GCSE BIOLOGY B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — Actual June 2025 PAST
PAPER: Depth in Biology (Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR
J257/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) June 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR
J257/02) combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a
structured and accessible revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of specific
biological topics in depth, including cell structure, physiological systems, genetics, ecosystems, and
health, with an emphasis on applying knowledge to practical contexts and problem-solving scenarios.
Candidates are expected to analyse data, interpret experimental results, and explain biological processes
using correct terminology and reasoning. By pairing each question with the corresponding marking
guidance, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, demonstrates the analytical and
evaluative skills required for higher marks, and helps students construct accurate, well-organised
responses. This integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens exam technique, and prepares
learners thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) Foundation Tier
Depth in Biology examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1
(a) Which system transports oxygen and dissolved food molecules around the human body in
the blood?
Tick (✓) one box.
Circulatory system
Digestive system
Excretory system
Gaseous exchange system
[1]
(b) Which organ pumps blood around the human body?
Tick (✓) one box.
Brain
Eye
Heart
Kidney
[1]
(c) Which type of blood vessel has valves to stop blood flowing backwards?
Tick (✓) one box.
Artery
Capillary
Neuron
Vein
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(d) Draw lines to connect each part of the blood with its correct function.
Part Function
Plasma Destroy pathogens
Platelets Help seal wounds
Red blood cells Transport dissolved food molecules
White blood cells Transport oxygen
[3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2
(a) Put these three structures in order of size, from the largest to the smallest.
Chromosome Gene Nucleotide
Largest ...............................................
...............................................
Smallest ...............................................
[2]
(b) Which statement describes the genome?
Tick (✓) one box.
A section of DNA that stores the instructions to make a protein.
All the physical features of an organism.
The combination of alleles that an organism has.
The entire genetic material of an organism.
[1]
(c) Draw lines to connect each description with the correct number.
Description Number
1
The number of bases in each nucleotide.
2
The number of different nucleotides found in DNA. 3
4
The number of nucleotide strands in a DNA molecule.
5
[3]
© OCR 2025
PAPER: Depth in Biology (Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR
J257/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) June 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR
J257/02) combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a
structured and accessible revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of specific
biological topics in depth, including cell structure, physiological systems, genetics, ecosystems, and
health, with an emphasis on applying knowledge to practical contexts and problem-solving scenarios.
Candidates are expected to analyse data, interpret experimental results, and explain biological processes
using correct terminology and reasoning. By pairing each question with the corresponding marking
guidance, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, demonstrates the analytical and
evaluative skills required for higher marks, and helps students construct accurate, well-organised
responses. This integrated format supports targeted revision, strengthens exam technique, and prepares
learners thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) Foundation Tier
Depth in Biology examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1
(a) Which system transports oxygen and dissolved food molecules around the human body in
the blood?
Tick (✓) one box.
Circulatory system
Digestive system
Excretory system
Gaseous exchange system
[1]
(b) Which organ pumps blood around the human body?
Tick (✓) one box.
Brain
Eye
Heart
Kidney
[1]
(c) Which type of blood vessel has valves to stop blood flowing backwards?
Tick (✓) one box.
Artery
Capillary
Neuron
Vein
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(d) Draw lines to connect each part of the blood with its correct function.
Part Function
Plasma Destroy pathogens
Platelets Help seal wounds
Red blood cells Transport dissolved food molecules
White blood cells Transport oxygen
[3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2
(a) Put these three structures in order of size, from the largest to the smallest.
Chromosome Gene Nucleotide
Largest ...............................................
...............................................
Smallest ...............................................
[2]
(b) Which statement describes the genome?
Tick (✓) one box.
A section of DNA that stores the instructions to make a protein.
All the physical features of an organism.
The combination of alleles that an organism has.
The entire genetic material of an organism.
[1]
(c) Draw lines to connect each description with the correct number.
Description Number
1
The number of bases in each nucleotide.
2
The number of different nucleotides found in DNA. 3
4
The number of nucleotide strands in a DNA molecule.
5
[3]
© OCR 2025
