Question 1: Define the term 'cell wall' and explain its primary function in plant cells.

Answer: The cell wall is a rigid outer layer made of cellulose that surrounds plant cells, providing structural support and protection.

Question 2: Describe the role of chloroplasts in plant cells and why they are important for industrial processes involving plant products.

Answer: Chloroplasts are organelles that conduct photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy; they are important for producing plant-based compounds used in industries like pharmaceuticals and biofuels.

Question 3: Explain how the presence of large vacuoles in plant cells aids in maintaining turgor pressure.

Answer: Large vacuoles store water and solutes, exerting pressure against the cell wall to maintain rigidity and turgor pressure, which helps the plant stay upright.

Question 1: A factory extracts 250 grams of chlorophyll from 10,000 grams of spinach leaves. Calculate the percentage yield of chlorophyll. (Use the formula: (Actual yield / Theoretical yield) x 100%)

Answer: 2.5%

Question 2: If a plant cell's vacuole contains 0.5 milliliters of solution and the total cell volume is 10 microliters, what percentage of the cell volume is occupied by the vacuole?

Answer: 5000%

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test how the concentration of sulfuric acid affects the breakdown of plant cell walls during industrial processing. List the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: The experiment should vary sulfuric acid concentration (independent variable), measure the extent of cell wall breakdown (dependent variable), keep temperature and time constant (controlled variables), and use safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats to prevent chemical burns.

Question 1: A biofuel company processes 500 kg of algae, which contains chloroplasts similar to those in plant cells, to produce biodiesel. If the average chloroplast content is 10% of the algae's dry weight, estimate the amount of chloroplast material available for extraction.

Answer: 50 kg

Question 2: In an industrial process, the breakdown of plant cell walls releases sugars used for fermentation. If a batch releases 200 grams of sugars from 1 kg of plant material, what is the percentage of sugars in the plant material?

Answer: 20%

Question 1: Describe how the structural features of plant cells, such as the cell wall and vacuole, are exploited in the industrial extraction of plant-based products like cellulose and biofuels. Your answer should include mechanisms and industrial processes involved. (6 marks)

Answer: Plant cell walls, composed mainly of cellulose, provide a renewable source for manufacturing paper, textiles, and biofuels. The rigid cell wall facilitates mechanical and chemical breakdown during processing, allowing extraction of cellulose fibers. Large vacuoles store water and solutes, aiding in maintaining cell rigidity, which simplifies the separation process during industrial extraction. Enzymatic and chemical treatments break down complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars, which are then converted into biofuels or other chemicals. Understanding these structures helps optimize industrial methods for sustainable harvesting and processing of plant materials.