plumiWhat happens during photosynthesis?: OCR GCSE Combined Science B questions
Every OCR GCSE Combined Science B exam question on B3.1 What happens during photosynthesis?, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q9(a)
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Q9(b)(i)
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The whole paper ↗Q6(a)
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Q8(a)(i)
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Q7(a)(ii)
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The whole paper ↗Q7(c)(i)
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The whole paper ↗Q6(a)
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Q3(a)
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Q3(b)
The whole paper ↗Q3(c)(i)
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All 74 questions on What happens during photosynthesis?, as a list
- June 2025, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(a) (3 marks): Complete the table to describe the process of photosynthesis, including the inputs and outputs of the two stages. Use words from the list. carbon dioxide glucos
- June 2025, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the distance from the light source at which the light intensity is 0.0064. Use the equation: light intensity = 1 d2 Distance = cm [3]
- June 2025, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the table and the equation to explain why the rate of photosynthesis changes with distance from the light source. [1]
- June 2025, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(b)(iii) (2 marks): There are different methods that can be used to collect the gas produced by the pondweed. Describe a different method that the student could use and explain why
- June 2025, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(c) (2 marks): The graph shows the effects of light intensity and temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. Max 30 °C A 20 °C B Rate of photosynthesis X Light intensity Expla
- June 2024, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(a) (2 marks): Explain how digestive enzymes remove food stains. [2]
- June 2024, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why increasing the rate of photosynthesis would increase the amount of food available for humans. [2]
- June 2024, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q8(a)(ii) (2 marks): Temperature and water can be limiting factors of photosynthesis. Complete the table to describe two other limiting factors and explain why increasing the amount
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(a)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the rate of reaction. Rate of reaction = cm3 / s [3]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the chemical test that the students can do to prove that the gas produced is oxygen. [2]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(b)(i) (2 marks): A student writes: “The greater the distance of the lamp from the pondweed the slower the rate of photosynthesis.” Evaluate the student’s statement. [2]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(b)(ii) (2 marks): State two factors that need to be controlled in this light intensity experiment. Factor 1 Factor 2 [2]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(b)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the rate of photosynthesis when the lamp is 0.30 m from the beaker. Rate of photosynthesis = cm3 / min [2]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): At which times of the day are the rate of respiration and the rate of photosynthesis equal in winter? Use Fig. 7.3. [1]
- June 2024, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): In the summer the hours of daylight are longer and the temperature is warmer. Sketch a curve on Fig. 7.3 for the rate of photosynthesis over a 24 hour period in
- June 2023, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q6(a) (2 marks): Complete the table to describe how each substance is related to photosynthesis. Tick (3) the correct boxes. Carbon dioxide Oxygen Water Used for photosynthesis
- June 2023, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q3(a) (2 marks): Which two factors will the student need to control to make the student’s investigation valid? Tick (✓) two boxes. Number of bubbles produced Temperature of the
- June 2023, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q3(b) (2 marks): The student sets up a second experiment using the equipment in Fig. 3.2. Fig. 3.2 Explain how this second experiment will improve the quality of the data collec
- June 2023, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q3(c)(i) (3 marks): Plot the results from the table on the graph. Include a line of best fit. Volume of gas produced (cm3) Time (minutes) [3]
- June 2023, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q3(c)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the rate of photosynthesis. Give your answer to 1 decimal place. Rate of photosynthesis = cm3 / minute [3]
- June 2023, Combined Science Paper 4 Foundation, Q3(c)(iii) (2 marks): The temperature of the water used in this experiment was 20 °C. The student repeats the experiment at 30 °C. What would you expect the gradient of the graph to
- June 2023, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q8(a) (2 marks): Explain how chloroplasts in leaf cells are related to photosynthesis. [2]
- June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q2(a) (3 marks): Which carbohydrate, A, B, C or D, will be broken down by the enzyme? Explain your answer. Carbohydrate Explanation [3]
- June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(a) (2 marks): Photosynthesis in the leaf makes food, which allows the plant to reproduce. Some students want to find out the pH at which duckweed photosynthesises best. They
- June 2022, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(b) (2 marks): After seven days the students count the number of living duckweed plants in each beaker. The table shows their results. pH Number of living duckweed plants 2 0
- November 2021, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q8(c)(i) (4 marks): The Amazon rainforest is a major carbon sink. This means it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it. Describe the process of photosynthesis to
- November 2021, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q9(b) (3 marks): Starch is a large, insoluble, long-chain carbohydrate made from glucose molecules. Explain the importance of synthesising and storing starch inside plant cells.
