Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
INTERNATIONAL AS
Surname
BIOLOGY (9610)
Forename(s)
Candidate signature BL01
I declare this is my own work.
Unit 1 The Diversity of Living Organisms
INTERNATIONAL AS Mark scheme
BIOLOGY (9610) January 2026
Version: 1.0 Final
Unit 1 The Diversity of Living Organisms
Wednesday 7 January 2026 07:00 UK Time Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Materials For Examiner’s Use
For this paper you must have:
• a ruler with millimetre measurements Question Mark
• a scientific calculator, which you are expected to use where appropriate. 1
2
Instructions
3
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page. 4
• Answer all questions. 5
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write
6
outside the box around each page or on blank pages.
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of TOTAL
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
• All working must be shown.
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want
to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 75.
*JAn26BL0101*
IB/H/Jan26/G4005/V7 BL01
, 2
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
Answer all questions in the spaces provided. box
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
0 1 Some types of bacteria cause lung infections.
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
Figure 1 shows the structure of a bacterial cell.
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
Figure 1
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
0 1 . 1 Calculate the actual diameter of the bacterial cell between points A and B on
Figure 1.
[2 marks]
µm
information
OxfordAQA retains the on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
their own internal use, llowing important exception: OxfordAQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
OxfordAQA International Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
*02*
2
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
, 3
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
0 1 . 2 Name structure C in Figure 1. box
[1 mark]
Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
There are differences in the structure and location of DNA found in a bacterial cell and
in a cell from a human lung. The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
0 1 . 3 Give two ways that the structure of DNA in a bacterial cell is different from the • extra information to help the examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what is
structure of DNA in a human lung cell. acceptable or not worthy of credit.
[2 marks]
1 The extra information in the ‘Comments’ column is aligned to the appropriate answer in the
left-hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the
diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
2 confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is
0 1 . 4 Give two ways that the location of DNA in a bacterial cell is different from the location used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
of DNA in a human lung cell. potential mark.
[2 marks]
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
1 mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for the same mark are indicated by the use of OR.
Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a/; eg allow smooth/free movement.
2
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students
have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is
that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error/contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of
errors/contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question,
Question 1 continues on the next page no marks can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the
‘Comments’ column of the mark scheme) are not penalised.
Turn over ►
*03*
3
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
, 4
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
0 1 . 5 Lung infections caused by bacteria can be treated using antibiotics. box
Antibiotics that stop bacteria from producing murein will kill bacteria but have no effect 3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
on human lung cells. Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer, without any working shown.
Give a reason why these antibiotics have no effect on human lung cells. However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct
[1 mark] substitution/working and this is shown in the ‘Comments’ column or by each stage of a
longer calculation.
3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’
Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the
correct subject.
3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic
errors
0 1 . 6 Lung infections caused by bacteria can affect breathing.
Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted to calculation
Describe how humans breathe out. questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ECF or consequential in the mark
[3 marks] scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in
the mark scheme. Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an
incorrect transfer of a numerical value from data given in a question.
3.5 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a
possible confusion with another technical term.
3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded
but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.
3.7 Ignore/Insufficient/Do not allow
Ignore or insufficient is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not
enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking
11 point.
Do not allow means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is
given, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.
*04*
4
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
Centre number Candidate number
INTERNATIONAL AS
Surname
BIOLOGY (9610)
Forename(s)
Candidate signature BL01
I declare this is my own work.
Unit 1 The Diversity of Living Organisms
INTERNATIONAL AS Mark scheme
BIOLOGY (9610) January 2026
Version: 1.0 Final
Unit 1 The Diversity of Living Organisms
Wednesday 7 January 2026 07:00 UK Time Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Materials For Examiner’s Use
For this paper you must have:
• a ruler with millimetre measurements Question Mark
• a scientific calculator, which you are expected to use where appropriate. 1
2
Instructions
3
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page. 4
• Answer all questions. 5
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write
6
outside the box around each page or on blank pages.
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of TOTAL
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
• All working must be shown.
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want
to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 75.
*JAn26BL0101*
IB/H/Jan26/G4005/V7 BL01
, 2
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
Answer all questions in the spaces provided. box
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
0 1 Some types of bacteria cause lung infections.
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
Figure 1 shows the structure of a bacterial cell.
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
Figure 1
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
0 1 . 1 Calculate the actual diameter of the bacterial cell between points A and B on
Figure 1.
[2 marks]
µm
information
OxfordAQA retains the on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
their own internal use, llowing important exception: OxfordAQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
OxfordAQA International Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
*02*
2
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
, 3
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
0 1 . 2 Name structure C in Figure 1. box
[1 mark]
Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
There are differences in the structure and location of DNA found in a bacterial cell and
in a cell from a human lung. The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
0 1 . 3 Give two ways that the structure of DNA in a bacterial cell is different from the • extra information to help the examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what is
structure of DNA in a human lung cell. acceptable or not worthy of credit.
[2 marks]
1 The extra information in the ‘Comments’ column is aligned to the appropriate answer in the
left-hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the
diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
2 confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is
0 1 . 4 Give two ways that the location of DNA in a bacterial cell is different from the location used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
of DNA in a human lung cell. potential mark.
[2 marks]
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
1 mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for the same mark are indicated by the use of OR.
Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a/; eg allow smooth/free movement.
2
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students
have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is
that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error/contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of
errors/contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question,
Question 1 continues on the next page no marks can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the
‘Comments’ column of the mark scheme) are not penalised.
Turn over ►
*03*
3
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
, 4
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS BIOLOGY – BL01 – JANUARY 2026
Do not write
outside the
0 1 . 5 Lung infections caused by bacteria can be treated using antibiotics. box
Antibiotics that stop bacteria from producing murein will kill bacteria but have no effect 3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
on human lung cells. Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer, without any working shown.
Give a reason why these antibiotics have no effect on human lung cells. However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct
[1 mark] substitution/working and this is shown in the ‘Comments’ column or by each stage of a
longer calculation.
3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’
Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the
correct subject.
3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic
errors
0 1 . 6 Lung infections caused by bacteria can affect breathing.
Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted to calculation
Describe how humans breathe out. questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ECF or consequential in the mark
[3 marks] scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in
the mark scheme. Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an
incorrect transfer of a numerical value from data given in a question.
3.5 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a
possible confusion with another technical term.
3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded
but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.
3.7 Ignore/Insufficient/Do not allow
Ignore or insufficient is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not
enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking
11 point.
Do not allow means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is
given, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.
*04*
4
IB/H/Jan26/BL01
