Edexcel International A Level Biology Paper 1 2026 Past Paper & Mark Scheme PDF

Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge International AS & A Level

BIOLOGY 9700/12 BIOLOGY 9700/12
Paper 1 Multiple Choice May/June 2026 Paper 1 Multiple Choice May/June 2026
1 hour 15 minutes MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40
You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.
*




You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet
Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended) Published

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct This mark scheme shows the correct answer to each question.
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
*




 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet. We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme
 Write in soft pencil. together with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid or tape.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.


INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.




This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.


IB26 06_9700_12/5RP
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over This document consists of 3 printed pages.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over

, 9700/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
2 PUBLISHED

1 The diagram shows part of a membrane in a plant cell.
Question Answer Marks

1 C 1

2 D 1

2 nm 3 B 1

4 C 1

5 B 1

What is the width of the membrane? 6 B 1

A 7.5  10–3 m 7 A 1
B 7.5  10– 6 m 8 D 1
C 7.5  10–9 m 9 A 1
–12
D 7.5  10 m
10 B 1

11 D 1
2 A student used a light microscope to observe a cell and was able to distinguish between two cell
structures that were 0.05 mm apart. 12 A 1
The student then wanted to distinguish between two other structures that were 75 m apart with 13 C 1
this microscope.
14 C 1
Which row is correct for this microscope when viewing this cell?
15 A 1
can distinguish
term that defines 16 D 1
between two
the level of detail
cell structures
in an image 17 C 1
75 m apart

A magnification no 18 A 1

B magnification yes 19 B 1
C resolution no 20 B 1
D resolution yes
21 C 1

22 C 1

23 B 1

24 D 1

25 D 1

26 C 1

27 B 1

28 B 1


Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9700/12/M/J/26 Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 3

, 9700/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
3 PUBLISHED

3 The transmission electron micrograph shows a macrophage.
Question Answer Marks

29 A 1

30 A 1
Q
31 D 1

32 B 1

33 A 1

34 A 1

35 B 1

36 C 1

37 B 1

38 A 1

39 D 1

40 B 1
The dark stained material in the structure labelled Q is solid material from pathogens.

What is the name of organelle Q?

A Golgi apparatus
B lysosome
C ribosome
D mitochondrion




Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9700/12/M/J/26 [Turn over Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 3 of 3