- November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): Identify two control variables that are needed to ensure Amaya collects valid data. 1 2 [2]
- November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q8(a)(ii) (1 mark): Describe how to change the independent variable in Amaya’s investigation. [1]
- November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q8(b) (2 marks): Complete the sentence to explain why the rate of photosynthesis changes when the distance from the light source changes. Use the words. You can use each word on
- November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q8(c)(i) (2 marks): Plot Amaya’s results on the graph, and draw a line of best fit. [2] 2.0 1.5 Mean rate of 1.0 photosynthesis (arbitrary units) 0.5 0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 70
- November 2021, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q8(c)(ii) (3 marks): Explain the pattern shown in the data for a carbon dioxide concentration of over 600 ppm. [3]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(c) (1 mark): Some of the sugars that are made by photosynthesis are joined together to make a large storage molecule. What is the name of this large storage molecule? Tick (
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(a) (3 marks): Complete the sentences to describe the process of photosynthesis. Use words from the list. You may use the words once, more than once or not at all. carbon diox
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(i) (2 marks): Which tube, A, B or C, shows that carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis to occur? Explain your answer. Tube Explanation [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(ii) (2 marks): Which tube, A, B or C, shows that light is needed for photosynthesis to occur? Explain your answer. Tube Explanation [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why the indicator in Tube C does not change colour. [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(iv) (1 mark): Identify one variable that should be kept the same in the student’s investigation. [1]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(a) (3 marks): Complete the sentences to describe the process of photosynthesis. Use words from the list. You may use the words once, more than once or not at all. chlorophyll
- November 2020, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Which tube, A, B or C, shows that carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis to occur? Explain your answer. Tube Explanation [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Which tube, A, B or C, shows that light is needed for photosynthesis to occur? Explain your answer. Tube Explanation [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why the indicator in Tube C does not change colour. [2]
- November 2020, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(b)(iv) (1 mark): Identify one variable that should be kept the same in the student’s investigation. [1]
- November 2020, Combined Science Paper 8 Higher, Q1(d)(ii) (2 marks): Biofuels are carbon neutral. This means that their use does not increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Coal is not carbon neutral. Which two statemen
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Biomass is made by photosynthesis. Complete the word equation for photosynthesis. sunlight carbon dioxide + oxygen + chlorophyll [2]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): The sentences describe photosynthesis. Put a ring around the correct choice to complete each sentence. Light is needed for the first / the second / both stage(s
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(c) (3 marks): Mia’s method lacks the detail needed for another scientist to reproduce her findings. Suggest additional detail which would allow another student to follow the
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(d) (2 marks): Bubbles form on the paper disc when it is in the H2O2 solution. This causes the disc to rise to the surface of the solution. Mia thinks that if a disc rises mor
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(e)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the rate of reaction for 6.00% H2O2 solution. Give your answer to 3 significant figures. Rate = s–1 [3]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(e)(ii) (2 marks): Which conclusions are supported by the data in the table? Tick (✓) two boxes. Between 0.75% and 6.00% H2O2 the reaction rate increases by approximately 2.5 time
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(f) (1 mark): Describe what Mia could do to increase confidence in her data. [1]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(g) (4 marks): Use the lock and key model to explain why the enzyme catalase can only break down H2O2. [4]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(c) (3 marks): Mia’s method lacks the detail needed for another scientist to reproduce her findings. Suggest additional detail which would allow another student to follow the
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(d) (2 marks): Bubbles form on the paper disc when it is in the H2O2 solution. This causes the disc to rise to the surface of the solution. Mia thinks that if a disc rises mor
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(e)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the rate of reaction for 6.00% H2O2 solution. Give your answer to 3 significant figures. Rate = s–1 [3]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(e)(ii) (2 marks): Which conclusions are supported by the data in the table? Tick (✓) two boxes. Between 0.75% and 6.00% H2O2 the reaction rate increases by approximately 2.5 time
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(f) (1 mark): Describe what Mia could do to increase confidence in her data. [1]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q1(g) (4 marks): Use the lock and key model to explain why the enzyme catalase can only break down H2O2. [4]
- June 2019, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q2(a)(iii) (1 mark): What is the correct name for the process that produces food and biomass in food chains? Put a ring around the correct answer. Diffusion Osmosis Photosynthesis R
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): Amaya plans to investigate four different temperatures. Room temperature is 20 °C. Describe how Amaya can set up her experiment at the other temperatures. [2]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): Which factors should Amaya keep the same to make sure she collects valid data? Tick (✓) two boxes. The brightness of the lamp. The level of carbon dioxide in th
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): What is the range for the results at 30 °C? Range = [1]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(b)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the mean number of bubbles at 30 °C. Mean number of bubbles = [1]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(b)(iii) (4 marks): Describe the pattern of results shown in Table 7.1 and use ideas about enzymes to explain the pattern of results. [4]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(b)(iv) (2 marks): Amaya repeats her investigation at a temperature of 50 °C. She finds a lower mean number of bubbles. Explain why. [2]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 1 Foundation, Q7(c) (2 marks): A plant makes glucose when it photosynthesises. The glucose is then turned into starch for storage. A student wants to show that there is both glucose and starc
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): The bubbles contain oxygen gas. During which stage of photosynthesis is oxygen gas formed? [1]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): What factors should Amaya keep the same in each repeat to make sure her investigation produces valid data? [2]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(a)(iii) (2 marks): There are different methods that can be used to collect the gas produced by the pondweed. Describe a different method that Amaya could use and explain why it is
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Use the graph to calculate the rate of gas production at 40 °C. Rate = bubbles per minute [2]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Amaya concludes that increasing the temperature above 30 °C does not cause a large increase in the number of bubbles produced. Use your knowledge of the require
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(b)(iii) (2 marks): Amaya does a second investigation into the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. For this investigation she adds sodium hydrogen carbonate to the
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(c) (2 marks): Amaya repeats the investigation again, but this time at 60 °C. Write a testable hypothesis for the investigation at 60 °C and explain why this occurs. [2]
- June 2018, Biology Paper 5 Higher, Q6(d) (1 mark): Glucose is a product of photosynthesis. Write down the name of the reagent you would use to test for the presence of glucose. [1]
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