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The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development: OCR A‑Level Biology B questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology B exam question on 3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,889 questions

  1. Q10

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 10: The diagram shows four consecutive phases of meiosis in an animal cell. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 The

  2. Q5(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 5(a): Describe the conclusions that can be made from the p values in the table. [2]

  3. Q5(b)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    2 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 5(b): Suggest what additional information is needed to increase confidence in the conclusions. [2]

  4. Q8

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 8: Which of the statements about stages in the production of the karyogram is correct? A Fetal cells were extracted using amniocentesis and then stimulated to divi

  5. Q9

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 9: What is the correct analysis of the karyogram? A The fetus is a female with Down’s syndrome. B The fetus is a female with Klinefelter’s syndrome. C The fetus is

  6. Q6(a)(ii)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    No published mark scheme
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 2, question 6(a)(ii): Using the image, state how meiosis in plants differs from meiosis in animals. [1]

  7. Q6(b)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 2

    4 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    No published mark scheme
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 2, question 6(b): The image below shows some stages of meiosis in an animal. A B C D E F Write the letters in the boxes to show the stage being described in each of the following

  8. Q2(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    6 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 2(d): The diagrams show three stages of meiosis in a model cell with two pairs of chromosomes. Identify the stage of meiosis shown in each diagram. For each diagram,

  9. Q2(e)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    6 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 2(e): Regulation of the menstrual cycle involves interaction between several hormones. (e)* Explain the importance of meiosis and fertilisation in increasing genetic

  10. Q13

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 13: Which statement about amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is correct? A Amniocentesis can be carried out much earlier in pregnancy than CVS. B Bot

  11. Q15

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 15: Smoking during pregnancy can affect the growing fetus. What is the most likely effect of tobacco smoke on a growing fetus? A Inability to synthesise enzymes. B

  12. Q33(b)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 33(b)(iii): Explain how the production of the male and female gametes in Fig. 33.2 ensures they are genetically different to the parent plants. [3]

  13. Q35(a)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 35(a): The table shows the roles of some of the nutrients required by pregnant women as part of a balanced diet. Complete the table by stating the name of a nutrient t

  14. Q35(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 35(b): In addition to dietary advice, pregnant women are offered tests to monitor their health and the health of the fetus. The tests offered includes testing urine fo

  15. Q25

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 25: What stage of meiosis is shown in the diagram? A Anaphase I B Anaphase II C Metaphase I D Prophase II Your answer [1]

  16. Q26

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 26: The number of possible combinations of chromosomes in a gamete of this species can be calculated using 2n where n is the haploid number of chromosomes. What is

  17. Q5(a)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 5(a)(i): Give the name of one fetal sampling technique and state the exact source of cells used. Name of technique Source of cells [2]

  18. Q5(a)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 5(a)(ii): Give the name of the technique used in the chromosome analysis of the fetal cells. [1]

  19. Q5(a)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 5(a)(iii): Down’s syndrome is described as trisomy 21. Suggest what is meant by trisomy 21. [1]

