Supplying the cell: OCR GCSE Combined Science A questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science A exam question on B2.1 Supplying the cell, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 88 questions on Supplying the cell, as a list

June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): What is the role of mitosis in a multicellular organism such as a human? A To make gametes B To make genetically different cells C To make genetically identical
June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q12(c) (3 marks): The student prepared the slide by covering the onion epidermal cells with water. The student looks at the cells again after one hour and the vacuoles look large
June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(a) (1 mark): Which process do stem cells go through to become specialised cells? Tick (✓) one box. Differentiation Resolution Respiration [1]
June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(b) (3 marks): The table gives features of different types of stem cells. Complete the table by putting one tick (✓) in each row. Stem cell features Adult stem cells Embryonic
June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(c) (2 marks): One type of specialised cell in a plant is a root hair cell, shown in the diagram. Give a function of a root hair cell and state how it is adapted for that func
June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(d) (1 mark): One role of a root hair cell is to move ions into the plant against the concentration gradient. State the name given to this type of transport. [1]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Which process do cells go through when they specialise? A Differentiation B Meiosis C Mitosis D Osmosis Your answer [1]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q17(a) (1 mark): State the name given to the type of transport where ions move against their concentration gradient. [1]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q17(b) (2 marks): Water can move in and out of plant cells. Potato chips can be used to demonstrate this type of transport. The mass of three potato chips are measured at the sta
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q17(c) (3 marks): Explain the percentage change in mass shown by the potato chip in the 0.5 mol / cm3 solution. [3]
June 2025, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): Which statement about donor embryonic stem cells is correct? A They are clones of the patient’s own cells. B They can divide without replication of DNA. C They
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): The table shows information about transport of substances. Which row describes active transport? Movement across a Movement down a Requires cell membrane concen
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(b) (1 mark): Bone marrow cells inside human bones differentiate to form red blood cells. What name describes cells that can differentiate? [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(a)(ii) (1 mark): The student has two results for their agar cube B experiment. The result for their first attempt was 122 seconds. Suggest why the student repeated the experimen
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b) (6 marks): A student investigates diffusion. They use agar jelly stained red with a pH indicator. This is the method they use: • Cut the agar into cubes of different sizes
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Which risk is decreased by using adult stem cells instead of embryonic stem cells in skin transplants? A Fatty deposits forming below the skin B Rejection of tr
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): What is a difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells? A Adult stem cells are less likely to be rejected when used in transplants. B Only embry
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q9 (1 mark): Which statement correctly compares mitosis and DNA replication in eukaryotic cells? A Only DNA replication is part of the cell cycle. B Only DNA replication occ
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q13(b)(i) (1 mark): Identify this anomalous result. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q13(b)(ii) (1 mark): The anomaly was due to random error. Suggest one random error that could have caused the anomaly. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q13(c) (3 marks): Describe and explain the pattern in the results. [3]
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): To function correctly, the brain needs to make a chemical called dopamine. Parkinson’s disease is where the brain does not make enough dopamine. Embryonic stem
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Which term describes cells that have the ability to differentiate into all types of body cells? A Adult stem cells B Bone marrow stem cells C Embryonic stem cel
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): Which stage of the cell cycle is represented by the diagram? Chromosomes A Differentiation of cell B DNA replication C Growth of cell D Movement of chromosomes
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(a)(i) (3 marks): Complete each sentence about root hair cells. Use words from the list. active transport glucose mineral ions osmosis surface area volume Root hair cells take in
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): In which year were there the most number of transplants? [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q11(b)(ii) (1 mark): Describe the overall trend in the number of transplants shown in the graph. [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q11(b)(iii) (2 marks): The blood stem cells used in these transplants are adult stem cells from a donor. Stem cells can also be taken from embryos. Write down one benefit and one risk
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): Which stage of the cell cycle is represented in the diagram? Chromosomes A Differentiation of cell B DNA replication C Growth of cell D Movement of chromosomes
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain how the water moves through the root from cell Q to the xylem. Include ideas about water potential. [3]
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q16(a) (1 mark): Which process turns stem cells into specialised skin cells? [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Give one reason why it is important for scientists to publish their research. [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q16(b)(ii) (1 mark): How many more scientific papers used iPS cells rather than embryonic stem cells in 2016? Number of scientific papers = [1]
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q16(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons for the difference in use between the two types of stem cells seen in 2016. 1 2
June 2023, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Which row correctly describes human stem cells? They are only One risk of their They can divide They differentiate found in human use as a treatment by mitosis
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): Which statement describes a substance being transported into the human body from the outside? A Carbon dioxide diffuses into the blood from the cells. B Food mo
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Why do root hair cells require large numbers of mitochondria? A For the uptake of minerals by active transport. B For the uptake of water by active transport. C
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): Which statement is true of both adult and embryonic stem cells? A They are in all adult and embryonic tissues. B They are only used to make blood cells. C They
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q10 (1 mark): The diagram shows the root tip of a plant. A B D C Which label, A, B, C or D, identifies the position of stem cells in the root tip? Your answer [1] SECTION B A
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q12(b) (2 marks): The lungs can also be affected by cancer. Complete these sentences to describe what cancer is. Use the words in the list. differentiated meiosis mitosis multipl
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(c)(i) (2 marks): Scientists can obtain blood stem cells from different sources. Name the different types of stem cell that could be obtained from these two sources: Bone marrow
June 2022, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(c)(ii) (2 marks): The blood stem cells are then modified before being placed into the patient. Complete these sentences to explain the benefits of using modified stem cells. The
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): Which statement is true of both adult and embryonic stem cells? A They are in all adult and embryonic tissues. B They are only used to make blood cells. C They
