example :
Explain the function of R ( contractile vacuole in Paramecium ) . [ 5 marks ]
R maintains
osmotic pressure .
Water diffuses into R by
osmosis .
R
expands to maximum size .
R
moves to
side of plasma membrane .
R
contracts to expel excess water .
Very easy example . You are probably using the F and E method of remembering points for essay questions . F is the main skeleton , E are the explanations to the skeleton . But a very interesting method proposed in MRSM's Biology mark schemes is the ' Science Text ' method . Basically there are two alternatives when writing answers for structured/essay questions in P2 . Here's an example :
Heavy metals contain respiratory inhibitors . Explain the effects of respiratory inhibitors on Paramecium sp . [ 2m ]
Standard Method [ F and E method ]
( Respiratory inhibitors ) inhibit cellular respiration / mitochondria cannot function [F]
Energy cannot be generated [E]
Cellular respiration / active transport cannot be carried out [E]
Contractile vacuole cannot function ( to remove excess water ) [E]
Paramecium dies / bursts / haemolyses [E]
The main point is
cellular respiration ceases or
mitochondria fail to function . The explanations / effects of it are the E's .
The ' Science Text ' method is described as follows .
o - object
c - condition
p - process/phenomenon
r - result
O1 - ( Respiratory inhibitors )
C/P1 - Inhibit cellular respiration / mitochondria cannot function
C/P2 - Energy cannot be generated / active transport cannot occur
C/P3 - Contractile vacuole cannot contract ( to remove excess water )
R - Paramecium dies / bursts / haemolyses
The second method is more organised , and you can see the process , while the latter method does not arrange the explanations in order . Both are accepted .
In both cases the answer and concise and succinct . This is the method that you should use to remember points for Biology P2 . Much better than long , drawn out explanations in reference books .
Wow I never know that. All the time, I was just memorising what points to put in if this type of question come out. An eye opener for me. I will try that in my coming mock exam