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Metabolism and exercise: OCR A‑Level Biology B questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology B exam question on 4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,889 questions

  1. Q17

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 17: An athlete used carbohydrate loading prior to a race to enhance their performance. The athlete has a body mass of 75 kg and consumed 1100 g of carbohydrates ove

  2. Q34(a)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 34(a)(i): Identify the parts of the banded pattern labelled E and F. E F [2]

  3. Q34(a)(iv)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 34(a)(iv): Suggest reasons for the changes to fat droplets in the samples of skeletal muscle taken before and after spaceflight. [2]

  4. Q34(b)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    6 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 34(b): Researchers investigating the effects of spaceflight on skeletal muscle prepared samples of muscle tissue for viewing under a transmission electron microscope (

  5. Q14

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 14: Which of the statements about different respiratory pigments is correct? A Adult haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than fetal haemoglobin. B Myoglobi

  6. Q17

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 17: Which of the options is a F.I.T.T. factor that is considered when designing fitness programmes? A Age B Exercise duration C Gender D VO2 max Your answer [1]

  7. Q37(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    3 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 37(b): In humans, the circulatory system is affected by aerobic exercise. Outline the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on the circulatory system. [3]

  8. Q5(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 5(d): ECG can be used to predict the risk of mortality from heart failure. Patients with heart failure were monitored by ECG for a few minutes after exercising on a t

  9. Q2(c)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 2(c): The effect of NGLY1 deficiency on muscle tissue has been studied by dissecting muscle tissue and observing it under a microscope. Describe two safety precaution

  10. Q6

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 6: VO2 max is an indicator of aerobic fitness. Which of the units is appropriate when measuring VO2 max? dm3 min–1 A dm–3 min–1 B min dm–3 C min kg–1 D Your answer

  11. Q2(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(a)(i): State the definition of VO2 max. [1]

  12. Q2(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(a)(ii): Describe how VO2 max is measured. [3]

  13. Q2(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(b)(i): Evaluate this conclusion. [3]

  14. Q2(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(b)(ii): Suggest why an increase in muscle mass might lead to an increase in VO2 max. [1]

  15. Q2(c)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(c)(i): Sketch the curve you would expect when the same person is undergoing a period of HIIT. Answer on Fig. 2.2. [1]

  16. Q2(c)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 2(c)(ii): Explain how the curve you have sketched on Fig. 2.2 helps improve this person’s performance. [2]

  17. Q24

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    1 mark4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 24: Which of the options would cause an oxygen dissociation curve to shift to the right? Decrease in H+ ions A B Hyperthermia C Hypothermia D Increase in pH Your an

  18. Q1(c)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(c)(ii): Explain how metabolic acidosis leads to muscle fatigue during intense exercise. [2]

  19. Q1(d)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(d)(i): Describe the role of ATP in muscle contraction. [3]

