IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Organisation of the organism

Cell size & magnification: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Cell size & magnification questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Organisation of the organism. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Cell size & magnification practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Plant cells and animal cells are compared.
1    Both have a cell membrane, cytoplasm and ribosomes.
2    Both plant and animal cells contain mitochondria.
3    All plant cells contain chloroplasts.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Which row matches the cell structure with its function?

ribosomemitochondrioncell wall
Aaerobic respirationprotein synthesisprevents the cell bursting
Bprotein synthesisaerobic respirationprevents the cell bursting
Cprotein synthesisphotosynthesiscontrols what enters the cell
Dprotein synthesisaerobic respirationcontrols what enters the cell
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which structure is found in both plant and animal cells?

  1. A large permanent vacuole
  2. B cell wall
  3. C cell membrane
  4. D chloroplast
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 4Structured · 5 marks

A student prepares a slide of onion epidermis cells.

(a)

Describe how to prepare the slide.

[3]
(b)

Explain why iodine solution is added.

[1]
(c)

Explain why onion cells have no chloroplasts.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)peel epidermis, water/iodine, coverslip at angle
peel a thin layer of epidermis B1
place on a slide with a drop of water/iodine B1
lower a coverslip at an angle to avoid air bubbles B1
3
(b)stains nucleus/starch to make visible
to stain the cells so structures (nucleus) are visible B1
1
(c)underground, no light
the bulb grows underground with no light, so no photosynthesis B1
1
Question 5Structured · 6 marks

Plant and animal cells have structural similarities and differences.

(a)

Name three structures found in both plant and animal cells.

[3]
(b)

Name three structures found in plant cells but not animal cells.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes
Any 3 of: any three of: nucleus; cytoplasm; cell membrane; mitochondria; ribosomes B3
3
(b)cell wall, chloroplasts, permanent vacuole
cell wall B1
chloroplasts B1
large permanent vacuole B1
3
Question 6Structured · 3 marks

A cheek cell has an actual diameter of 30 µm. It is viewed with a microscope at a magnification of ×400.

(a)

Calculate the diameter of the image in mm.

[2]
(b)

State why micrometres are used to measure cells.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)12 mm
image = actual × magnification = 12000 µm C1
12 mm A1
2
(b)cells are very small
Any 1 of: cells are very small; micrometres give convenient numbers B1
1

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in