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A Levels Biology (9700)•9700/12/M/J/19
Question 3 from 9700/12/M/J/19

Explanation

Circular DNA in Plant Cells Steps:

  • Identify small circular DNA as mitochondrial or chloroplast genomes in eukaryotic cells.
  • Note that P has uniform DNA sequence, indicating one organelle type (mitochondria only).
  • Note that Q has two different DNA sequences, indicating two organelle types (mitochondria and chloroplasts).
  • Match to plant cells: roots lack chloroplasts, leaves have both.

Why D is correct:

  • Leaf mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts (unique cpDNA) and mitochondria (mtDNA), yielding two distinct circular DNAs; root cortical cells have only mtDNA with identical sequences.

Why the others are wrong:

  • A: Mature red blood cells lack organelles and DNA; heart cells have only uniform mtDNA, no bacterial involvement.
  • B: Mature blood cells lack DNA; phloem sieve tubes lack nuclei but not dual circular DNAs from bacteria.
  • C: Identical to D, but assumes no distinction in cell types for dual DNA.

Final answer: D

Topic: Cells as the basic units of living organisms

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