Here is a collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on Chapter 6: Plant Nutrition from
the IGCSE syllabus:
1. Photosynthesis
Q1. What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
A. Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
B. Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
C. Oxygen + glucose → water + carbon dioxide
D. Water + glucose → oxygen + carbon dioxide
Answer: A
Q2. Which of the following is not a requirement for photosynthesis?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Glucose
C. Light
D. Chlorophyll
Answer: B
2. Leaf Structure and Function
Q3. Which part of the leaf allows gases to diffuse in and out?
A. Epidermis
B. Stomata
C. Palisade mesophyll
D. Spongy mesophyll
Answer: B
Q4. Why are leaves typically thin?
A. To reduce water loss
B. To increase the surface area for absorption of sunlight
C. To allow gases to diffuse easily
D. To store glucose
Answer: C
3. Essential Minerals for Plants
Q5. Which mineral is needed for the synthesis of chlorophyll?
A. Nitrate
B. Phosphate
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium
Answer: C
Q6. What deficiency symptom is caused by a lack of nitrates in plants?
A. Yellowing of leaves
B. Stunted growth
C. Purple coloration of leaves
D. Wilting
Answer: B
4. Investigating Photosynthesis
Q7. In an experiment to test for the presence of starch in a leaf, why is the leaf boiled in alcohol?
A. To soften it
B. To remove chlorophyll
C. To kill the leaf
D. To test for starch
Answer: B
Q8. A plant is kept in the dark for 48 hours before a photosynthesis experiment. What is the purpose
of this step?
A. To remove starch from the leaf
B. To kill the leaf
C. To reduce the water content in the leaf
D. To make the leaf more transparent
Answer: A
5. Adaptations for Photosynthesis
Q9. Which of the following is a feature of the palisade mesophyll layer?
A. Large air spaces for gas exchange
B. Thin cuticle to reduce water loss
C. Tightly packed cells with many chloroplasts
D. Guard cells to regulate water loss
Answer: C
Q10. What is the function of xylem vessels in a leaf?
A. Transport water and dissolved minerals
B. Transport sugars from the leaf
C. Support the leaf
D. Prevent water loss
Answer: A
Q11. Which color of light is least effective for photosynthesis?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. Green
D. Yellow
Answer: C
Q12. Where does the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis occur?
A. Cytoplasm
B. Stroma of chloroplasts
C. Thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts
D. Mitochondria
Answer: C
7. Gas Exchange in Leaves
Q13. Which gas enters the leaf during photosynthesis?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Water vapor
Answer: B
Q14. When stomata are open, water is lost from the leaf by:
A. Diffusion
B. Transpiration
C. Osmosis
D. Active transport
Answer: B
8. Experiments on Photosynthesis
Q15. Which chemical is used to test for the presence of starch in a leaf?
A. Benedict’s solution
B. Ethanol
C. Iodine solution
D. Limewater
Answer: C
Q16. In an experiment to show that light is required for photosynthesis, a leaf is partially covered
with black paper. After some time, which part will test positive for starch?
A. The covered part
B. The uncovered part
C. Both covered and uncovered parts
D. Neither part
Answer: B
9. Role of Chlorophyll and Nutrients
Q17. What is the main function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
A. Absorb carbon dioxide
B. Reflect sunlight
C. Absorb light energy
D. Store energy
Answer: C
Q18. Which of the following nutrients promotes root growth in plants?
A. Magnesium
B. Phosphate
C. Potassium
D. Nitrate
Answer: B
10. Photosynthesis and Limiting Factors
Q19. Which of the following is a limiting factor for photosynthesis?
A. Temperature
B. Light intensity
C. Carbon dioxide concentration
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Q20. What happens to the rate of photosynthesis if the temperature becomes too high?
A. It increases continuously
B. It decreases because enzymes are denatured
C. It remains constant
D. It decreases because carbon dioxide is unavailable
Answer: B
11. Adaptations of Leaves for Photosynthesis
Q21. Why are chloroplasts mostly found in the palisade layer of a leaf?
A. It is closer to the xylem and phloem
B. It is exposed to the most light
C. It has larger air spaces for diffusion
D. It is closer to the stomata
Answer: B
Q22. What role do guard cells play in photosynthesis?
A. Transport water to the leaf
B. Regulate the opening and closing of stomata
C. Absorb sunlight
D. Store starch
Answer: B
