100+ Free Cambridge IAL Biology Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Cambridge IAL Biology Exam
9700
Cambridge syllabus code
CAIE
5 papers
Required for the full A-Level
CAIE 9700 syllabus
A*-E
Grading scale
CAIE
100
Free practice questions here
OpenExamPrep
Cambridge IAL Biology (9700) is a 5-paper pre-university qualification. P1 and P2 cover AS theory, P3 tests practical skills, P4 covers full A-Level theory, and P5 tests planning, analysis and evaluation. Exams are graded A*-E with May/June and October/November sittings worldwide.
Sample Cambridge IAL Biology Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Cambridge IAL Biology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which organelle is the site of aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells?
2A student views a cell under a microscope. The image is 50 mm long and the actual cell is 100 micrometres. What is the magnification?
3Which feature is found in prokaryotic cells but NOT in eukaryotic cells?
4Which structure is responsible for producing ribosomal RNA in a eukaryotic cell?
5Which type of microscope produces a 3D-looking image of a specimen's surface?
6What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
7The resolution of a light microscope is limited by which factor?
8A virus that contains RNA, an envelope and a capsid is best described as a(n):
9An eyepiece graticule is calibrated using a stage micrometer. The eyepiece graticule has 50 divisions covering 1.0 mm on the stage micrometer at x 100 magnification. What is the value of one eyepiece division?
10Which feature is unique to plant cells when compared with animal cells?
About the Cambridge IAL Biology Exam
Cambridge International A-Level Biology (syllabus 9700) is offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education. Candidates take 5 papers to achieve the full A-Level: P1 (40 multiple-choice questions on AS core, 1h 15min), P2 (AS structured short-answer, 60 marks, 1h 15min), P3 (Advanced Practical Skills, 40 marks, 2h), P4 (A-Level theory, 100 marks, 2h) and P5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation, 30 marks, 1h 15min). Content spans cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, ecology, evolution and genetic technology.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
P1 1h 15min, P2 1h 15min, P3 2h, P4 2h, P5 1h 15min; roughly 7h 45min total across 5 papers
Passing Score
Grade E is the minimum pass; A*-E count as passing grades on the A-Level certificate
Exam Fee
Set by exam centre; typical international entry fees £85-£130 per paper (Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE))
Cambridge IAL Biology Exam Content Outline
Cell structure
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, organelles (nucleus, ER, Golgi, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes 80S/70S, lysosomes), microscopy (light, TEM, SEM), magnification, resolution, calibration, viruses
Biological molecules and enzymes
Water, carbohydrates (alpha/beta glucose, starch, glycogen, cellulose), lipids, proteins (1-4 structure, haemoglobin), nucleic acids, enzymes (Vmax, Km, inhibition, immobilised enzymes)
Cell membranes, transport and division
Fluid mosaic membrane, diffusion, osmosis (water potential), active transport, endo/exocytosis, mitosis and the cell cycle, meiosis and genetic variation
Transport in animals and plants
Mammalian heart and circulation, cardiac cycle, blood vessels, tissue fluid, haemoglobin and Bohr effect, xylem/phloem, transpiration, cohesion-tension theory, translocation, mass flow
Gas exchange, infectious disease and immunity
Alveoli, ventilation, spirometer, smoking diseases, pathogens (cholera, TB, HIV, malaria), antibiotic resistance, primary/secondary immune response, T and B cells, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, ELISA
Genetic control and protein synthesis
DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene mutations, lac operon, eukaryotic gene regulation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, restriction enzymes and ligase, GM bacteria
Inheritance, selection and evolution
Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, codominance, multiple alleles, sex-linkage, linkage and recombination, chi-squared test, natural selection, Hardy-Weinberg equation, speciation
Energy, respiration and photosynthesis
Glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, anaerobic respiration, RQ, light-dependent reactions (photosystems, photolysis), Calvin cycle, limiting factors, chromatography
Homeostasis and coordination
Negative feedback, blood glucose regulation, kidney function and ADH, thermoregulation, neurones and action potentials, synapses, myelin and saltatory conduction, plant tropisms and auxin
Ecology, biodiversity and conservation
Population growth and ecological niches, biodiversity measurement, conservation strategies, endangered species, sustainable resource use
How to Pass the Cambridge IAL Biology Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Grade E is the minimum pass; A*-E count as passing grades on the A-Level certificate
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: P1 1h 15min, P2 1h 15min, P3 2h, P4 2h, P5 1h 15min; roughly 7h 45min total across 5 papers
- Exam fee: Set by exam centre; typical international entry fees £85-£130 per paper
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Cambridge IAL Biology Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cambridge International A-Level Biology (9700)?
9700 is the CAIE syllabus for AS and A-Level Biology. The full A-Level has 5 papers: P1 multiple choice on AS theory, P2 AS structured, P3 Advanced Practical Skills, P4 A-Level theory, and P5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation.
How many papers does 9700 have and how long are they?
Five papers. P1 is 1h 15min (40 MCQs), P2 is 1h 15min (60 marks structured), P3 is 2h (40 marks practical), P4 is 2h (100 marks structured), and P5 is 1h 15min (30 marks planning and analysis).
When are 9700 exams taken?
Cambridge IAL Biology exams are sat in the May/June and October/November series. A March series is also offered in India. Candidates can split AS and A2 components across sessions.
Do I need to do practical work for 9700?
Yes. Paper 3 is a 2-hour practical exam taken in a lab, worth 12% of the full A-Level. Paper 5 tests planning, analysis and evaluation of practical data and is worth a further 8%.