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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Xylem and Transpiration Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of how water moves through xylem vessels and the role of transpiration in pulling water upward.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe four features of xylem vessels that adapt them for transporting water.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Dead cells / no living contents: provides an unobstructed tube for water flow.
    2. No end walls between cells: continuous hollow tube from roots to leaves.
    3. Walls strengthened with lignin: prevents collapse and provides support.
    4. Long, narrow tubes: allows efficient water transport over long distances.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the pathway of water from the soil to the leaf.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Water is absorbed from the soil by root hair cells (by osmosis).
    2. Passes across the root cortex from cell to cell (by osmosis).
    3. Enters the xylem in the root and is transported up the stem to the leaves.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain the role of transpiration in the movement of water through a plant.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Water evaporates from the spongy mesophyll cells inside the leaf and diffuses out through stomata.
    2. This creates a transpiration pull / suction that draws water up through the xylem.
    3. Water molecules are cohesive: they form a continuous column that is pulled upward.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Define transpiration.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The loss of water vapour from the leaves of a plant.
    2. Through the stomata (mainly).

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State two functions of water transport in a plant, apart from supplying water for photosynthesis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Carries dissolved mineral ions from roots to leaves.
    2. Maintains cell turgor / keeps cells firm for support.
    3. Cooling effect: transpiration removes heat from the leaf surface.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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