OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/07 Biology ( Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 18 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. A student prepares a slide of onion cells to view under a light microscope. She adds a
drop of iodine solution before placing the coverslip.
Which row in the table correctly states why iodine is added AND the correct technique for
placing the coverslip?
Why iodine is added Technique for placing the coverslip
A Iodine kills the cells Drop the coverslip flat from above
B Iodine stains the cells to make Lower the coverslip gently at an angle
structures visible to remove air bubbles
C Iodine prevents dehydration of Press the coverslip down firmly in the
the tissue centre
D Iodine dissolves the cell wall to Iodine dissolves the cell wall to reveal
reveal the nucleus the nucleus
Your answer [1]
2. A red blood cell is placed in a solution with a higher water potential than the cell's
cytoplasm. What will happen?
A The cell will shrink and become crenated
B The cell will remain unchanged
C The cell will swell and may burst (lyse)
D The cell will undergo active transport
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
3.The diagram below describes a molecule found inside a cell.
The molecule is a polymer made of nucleotide monomers. It consists of two strands coiled
into a double helix, held together by base pairs, with a sugar-phosphate backbone.
Which statement about this molecule is correct?
A This molecule is found floating freely in the cytoplasm of all cell types including
prokaryotes.
B In eukaryotic cells, this molecule is packaged into linear chromosomes and located in
the nucleus.
C This molecule is made of amino acids joined together in a specific sequence.
D The molecule contains only three bases: adenine, thymine and guanine.
Your answer [1]
4. A food sample is tested using three different food tests. The results are shown below:
Benedict's test → remains light blue
Iodine test → turns blue-black
Biuret test → turns lilac/purple
Which conclusion is correct?
A The food sample contains glucose, starch and lipids.
B The food sample contains no reducing sugars, but does contain starch and protein.
C The food sample contains starch only, as both other tests were negative.
D The food sample contains reducing sugars and protein but no starch.
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/07 Biology ( Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 18 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. A student prepares a slide of onion cells to view under a light microscope. She adds a
drop of iodine solution before placing the coverslip.
Which row in the table correctly states why iodine is added AND the correct technique for
placing the coverslip?
Why iodine is added Technique for placing the coverslip
A Iodine kills the cells Drop the coverslip flat from above
B Iodine stains the cells to make Lower the coverslip gently at an angle
structures visible to remove air bubbles
C Iodine prevents dehydration of Press the coverslip down firmly in the
the tissue centre
D Iodine dissolves the cell wall to Iodine dissolves the cell wall to reveal
reveal the nucleus the nucleus
Your answer [1]
2. A red blood cell is placed in a solution with a higher water potential than the cell's
cytoplasm. What will happen?
A The cell will shrink and become crenated
B The cell will remain unchanged
C The cell will swell and may burst (lyse)
D The cell will undergo active transport
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
3.The diagram below describes a molecule found inside a cell.
The molecule is a polymer made of nucleotide monomers. It consists of two strands coiled
into a double helix, held together by base pairs, with a sugar-phosphate backbone.
Which statement about this molecule is correct?
A This molecule is found floating freely in the cytoplasm of all cell types including
prokaryotes.
B In eukaryotic cells, this molecule is packaged into linear chromosomes and located in
the nucleus.
C This molecule is made of amino acids joined together in a specific sequence.
D The molecule contains only three bases: adenine, thymine and guanine.
Your answer [1]
4. A food sample is tested using three different food tests. The results are shown below:
Benedict's test → remains light blue
Iodine test → turns blue-black
Biuret test → turns lilac/purple
Which conclusion is correct?
A The food sample contains glucose, starch and lipids.
B The food sample contains no reducing sugars, but does contain starch and protein.
C The food sample contains starch only, as both other tests were negative.
D The food sample contains reducing sugars and protein but no starch.
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
