Biology · May / June 2019 · Paper 12 · Question 34

1000 seeds were placed in damp soil, in the dark, at 25 °C for 4 days. Each day equal numbers of germinating seeds were removed, dried, and their components separated and weighed. The table shows the results. | | day 0 | day 1 | day 2 | day 3 | day 4 | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | mean mass of whole seeds / mg | 205 | 193 | 185 | 170 | 158 | | mean mass of seed cotyledons / mg | 180 | 155 | 131 | 125 | 115 | | mean mass of radicle and plumule / mg | 2 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 21 | Which statements are supported by the data from this investigation? 1 Stored food in cotyledons provides materials for the growth of the radicle and plumule, during germination. 2 Whole seeds contain other structures beside the plumule, radicle and cotyledons. 3 Some stored food is respired to provide energy, and carbon dioxide is lost to the air.

1. A1, 2 and 3
2. B1 and 2 only
3. C1 and 3 only
4. D2 and 3 only

As printed in the paper