plumiMeiosis, mitosis and the cell cycle: Edexcel A‑Level Biology A questions
Every Edexcel A-Level Biology A exam question on Meiosis, mitosis and the cell cycle (specification points 3.8–3.10), 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
Find questions1,749
Calculations
Q3(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(b)
The whole paper ↗
Q1(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q5(c)
The whole paper ↗
Q6(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(c)
The whole paper ↗
Q6(a)
The whole paper ↗
Q6(c)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(c)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(c)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(c)(iii)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(a)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(b)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q3(b)(iii)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(b)
The whole paper ↗
Q7(c)
The whole paper ↗
All 105 questions on Meiosis, mitosis and the cell cycle, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe what happens in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. (2)
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q3(a)(ii) (3 marks): The graph shows the change in DNA content of a cell during the cell cycle. 4 3 Quantity of DNA / a.u. 2 1 Time Explain the changes in the quantity of DNA in a c
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q3(b) (1 mark): The photograph shows cells from a root tip undergoing mitosis, as seen using a light microscope. (Source: © Dimarion/Shutterstock) What is the total number of c
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): A student viewed the diagram and stated that the cell was undergoing mitosis. Give two reasons why this statement is correct. (2) 1 2
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q5(c) (1 mark): Mitosis is involved in Stage 3. Mitosis also has a number of other functions. Which row is correct? (1) Function asexual reproduction repair of cells A
- June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following describes how these four genetically identical offspring are produced? (1) A a fertilised egg divides by meiosis to produce four embryos
- June 2024, Paper 1, Q3(c) (3 marks): Paclitaxel is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. Cancer involves cells dividing repeatedly in an uncontrolled manner. Paclitaxel prevents spindle fibres fr
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q6(a) (1 mark): Which of the following shows the probability of a pair of non-identical twins being the same sex? (1) A 0.00 B 0.25 C 0.50 D 1.00
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q6(c)(ii) (3 marks): Stem cells divide by mitosis. Describe the role of centromeres in mitosis. (3)
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): Give a reason why the genes for red and green pigment are not present on the Y chromosome. (1)
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q7(c)(ii) (3 marks): Some people do not have full colour vision and are described as being colour blind. Colour blindness is a recessive condition. An investigation was carried out
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q7(c)(iii) (4 marks): Deduce how colour blindness is inherited. (4)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (1 mark): State the name given to the position of a gene on a chromosome. (1)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain the ways that a mother with normal colour vision could have a child with red-green colour deficiency. (3)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why a mother with the genotype XB Xb has functioning cone cells. (2)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): What is the probability of parents with genotypes XB Xb and XB Y having a child who is both male and colour blind? (1) A 0.00 B 0.25 C 0.50 D 0.75
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(i) (1 mark): Calculate the ratio of the percentage of the recombinants for chromosome 2 when the MSH4 gene is inactive and active. (1) Answer
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(ii) (3 marks): Deduce the effect of the MSH4 gene on the gametes produced. (3)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q7(b) (2 marks): During the process of meiosis, chromatids may not separate properly. The diagram shows this effect. Deduce how this can cause problems at fertilisation. (2)
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q7(c) (2 marks): A mitotic index can be calculated to show the proportion of cells in a tissue undergoing mitosis. The photograph shows a selection of cells in a tissue. (Source
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q7(d) (5 marks): Some plants grown for fruit have extra sets of chromosomes. The table shows the chromosome number for three different species of strawberry plant. Species Chrom
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following is the stage of mitosis shown in the cell labelled A? (1) A anaphase B cytokinesis C metaphase D telophase
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how other plant tissues can be prepared to find out if the cells are undergoing mitosis. (3)
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(b) (4 marks): Describe what happens inside a cell during prophase of mitosis. (4)
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following is the genotype of a black-headed female chicken? (1) A ZBZb B ZbZb C ZbW D ZBWb
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(a)(ii) (3 marks): A bar-headed female chicken was crossed with a black-headed male chicken. Draw a genetic diagram to show the genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring produced
- June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(a)(iii) (3 marks): Male chickens produced by this cross were crossed with a bar-headed female chicken. Deduce why this cross will produce both bar-headed and black‑headed females.