  20. Q5(b)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.2 The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 5(b)(i): Suggest why biparietal diameter (the width of the fetus’s head at its widest point) has been replaced by head circumference as a measure of gestational age. [1]
All 82 questions on The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The diagram shows four consecutive phases of meiosis in an animal cell. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 The
  2. June 2025, Paper 3, Q5(a) (2 marks): Describe the conclusions that can be made from the p values in the table. [2]
  3. June 2025, Paper 3, Q5(b) (2 marks): Suggest what additional information is needed to increase confidence in the conclusions. [2]
  4. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which of the statements about stages in the production of the karyogram is correct? A Fetal cells were extracted using amniocentesis and then stimulated to divi
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): What is the correct analysis of the karyogram? A The fetus is a female with Down’s syndrome. B The fetus is a female with Klinefelter’s syndrome. C The fetus is
  6. June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Using the image, state how meiosis in plants differs from meiosis in animals. [1]
  7. June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (4 marks): The image below shows some stages of meiosis in an animal. A B C D E F Write the letters in the boxes to show the stage being described in each of the following
  8. June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(d) (6 marks): The diagrams show three stages of meiosis in a model cell with two pairs of chromosomes. Identify the stage of meiosis shown in each diagram. For each diagram,
  9. June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(e) (6 marks): Regulation of the menstrual cycle involves interaction between several hormones. (e)* Explain the importance of meiosis and fertilisation in increasing genetic
  10. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Which statement about amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is correct? A Amniocentesis can be carried out much earlier in pregnancy than CVS. B Bot
  11. June 2023, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Smoking during pregnancy can affect the growing fetus. What is the most likely effect of tobacco smoke on a growing fetus? A Inability to synthesise enzymes. B
  12. June 2023, Paper 1, Q33(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain how the production of the male and female gametes in Fig. 33.2 ensures they are genetically different to the parent plants. [3]
  13. June 2023, Paper 1, Q35(a) (3 marks): The table shows the roles of some of the nutrients required by pregnant women as part of a balanced diet. Complete the table by stating the name of a nutrient t
  14. June 2023, Paper 1, Q35(b) (2 marks): In addition to dietary advice, pregnant women are offered tests to monitor their health and the health of the fetus. The tests offered includes testing urine fo
  15. June 2022, Paper 1, Q25 (1 mark): What stage of meiosis is shown in the diagram? A Anaphase I B Anaphase II C Metaphase I D Prophase II Your answer [1]
  16. June 2022, Paper 1, Q26 (1 mark): The number of possible combinations of chromosomes in a gamete of this species can be calculated using 2n where n is the haploid number of chromosomes. What is
  17. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): Give the name of one fetal sampling technique and state the exact source of cells used. Name of technique Source of cells [2]
  18. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): Give the name of the technique used in the chromosome analysis of the fetal cells. [1]
  19. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(a)(iii) (1 mark): Down’s syndrome is described as trisomy 21. Suggest what is meant by trisomy 21. [1]
  20. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why biparietal diameter (the width of the fetus’s head at its widest point) has been replaced by head circumference as a measure of gestational age. [1]
  21. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Current practice states that ultrasound screening for Down’s syndrome risk should be used up to a gestational age of 14 weeks 1 day. From a gestational age of 1
  22. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(b)(iii) (1 mark): Using your answer to part (ii), state whether the screening for Down’s syndrome risk of this fetus should be done by ultrasound or through a maternal blood samp
  23. June 2022, Paper 2, Q5(c) (2 marks): Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complication of pregnancy that results in a low birth weight. It affects up to 10% of all pregnancies and can lead to still-
  24. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which of the options would result in reduced oxygen supply and poorly developed lungs in a developing fetus? A High intake of alcohol during pregnancy B High in
  25. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (4 marks): For each of these care programmes, state one test offered to women and give a reason why the test is offered. Pre-conceptual test Reason Post-conceptual test Re
  26. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate how many additional grams of protein she was advised to eat. Give your answer to 2 significant figures. Additional protein = g [2]
  27. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(ii) (1 mark): Apart from protein, name one other nutrient that the pregnant woman would be advised to increase in her daily intake. [1]
  28. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(i) (3 marks): Use the information in Fig. 24 to comment on the development of fetus G. [3]
  29. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the weight to length ratio for fetus H at 40 weeks gestation. Ratio = [1]
  30. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(d) (1 mark): Biparietal diameter (BPD) measurements are also used to monitor fetal development. Describe what is meant by a BPD measurement. [1]
  31. November 2021, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): A pregnant woman has been advised to increase her daily intake of protein by 15% to 53 g. Which of the options, A to D, is her normal daily intake of protein? A
  32. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which of the features, A to D, about the developing fetus can not be provided by an ultrasound scan? A number of chromosomes in fetal cells B position of the pl
  33. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of the revision notes describes an event that occurs in meiosis II? [1]
  34. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which stage of meiosis is being described in revision note 6? [1]
  35. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(iii) (1 mark): One of the revision notes is not correct. Identify this revision note and write a correction. Revision note Correction [1]
  36. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): Crossing over is a process that occurs during meiosis. Explain how this process can lead to genetic variation in daughter cells. [2]
  37. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(i) (3 marks): Using the karyotype shown, what conclusions can be made about the fetus? Give reasons for your answer. [3]
  38. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(ii) (1 mark): Using your knowledge of meiosis, suggest how the chromosome abnormality shown in the karyotype could have occurred. [1]
  39. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(iii) (2 marks): This chromosomal abnormality usually results in miscarriage or death of the fetus. • Fetuses have this abnormality in 2% of all pregnancies. • 99% of fetuses wi
  40. November 2020, Paper 1, Q36(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage of cells undergoing reduction division in the cell population. percentage of cells = % [2]
  41. November 2020, Paper 1, Q36(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how specific events in meiosis give rise to genetic variation. State the phase of meiosis in which each event takes place. [2]
