AQA A-LEVEL BIOLOGY PAPER 1 ACTUAL SPECIMEN
2026/2027 | 7402/1 Version 1 | Question Paper and Complete
Mark Scheme | Verified Answers | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91
Materials
For this paper you must have:
● a ruler with millimetre measurements
● a scientific calculator
● the AQA formulae and data booklet
Instructions
● Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
● Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
● Answer all questions.
● You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the
box around each page or on blank pages.
● If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of this
book. The question number(s) must be clearly shown.
● Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be
marked.
● Show all your working.
Information
● The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
● The maximum mark for this paper is 91 marks.
● You are expected to use a calculator where appropriate.
● A minimum of 10% of the marks will be awarded for Level 2 (or above)
mathematical skills.
,SECTION A
Answer all questions in this section.
Total for this section: 38 marks
Question 1
Total for Question 1: 9 marks
01.1 Figure 1 shows the molecular structure of two amino acids commonly found in
proteins.
Figure 1
plainCopy
H O H O
| || | ||
H₂N—C—C—OH H₂N—C—C—OH
| |
CH₂ CH₂
| |
OH SH
Amino acid X Amino acid Y
Identify amino acid X and amino acid Y. Explain how the R-groups of these amino acids
affect the tertiary structure of proteins.
[2 marks]
, 01.2 A student investigated the effect of temperature on the activity of the enzyme
amylase. The student used the iodine test to measure starch hydrolysis at different
temperatures.
Explain why the iodine test can be used to measure amylase activity and describe the
expected results if the experiment was conducted at 20°C, 37°C, and 80°C.
[3 marks]
01.3 The student calculated the rate of reaction at different temperatures. At 37°C, the
amylase hydrolysed 0.45 g of starch in 3 minutes. Calculate the rate of reaction in mg of
starch hydrolysed per second. Give your answer in standard form to 2 significant
figures.
[2 marks]
01.4 Explain why the rate of amylase activity decreases at temperatures above the
optimum, with reference to the structure of the enzyme.
[2 marks]
Question 2
Total for Question 2: 14 marks
02.1 Which of the following correctly describes the structure of a cell surface
membrane?
A. A phospholipid monolayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol molecules
B. A phospholipid bilayer with peripheral proteins only and no cholesterol
2026/2027 | 7402/1 Version 1 | Question Paper and Complete
Mark Scheme | Verified Answers | Pass Guaranteed - A+
Graded
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91
Materials
For this paper you must have:
● a ruler with millimetre measurements
● a scientific calculator
● the AQA formulae and data booklet
Instructions
● Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
● Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
● Answer all questions.
● You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the
box around each page or on blank pages.
● If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of this
book. The question number(s) must be clearly shown.
● Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be
marked.
● Show all your working.
Information
● The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
● The maximum mark for this paper is 91 marks.
● You are expected to use a calculator where appropriate.
● A minimum of 10% of the marks will be awarded for Level 2 (or above)
mathematical skills.
,SECTION A
Answer all questions in this section.
Total for this section: 38 marks
Question 1
Total for Question 1: 9 marks
01.1 Figure 1 shows the molecular structure of two amino acids commonly found in
proteins.
Figure 1
plainCopy
H O H O
| || | ||
H₂N—C—C—OH H₂N—C—C—OH
| |
CH₂ CH₂
| |
OH SH
Amino acid X Amino acid Y
Identify amino acid X and amino acid Y. Explain how the R-groups of these amino acids
affect the tertiary structure of proteins.
[2 marks]
, 01.2 A student investigated the effect of temperature on the activity of the enzyme
amylase. The student used the iodine test to measure starch hydrolysis at different
temperatures.
Explain why the iodine test can be used to measure amylase activity and describe the
expected results if the experiment was conducted at 20°C, 37°C, and 80°C.
[3 marks]
01.3 The student calculated the rate of reaction at different temperatures. At 37°C, the
amylase hydrolysed 0.45 g of starch in 3 minutes. Calculate the rate of reaction in mg of
starch hydrolysed per second. Give your answer in standard form to 2 significant
figures.
[2 marks]
01.4 Explain why the rate of amylase activity decreases at temperatures above the
optimum, with reference to the structure of the enzyme.
[2 marks]
Question 2
Total for Question 2: 14 marks
02.1 Which of the following correctly describes the structure of a cell surface
membrane?
A. A phospholipid monolayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol molecules
B. A phospholipid bilayer with peripheral proteins only and no cholesterol