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): In which stage of cell division do spindle fibres attach to the centromeres? (1) A anaphase B interphase C metaphase D telophase
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): In which stage of the cell division does the nuclear membrane start to break down? (1) A interphase B metaphase C prophase D telophase
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): In which stage of cell division are chromatids first visible when using a light microscope? (1) A interphase B metaphase C prophase D telophase
- June 2023, Paper 2, Q1(b) (3 marks): Meiosis is involved in the production of sperm cells. Crossing over during meiosis can result in genetic variation. Explain how crossing over can lead to geneti
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (1 mark): Plant and animal cells both undergo the process of mitosis. Which of the following happens during the process of mitosis? (1) A the cell divides B the cell memb
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(c)(i) (1 mark): Which stage of mitosis is shown in this cell? (1) A anaphase B metaphase C prophase D telophase
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(c)(ii) (1 mark): The results of five root tip samples are shown in the table. Number of cells in each stage of the cell cycle Sample Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telop
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q1(c)(iii) (4 marks): Describe what happens in the cell during the telophase stage of mitosis. (4)
- June 2022, Paper 3, Q8(f) (3 marks): Explain how ‘a cancer‑causing mutation’ could increase the rate of division in stem cells (paragraph 14). (3)
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): A female salmon has the genotype Aa for one gene and Bb for another gene. Both of these genes are found on the same chromosome and are linked. Complete the tabl
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): The diagrams show possible arrangements of these genes on one of the chromosomes of this female salmon. Arrangement 1 Arrangement 2 A A B B State and justify wh
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): A female salmon can produce up to 1 600 eggs per year for up to 11 years. Calculate the maximum number of egg cells that this female salmon could produce contai
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): During which stage of the cell cycle is DNA replicated? (1) A G1 B G2 C M D S
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): During which stage does the greatest increase in cell size occur? (1) A G1 B G2 C M D S
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): The nucleus of cell A is 6 µm in diameter. The nucleus takes up 9% of the volume of the cell. The formula for the volume of a sphere is V = 4 3 πr3 Calculate th
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (5 marks): Devise an investigation to study the relationship between the distance from the tip of a root and the percentage of cells undergoing nuclear division. (5)
- June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): State the processes involved in the production of ramets in this Pando colony. (2)
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): The fertilised cell then divides by (1) A meiosis to produce genetically different cells B meiosis to produce genetically identical cells C mitosis to produce g
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Describe how meiosis leads to genetic variation in the gametes produced. (2)
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(c) (3 marks): Variation between children and their parents is affected by linkage of genes. Explain why some genes show linkage and others show sex-linkage. (3)
- November 2021, Paper 3, Q7 (9 marks): *7 Humans are complex multicellular organisms. Cell division is involved in: • the production of gametes • the development of tissues • the development of tu
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why the nucleus cannot be observed at the end of prophase in a eukaryotic cell. (2)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Mitosis is occurring between (1) A 0 and 12 hours B 12 and 16 hours C 16 and 20 hours D 24 and 36 hours
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why DNA is replicated before mitosis begins. (2)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how large numbers of cells with the same phenotype can be produced in a tissue. (2)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Which stage of cell division is shown by cell A? (1) A anaphase B interphase C metaphase D prophase
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): The cells shown in the image are dividing by (1) A meiosis to enable sexual reproduction B meiosis to enable growth C mitosis to enable sexual reproduction D mi
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(iii) (3 marks): Describe how a slide can be prepared from a root tip sample to produce this image. (3)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(iv) (2 marks): The mitotic index gives the percentage of cells in a sample undergoing mitosis. Calculate the mitotic index for the 30 cells in this image. (2) %
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4(b) (4 marks): Two cultures of cells were used to investigate the cell cycle. The cells in culture A have a functioning gene called P21. The cells in culture B have no functio
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Complete the diagram, by drawing a line, to show a possible locus for the F8 gene. (1) X chromosome Y chromosome
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (4 marks): Explain with the use of a genetic diagram why males with haemophilia cannot pass on this condition to their male offspring. (4)
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): There are 575 identified mutations to the F9 gene that cause severe symptoms of haemophilia. The same percentage of these types of mutation is found in the F8 g
- October 2020, Paper 1, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): Following fertilisation a zygote is formed. The zygote then divides by (1) A meiosis to produce diploid cells B meiosis to produce haploid cells C mitosis to pr
- October 2020, Paper 2, Q8(d) (4 marks): Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common inherited type of MD. DMD is caused by a recessive allele. The table shows some data on DMD from 1993 to 19
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Draw a diagram to show a crossover for chromosome 1 during meiosis. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (4 marks): Explain how crossing over and independent assortment can produce gametes with new combinations of the alleles shown on the diagram of the two pairs of chromosom
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Explain how crossing over may differ in sex chromosomes. (2)
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q3(b) (4 marks): Cell division in a plant such as an onion can be observed using a light microscope. Explain why the following techniques are used when producing a root tip squa
