Explain why a plant kept in a dark cupboard for several days will eventually die.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
No light means photosynthesis cannot occur, so the plant cannot produce glucose. Glucose is required for cellular respiration to release energy. Without energy the plant cannot carry out life processes and will die.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: photosynthesis, glucose, respiration, energy, life processes
- Show the causal chain: light → photosynthesis → glucose → respiration → energy → survival
Common mistakes
- Saying the plant dies because it is dark, not linking to photosynthesis
- Forgetting that glucose is needed for respiration
- Using vague words like ‘food’ instead of ‘glucose’
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- No light means photosynthesis cannot occur
- Photosynthesis produces glucose
- Glucose is needed for respiration to release energy
- Without energy the plant cannot carry out life processes and will die
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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