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Cellular respiration: OCR A‑Level Biology B questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology B exam question on 4.1.1 Cellular respiration, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,889 questions

  1. Q16

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 16: Which molecule is used to donate electrons to the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation? A ADP B ATP C Reduced NAD D Reduced NADP [1] Your a

  2. Q2(a)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    3 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(a)(i): Describe how the values for the volume of CO2 produced in one minute would be measured and calculated using a respirometer. [3]

  3. Q2(a)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(a)(ii): Calculate the RQ of species A, using the values in the table. RQ = [1]

  4. Q2(a)(iii)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(a)(iii): The student thinks the results for one of the species are anomalous. State which species has anomalous results and explain why the student thinks the results ar

  5. Q2(b)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    6 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(b): Respirometers can be used to measure the respiratory quotient and the rate of respiration of organisms. The diagram shows a respirometer that can be used for th

  6. Q3(c)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 3(c): Suggest what the absence of mitochondria indicates about the process of respiration in P. myojinensis. [1]

  7. Q15

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 15: The diagram shows a piece of apparatus used in an investigation. Scale Capillary tube Coloured liquid Germinating seeds Gauze Potassium hydroxide solution Which

  8. Q16

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 16: Which of the following statements about oxidative phosphorylation is/are correct? 1 Electrons passing down electron transport chains release energy for ATP prod

  9. Q7

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 7: An investigation was carried out to measure respiratory quotient (RQ) values using a respirometer. A respiratory substrate was provided to the respiring organis

  10. Q1(a)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    3 marks2.1.2 Water and its importance in plants and animals4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(a): The table shows several conversions that occur in carbohydrate metabolism. Place one tick (3) in the appropriate box in each row to indicate the type of reactio

  11. Q1(b)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(b): Explain why the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA is described as an oxidative decarboxylation reaction. [2]

  12. Q1(c)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(c)(i): Use the information in the Advance Notice article to calculate the net yield of protons (H+) in glycolysis when glucose is used as a respiratory substrate and w

  13. Q1(e)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    6 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(e): This question is based on the Advance Notice article ‘Biochemistry of exercise-induced acidosis’. (e)* Muscles produce sufficient ATP by aerobic respiration dur

  14. Q4(c)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 4(c)(i): Many bacterial species can produce ATP only through anaerobic respiration. Explain why the rate of ATP production in these bacterial species is relatively low.

  15. Q4(c)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 4(c)(ii): Some bacterial species can produce ATP through aerobic respiration, using electron transport chains and ATP synthase. Suggest the location of electron transport

  16. Q6(a)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2, question 6(a)(i): Name the apparatus that could have been used to measure RQ in this investigation. [1]

  17. Q6(a)(ii)

    November 2021 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2, question 6(a)(ii): Barley grains contain about 12% by mass of storage proteins. A student stated that the graph was evidence that these proteins are used as respiratory substrates

  18. Q6(a)(iii)

    November 2021 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration2.1.2 Water and its importance in plants and animals
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2, question 6(a)(iii): Describe how you could extend this experiment to test the student’s hypothesis. [2]

  19. Q6(a)(iv)

    November 2021 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2, question 6(a)(iv): What can you conclude from the graph about the respiratory substrates, other than protein, that are used during germination? [3]