  20. Q1(d)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.1.2 Metabolism and exercise
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(d)(ii): Explain how formation of calcium phosphate would cause muscle fatigue. [2]
All 54 questions on Metabolism and exercise, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): An athlete used carbohydrate loading prior to a race to enhance their performance. The athlete has a body mass of 75 kg and consumed 1100 g of carbohydrates ove
  2. June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(a)(i) (2 marks): Identify the parts of the banded pattern labelled E and F. E F [2]
  3. June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(a)(iv) (2 marks): Suggest reasons for the changes to fat droplets in the samples of skeletal muscle taken before and after spaceflight. [2]
  4. June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(b) (6 marks): Researchers investigating the effects of spaceflight on skeletal muscle prepared samples of muscle tissue for viewing under a transmission electron microscope (
  5. June 2024, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Which of the statements about different respiratory pigments is correct? A Adult haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than fetal haemoglobin. B Myoglobi
  6. June 2024, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): Which of the options is a F.I.T.T. factor that is considered when designing fitness programmes? A Age B Exercise duration C Gender D VO2 max Your answer [1]
  7. June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(b) (3 marks): In humans, the circulatory system is affected by aerobic exercise. Outline the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on the circulatory system. [3]
  8. June 2024, Paper 2, Q5(d) (3 marks): ECG can be used to predict the risk of mortality from heart failure. Patients with heart failure were monitored by ECG for a few minutes after exercising on a t
  9. June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The effect of NGLY1 deficiency on muscle tissue has been studied by dissecting muscle tissue and observing it under a microscope. Describe two safety precaution
  10. June 2023, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): VO2 max is an indicator of aerobic fitness. Which of the units is appropriate when measuring VO2 max? dm3 min–1 A dm–3 min–1 B min dm–3 C min kg–1 D Your answer
  11. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): State the definition of VO2 max. [1]
  12. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how VO2 max is measured. [3]
  13. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Evaluate this conclusion. [3]
  14. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why an increase in muscle mass might lead to an increase in VO2 max. [1]
  15. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(c)(i) (1 mark): Sketch the curve you would expect when the same person is undergoing a period of HIIT. Answer on Fig. 2.2. [1]
  16. June 2023, Paper 2, Q2(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the curve you have sketched on Fig. 2.2 helps improve this person’s performance. [2]
  17. June 2022, Paper 1, Q24 (1 mark): Which of the options would cause an oxygen dissociation curve to shift to the right? Decrease in H+ ions A B Hyperthermia C Hypothermia D Increase in pH Your an
  18. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how metabolic acidosis leads to muscle fatigue during intense exercise. [2]
  19. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(d)(i) (3 marks): Describe the role of ATP in muscle contraction. [3]
  20. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(d)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how formation of calcium phosphate would cause muscle fatigue. [2]
  21. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Complete the table below by placing a tick (✓) in the appropriate boxes to identify which pigment matches each description. Description Haemoglobin Myoglobin Ca
  22. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): State one advantage to the patient of using a portable haemoglobinometer. [1]
  23. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one reason for measuring haemoglobin concentration in the blood. [1]
  24. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iii) (1 mark): The patient drinks a litre of water before the test to ensure that they are well-hydrated. Suggest how hydration levels could affect the validity of the results
  25. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(c)(i) (1 mark): Describe the shape of the oxygen dissociation curve in Fig. 2. [1]
  26. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(c)(ii) (1 mark): The partial pressure of oxygen in the blood of alveolar capillaries was measured at 12.5 kPa and in venous blood at 5.5 kPa. Using Fig. 2, state the percentage
  27. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(c)(iii) (2 marks): The table shows data for fetal haemoglobin. Plot these data on Fig. 2 and draw an appropriate oxygen dissociation curve for fetal haemoglobin. Partial pressure
  28. November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(c)(iv) (2 marks): Explain the significance of the difference between the different oxygen dissociation curves for adult and fetal haemoglobin. [2]
  29. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(a) (6 marks): Regular training programmes can improve aerobic fitness and affect skeletal muscle. (a)* Discuss the benefits of improved aerobic fitness and the factors that s
  30. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(b) (4 marks): Fig. 5, on the Insert, shows a photomicrograph of human skeletal muscle tissue as seen using a light microscope. Using the space below, draw a labelled diagram
  31. November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (4 marks): State two variables that the student would need to control when planning this investigation. For each variable give one reason why that variable must be control
  32. November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student also used secondary data in this investigation. Explain two advantages of using secondary data in investigations. [2]
  33. June 2019, Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, causes an increase in stroke volume following regular exercise? A atrial hypertrophy B decrease in blood pressure C increase in he
  34. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(a)(i) (1 mark): Describe what is meant by the term VO2 max. [1]
  35. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(a)(ii) (1 mark): VO2 max can be estimated from measurements of heart rate. Suggest one advantage of estimating VO2 max over taking a direct measurement. [1] Question 34(b) begin
  36. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(b) (6 marks): VO2 max is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness and a predictor of mortality risk. (b)* A study published in 2004 demonstrated that VO2 max can be estimated f
  37. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(c)(i) (2 marks): VO2 max is immediately decreased at high altitude. Suggest why. [2]
  38. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(c)(ii) (1 mark): Air temperature changes at higher altitudes. Suggest why air temperature can affect VO2 max. [1]
  39. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(d) (2 marks): Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is required for the regeneration of ATP and the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores. Give two other reasons w
  40. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(e) (2 marks): The objective of training, particularly at high altitudes, is to increase the efficiency of oxygen delivery to muscle fibres. The photomicrographs in Fig. 34, a
  41. June 2019, Paper 1, Q34(f) (2 marks): Table 34 shows some of the events of the sliding filament mechanism of muscle contraction. The events are lettered A to E. ATP is hydrolysed to ADP and inorgani
  42. June 2018, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, is the long-term effect of aerobic training on VO2 max and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)? A decreased VO2 max and
  43. June 2018, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The diagram below represents the ultrastructure of a single sarcomere in skeletal muscle. Three features of the sarcomere are labelled P, Q and R. Q P R Here ar
  44. June 2018, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Suggest how the use of rhEPO can be detected in a blood sample. [2]
  45. June 2018, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest why it has been difficult to determine the illicit use of rhEPO in the past. [2]
  46. June 2017, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Some chemicals bind directly to haemoglobin. Which of the options, A to D, correctly identifies two of these chemicals? CO2 and H+ A H+ and HCO3 − B − and CO2 C
  47. June 2017, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): ATP is required for the contraction of skeletal muscle. Which of the options, A to D, is the result of ATP binding to the myosin head? A attachment of the myosi
  48. June 2017, Paper 1, Q36(a)(i) (2 marks): State two factors, other than intensity of exercise, that must be considered before an exercise is included in a training programme. 1 2 [2]
  49. June 2017, Paper 1, Q36(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one safety precaution that should have been taken before any volunteers took part in the exercises. [1] Question 36(b) begins on page 34
  50. June 2017, Paper 1, Q36(b)(i) (2 marks): Name one statistical test that could be used to analyse the data in Fig. 36. Justify your choice. [2]
  51. June 2017, Paper 1, Q36(b)(ii) (2 marks): Comment on how well this training programme improved fitness. [2]
  52. June 2017, Paper 1, Q36(b)(iii) (2 marks): Promoters of the training programme claimed that it was good for training weightlifters. Comment on the validity of this statement. [2] for the next question
  53. June 2017, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen at which haemoglobin is 50% saturated. Using Fig. 6, calculate the percentage increase in P50 in the anaemic patient compa
  54. June 2017, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (3 marks): Using the data in Fig. 6, describe the effect of 2,3-BPG on the oxygen affinity of haemoglobin. Explain how this effect might partially compensate for the reduc

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