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): The diagram shows the root tip of a plant. A B D C Which label, A, B, C or D, identifies the position of stem cells in the root tip? Your answer [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(ii) (2 marks): The mineral concentration of soil surrounding the cell is lower than the mineral concentration inside the cell. Explain how minerals are transported into the ce
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(c)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the number of plasmolysed cells the student counted in the 0.6 mol / dm3 salt solution. Write your answer in the table. [2]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(c)(ii) (2 marks): Use ideas about osmosis to explain the result for 1.0 mol / dm3 salt solution. [2]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(i) (1 mark): How many hours does it take the cell to replicate the DNA? hours [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest what is happening to the cell during the first 10 hours of the cell cycle. [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Which process allows substances to enter cells against a concentration gradient? A Active transport B Diffusion C Mitosis D Osmosis Your answer [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q8 (1 mark): The diagram represents the cell cycle showing the hours spent in each part of the cycle. 3 hours G2 – growth and preparation for mitosis 1 hour 7 hours M – mito
November 2021, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(c) (6 marks): The cornea is the front part of the eye that allows in light. The layers of cells in the cornea are similar to the cells in skin layers, the difference is that
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): Which process allows oxygen to enter blood cells from the alveoli down a concentration gradient? A Active transport B Diffusion C Evaporation D Osmosis Your ans
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): A student investigates movement of water into cells using potato chips. They place a potato chip with a mass of 5 g in pure water. After 20 minutes the potato c
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(b)(i) (1 mark): The adult stem cells used are taken from the patient’s own body. Describe the function of stem cells inside the human body. [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(b)(ii) (2 marks): Stem cells could also be taken from a human embryo. Suggest two advantages of using the patient’s own adult stem cells rather than embryonic stem cells. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q15(c) (2 marks): Explain why stem cells taken from embryos are more suitable than those from adult bone marrow. [2]
November 2021, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q15(d) (6 marks): The cornea is a part at the front of the eye that allows in light. (d)* Scientists can use embryo stem cell technology for treating damage to the cornea to rest
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Look at the table. 2 Movement down a Substance(s) Requires energy concentration gradient moved A no water and glucose yes no no water only water and glucose yes
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Scars are formed when skin is damaged. Which word describes the type of cell division used 3 when scar tissue forms? A Differentiation B Mitosis C Replication D
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): The diagram shows cells from a plant. 5 Where in the plant would these cells be found? A Leaf B Flower C Root D Stem [1] Your answer
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(a)(i) (1 mark): Fig. 15.1 shows the area where stem cells can be found in a plant. Area of stem cells Fig. 15.1 What is the name of the area where stem cells are found? [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(a)(ii) (1 mark): Describe the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells in animals. [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(b)(i) (3 marks): There were 254 people in the survey. Calculate the total number of people who were against the use of embryonic stem cells. Give your answer to the nearest whol
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(a)(i) (1 mark): Fig. 11.1 shows the area where stem cells can be found in a plant. Area of stem cells New leaves Fig. 11.1 What is the name of the area where stem cells are fou
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(a)(ii) (1 mark): Describe the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells in animals. [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (3 marks): There were 254 people in the survey. Calculate the total number of people who were against the use of embryonic stem cells. Give your answer to the nearest whol
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons why some people may object to the use of embryonic stem cells. 1 2 [2]
June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): Root hair cells have large numbers of mitochondria to provide lots of energy. Why do root hair cells need lots of energy? A For active transport of minerals. B
June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): A student investigates osmosis by placing chips of potato and apple into different concentrations of sucrose solution. The student calculates the percentage cha
June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete these sentences about the type of cell division shown in Fig. 13.1. Use words from the list. Each word can be used once, more than once, or not at all.
June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(b)(ii) (2 marks): The dividing cell is a stem cell. Describe the function of stem cells. [2]
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): A student investigates osmosis by placing chips of potato and apple into different concentrations of sucrose solution. The student calculates the percentage cha
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): What is the correct definition of water potential? A The ability of dissolved glucose molecules to move to different areas. B The ability of dissolved water mol
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(b)(ii) (2 marks): Look at the area of the root tip labelled X in Fig. 12.2. Describe the type and function of the cells found in area X. [2]
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q15(a)(i) (1 mark): Cells in the germinal epithelium have the ability to turn into sperm cells. Which term describes cells that have the ability to turn into specialised cells? [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): A student investigates osmosis. They place potato chips in different sugar solutions. The table shows their results. Mass of potato chip Sugar (g) solution At s
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q17(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe two things that happen to the chromosomes in the next stage of mitosis. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q17(b) (1 mark): After mitosis, cell differentiation takes place. What is meant by the term cell differentiation? [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q14(d) (3 marks): The kidneys in people with ARPKD have not developed normally. Stem cells could be used to repair the damaged kidneys. Discuss reasons for and against using stem
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe two things that happen to the chromosomes in the next stage of mitosis. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(b) (1 mark): After mitosis, cell differentiation takes place. What is meant by the term cell differentiation? [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(a) (1 mark): The potato chips are dried before the new mass is measured. Explain why. [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b) (2 marks): The table shows his results. Concentration Mass of potato chip Change in Percentage of sugar (g) mass change in solution (g) mass At start After 30 minutes (mol
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(c) (4 marks): Plot a graph of the percentage change in mass against concentration of sugar solution and draw a line of best fit. [4]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(d)(i) (1 mark): Estimate the concentration of sugars inside the potato cells. Answer = mol/dm3 [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(d)(ii) (3 marks): Use ideas about osmosis to explain the patterns in the results. [3]
June 2018, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q14(c)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why the ADPKD version of polycystin-1 prevents the kidney working properly. [1]

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