  20. Q6(b)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.1 Cellular respiration
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2, question 6(b)(i): Calculate the respiratory quotient, RQ, of linoleic acid when respired aerobically. RQ = [2]
All 52 questions on Cellular respiration, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Which molecule is used to donate electrons to the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation? A ADP B ATP C Reduced NAD D Reduced NADP [1] Your a
  2. June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(i) (3 marks): Describe how the values for the volume of CO2 produced in one minute would be measured and calculated using a respirometer. [3]
  3. June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the RQ of species A, using the values in the table. RQ = [1]
  4. June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(iii) (2 marks): The student thinks the results for one of the species are anomalous. State which species has anomalous results and explain why the student thinks the results ar
  5. June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(b) (6 marks): Respirometers can be used to measure the respiratory quotient and the rate of respiration of organisms. The diagram shows a respirometer that can be used for th
  6. June 2025, Paper 3, Q3(c) (1 mark): Suggest what the absence of mitochondria indicates about the process of respiration in P. myojinensis. [1]
  7. June 2024, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): The diagram shows a piece of apparatus used in an investigation. Scale Capillary tube Coloured liquid Germinating seeds Gauze Potassium hydroxide solution Which
  8. June 2024, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Which of the following statements about oxidative phosphorylation is/are correct? 1 Electrons passing down electron transport chains release energy for ATP prod
  9. June 2023, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): An investigation was carried out to measure respiratory quotient (RQ) values using a respirometer. A respiratory substrate was provided to the respiring organis
  10. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(a) (3 marks): The table shows several conversions that occur in carbohydrate metabolism. Place one tick (3) in the appropriate box in each row to indicate the type of reactio
  11. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(b) (2 marks): Explain why the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA is described as an oxidative decarboxylation reaction. [2]
  12. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(c)(i) (2 marks): Use the information in the Advance Notice article to calculate the net yield of protons (H+) in glycolysis when glucose is used as a respiratory substrate and w
  13. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(e) (6 marks): This question is based on the Advance Notice article ‘Biochemistry of exercise-induced acidosis’. (e)* Muscles produce sufficient ATP by aerobic respiration dur
  14. June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): Many bacterial species can produce ATP only through anaerobic respiration. Explain why the rate of ATP production in these bacterial species is relatively low.
  15. June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (1 mark): Some bacterial species can produce ATP through aerobic respiration, using electron transport chains and ATP synthase. Suggest the location of electron transport
  16. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the apparatus that could have been used to measure RQ in this investigation. [1]
  17. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Barley grains contain about 12% by mass of storage proteins. A student stated that the graph was evidence that these proteins are used as respiratory substrates
  18. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (2 marks): Describe how you could extend this experiment to test the student’s hypothesis. [2]
  19. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iv) (3 marks): What can you conclude from the graph about the respiratory substrates, other than protein, that are used during germination? [3]
  20. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the respiratory quotient, RQ, of linoleic acid when respired aerobically. RQ = [2]
  21. November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): State the effect on RQ if the linoleic acid were respired by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Explain your answer. [2]
  22. November 2020, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Which of the following statements is/are true of anaerobic respiration in both animal and yeast cells? 1: Pyruvate is produced in glycolysis. 2: Reduced NAD is
  23. November 2020, Paper 1, Q34(a) (3 marks): Identify structures X and Y in the micrograph and explain how they adapt the mitochondrion to its function. structure X structure Y explanation [3]
  24. November 2020, Paper 1, Q34(b)(i) (1 mark): Describe what is meant by the term chemiosmosis. [1]
  25. November 2020, Paper 1, Q34(b)(ii) (4 marks): Using your knowledge of mitochondrial respiration, explain the results for dishes B and C. [4]
  26. November 2020, Paper 1, Q34(c) (2 marks): The volume of buffered mitochondria solution in each dish was controlled. State one other variable in the experiment and explain why it should be controlled. va
  27. November 2020, Paper 1, Q34(d)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest an appropriate unit for quantitative ATP measurement. [1]
  28. November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(d) (2 marks): The Advance Notice article describes the causes and symptoms of mitochondrial disease. Explain why raised concentrations of lactate confirm diagnosis of mitocho
  29. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the stage of respiration shown in Fig. 6. [1]
  30. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): State the location in the cell where the reactions in Fig. 6 occur. [1]
  31. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (3 marks): Complete the following table by placing a tick (3) in the appropriate boxes to show which reactions include substrate level phosphorylation, hydrolysis or a deh
  32. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iv) (1 mark): Reactions 1 and 2 in Fig. 6 illustrate how ATP is used to phosphorylate molecules. Phosphorylation of glucose prevents it from being able to diffuse out of the
  33. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6(b) (4 marks): Complete the following passage using the correct words or terms. In the link reaction, coenzyme A accepts two carbons from to form acetyl coenzyme A. At the sam
  34. June 2019, Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, is the net gain in ATP molecules following the glycolysis of one glucose molecule? A 1 B 2 C 4 D 6 Your answer [1]
  35. June 2019, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): The graph below shows the concentration of several molecules over time in the medium of a cell culture. 10 9 8 7 6 concentration of molecule / 5 arbitrary units
  36. June 2018, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): Proton pumps establish electrochemical gradients, which are required for ATP production. Which of the options, A to D, are regions of a plant cell into which pr
  37. June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(a) (2 marks): The table below gives three types of reaction involved in aerobic respiration. Complete the table by inserting, for each type of reaction: • one metabolic pathw
  38. June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(b)(i) (1 mark): The unbalanced equation for the aerobic respiration of a substrate is shown below. C16H32O2 + O2 → CO2 + H2O Balance the equation above by writing the correct n
  39. June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ) of this respiratory substrate. Give your answer to two significant figures. RQ = [2]
  40. June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(b)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one reason for an RQ greater than 1 in an organism respiring aerobically. [1]
  41. June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(c) (6 marks): Aerobic respiration involves a series of reactions. (c)* A respirometer is used to investigate the rate of respiration. Fig. 34 shows the setup of a respiromete
  42. June 2017, Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): The balanced equation for the aerobic respiration of a substrate is given below. 2C18H34O2 + 51O2 → 36CO2 + 34H2O Which of the statements, A to D, gives the cor
  43. June 2017, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, correctly identifies the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast? A CO2, NAD, ATP and ethanol B CO2, NAD, ADP and lactic acid C
  44. June 2017, Paper 1, Q28 (1 mark): Oxidative phosphorylation is the process in which the transfer of electrons from reduced NAD or reduced FAD to oxygen results in the production of ATP. Which of
  45. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(a)(i) (1 mark): The oxygen concentration of water can be measured using a number of different methods. Give one advantage of using an electronic sensor with a data-logger. [1]
  46. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): State two of the control variables necessary in this experiment. [2]
  47. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(a)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest why the respirometers were flushed after each experiment. [1]
  48. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): State the null hypothesis for this test. [1]
  49. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the variance (s 2) for these means. Answer = [1]
  50. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): Using the formula below, calculate the t value for the data in Table 3.1. x x - A B t = 2 2 s s A B + n n A B Show your working. Give your answer to three decim
  51. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iv) (3 marks): Using Table 3.2 and your answer to (b)(iii), comment on the mean metabolic rates for 10 °C and 16 °C. Level of probability Degrees of freedom 0.05 0.01 0.001 8
  52. June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(c) (2 marks): The background research for this investigation into the effect of temperature on the metabolic rates of fish included information about increasing surface sea t

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