  42. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): In which of the stages of meiosis, A to D, are homologous chromosomes pulled to opposite poles of the cell? A metaphase I B anaphase I C metaphase II D anaphase
  43. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (3 marks): Karyotyping involves many stages. Complete the table giving reasons for each of the stages used in producing the karyotype image. Stage Reason ultrasound scan a
  44. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): Describe the final stages of this technique which are needed to produce a karyogram from the image. [2]
  45. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(i) (2 marks): Suggest why karyotyping may have been advised in this case. [2]
  46. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why amniocentesis was the preferred method of extracting fetal cells. [2]
  47. June 2019, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): The diagram below is a karyotype prepared from a human cell. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 X Y Which of the following statements is/a
  48. June 2019, Paper 1, Q25 (1 mark): Head circumference (HC) is a key indicator of fetal size and is estimated from two ultrasound measurements: • biparietal diameter (BPD) • occipitofrontal diamet
  49. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Explain why meiosis is referred to as a reduction division. [1]
  50. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iv) (1 mark): Some cancers that develop later in life are caused by chromosome mutation. Suggest why these cancers are unlikely to be the result of errors in meiosis. [1]
  51. June 2019, Paper 2, Q6(b) (6 marks): (b)* Events before conception and during pregnancy can have a significant effect on the health of a baby. Recently, scientists found there is only a small corre
  52. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): During a routine visit to the antenatal clinic, a woman in the early stages of pregnancy was offered advice about why she should increase her intake of certain
  53. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(a) (6 marks): (a)* A 25 year old pregnant woman visits her GP enquiring about antenatal care. She informs her GP that she has already stopped drinking alcohol. Explain any fu
  54. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): major defects in body structure [1]
  55. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(c)(ii) (1 mark): major functional defects. [1]
  56. June 2018, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Meiosis II pauses in the secondary oocyte and is only completed if fertilisation occurs. Which of the options, A to D, is a description of the last meiotic stag
  57. June 2018, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, is a molecule that requires vitamin C for its synthesis? A collagen B deoxyribonucleic acid C haemoglobin D rhodopsin Your answer
  58. June 2018, Paper 1, Q31(c)(i) (1 mark): Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are two methods of obtaining fetal cells. State the source of fetal cells that are obtained through these meth
  59. June 2018, Paper 1, Q31(c)(ii) (1 mark): The sample of fetal cells can be used to produce a karyotype for genetic analysis. Explain why karyotyping can not be used to detect cystic fibrosis. [1]
  60. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): The number of chromosomes in a developing fetus can be checked by producing a karyogram. Which of the options, A to D, about the production of a karyogram is no
  61. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Plant life cycles show alternation of generations. The term alternation of generations is used to describe a process whereby mitosis and meiosis occur and the p
  62. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): During her first antenatal appointment, a woman was advised that she needed to increase her current Dietary Reference Value (DRV) energy intake from 7800 KJ to
  63. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): Using Fig. 1 state the number of chromosomes that would be found in the following cells taken from A. aegypti. A stem cell A sperm cell (gamete) [1]
  64. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (1 mark): After fertilisation, female mosquitoes lay their eggs directly into the external environment. Suggest one disadvantage to the embryo of developing inside eggs l
  65. June 2017, Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): A karyotype of a person with a genetic disorder is shown below. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 X Y Which of the options, A to D, corre
  66. June 2017, Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (4 marks): Complete the table below to indicate the stage and type of nuclear division in which the events being described occur. Type of nuclear Stage in nuclear Event di
  67. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a) (2 marks): Calculate the rate of growth at 30 weeks’ gestation for the data shown in the uppermost curve (95th percentile). Show your working. Answer = [2]
  68. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(b) (1 mark): Three sets of data are shown in Fig. 1. How can the three sets of data be used together to monitor the health of a growing fetus? [1]
  69. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): The measurements for BPD in Fig. 1 were taken using ultrasound. Evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound in measuring fetal growth. [2]
  70. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): Chromosome mutations can cause syndromes such as Down’s syndrome. Which of the options, A to D, is the correct chromosome content in the cells of a male with Do
  71. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q23(a)(i) (3 marks): Describe how the diagnostic technique, used to produce the photograph in Fig. 23.1, is used to measure the biparietal diameter of a fetus. [3]
  72. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q23(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the crown-rump length (CRL) of fetus B in Fig. 23.1. Use the white line as an indicator for the positions of the crown and rump of the fetus. Show you
  73. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q23(a)(iii) (1 mark): Fig. 23.2 shows a fetal growth chart. 95% 110 100 5% 90 80 70 60 crown-rump 50 length (mm) 40 30 20 10 0 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 gestational age (weeks) Fig.
  74. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q23(a)(iv) (2 marks): Suggest two factors that must be taken into account when using the growth chart in Fig. 23.2 to estimate the gestational age of fetus B. [2]
  75. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q23(b) (5 marks): Non-identical twins show as much genetic variation as other offspring. Using the most appropriate word(s), complete the sentences below about the processes that
  76. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows four different stages in meiosis. 1 2 4 3 Which of the options, A to D, shows the correct sequence in which these four stages would occur? A 3
  77. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The chart shows biparietal diameter measurements for a fetus during its development. 8 6 biparietal 4 diameter (cm) 2 0 10 20 30 40 gestation period (weeks) Whi
  78. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): Klinefelter’s syndrome can be diagnosed by looking at the arrangement of chromosomes in a karyotype. Which of the options, A to D, shows the sex chromosomes pre
  79. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(ii) (1 mark): How does the appearance of the abnormal chromosomes indicated in Fig. 24.1 differ from those in a normal cell at the same stage in the cell cycle? [1]
  80. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(iii) (3 marks): Describe the technique used to produce images of chromosomes, such as those shown in Fig. 24.1. [3]
  81. 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
  82. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (2 marks): Explain how meiosis is significant in the life cycle of a plant. [2]

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