OCR
GCSE
Biology A
H420/01: Biological processes
A Level
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 100.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/4260/1] DC (PQ/FC) 346176/6
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which option describes a function of inorganic ions?
A Ca2+ is pumped across the membrane of a neurone to establish the resting
potential.
B Cl – and HCO3– are involved in transport of oxygen in the blood.
, 2
C Plants need NO3 for synthesis of amino acids.
–
D PO43− is a component of triglycerides.
Your answer
2 Which option describes a conjugated protein?
A A globular protein with a prosthetic group
B A protein with an inorganic ion
C A protein with more than one polypeptide chain
D An enzyme with an inorganic ion
Your answer
3 Which statement about the function of enzymes is not correct?
A Enzymes affect the structure of whole organisms.
B Enzymes build larger molecules from smaller molecules.
C Enzymes carry signals from one part of the body to another.
D Enzymes catalyse reactions that affect cellular metabolism.
Your answer [1] 4 Which option describes the structure of biological
molecules?
A Carbohydrates contain only C, H and O, usually with an H to O ratio of 2 : 1.
B Nucleic acids contain only C, H, O, N, P and S in variable ratios.
C Proteins contain only C, H, O and N in variable ratios.
D Triglycerides contain only C, H and O, usually with an H to O ratio of 2 : 1.
Your answer
5 Which option describes endocrine communication?
A Endocrine glands release hormones into ducts such as the pancreatic duct.
© OCR 2025
, 3
B Hormones are all lipid soluble and bind to receptors in the cytoplasm.
C Hormones are released from exocrine glands and taken by the blood to
specific target cells.
D Target cells have specific receptors for the hormones that act upon them.
Your answer
6 Which option describes a role of the adrenal glands within the endocrine system?
A Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal cortex.
B Glucocorticoids help to regulate the balance of salt and water concentrations
in the body.
C Mineralocorticoids are produced in the adrenal medulla.
D The adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones.
Your answer [1] A student investigates the growth of yeast cells in culture
under different conditions.
In experiment one they grow yeast cells with glucose at 25 °C. The results are shown
as line X on the graph.
In experiment two they grow yeast cells under different conditions. The results are
shown as lines A to D on the graph.
9
A B X
8
Log 10 number
of cells 7 C
6
D
5
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Time (min)
Use the information to answer questions 7 and 8.
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
7 In experiment one, what is the number of cells in the culture after 10 hours?
A 0.9 × 107
B 4.0 × 107
C 7.6
D 7.6 × 107
Your answer
8 Which line, A to D, in experiment two represents a culture where the growth rate is
approximately double that in experiment one?
Your answer [1] 9 A scientist measures the oxygen uptake and carbon
dioxide output of an athlete on an exercise bike at increasing work rates.
The results are shown in the graph.
© researchgate.net, ResearchGate. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions. Link to material -
www.researchgate.net/publication/49774376_The_physiological_basis_of_the_'anaerobic_threshold'_and_implications_for_clinical_cardiopulmonary_ex
What are the results shown in the graph?
A There is a negative correlation between oxygen uptake and work rate.
B There is a positive correlation between carbon dioxide output and work rate
up to 300 W after which the correlation becomes negative.
C There is a positive correlation between oxygen uptake and work rate.
D There is no correlation between carbon dioxide output and work rate.
© OCR 2025
GCSE
Biology A
H420/01: Biological processes
A Level
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 100.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/4260/1] DC (PQ/FC) 346176/6
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which option describes a function of inorganic ions?
A Ca2+ is pumped across the membrane of a neurone to establish the resting
potential.
B Cl – and HCO3– are involved in transport of oxygen in the blood.
, 2
C Plants need NO3 for synthesis of amino acids.
–
D PO43− is a component of triglycerides.
Your answer
2 Which option describes a conjugated protein?
A A globular protein with a prosthetic group
B A protein with an inorganic ion
C A protein with more than one polypeptide chain
D An enzyme with an inorganic ion
Your answer
3 Which statement about the function of enzymes is not correct?
A Enzymes affect the structure of whole organisms.
B Enzymes build larger molecules from smaller molecules.
C Enzymes carry signals from one part of the body to another.
D Enzymes catalyse reactions that affect cellular metabolism.
Your answer [1] 4 Which option describes the structure of biological
molecules?
A Carbohydrates contain only C, H and O, usually with an H to O ratio of 2 : 1.
B Nucleic acids contain only C, H, O, N, P and S in variable ratios.
C Proteins contain only C, H, O and N in variable ratios.
D Triglycerides contain only C, H and O, usually with an H to O ratio of 2 : 1.
Your answer
5 Which option describes endocrine communication?
A Endocrine glands release hormones into ducts such as the pancreatic duct.
© OCR 2025
, 3
B Hormones are all lipid soluble and bind to receptors in the cytoplasm.
C Hormones are released from exocrine glands and taken by the blood to
specific target cells.
D Target cells have specific receptors for the hormones that act upon them.
Your answer
6 Which option describes a role of the adrenal glands within the endocrine system?
A Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal cortex.
B Glucocorticoids help to regulate the balance of salt and water concentrations
in the body.
C Mineralocorticoids are produced in the adrenal medulla.
D The adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones.
Your answer [1] A student investigates the growth of yeast cells in culture
under different conditions.
In experiment one they grow yeast cells with glucose at 25 °C. The results are shown
as line X on the graph.
In experiment two they grow yeast cells under different conditions. The results are
shown as lines A to D on the graph.
9
A B X
8
Log 10 number
of cells 7 C
6
D
5
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Time (min)
Use the information to answer questions 7 and 8.
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
7 In experiment one, what is the number of cells in the culture after 10 hours?
A 0.9 × 107
B 4.0 × 107
C 7.6
D 7.6 × 107
Your answer
8 Which line, A to D, in experiment two represents a culture where the growth rate is
approximately double that in experiment one?
Your answer [1] 9 A scientist measures the oxygen uptake and carbon
dioxide output of an athlete on an exercise bike at increasing work rates.
The results are shown in the graph.
© researchgate.net, ResearchGate. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions. Link to material -
www.researchgate.net/publication/49774376_The_physiological_basis_of_the_'anaerobic_threshold'_and_implications_for_clinical_cardiopulmonary_ex
What are the results shown in the graph?
A There is a negative correlation between oxygen uptake and work rate.
B There is a positive correlation between carbon dioxide output and work rate
up to 300 W after which the correlation becomes negative.
C There is a positive correlation between oxygen uptake and work rate.
D There is no correlation between carbon dioxide output and work rate.
© OCR 2025
