AQA A-level Biology – Practice Examination Paper l
Most Tested Questions + Examiner-Approved
Solutions | A+ Booster Pack”
Paper 1: Biological Molecules, Cells, Exchange and Genetics
Level: Year 13 (Advanced)
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91
INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer all questions
• Write your answers in the spaces provided
• Use black ink or ball-point pen
• Show all your working in calculations
• You may use a calculator
• Give answers to appropriate significant figures
• The maximum mark for this paper is 91
Section A – Short Answer Questions (29 marks)
Q1 (3 marks)
Define the term enzyme and state two features of enzyme specificity.
Q2 (4 marks)
,A student investigates the effect of temperature on enzyme activity.
Describe how temperature affects enzyme activity, including the role of kinetic
energy and hydrogen bonds.
Q3 (4 marks)
A molecule has the formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
(a) Identify the molecule. (1 mark)
(b) State two differences between this molecule and a disaccharide. (3 marks)
Q4 (3 marks)
Explain how the structure of the phospholipid bilayer contributes to membrane
function.
Q5 (4 marks)
Describe the role of DNA helicase and DNA polymerase in DNA replication.
Q6 (3 marks)
Calculate the magnification of a cell if its actual length is 0.05 mm and its image
length is 25 mm.
Q7 (4 marks)
Explain how oxygen is transported from alveoli to blood capillaries.
Q8 (4 marks)
,Describe how meiosis leads to genetic variation.
Section B – Structured Questions (43 marks)
Q9 (5 marks)
A graph shows the effect of pH on enzyme activity with an optimum at pH 7.
Explain why enzyme activity decreases above and below the optimum pH.
Q10 (5 marks)
Describe the process of facilitated diffusion and explain how it differs from active
transport.
Q11 (6 marks)
A scientist investigates osmosis using potato cylinders in different sucrose
concentrations.
(a) Define osmosis. (2 marks)
(b) Explain the expected results in a high sucrose solution. (4 marks)
Q12 (5 marks)
Explain how the structure of haemoglobin enables oxygen transport in humans.
Q13 (5 marks)
Describe the role of complementary base pairing in DNA replication and
transcription.
, Q14 (6 marks)
A population of bacteria doubles every 20 minutes.
(a) Calculate how many bacteria are present after 1 hour if starting with 100
bacteria. (3 marks)
(b) Explain two factors that could limit exponential growth. (3 marks)
Q15 (5 marks)
Explain how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for efficient absorption.
Q16 (6 marks)
Describe the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction.
Section C – Extended Response (19 marks)
Q17 (5 marks)
Explain how DNA mutations can affect protein structure and function.
Q18 (5 marks)
Evaluate the importance of water in living organisms.
Q19 (5 marks)
Describe and explain how the nervous system coordinates a reflex action.
Most Tested Questions + Examiner-Approved
Solutions | A+ Booster Pack”
Paper 1: Biological Molecules, Cells, Exchange and Genetics
Level: Year 13 (Advanced)
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91
INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer all questions
• Write your answers in the spaces provided
• Use black ink or ball-point pen
• Show all your working in calculations
• You may use a calculator
• Give answers to appropriate significant figures
• The maximum mark for this paper is 91
Section A – Short Answer Questions (29 marks)
Q1 (3 marks)
Define the term enzyme and state two features of enzyme specificity.
Q2 (4 marks)
,A student investigates the effect of temperature on enzyme activity.
Describe how temperature affects enzyme activity, including the role of kinetic
energy and hydrogen bonds.
Q3 (4 marks)
A molecule has the formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
(a) Identify the molecule. (1 mark)
(b) State two differences between this molecule and a disaccharide. (3 marks)
Q4 (3 marks)
Explain how the structure of the phospholipid bilayer contributes to membrane
function.
Q5 (4 marks)
Describe the role of DNA helicase and DNA polymerase in DNA replication.
Q6 (3 marks)
Calculate the magnification of a cell if its actual length is 0.05 mm and its image
length is 25 mm.
Q7 (4 marks)
Explain how oxygen is transported from alveoli to blood capillaries.
Q8 (4 marks)
,Describe how meiosis leads to genetic variation.
Section B – Structured Questions (43 marks)
Q9 (5 marks)
A graph shows the effect of pH on enzyme activity with an optimum at pH 7.
Explain why enzyme activity decreases above and below the optimum pH.
Q10 (5 marks)
Describe the process of facilitated diffusion and explain how it differs from active
transport.
Q11 (6 marks)
A scientist investigates osmosis using potato cylinders in different sucrose
concentrations.
(a) Define osmosis. (2 marks)
(b) Explain the expected results in a high sucrose solution. (4 marks)
Q12 (5 marks)
Explain how the structure of haemoglobin enables oxygen transport in humans.
Q13 (5 marks)
Describe the role of complementary base pairing in DNA replication and
transcription.
, Q14 (6 marks)
A population of bacteria doubles every 20 minutes.
(a) Calculate how many bacteria are present after 1 hour if starting with 100
bacteria. (3 marks)
(b) Explain two factors that could limit exponential growth. (3 marks)
Q15 (5 marks)
Explain how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for efficient absorption.
Q16 (6 marks)
Describe the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction.
Section C – Extended Response (19 marks)
Q17 (5 marks)
Explain how DNA mutations can affect protein structure and function.
Q18 (5 marks)
Evaluate the importance of water in living organisms.
Q19 (5 marks)
Describe and explain how the nervous system coordinates a reflex action.
