2025 OCR GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) J250/07 Biology (Higher Tier)
Combined Question Paper & Final Marking Scheme
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/07 Biology (Higher Tier)
*1861474312*
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 0 0 7 *
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
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 60.
• 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 20 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8687/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (CJ/SG) 354407/7 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 What is the main source of testosterone in the human body?
A Adrenal glands
B Pancreas
C Pituitary gland
D Testes
Your answer [1]
2 Which substance has a net outward movement from plants during the day?
A Nitrates
B Nitrogen
C Oxygen
D Urea
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the definition of resolution?
A How large an image is compared to the object.
B The shortest distance apart that two objects can be and still be seen as separate objects.
C The magnification of an eyepiece and an objective lens multiplied together.
D The wavelength of light used to view an object.
Your answer
[1]
4 The graph shows the mass of carbon dioxide exchanged by a plant with the air during 24 hours.
Which letter shows when the plant is respiring but not photosynthesising?
C
Absorbed
B
Mass of carbon dioxide
exchanged with the air
D
12 3 am 6 am 9 am 12 3 pm 6 pm 9 pm 12
Midnight Midday Midnight
Released
A
Time of day
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 Which statement describes the structure of DNA?
A A monomer made of one strand
B A monomer made of two strands
C A polymer made of one strand
D A polymer made of two strands
Your answer
[1]
6 Which process do cells go through when they specialise?
A Differentiation
B Meiosis
C Mitosis
D Osmosis
Your answer
[1]
7 A scientist is investigating the action of amylase enzymes on the digestion of starch into maltose.
What would increase the rate of reaction?
A Decreasing the enzyme concentration
B Decreasing the pH to 2
C Increasing the pH to 7
D Increasing the temperature to 70 °C
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
Combined Question Paper & Final Marking Scheme
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/07 Biology (Higher Tier)
*1861474312*
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 0 0 7 *
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
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 60.
• 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 20 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8687/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (CJ/SG) 354407/7 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 What is the main source of testosterone in the human body?
A Adrenal glands
B Pancreas
C Pituitary gland
D Testes
Your answer [1]
2 Which substance has a net outward movement from plants during the day?
A Nitrates
B Nitrogen
C Oxygen
D Urea
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the definition of resolution?
A How large an image is compared to the object.
B The shortest distance apart that two objects can be and still be seen as separate objects.
C The magnification of an eyepiece and an objective lens multiplied together.
D The wavelength of light used to view an object.
Your answer
[1]
4 The graph shows the mass of carbon dioxide exchanged by a plant with the air during 24 hours.
Which letter shows when the plant is respiring but not photosynthesising?
C
Absorbed
B
Mass of carbon dioxide
exchanged with the air
D
12 3 am 6 am 9 am 12 3 pm 6 pm 9 pm 12
Midnight Midday Midnight
Released
A
Time of day
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 Which statement describes the structure of DNA?
A A monomer made of one strand
B A monomer made of two strands
C A polymer made of one strand
D A polymer made of two strands
Your answer
[1]
6 Which process do cells go through when they specialise?
A Differentiation
B Meiosis
C Mitosis
D Osmosis
Your answer
[1]
7 A scientist is investigating the action of amylase enzymes on the digestion of starch into maltose.
What would increase the rate of reaction?
A Decreasing the enzyme concentration
B Decreasing the pH to 2
C Increasing the pH to 7
D Increasing the temperature to 70 °C
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
