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100+ Free GCSE Biology Practice Questions

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Active transport is essential in root hair cells because:

A
B
C
D
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Key Facts: GCSE Biology Exam

9-1

Grading scale

Ofqual

May-June

Exam series

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetable

3 boards

Specifications available

AQA, Edexcel, OCR

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel, OCR GCSE Biology is assessed through linear end-of-course exam papers (Key Stage 4). Coverage spans cell biology, organisation, infection and response, and grading uses the 9-1 scale on 2026 specifications.

Sample GCSE Biology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GCSE Biology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which structure is found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells?
A.Mitochondria
B.Cell wall made of cellulose
C.Cell membrane
D.Nucleus
Explanation: Plant cells have a cellulose cell wall surrounding the cell membrane, which gives the cell its rigid shape and supports the plant. Animal cells only have a cell membrane on the outside.
2What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
A.Aerobic respiration
B.Protein synthesis
C.Photosynthesis
D.Storage of genetic material
Explanation: Ribosomes are tiny structures found in the cytoplasm where protein synthesis takes place. They translate the genetic code from mRNA into chains of amino acids.
3A prokaryotic cell differs from a eukaryotic cell because it:
A.Has no cytoplasm
B.Has genetic material in a single loop of DNA and plasmids
C.Is always larger than a eukaryotic cell
D.Contains chloroplasts
Explanation: Prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) have no true nucleus. Their genetic material is a single loop of DNA in the cytoplasm, often with additional small rings of DNA called plasmids.
4The actual length of a cell is 50 micrometres. Under a microscope its image measures 25 millimetres. What is the magnification?
A.x2
B.x50
C.x500
D.x1250
Explanation: Magnification = image size / actual size. Converting units: 25 mm = 25,000 micrometres. 25,000 / 50 = 500. So the magnification is x500.
5Which of these is the correct order of magnitude difference between a light microscope and an electron microscope's resolving power?
A.Electron microscopes have about 10 times the resolution
B.Light microscopes have higher resolution than electron microscopes
C.Electron microscopes have around 1000 times better resolution than light microscopes
D.They have the same resolution
Explanation: Electron microscopes have a much higher magnification and resolving power than light microscopes — around 1000 times better — because electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light. This allows sub-cellular structures to be seen in detail.
6What is meant by diffusion?
A.Net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration
B.Movement of water across a partially permeable membrane
C.Movement of particles against a concentration gradient using energy
D.Movement of particles only when stirred
Explanation: Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient. It is a passive process that does not require energy.
7A potato cylinder is placed in a concentrated sugar solution. What happens to its mass?
A.Mass increases because water moves in by osmosis
B.Mass decreases because water moves out by osmosis
C.Mass stays the same
D.Mass decreases because sugar moves in by active transport
Explanation: Water moves from a region of higher water concentration (inside the potato) to a region of lower water concentration (the concentrated sugar solution) across the partially permeable cell membranes. The potato loses water and its mass decreases.
8Active transport is essential in root hair cells because:
A.It removes water from the soil
B.Mineral ions are at a higher concentration in the soil than in the root
C.Mineral ions are at a lower concentration in the soil than in the root, so energy is needed to absorb them
D.It allows osmosis to take place
Explanation: Root hair cells use active transport to absorb mineral ions such as nitrates against the concentration gradient — soil water usually contains a lower ion concentration than the root cell cytoplasm. Energy from respiration is used.
9During the cell cycle, what occurs during mitosis?
A.The cell membrane is replicated
B.The cell grows and DNA is replicated
C.One set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell and the nucleus divides
D.Chromosomes pair up and gametes are formed
Explanation: During mitosis, the replicated chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell, then one set of chromosomes is pulled to each end (pole) of the cell. The nucleus then divides, producing two genetically identical nuclei.
10What is a stem cell?
A.A specialised cell found only in plant stems
B.An undifferentiated cell capable of dividing to give rise to many more cells of the same type
C.A cell that cannot divide
D.A cell with no nucleus
Explanation: A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can divide repeatedly to produce more stem cells, and can differentiate into specialised cell types. Examples include embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells in bone marrow.

About the GCSE Biology Exam

GCSE Biology is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR as part of the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification framework. The course covers cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics and is assessed primarily through written exam papers at the end of the two-year course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3-5 hours total across multiple papers

Passing Score

Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)

Exam Fee

£40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

GCSE Biology Exam Content Outline

Core

Cell Biology

Eukaryotes and prokaryotes, cell structure, transport in and out of cells, cell division, microscopy

Core

Organisation

Tissues, organs, organ systems — digestive, circulatory, respiratory; health and disease, plant tissues

Core

Infection and Response

Communicable diseases, immune system, vaccination, antibiotics and antitoxins, drug development

Core

Bioenergetics

Photosynthesis, respiration, response to exercise

Core

Homeostasis and Response

Nervous system, hormones and the endocrine system, reproduction, plant hormones

Core

Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

DNA, inheritance, variation, evolution, speciation, classification

Core

Ecology

Biodiversity, biotic and abiotic factors, food chains, decomposition, carbon and water cycles, global challenges

How to Pass the GCSE Biology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3-5 hours total across multiple papers
  • Exam fee: £40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GCSE Biology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use past papers from your specific exam board — questions follow the same style year on year
2Time yourself on full papers to build pacing for the long extended-response questions
3Build a clear understanding of mark schemes — examiners reward specific assessment objectives
4Review examiner reports each summer; common errors repeat

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam boards offer GCSE Biology?

GCSE Biology is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR. All boards follow Ofqual subject content but vary in the choice of set texts, optional topics, and paper structure.

When is the GCSE Biology exam taken?

Exams are written in the May-June series at the end of the two-year Key Stage 4 course. Most students sit the papers in Year 11.

How is GCSE Biology graded?

GCSEs are graded on the 9-1 scale, where 9 is the highest grade. A grade 4 is a standard pass, and grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade 7 is broadly equivalent to the old A grade.

How many papers does GCSE Biology have?

Most GCSE subjects have 2-3 written papers. The exact number, timing, and weighting depend on the chosen exam board. Some subjects also include a non-examined assessment (NEA) coursework component.