PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Practice Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
Paper 1 Advanced Subsidiary
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a) What is meant by the term "biological catalyst"?
Context and Background
• Topic: This question focuses on the definition of enzymes and their function.
• Question Type: It is a "recall and define" question often used to assess
basic understanding of biological concepts.
• Patterns from Past Papers (2015-2023):
o Similar questions have consistently appeared in introductory sections of
enzyme-related exam papers.
o The wording remains straightforward, typically asking for a definition
or the function of enzymes.
• Learning Focus: Students should know the definition of enzymes,
specifically their role as biological catalysts that speed up reactions without
being consumed.
Mark Scheme
Mark Answer Explanation
"A biological molecule, typically a Correctly identifies enzymes as biological
1
protein..." molecules or proteins.
"...that speeds up chemical reactions Explains the catalytic role and the fact
1 in living organisms without being that enzymes remain unchanged post-
used up." reaction.
Total: [2 marks]
4
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Practice Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
Paper 1 Advanced Subsidiary
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Question Paper 1A 2025 Predicted Paper
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a) What is meant by the term "biological catalyst"?
Context and Background
• Topic: This question focuses on the definition of enzymes and their function.
• Question Type: It is a "recall and define" question often used to assess
basic understanding of biological concepts.
• Patterns from Past Papers (2015-2023):
o Similar questions have consistently appeared in introductory sections of
enzyme-related exam papers.
o The wording remains straightforward, typically asking for a definition
or the function of enzymes.
• Learning Focus: Students should know the definition of enzymes,
specifically their role as biological catalysts that speed up reactions without
being consumed.
Mark Scheme
Mark Answer Explanation
"A biological molecule, typically a Correctly identifies enzymes as biological
1
protein..." molecules or proteins.
"...that speeds up chemical reactions Explains the catalytic role and the fact
1 in living organisms without being that enzymes remain unchanged post-
used up." reaction.
Total: [2 marks]
4
