100+ Free CAPE Biology Unit 1 Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CAPE Biology Unit 1 Exam
45 items
Paper 01 has 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, 15 from each Module
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus, Outline of Assessment
1 hour 30 minutes
Time allowed for CAPE Biology Unit 1 Paper 01
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus, Paper 01
40%
Paper 01's contribution to the Unit 1 grade
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus, Outline of Assessment
3 Modules
Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Natural Selection, and Reproductive Biology
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus, Structure of the Syllabus
80% / 20%
Split between external written papers and the Internal Assessment
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus, Outline of Assessment
Grades I to VI
CAPE results are reported on a six-point grade scale, not a pass mark
CXC CAPE grading scheme
150 hours
Guided learning hours intended for Unit 1 across its three Modules
CXC CAPE Biology Syllabus
100
Free original practice questions in this bank
OpenExamPrep
CAPE Biology Unit 1 (Biomolecules, Reproduction and Development) is set by the Caribbean Examinations Council and covers three Modules: Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Variation and Natural Selection, and Reproductive Biology. Paper 01 is a compulsory multiple-choice paper of 45 four-option items, 15 from each Module, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 40% of the Unit grade. Paper 02 (structured and essay questions) is also 40% and the school-based Internal Assessment is 20%. Results are reported as Grades I to VI rather than a simple pass mark, and silent non-programmable calculators are allowed. This 100-question bank gives original CAPE-level multiple-choice practice across all three Modules.
Sample CAPE Biology Unit 1 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CAPE Biology Unit 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which property of water makes it an effective transport medium and temperature buffer in living organisms?
2Two glucose molecules are joined to form maltose. The type of reaction involved and the bond formed are:
3Which statement correctly describes a triglyceride?
4The specific three-dimensional shape of a globular protein, such as an enzyme, results mainly from its:
5Which organelle is the main site of aerobic respiration and ATP production in a eukaryotic cell?
6Which feature is found in a plant cell but NOT in a typical animal cell?
7Which of the following is characteristic of a prokaryotic cell?
8The endosymbiotic theory proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as:
9In a transverse section of a dicotyledonous root, which tissue is responsible for transporting water and dissolved mineral ions upward?
10According to the fluid mosaic model, the basic structural framework of the cell-surface membrane is a:
About the CAPE Biology Unit 1 Exam
CAPE Biology Unit 1, titled Biomolecules, Reproduction and Development, is the first of two Units in the Caribbean Examinations Council's Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination in Biology. It comprises three Modules: Module 1 Cell and Molecular Biology, Module 2 Genetics, Variation and Natural Selection, and Module 3 Reproductive Biology. The Unit is assessed by two external written papers and a school-based Internal Assessment of practical skills. Paper 01 is a compulsory multiple-choice paper of 45 items, 15 from each Module, sat in 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 40% of the Unit. CAPE Biology is pitched at the post-16, GCE A-Level standard and is widely accepted for university entry across the Caribbean and internationally.
Assessment
Paper 01: 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, 15 from each of the three Modules, each worth 1 mark (45 marks, 40%). Paper 02: structured and essay questions (40%). Internal Assessment of practical work (20%).
Time Limit
Paper 01 is 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Paper 02 is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Passing Score
No fixed pass mark. CAPE results are reported as Grades I to VI, where Grade I is the highest, combining the external papers (80%) and Internal Assessment (20%). Paper 01 alone contributes 40% of the Unit grade.
Exam Fee
CAPE subject-entry fees are set yearly by CXC and collected by each territory's Local Registrar (the regional fee is roughly US$50 per Unit); candidates should confirm the current amount and any local levy with their school or registrar. (Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC))
CAPE Biology Unit 1 Exam Content Outline
Module 1: Cell and Molecular Biology
Paper 01 draws 15 items here. Topics include the biochemistry of water, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; condensation and hydrolysis; cell ultrastructure and organelle functions; prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells and the endosymbiotic theory; tissues and organs (e.g. the dicotyledonous root); the fluid mosaic membrane model; diffusion, osmosis, active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis; water potential effects on cells; and enzymes, the induced-fit model, factors affecting enzyme activity and competitive and non-competitive inhibition.
Module 2: Genetics, Variation and Natural Selection
Paper 01 draws 15 items here. Topics include DNA and RNA structure and the roles of nucleic acids; semiconservative replication; transcription and translation and the genetic code; mitosis and meiosis and their roles in stability and variation; monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance, dominance, codominance, sex linkage and test crosses; mutation and sources of variation; genetic engineering and its implications; and natural selection, types of selection and speciation.
Module 3: Reproductive Biology
Paper 01 draws 15 items here. Topics include flower structure, pollination mechanisms, fertilisation and seed and fruit formation in flowering plants; the structure and function of the ovum and sperm; gametogenesis; hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and the role of negative feedback; fertilisation and implantation; the structure and functions of the placenta and amnion; and the effects of maternal nutrition, alcohol, drugs and smoking on foetal development.
How to Pass the CAPE Biology Unit 1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: No fixed pass mark. CAPE results are reported as Grades I to VI, where Grade I is the highest, combining the external papers (80%) and Internal Assessment (20%). Paper 01 alone contributes 40% of the Unit grade.
- Assessment: Paper 01: 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, 15 from each of the three Modules, each worth 1 mark (45 marks, 40%). Paper 02: structured and essay questions (40%). Internal Assessment of practical work (20%).
- Time limit: Paper 01 is 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Paper 02 is 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Exam fee: CAPE subject-entry fees are set yearly by CXC and collected by each territory's Local Registrar (the regional fee is roughly US$50 per Unit); candidates should confirm the current amount and any local levy with their school or registrar.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CAPE Biology Unit 1 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on CAPE Biology Unit 1 Paper 01?
Paper 01 has 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, with 15 drawn from each of the three Modules. Each item is worth 1 mark, giving a total of 45 marks.
How long is CAPE Biology Unit 1 Paper 01?
Paper 01 lasts 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Paper 02, the structured and essay paper, is separate and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does CAPE Biology Unit 1 cover?
Unit 1 covers three Modules: Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Variation and Natural Selection, and Reproductive Biology. Knowledge of the entire Unit is expected on Paper 01.
How is CAPE Biology Unit 1 graded?
There is no simple pass mark. Results are reported on a six-point scale from Grade I (highest) to Grade VI, combining the external papers (80%) and the Internal Assessment (20%). Paper 01 contributes 40% of the Unit grade.
Can I use a calculator on CAPE Biology Unit 1?
Yes. Silent non-programmable calculators are allowed, and candidates must provide their own. All examination papers use S.I. units.
Are these official CXC practice questions?
No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions modelled on the CAPE Biology Unit 1 syllabus and Paper 01 format. CXC publishes official syllabuses, specimen papers and past papers separately through cxc.org and the CXC Store.