Describe photosynthetic organisms as the main producers of food and therefore biomass

Describe photosynthesis in plants and algae as an endothermic reaction that uses light energy to react carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen

Explain the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration as limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis

Explain the interactions of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration in limiting the rate of photosynthesis

Core Practical: Investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis

Explain how the rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to light intensity and inversely proportional to the distance from a light source, including the use of the inverse square law calculation

Explain how the structure of the root hair cells is adapted toabsorb water and mineral ions

Explain how the structures of the xylem and phloem are adapted to their function in the plant, including:

a) lignified dead cells in xylem transporting water and minerals through the plant
b) living cells in phloem using energy to transport sucrose around the plant

Explain how water and mineral ions are transported through the plant by transpiration, including the structure and function of the stomata

Describe how sucrose is transported around the plant by translocation

Explain how the structure of a leaf is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange

Explain the effect of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake by a plant, to include light intensity, air movement and temperature

Demonstrate an understanding of rate calculations for transpiration

Explain how plants are adapted to survive in extreme environments including the effect of leaf size and shape, the cuticle and stomata

Explain how plant hormones control and coordinate plant growth and development, including the role of auxins in phototropisms and gravitropisms

Describe the commercial uses of auxins, gibberellins and ethene in plants, including:

a) auxins in weedkillers and rooting powders
b) gibberellins in germination, fruit and flower formation and the production of seedless fruit
c) ethene in fruit ripening