water pollution.
Q: What are some best practices for using inorganic fertilizers?
A: Follow directions, use minimum amounts, avoid applying before rain, water into soil, prevent run-off, and clean up spills promptly.
Q: What are some alternatives to inorganic fertilizers?
A: Slow-release inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers like compost or manure, and using agricultural lime or wood ash to neutralize soil pH.
Q: What are the benefits of using organic fertilizers?
A: They release nutrients slowly, leach into water supplies less, improve soil texture and nutrient levels, and can be produced at no cost.
Q: Why is it important to test soil for nutrients and check plants for disease symptoms before adding fertilizer?
A: To ensure that the fertilizer is necessary and will not harm the plants or the environment.

ANIMAL CELL
Q: What are animals made of at the microscopic level?
A: Cells.
Q: Are all animal cells the same?
A: No, there are many different types of animal cells, each with its own structure and function.
Q: How are different types of cells organized in animals?
A: They are joined together to form specific parts of the body.
Q: What are some examples of different types of animal cells?
A: Sperm cells, surface skin cells, bone cells, blood cells, cardiac muscle cells, columnar epithelial and goblet cells, ovum cells, skeletal muscle cells, neurons, and smooth muscle cells.
Q: What is the basic structure of an animal cell?
A: It consists of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and a nucleus.
Q: What is the function of the cell membrane in an animal cell?
A: It surrounds the cell and regulates the movement of materials in and out.
Q: What is the function of the cytoplasm in an animal cell?
A: It fills the cell and contains various organelles that perform different functions.
Q: What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?
A: It contains the genetic material (DNA) that controls the cell's activities.
Q: How can animal cells be observed?
A: Using a compound light microscope.
Q: What is the function of the cell membrane?
A: It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell and is selectively permeable.
Q: What is the cytoplasm composed of?
A: A jelly-like material that fills the cell and contains various organelles.
Q: What is the function of the nucleus?
A: It contains the chromosomes and controls the structure and activities of the cell.
Q: What is protoplasm?
A: The collective term for the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
Q: What is the purpose of Activity 6?
A: To examine cheek cells under a microscope and compare their structure to the cell in Figure 15.
Q: How do plant cells differ from animal cells in terms of shape?
A: Plant cells have a definite shape, while animal cells have an irregular shape.
Q: What is a key structural difference between plant and animal cells?
A: Plant cells have cell walls, while animal cells do not.
Q: What organelles are present in some plant cells but not in animal cells?
A: Chloroplasts.
Q: How do the vacuoles in plant and animal cells differ?
A: Plant cells usually have small and numerous vacuoles, while animal cells usually have a large cell vacuole or no vacuoles at all.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, plants and animals are composed of tiny units of life called cells. Understanding the structure and function of plant and animal cells is essential for appreciating the complexities of life. Plants and animals have different types of cells that are adapted to perform specific functions.

Additionally, plants require essential nutrients and minerals to grow, which can be provided through organic or inorganic fertilizers. However, the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can harm the environment and soil health. By understanding the importance of cells, nutrients, and fertilizers, we can better appreciate the natural world and take steps to protect and conserve it.

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