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The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation: OCR A‑Level Biology B questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology B exam question on 3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,889 questions

  1. Q9

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 9: The diagram shows the feet of a chicken embryo and an adult chicken. Webbing Embryo Adult What process ensures that webbing between the toes of the chicken is r

  2. Q7(d)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 7(d)(i): Describe the role of cell cycle checkpoints in ensuring the accuracy of DNA replication. [2]

  3. Q7(f)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 7(f)(i): Suggest the type of potency for the stem cells present in umbilical cord blood. [1]

  4. Q7(f)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 7(f)(ii): Suggest one advantage of umbilical cord blood transplantation over bone marrow transplantation. [1]

  5. Q7

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 7: The table shows descriptions of some of the stages and features of apoptosis. Which of the rows, A to D, is correct ? Karyorrhexis Pyknosis Role of phosphatidyl

  6. Q9

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 9: The sentences below are about the events in apoptosis. 1 Inside the cell the nucleus shrinks in a process called . The cytoskeleton and 2 the nucleus are then b

  7. Q4(a)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    4 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 4(a): The diagram shows a cell with two pairs of chromosomes. In the space below, draw an annotated diagram of this cell in the anaphase stage of mitosis. Indicate th

  8. Q24(a)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 24(a): Explain how differences in the feet of the two species occur during the growth and development of the embryos. [3]

  9. Q24(b)(i)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 24(b)(i): MSCs are multipotent stem cells. Explain what is meant by the term multipotent. [2]

  10. Q24(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 24(b)(ii): State one part of the body of day-old chicks where MSCs could be found. [1]

  11. Q24(b)(iii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 24(b)(iii): Suggest how MSCs could be used to improve the skeletal health of adult chickens. [2]

  12. Q1(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    3 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(a)(i): Name the following structures and processes shown in Fig. 1.1: • the structure labelled A forming in the cell surface membrane • the process occurring to the or

  13. Q1(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(b)(i): Suggest and explain why the cell in Fig. 1.2 entered apoptosis from G2. [1]

  14. Q1(c)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(c): Stem cells go through many cycles of cell division but remain undifferentiated. The table shows some of the features of stem cells. Complete the table. Use tick

  15. Q1(a)(i)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 1(a)(i): Name the stages of mitosis taking place in cells A and B. A B [2]

  16. Q1(a)(ii)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 1(a)(ii): Fig. 1.2 shows a student’s drawing of the cell labelled C in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.2 Give two improvements the student could make to their drawing. 1 2 [2]

  17. Q1(b)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 1(b): Fig. 1.3 shows the cell cycle in an onion cell. G2 checkpoint G2 mitosis cell growth DNA cell S G1 synthesis growth G1 checkpoint Fig. 1.3 Mitosis in an onion c

  18. Q1(c)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 1(c): There are two main checkpoints in the cell cycle, the G1 checkpoint and the G2 checkpoint. Explain how each of the checkpoints can ensure the cell develops norm

  19. Q1(d)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 2

    3 marks3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 2, question 1(d): The cell cycle is controlled by proteins. These proteins can initiate apoptosis. Describe the sequence of events that occurs during apoptosis. [3]

