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The genetic code and protein synthesis: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions

OCR A-Level Biology A past-paper questions on 2.1.3.3 The genetic code and protein synthesis, 2016–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.

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  1. Q4(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

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  2. Q6(a)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

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  3. Q11

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

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  4. Q16(b)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

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  5. Q16(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

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  6. Q16(b)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

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  7. Q9

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

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  8. Q21(c)(ii)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

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  9. Q21(c)(iii)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

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  10. Q21(b)(i)

    November 2021 · AS Paper 1

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  11. Q6(b)(iii)

    June 2019 · AS Paper 2

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  13. Q1(b)(i)

    June 2018 · AS Paper 2

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  14. Q1(b)(ii)

    June 2018 · AS Paper 2

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  15. Q17(c)(i)

    June 2017 · Paper 2

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  16. Q11

    June 2017 · AS Paper 1

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  17. Q4

    June 2016 · AS Paper 1

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All 17 questions on The genetic code and protein synthesis, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(a) (2 marks): Two types of RNA are messenger RNA and transfer RNA. The table shows some properties of these two types of RNA. Place ticks (3) in the correct boxes to indicate
  2. June 2025, Paper 3, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): The diagram on the opposite page is a representation of the genetic code. It shows the amino acid encoded by each mRNA codon. The letters in the centre of the d
  3. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that works by binding to bacterial ribosomes. What process stops when chloramphenicol is present? A Cytokinesis B Endocytosis C
  4. June 2022, Paper 2, Q16(b)(i) (2 marks): Use Fig. 16.3 to identify the missing amino acids 1 and 2 in Fig. 16.2. 1 2 [2]
  5. June 2022, Paper 2, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): Outline the role of RNA polymerase in the production of the mRNA sequence in Fig. 16.2. [2]
  6. June 2022, Paper 2, Q16(b)(iii) (1 mark): In sickle cell disease, the haemoglobin contains the amino acid valine in one of the positions normally occupied by glutamic acid. State the base sequence on th
  7. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The following passage has four key terms missing, which are names of molecules involved in protein synthesis. The enzyme 1 joins nucleotides together to make a
  8. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(ii) (2 marks): With reference to the table, predict how the genetic code of DNA triplet 21 is changed so that it codes for the amino acid glycine instead of the amino acid asp
  9. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(iii) (4 marks): The modified polypeptides that form insulin glargine are made inside cells. The process of making the modified polypeptides that form insulin glargine involves
  10. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain how the genetic code in the gene for tubulin codes for the protein tubulin. [2]
  11. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest an advantage to a non-infected cell of having this process. [2]
  12. June 2018, Paper 2, Q21(c)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how DNA sequencing allows the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide to be predicted. [2]
  13. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): DNA sequences in genes code for polypeptide molecules such as pepsin and titin. Explain why a process known as transcription is necessary for polypeptide synthe
  14. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the minimum length of the DNA base sequence required to code for titin. Show your working. Answer [2]
  15. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(c)(i) (6 marks): The yellow colour in peas is the result of an enzyme that breaks down chlorophyll, which is green. • The Y allele codes for the production of an enzyme that bre
  16. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): DNA carries the genetic code which is non-overlapping and degenerate. Which of the options, A to D, contains the correct definitions for non-overlapping and deg
  17. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Which of the following statements, A to D, about the nature of the genetic code is incorrect? A It is a degenerate code. B It is a triplet code. C It is overlap

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