# Explain why a plant kept in complete darkness for several weeks will eventually die, even if it is given water and minerals.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B1.2 What happens in cells (and what do cells need) · Explain · 4 marks

> A houseplant is placed in a sealed room with no light source. After several weeks, the plant dies.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Without light, photosynthesis cannot occur
2. Without photosynthesis, no glucose is produced
3. Without glucose, cellular respiration cannot release energy (in the form of ATP)
4. Without energy the plant cannot carry out vital life processes and therefore dies

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](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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