Tuesday 12 May 2026 ? Afternoon
GCSE (9?1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/01 Biology (Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
*
2
6 You must have:
9 ? a ruler (cm/mm)3 F You can use:
6 ? a scientific or graphical calculator7
5 ? an HB pencil
4
3
4 * J 2 5 0 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
? Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
? Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined page at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
? Answer all the questions.
? Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
? The total mark for this paper is 60.
? The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
? Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
? This document has 20 pages.
ADVICE
? Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© Cambridge OCR 2026 [601/8687/2] Cambridge OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/TC) 366091/7 Turn over
for more:
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 The diagram shows the structure of DNA.
Which term describes the structure of DNA?
A Double helix
B Monomer
C Single strand
D Triple helix
Your answer [1]
2 Which two reactants are used in photosynthesis?
A Carbon dioxide and glucose
B Carbon dioxide and water
C Glucose and light
D Water and light
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
for more:
, 3
3 Phloem cells are part of the transport system of plants.
Water, sugar
and amino acids
Phloem tissue
Which sentence describes one adaptation of phloem tissue?
A It is made of dead cells to form a hollow tube.
B It has holes in end walls to allow sugar to flow through.
C It has stiff side walls to give the plant support.
D It has undifferentiated stem cells to enable growth.
Your answer [1]
4 How are mineral ions absorbed into plant roots against the concentration gradient?
A Active transport
B Diffusion
C Evaporation
D Osmosis
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
for more:
GCSE (9?1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/01 Biology (Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
*
2
6 You must have:
9 ? a ruler (cm/mm)3 F You can use:
6 ? a scientific or graphical calculator7
5 ? an HB pencil
4
3
4 * J 2 5 0 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
? Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
? Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined page at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
? Answer all the questions.
? Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
? The total mark for this paper is 60.
? The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
? Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
? This document has 20 pages.
ADVICE
? Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© Cambridge OCR 2026 [601/8687/2] Cambridge OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/TC) 366091/7 Turn over
for more:
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 The diagram shows the structure of DNA.
Which term describes the structure of DNA?
A Double helix
B Monomer
C Single strand
D Triple helix
Your answer [1]
2 Which two reactants are used in photosynthesis?
A Carbon dioxide and glucose
B Carbon dioxide and water
C Glucose and light
D Water and light
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
for more:
, 3
3 Phloem cells are part of the transport system of plants.
Water, sugar
and amino acids
Phloem tissue
Which sentence describes one adaptation of phloem tissue?
A It is made of dead cells to form a hollow tube.
B It has holes in end walls to allow sugar to flow through.
C It has stiff side walls to give the plant support.
D It has undifferentiated stem cells to enable growth.
Your answer [1]
4 How are mineral ions absorbed into plant roots against the concentration gradient?
A Active transport
B Diffusion
C Evaporation
D Osmosis
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
for more:
