What happens in cells (and what do cells need)?: OCR GCSE Combined Science A questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science A exam question on B1.2 What happens in cells (and what do cells need)?, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 86 questions on What happens in cells (and what do cells need)?, as a list

June 2025, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): What are proteins made up of? A Amino acids B Fatty acids C Glycerol D Sugars Your answer [1]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): Which statement describes the structure of DNA? A A monomer made of one strand B A monomer made of two strands C A polymer made of one strand D A polymer made o
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): A scientist is investigating the action of amylase enzymes on the digestion of starch into maltose. What would increase the rate of reaction? A Decreasing the e
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(a) (3 marks): Explain how enzymes increase the rate of biological processes. [3]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(b) (3 marks): Explain how temperature affects the progress of an enzyme-controlled reaction. [3]
June 2025, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(c) (2 marks): Many lizards have a body temperature that matches the external temperature. In the morning, these lizards often lie in the sun before they can become active and
June 2025, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q15(d) (2 marks): The bacteria in sourdough produces lactic acid which gives the dough its sour taste. The production of this lactic acid slows down the growth of food-borne path
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): The graph shows the effect of pH on the activity of two enzymes. Identify the pH where both enzymes are active. Enzyme activity 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 pH A pH 4 B pH
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): The model represents a molecule found inside human cells. Which of these describes this model? A Monomer and a double helix B Monomer and a double twist C Polym
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): The diagrams show stages in the hypothesis used to explain the mechanism of enzyme action. Which term describes this hypothesis? A Active site B Denaturing C En
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): Identify the dependent variable in this investigation. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one hazard in this investigation and the precaution the teacher should take. Hazard Precaution [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Complete the table. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (1 mark): The concentration of sugar in mixture C stated in the table is not an accurate value. How can the student tell that it is not an accurate value? [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(c)(i) (1 mark): The teacher investigates the light absorbed by the different coloured mixtures. They record an absorbance of 0.2 for mixture C. Use the graph to find the sugar
June 2024, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(c)(ii) (1 mark): The answer to (i) is outside the range stated in the results table. Suggest how the student could improve their method to find out how precise their measurement
June 2024, Biology Paper 2 Foundation, Q13(a) (2 marks): Insulin is a protein used to treat diabetes. The human stomach contains an enzyme that is specific to proteins like insulin. Suggest why it is difficult to deve
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): The diagrams show stages in the hypothesis used to explain the mechanism of enzyme action. Which term describes the molecule labelled M? M A Active site B Enzym
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): The pH inside the small intestine of the human digestive system is between pH 7 and pH 8. The pH inside the stomach of the human digestive system is between pH
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(i) (1 mark): Identify the dependent variable in this investigation. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one hazard in this investigation and the precaution the teacher should take. Hazard Precaution [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(b)(i) (1 mark): Complete the table. [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(b)(ii) (1 mark): The concentration of sugar in mixture C stated in the table is not an accurate value. How can the student tell that it is not an accurate value? [1]
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(c)(i) (1 mark): The teacher investigates the light absorbed by the different coloured mixtures. They record an absorbance of 0.2 for mixture C. Use the graph to find the sugar
June 2024, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(c)(ii) (1 mark): The answer to (i) is outside the range stated in the results table. Suggest how the student could improve their method to find out how precise their measurement
June 2024, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q13(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the process of cutting the DNA is prevented by high temperatures. Use your knowledge of enzymes. [2]
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): The graph shows the effect of pH on enzyme activity. What is the pH when enzyme activity is highest? Enzyme activity 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 pH A pH 2 B pH 6 C pH 10 D
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows the volume of gas collected during an enzyme reaction in an upside down measuring cylinder. Bottom of measuring cylinder Collected gas Water W
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q13(c) (2 marks): Oxygen is one product of photosynthesis. The other product of photosynthesis is a monomer. This monomer is then used to make a polymer. The polymer is then used
June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q16(b)(iv) (2 marks): Anaerobic respiration is an enzyme-controlled reaction. Explain the results between 15 °C and 35 °C. Include ideas about enzyme particles. [2]
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): Which row correctly describes a protein? Structure Acid it is made from A monomer amino acids B monomer fatty acids C polymer amino acids D polymer fatty acids
June 2023, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(iv) (2 marks): Anaerobic respiration is an enzyme-controlled reaction. Explain the results between 15 °C and 35 °C. Include ideas about enzyme particles. [2]
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Which two terms describe the structure of DNA? A Monomer and double helix B Monomer and triple helix C Polymer and double helix D Polymer and triple helix Your
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): The diagram shows a model of a protein molecule. P Which substance is labelled P in the diagram? A Amino acid B Fatty acid C Glucose D Glycerol Your answer [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q12(a) (3 marks): Fig. 12.1 shows a model of the lock and key hypothesis for enzymes. Label Fig. 12.1. Use words in the list. active catalyst helix products specific substrate yi
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q12(b) (2 marks): Fig. 12.2 shows apparatus that could be used to investigate an enzyme-controlled reaction. Fig. 12.2 Delivery tube Rubber stopper Gas syringe Conical flask Enzy
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q12(c)(i) (6 marks): Describe and explain the pattern in the results. Use ideas about the lock and key hypothesis in your answer. [6]
June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q12(c)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the student could improve their investigation to find a more accurate optimum pH for the enzyme. [2]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(b) (1 mark): Plants make a range of different molecules. One of these is glycerol. Explain why glycerol is important. [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q13(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain the importance of sugars in the production of larger carbohydrates such as starch. [1]
June 2022, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q13(b)(ii) (6 marks): Photosynthesis is an enzyme-controlled process. Explain the student’s results. [6]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): The model represents a polymer found inside human cells. What is the name of this polymer? A ATP B Carbohydrate C DNA D Protein Your answer [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): The diagram represents the digestion of lipids by an enzyme. + Enzyme X Y Lipid molecule Molecule Molecules What names describe the X and Y molecules? A Glucose
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): The graph shows the effect of pH on the activity of an enzyme. Enzyme activity 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 pH What is the optimum pH of this enzyme? A pH2 B pH4 C pH
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(a)(i) (2 marks): Each time the student repeats the investigation they use 50 cm3 of new dilute hydrogen peroxide. Explain why they need to replace the dilute hydrogen peroxide.
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why the student does not need to replace the potato pieces already in the flask when repeating the investigation. [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(b)(i) (4 marks): Plot a graph of the results and draw a line of best fit. [4]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to find the expected volume of oxygen produced when 4 pieces of potato are used. Volume of oxygen = cm3 [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(b)(iii) (3 marks): Use the data in the table to calculate the rate of reaction when the student used 6 pieces of potato. Give your answer to 2 significant figures. Rate of reactio
November 2021, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(c) (1 mark): The reaction is exothermic. Suggest how the student could improve their investigation to control the temperature. [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): The model represents a molecule found inside human cells. Which term describes this molecule? A Double helix-shaped monomer B Double helix-shaped polymer C Trip
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(a)(i) (2 marks): Each time the student repeats the investigation they use 50 cm3 of new dilute hydrogen peroxide. Explain why they need to replace the dilute hydrogen peroxide.
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why the student does not need to replace the potato pieces already in the flask when repeating the investigation. [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (4 marks): Plot a graph of the results and draw a line of best fit. [4]
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to find the expected volume of oxygen produced when 4 pieces of potato are used. Volume of oxygen = cm3 [1]
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(b)(iii) (3 marks): Use the data in the table to calculate the rate of reaction when the student used 6 pieces of potato. Give your answer to 2 significant figures. Rate of reactio
November 2021, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q11(c) (1 mark): The reaction is exothermic. Suggest how the student could improve their investigation to control the temperature. [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): The diagram represents the digestion of protein by an enzyme. 6 enzyme 000,000" digestion ( protein molecule X molecules What name describes the X molecules? A
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(a) (2 marks): Identify the independent and dependent variable in this investigation. Independent variable Dependent variable [2]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b)(i) (1 mark): What is the name of this indicator solution? [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b)(ii) (1 mark): What colour will the indicator solution change to when starch is present? [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(c) (4 marks): To improve their investigation the student could repeat each pH to identify anomalies. Suggest two other improvements the student could make to their investigat
November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(d) (6 marks): A student investigates the effect of pH on the activity of the enzyme amylase on starch. 14 To change the pH of the amylase, the student uses a chemical called
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): Which of these statements about proteins is correct? A Proteins are monomers made from polymers called amino acids. B Proteins are polymers made from monomers c
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(a) (1 mark): Explain why the student leaves the test tubes in the water bath for 5 minutes before mixing them. [1]
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain the result for 20 °C. [2]
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why amylase works slowly at 50 °C but no longer works at 60 °C. [2]
November 2020, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(c) (4 marks): The student has investigated the effect of temperature on the activity of amylase. Describe how they could develop their investigation to find the effect of pH
June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): A student investigates the effect of an enzyme found in yeast on a substrate. They use the apparatus in the diagram. X Substrate Yeast containing enzyme What is
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(a) (1 mark): What type of molecules are Q and R? Molecule Q Molecule R [1]
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(i) (1 mark): Human lipase is most active in the small intestine. The pH of the small intestine is pH7.5. The lipase used to produce the results in the graph is not human lip
June 2019, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q15(b)(ii) (2 marks): The lock and key hypothesis can explain the pattern in the graph. Explain the lock and key hypothesis for enzyme specificity. [2]
June 2019, Biology Paper 8 Higher, Q15(c) (2 marks): Sperm production occurs best at 35.0 °C due to the enzymes involved. Explain why the testes are positioned outside of the body cavity. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): Which substances are used in the synthesis of lipids? A Amino acids and glucose B Amino acids and glycerol C Fatty acids and glucose D Fatty acids and glycerol
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): A student investigates an enzyme controlled reaction. She collects the gas produced during the reaction in a gas syringe. The diagrams show the amount of gas in
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q10 (1 mark): Which of these carbohydrates is a polymer? A Glucose B Maltose C Starch D Sucrose Your answer [1] SECTION B Answer all the questions.
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(a) (1 mark): Which amino acid has the lowest RDA? [1]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean intake as a percentage of the RDA for lysine. Answer = % [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why this man’s intake of lysine may affect his health. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q15(d) (4 marks): Respiration is an enzyme controlled reaction. Use ideas about enzymes to explain the pattern in the results. [4]
June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q17(a)(ii) (2 marks): Chromosomes are made of DNA. Describe the structure of DNA. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): A student investigates an enzyme controlled reaction. She collects the gas produced during the reaction in a gas syringe. The diagrams show the volume of gas in
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): The table shows the dietary intake of four amino acids by one individual. It also shows the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for the same individual. Dietary R
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q12(a)(ii) (2 marks): Chromosomes are made of DNA. Describe the structure of DNA. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(a) (2 marks): Compare the structures of these two carbohydrates. [2]
June 2018, Biology Paper 7 Higher, Q14(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain how and why the temperature of the solution could change during the investigation and how this could be controlled. [2]

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