GCSE BIOLOGY A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: Biology A
(Higher Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Higher Tier Paper (OCR J247/03) merges the
full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a comprehensive and focused
revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of a wide range of biological concepts
including cell biology, bioenergetics, genetics, ecosystems, health and disease, and the interrelationships
between organisms and their environment. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge to
unfamiliar scenarios, analyse data, evaluate experimental methods, and construct well-supported,
reasoned answers. By presenting each question alongside its marking guidance, this merged resource
clarifies examiner expectations, illustrates the level of analytical and evaluative skills required for top
marks, and supports structured, accurate, and complete responses. This integrated format enhances
revision efficiency, strengthens exam technique, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR
GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) Higher 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 mechanism is used to control water balance in the human body?
A Adjusting the glucose concentration of the urine
B Altering the volume of urine produced
C Changing the rate of urea production
D Varying the rate of sweat production
Your answer [1]
2 The diagram shows a kidney tubule.
What is the structure labelled X?
X
A Bowman’s capsule
B Collecting duct
C Glomerulus
D Loop of Henle
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The concentration of mineral ions in soil varies.
What describes how mineral ions move from soil into the root hair cells of a plant?
A By active transport and diffusion
B By active transport and osmosis
C By diffusion only
D By osmosis only
Your answer [1]
4 Which component of the nervous system detects stimuli?
A Effector
B Motor neurone
C Receptor
D Sensory neurone
Your answer [1]
5 Which of these biological molecules are polymers?
A Amino acid and protein
B DNA and glucose
C DNA and protein
D Glucose and protein
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Which biological molecule does this diagram represent?
A Glucose
B Lipid
C Protein
D Starch
Your answer [1]
7 If the tail of an earthworm is cut and removed, the earthworm will live and grow new tail segments.
From which type of cells would the earthworm tissues grow?
A Meristem cells
B Nerve cells
C Red blood cells
D Stem cells
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Higher Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Higher Tier Paper (OCR J247/03) merges the
full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a comprehensive and focused
revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of a wide range of biological concepts
including cell biology, bioenergetics, genetics, ecosystems, health and disease, and the interrelationships
between organisms and their environment. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge to
unfamiliar scenarios, analyse data, evaluate experimental methods, and construct well-supported,
reasoned answers. By presenting each question alongside its marking guidance, this merged resource
clarifies examiner expectations, illustrates the level of analytical and evaluative skills required for top
marks, and supports structured, accurate, and complete responses. This integrated format enhances
revision efficiency, strengthens exam technique, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR
GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) Higher 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 mechanism is used to control water balance in the human body?
A Adjusting the glucose concentration of the urine
B Altering the volume of urine produced
C Changing the rate of urea production
D Varying the rate of sweat production
Your answer [1]
2 The diagram shows a kidney tubule.
What is the structure labelled X?
X
A Bowman’s capsule
B Collecting duct
C Glomerulus
D Loop of Henle
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The concentration of mineral ions in soil varies.
What describes how mineral ions move from soil into the root hair cells of a plant?
A By active transport and diffusion
B By active transport and osmosis
C By diffusion only
D By osmosis only
Your answer [1]
4 Which component of the nervous system detects stimuli?
A Effector
B Motor neurone
C Receptor
D Sensory neurone
Your answer [1]
5 Which of these biological molecules are polymers?
A Amino acid and protein
B DNA and glucose
C DNA and protein
D Glucose and protein
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Which biological molecule does this diagram represent?
A Glucose
B Lipid
C Protein
D Starch
Your answer [1]
7 If the tail of an earthworm is cut and removed, the earthworm will live and grow new tail segments.
From which type of cells would the earthworm tissues grow?
A Meristem cells
B Nerve cells
C Red blood cells
D Stem cells
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
