plumiDNA replication: Edexcel International A Level Biology questions
Edexcel International A Level Biology past-paper questions on 2.4.2 DNA replication, 2019–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.
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Q5(a)
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All 12 questions on DNA replication, as a list
- June 2025, AS Unit 1, Q5(a) (2 marks): When a cell is preparing to divide, DNA synthesis takes place. Explain how two identical molecules of DNA are produced. (2)
- June 2025, AS Unit 1, Q5(c)(ii) (6 marks): The proportions of these molecules change as a bacterial cell prepares to divide, as it divides into two new bacterial cells and as each new bacterial cell grow
- January 2025, AS Unit 1, Q5(a) (2 marks): State the meaning of the term semi‑conservative replication. (2)
- January 2025, AS Unit 1, Q5(b) (2 marks): Describe the role of DNA polymerase in the process of DNA replication. (2)
- October 2022, AS Unit 1, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the total mass of DNA produced after three cell divisions. Give your answer in grams, where 1 dalton = 1.67 × 10–24 grams. (2) Answer g
- January 2022, AS Unit 1, Q3(b) (2 marks): Before a cell can divide, the DNA molecule has to replicate. This takes place in the S phase of the cell cycle. Human DNA replicates at a rate of 50 nucleotides
- January 2022, AS Unit 1, Q3(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain the role of DNA polymerase in a replication bubble. Use the information in the diagram and your own knowledge to support your answer. (2)
- January 2022, AS Unit 1, Q3(c)(ii) (3 marks): In human cells, S phase lasts about 10 hours. Suggest why each DNA molecule is replicated using many replication bubbles. (3)
- October 2021, Unit 5, Q6(b) (2 marks): Describe the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication during cell proliferation. (2)
- June 2019, AS Unit 1, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): State what is meant by the term semi-conservative replication. (2)
- June 2019, AS Unit 1, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Name one enzyme involved in semi-conservative replication. (1)
- June 2019, AS Unit 1, Q4(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain the importance of semi-conservative replication in the production of new cells. (2)
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