# A student observes a seedling growing in a pot. Over several days, the seedling grows taller, produces new leaves, and responds to the direction of light by bending towards it. Explain how these observations demonstrate three characteristics of living organisms, and state one additional characteristic not shown by these observations.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms · Explain · 4 marks

> A seedling is kept on a windowsill. Over five days, it increases in height, produces two new leaves, and its shoot bends towards the window.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Growth — the seedling increases in size / height / produces new leaves, showing that living organisms grow (by increasing in cell number or cell size)
2. Sensitivity / response to stimuli — the shoot bends towards the light, showing the seedling detects and responds to an external stimulus (light)
3. Nutrition / photosynthesis — the seedling takes in / uses materials from the environment (water, carbon dioxide, light energy) to make food / carry out photosynthesis, providing energy for growth
4. Any one additional characteristic of living organisms correctly stated: respiration / excretion / reproduction / movement

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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