- October 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): Describe the role of cell division in the production of monozygotic twins from a single fertilised egg cell. (2)
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Which one of the following would be the correct null hypothesis? (1) A the percentage of cells carrying out mitosis increases from the tip to the start of zone
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (5 marks): Devise an investigation to test this hypothesis. (5)
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (1 mark): Cell division during the production of gametes produces genetic variation. This type of cell division involves (1) A one division to produce diploid cells B one
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (1 mark): Name this type of division. (1)
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): Which stage of nuclear division is shown in cell A? (1) A anaphase B metaphase C prophase D telophase
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): The mean distance between the two sets of chromatids in the photograph of cell A is 1.5 cm. Calculate the actual distance in ȝm. (2) ȝm
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (5 marks): Devise an investigation to study the effect of temperature on the rate of nuclear division in a plant meristem. (5)
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain what is meant by the term sex-linked disorder. (2)
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the genotype frequency for males with DMD cannot be calculated using this Hardy-Weinberg equation. (2)
- June 2018, Paper 1, Q5(b)(ii) (4 marks): Compare and contrast the results of mitosis and meiosis in the production of sperm cells from stem cells. (4)
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the following describes what is meant by the term locus? (1) A genetic code for a protein B holds together sister chromatids C location of a gene on a
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Describe the appearance of the chromosomes in the cells undergoing the metaphase stage of mitosis. (3)
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Analyse the data to explain how storage time affects the growth of the seedlings of variety Q. (2)
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(c) (5 marks): It is claimed that the percentage of cells in a root tip undergoing mitosis during the day is different from the percentage during the night. Devise an investig
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the part of a chromosome that is occupied by a gene. (1)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain which chromosome shows the weakest linkage between genes 1 and 2. (3)
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (1 mark): The process of meiosis gives rise to genetic variation. Genes A, B and C are located on two different pairs of chromosomes, as shown in the diagram. b B a A c C
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): Even though both offspring are from the same father and the same mother, they may be genetically different. Explain why the offspring may be genetically differe
- June 2017, Paper 1, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which of the following statements describes the genetic content of a sperm cell? (1) Each sperm cell will contain Different sperm cells will contain A one copy
- June 2017, Paper 1, Q8(c)(ii) (2 marks): State what is meant by the term sex-linkage. (2)
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Which row in the table correctly shows the sex chromosomes found in the male and female gametes of mammals? (1) Present in egg Present in sperm A Y either X or
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why genes found on the sex chromosome pair have a pattern of inheritance that is different from genes found on other chromosome pairs. (2)
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Use a genetic diagram to explain the expected results of this cross if birds inherit sex in the same way as mammals. (3)
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (3 marks): The cross between male pigeons with red feathers and female pigeons with alleles for blue feathers only was carried out. The offspring produced suggested that s
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q10(a) (2 marks): Explain why each cell of the hybrid plant has 21 chromosomes in its nucleus. (2)
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q10(b) (1 mark): Which row in the table shows the number of chromosomes in cells from these different plant species? (1) A. tauschii gamete T. turgidum leaf cell T. aestivum gam
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q10(c) (2 marks): Explain why the hybrid plant cannot produce haploid gametes. (2)
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q10(d) (3 marks): Treatment X in the diagram uses the chemical colchicine. Colchicine breaks down spindle fibres in dividing cells. Explain how treatment of cells of the hybrid p
- June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b) (3 marks): Cancer can be due to body cells continuing to undergo mitosis and cell division. Prophase is one stage of mitosis. Describe the events that occur during prophas
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): Alleles of a gene linked to the development of lupus have been located on the X chromosome. Scientists tested 13 different alleles of the IRAK1 gene, which is l
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): Draw a line labelled M to one cell at metaphase and a line labelled A to one cell at anaphase. (2)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): The rate at which cells are dividing can be determined by calculating the mitotic index. The mitotic index is the percentage of cells in a sample undergoing mit
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe the effects of Agil concentration on mitosis in onion root tips. (2)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (6 marks): Devise an investigation to determine the effect of exposure time to Agil on the rate of mitosis in onion root tips. (6)
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(c) (2 marks): Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. Cancer involves uncontrolled cell division. Some chemotherapy treatments have an effect on mitosis. Paclitaxel is a chemic
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (1 mark): Alleles F and G are (1) A autosomal and complementary B autosomal and linked C sex-linked and dominant D sex-linked and epigenetic
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q8(b) (2 marks): This man produces gametes. Each gamete contains only one allele of each gene. Describe how each gamete receives only one allele of each gene. (2)
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (4 marks): The gametes produced by this man may have different combinations of alleles. Possible combinations of alleles are: ● E and K ● e and K ● h and i ● H and i Asses
Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © Pearson Edexcel, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every Edexcel A-Level Biology A paper.
Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.