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CAIE IGCSE Biology 8.2 Water Uptake Questions

Practise water uptake by roots by identifying root hairs, tracing water through cortex cells into xylem and interpreting stained transport-tissue evidence.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • Identify root hair cells and explain how their large surface area supports water and mineral-ion uptake.
  • Sequence water movement from soil through root hair cells, cortex cells and xylem to mesophyll, including osmosis into root hairs.
  • Interpret blue-dye stain results in stems or shoots to identify xylem as the water transport route.

Covered syllabus points

8.2.1—Root hair cells and state their8.2.2—Large surface area of root hairs8.2.3—Pathway taken by water through8.2.4—Investigate, using a suitable stain

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a bean seedling soon after it has germinated.
Where is most water absorbed?

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE IGCSE Biology

Question 2

[Maximum number: 2]

Describe the pathway a water molecule takes from the soil to reach the xylem.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

A celery stalk was placed into a beaker of blue dye. When the dye reached the leaves, the stalk was taken out and a section was cut, as shown in the diagram.

Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology
Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology

Which diagram shows the appearance of the cut end of the stalk?

A
Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology — Option A
B
Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology — Option B
C
Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology — Option C
D
Figure for Question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Biology — Option D
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