2.4 Life Processes in Cells

Overview of the Achievement Standard

2.4 NZQA Achievement Standard.pdf

NZQA Document: Official description of the Achievement Standard.

Video: A quick overview of the 2.4 Achievement Standard.

Getting to Achieved, Merit, and Excellence

NCEA's Achieved, Merit, and Excellence levels are based on a rubric called 'Solo Taxonomy.' For you to achieve, it's important to keep reflecting on where you are against this Solo Taxonomy.

  • Pre-Structural = Not Achieved

  • Uni Structural = Not Achieved / Developing

  • Multi Structural = Achieved

  • Relational = Merit

  • Extended Abstract = Excellence

All 2.4 Success Criteria

2.4 Success Criteria

Revision Options

Revision means you've learned the concepts already and are now just going back to them to examine your weakest areas so you can target the areas you need more practice on.

DO NOT revise if you have NOT yet learned the concepts in the first place. Go back and learn the concepts first.

1) Learn the 2.4 Vocabulary using Quizlet

Here's a Quizlet of all 2.4 Vocabulary

I've also created Quizlets for each sub-topics in the 2.4 standard.

Vocabulary for Cell Structure and Transport

Vocabulary for Enzymes

Vocabulary for Photosynthesis & Respiration

Vocabulary for Cell Cycle, DNA Replication and Mitosis

2) Go through the each of the concepts again. This should be done individually.

2.4 Revision Last Minute Reminders (NBTS).pdf

Last-Minutes Notes (No Brain Too Small)

You could read these Last Minute Notes by No Brain Too Small (to the left).

It is not fully comprehensive, but it outlines the absolute most important things to remember. Not sufficient for Merit or Excellence.

You could go through the notes on Pathwayz:

https://www.pathwayz.org/Tree/Filter?tag=32&SubTree=PATHWAYZ#!c155,190,6

You could use these posters (below):

2.4 Poster Cell Processes.pdf
2.4 Poster Cell Size, Shape, Organelle Organisation.pdf
2.4 Poster Cell Transport.pdf
2.4 Poster Enzymes.pdf
2.4 Poster Photosynthesis + Respiration.pdf
2.4 Poster Cell Cycle.pdf

You could read Mrs. Bates' notes:

M2.4 Notes BSL.pdf

You could read Mr. Hithersay's notes:

M2.4 Notes HSD.pdf

3) Discuss concepts in groups.

Discussing Enzyme Activity

Link: Enzyme Activity on Thinglink.

2.4 C4. Enzyme Activity on Thinglink.pdf

Discussing Mitosis

Link: Mitosis Picture Sorting

For this activity, you will need Ms. Adviento's laminated activity pack.

2.4 C9. Mitosis Picture Sorting - Hands-On.pdf

4) SciPAD Revision

Cell Structure & Function, Photosynthesis, and Respiration

  • Crossword - Page 30

  • Review Questions - Pages 36-39

Cell Transport

  • Crossword - Page 55

  • Review Questions - Pages 58-63

The Cell Cycle (DNA Replication and Mitosis) and Enzymes

  • Crossword - Page 85

  • Review Questions - Pages 88-91

Past NCEA Examinations

1) Make a copy of the document to the right.

2) Choose a topic you are least confident with.

3) Attempt an past NCEA exam question about that topic.

4) Write your answer in the appropriate box, mark your own work, then ask Ms. Adviento for feedback.


2.4 Practicing NCEA Questions.docx

2021 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Osmosis. Photosynthesis. Limiting factors.

  • Question 2: Anaerobic and aerobic respiration in sharks.

  • Question 3: Osmosis and osmoregulation. Active transport.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2021.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2021.pdf

2020 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Enzymes.

  • Question 2: Osmosis. Photosynthesis. Plant cell structure.

  • Question 3: DNA Replication. Mitosis. SA:V

2.4 NCEA Exam 2020.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2020.pdf

2019 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Membrane transport. Photosynthesis. Limiting factors.

  • Question 2: Anaerobic and aerobic respiration in runners.

  • Question 3: Membrane transport. Enzymes. DNA replication.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2019.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2019.pdf

2018 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Membrane transport. Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration and its effect on active transport.

  • Question 2: Photosynthesis. Enzymes, inhibitors, and enzyme activity.

  • Question 3: DNA replication. Rate of mitosis (plant cells).

2.4 NCEA Exam 2018.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2018.pdf

2017 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Osmosis in plant roots. Photosynthesis.

  • Question 2: Cell respiration in mollusks.

  • Question 3: Rate of mitosis (animal cells).

2.4 NCEA Exam 2017.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2017.pdf

2016 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: DNA replication. Enzymes.

  • Question 2: Mitosis. Surface area to volume ratio and effect on diffusion and mitosis.

  • Question 3: Photosynthesis. Aerobic respiration in plants.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2016.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2016.pdf

2015 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Cell respiration in molluscs.

  • Question 2: Movement of materials: diffusion, osmosis, active transport. Oxygen consumption and cell respiration.

  • Question 3: Photosynthesis.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2015.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2015.pdf

2014 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Mitosis. DNA replication.

  • Question 2: Factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.

  • Question 3: Comparing number of mitochondria in different types of animal cells.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2014.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2014.pdf

2013 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Aerobic respiration. Comparing number of mitochondria in different types of animal cells.

  • Question 2: Photosynthesis. Factors that affect enzyme activity.

  • Question 3: Factors that affect the rate of mitosis. DNA replication.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2013.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2013.pdf

2012 Exam Paper & Assessment Schedule:

  • Question 1: Factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.

  • Question 2: Movement of materials: diffusion, osmosis, active transport.

  • Question 3: DNA replication. Factors that affect enzyme activity.

2.4 NCEA Exam 2012.pdf
2.4 NCEA Marking Schedule 2012.doc