  20. Q32(d)(iv)

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 32(d)(iv): State the mechanism that prevents syndactyly occurring in healthy individuals. [1]
All 50 questions on The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The diagram shows the feet of a chicken embryo and an adult chicken. Webbing Embryo Adult What process ensures that webbing between the toes of the chicken is r
  2. June 2025, Paper 2, Q7(d)(i) (2 marks): Describe the role of cell cycle checkpoints in ensuring the accuracy of DNA replication. [2]
  3. June 2025, Paper 2, Q7(f)(i) (1 mark): Suggest the type of potency for the stem cells present in umbilical cord blood. [1]
  4. June 2025, Paper 2, Q7(f)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one advantage of umbilical cord blood transplantation over bone marrow transplantation. [1]
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): The table shows descriptions of some of the stages and features of apoptosis. Which of the rows, A to D, is correct ? Karyorrhexis Pyknosis Role of phosphatidyl
  6. June 2024, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The sentences below are about the events in apoptosis. 1 Inside the cell the nucleus shrinks in a process called . The cytoskeleton and 2 the nucleus are then b
  7. June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(a) (4 marks): The diagram shows a cell with two pairs of chromosomes. In the space below, draw an annotated diagram of this cell in the anaphase stage of mitosis. Indicate th
  8. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (3 marks): Explain how differences in the feet of the two species occur during the growth and development of the embryos. [3]
  9. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(i) (2 marks): MSCs are multipotent stem cells. Explain what is meant by the term multipotent. [2]
  10. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(ii) (1 mark): State one part of the body of day-old chicks where MSCs could be found. [1]
  11. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest how MSCs could be used to improve the skeletal health of adult chickens. [2]
  12. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (3 marks): Name the following structures and processes shown in Fig. 1.1: • the structure labelled A forming in the cell surface membrane • the process occurring to the or
  13. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest and explain why the cell in Fig. 1.2 entered apoptosis from G2. [1]
  14. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): Stem cells go through many cycles of cell division but remain undifferentiated. The table shows some of the features of stem cells. Complete the table. Use tick
  15. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Name the stages of mitosis taking place in cells A and B. A B [2]
  16. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Fig. 1.2 shows a student’s drawing of the cell labelled C in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.2 Give two improvements the student could make to their drawing. 1 2 [2]
  17. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (2 marks): Fig. 1.3 shows the cell cycle in an onion cell. G2 checkpoint G2 mitosis cell growth DNA cell S G1 synthesis growth G1 checkpoint Fig. 1.3 Mitosis in an onion c
  18. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (2 marks): There are two main checkpoints in the cell cycle, the G1 checkpoint and the G2 checkpoint. Explain how each of the checkpoints can ensure the cell develops norm
  19. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(d) (3 marks): The cell cycle is controlled by proteins. These proteins can initiate apoptosis. Describe the sequence of events that occurs during apoptosis. [3]
  20. November 2021, Paper 1, Q32(d)(iv) (1 mark): State the mechanism that prevents syndactyly occurring in healthy individuals. [1]
  21. November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(c)(i) (1 mark): Name the stage of the cell cycle in which condensation of chromosomes occurs. [1]
  22. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Scientists have calculated that, during apoptosis, destruction of cell contents can occur at a rate of 30 µm per minute. Which of the options, A to D, is the es
  23. November 2020, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, is the potency of adult bone marrow stem cells? A multipotent B pluripotent C totipotent D unipotent Your answer [1]
  24. November 2020, Paper 1, Q36(a)(i) (2 marks): Identify the stages of mitosis shown in cells labelled P to S. Write your answers in the table below. Cell Stage of mitosis P Q R S [2]
  25. November 2020, Paper 1, Q36(a)(ii) (1 mark): Cytokinesis in plant cells includes a step absent from cytokinesis in animal cells. State how that step allows two cells to be formed from cell T. [1]
  26. November 2020, Paper 1, Q36(c) (3 marks): Apoptosis is a major mechanism of cell death that occurs as part of an organism’s growth and development. Several features of apoptosis are shared between anima
  27. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The diagram shows the results of cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. Fluorescence intensity indicates the DNA content of the cells. Item removed due to th
  28. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The following shows part of a sequence of events that can take place inside cells: • the cell shrinks and the nucleus condenses • enzymes breakdown the cytoskel
  29. June 2019, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): A section of plant tissue was examined to determine the percentage of cells in each stage of the cell cycle. There were 115 cells in total. Some of the results
  30. June 2019, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Cells undergoing apoptosis can be distinguished from living cells by staining with two reagents: • annexin V, which binds to phosphatidylserine • propidium iodi
  31. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Name the process by which cells are destroyed in programmed cell death. [1]
  32. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one tissue type in a mature plant which is formed by programmed cell death. [1]
  33. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(b) (1 mark): Fig. 4, on the insert, is a photomicrograph of a root meristem and its root cap. A fluorescent staining technique has been used. • The cells in the root cap are
  34. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(c) (2 marks): A researcher examined two photomicrographs similar to that shown in Fig. 4 for seedlings of different ages. The total number of cells present in the root cap an
  35. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): The photomicrographs show plant cells in different stages of the cell cycle. cell P cell Q cell R cell S Which of the rows, A to D, correctly identifies the sta
  36. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q21(d)(i) (1 mark): Apart from enlargement of cells, name one other process that would result in an increase in the thickness of the seedling stem. [1]
  37. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(d) (2 marks): Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in babies being born with syndactyly (webbed fingers and toes). During normal fetal development, syndactyly is p
  38. June 2018, Paper 2, Q1(c) (3 marks): The Advance Notice article describes several types of stem cell. Stem cells can be classified as totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent. Suggest which of thes
  39. June 2018, Paper 2, Q1(d) (6 marks): This question is based on the Advance Notice article SPINAL CORD INJURIES: HOW COULD STEM CELLS HELP?, which is an insert. (d)* Using information from the Advan
  40. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(ii) (1 mark): One of these chemicals acts by binding to spindle fibres to prevent the separation of sister chromatids. Which stage of mitosis is prevented by this chemical? [
  41. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (3 marks): Using the information in Fig. 1 complete and label the diagram in the space below to show the cell during metaphase of mitosis. [3]
  42. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Cells that develop mutations in DNA during the cell cycle can be destroyed to prevent the replication of damaged cells. Name the process by which damaged cells
  43. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (6 marks): The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is one of the vectors responsible for transmitting pathogenic viruses such as the Zika virus. Fig. 1 is a diagram of a
  44. June 2017, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The micrograph below shows a cell in mitosis. Which of the options, A to D, identifies the stage of mitosis shown in the micrograph? A anaphase B metaphase C pr
  45. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Embryonic stem cells can be used in cell replacement therapies. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of body cell but cannot form a whole organi
  46. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The diagram below shows a cell during cell division. The diploid number of this cell is four. Which of the options, A to D, is correct? A the cell is in telopha
  47. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Before a cell can undergo mitosis, the cell must duplicate its entire genome. In which stage of the cell cycle is the genome duplicated? A Gap 1 (G1) B Cytokine
  48. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid found in some cell membranes. Phosphatidylserine has a role in the process of apoptosis. Which of the options, A to
  49. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(i) (1 mark): Philadelphia chromosome arises in bone marrow stem cells. These stem cells are described as being multipotent. What is the significance of multipotency to the d
  50. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (4 marks): A scientist wanted to observe the different stages of nuclear division. Table 6 describes some events that occur during mitosis and meiosis in plant cell sample

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