GCSE BIOLOGY A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: Biology A
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J247/01)
combines the complete official exam paper with its full mark scheme to create a clear, accessible, and
supportive revision resource for students working at the foundation level. This paper assesses core
biological principles including cell structure and transport, biological systems, health and disease,
ecosystems, and the role of genetics and variation. Students are required to apply scientific knowledge,
interpret data, analyse experimental results, and demonstrate an understanding of key processes across the
Biology A specification. By integrating every question with the corresponding marking criteria, this
merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the skills needed to secure marks reliably, and
supports the development of confident, well-structured responses. The format is especially helpful for
building exam familiarity, reinforcing essential concepts, and guiding effective revision for learners
preparing for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which of these is a plant hormone?
A Auxin
B FSH
C Insulin
D Testosterone
Your answer [1]
2 Which system in the human body releases hormones from glands?
A Circulatory system
B Endocrine system
C Nervous system
D Respiratory system
Your answer [1]
3 Which molecule supplies cells with their energy requirements?
A Amino acid
B ATP
C Auxin
D DNA
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 Which piece of equipment is used to measure the rate of water uptake from a leafy shoot?
A Microscope
B Potometer
C Thermometer
D Water bath
Your answer [1]
5 A student tests a sample of milk to see if it contains sugar.
Which reagent would the student use and what colour would be observed for a positive result?
Colour observed for a
Reagent
positive result
A Benedict’s solution purple
B Benedict’s solution red
C Biuret solution purple
D Biuret solution red
Your answer [1]
6 Which two substances are products of anaerobic respiration in plants?
A Ethanol and carbon dioxide
B Glucose and carbon dioxide
C Lactic acid and carbon dioxide
D Water and carbon dioxide
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
7 The diagram shows a plant shoot and a source of light.
Light
source
Which effect will this light source have on the plant shoot?
A The plant shoot will continue to grow upwards.
B The plant shoot will grow away from the light.
C The plant shoot will grow towards the light.
D The plant shoot will stop growing.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J247/01)
combines the complete official exam paper with its full mark scheme to create a clear, accessible, and
supportive revision resource for students working at the foundation level. This paper assesses core
biological principles including cell structure and transport, biological systems, health and disease,
ecosystems, and the role of genetics and variation. Students are required to apply scientific knowledge,
interpret data, analyse experimental results, and demonstrate an understanding of key processes across the
Biology A specification. By integrating every question with the corresponding marking criteria, this
merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the skills needed to secure marks reliably, and
supports the development of confident, well-structured responses. The format is especially helpful for
building exam familiarity, reinforcing essential concepts, and guiding effective revision for learners
preparing for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which of these is a plant hormone?
A Auxin
B FSH
C Insulin
D Testosterone
Your answer [1]
2 Which system in the human body releases hormones from glands?
A Circulatory system
B Endocrine system
C Nervous system
D Respiratory system
Your answer [1]
3 Which molecule supplies cells with their energy requirements?
A Amino acid
B ATP
C Auxin
D DNA
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 Which piece of equipment is used to measure the rate of water uptake from a leafy shoot?
A Microscope
B Potometer
C Thermometer
D Water bath
Your answer [1]
5 A student tests a sample of milk to see if it contains sugar.
Which reagent would the student use and what colour would be observed for a positive result?
Colour observed for a
Reagent
positive result
A Benedict’s solution purple
B Benedict’s solution red
C Biuret solution purple
D Biuret solution red
Your answer [1]
6 Which two substances are products of anaerobic respiration in plants?
A Ethanol and carbon dioxide
B Glucose and carbon dioxide
C Lactic acid and carbon dioxide
D Water and carbon dioxide
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
7 The diagram shows a plant shoot and a source of light.
Light
source
Which effect will this light source have on the plant shoot?
A The plant shoot will continue to grow upwards.
B The plant shoot will grow away from the light.
C The plant shoot will grow towards the light.
D The plant shoot will stop growing.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
