Monday 9 June 2025 – Morning
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
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 pages 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 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) J250/08
Biology (Higher Tier) QP and MS summer 2025
, 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 a genetic cross for inheriting cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a recessive inherited condition.
Egg
Cc
Sperm
Cc
C c
C C CC Cc
c c cC cc
What percentage of the offspring will have cystic fibrosis?
A 0%
B 25%
C 75%
D 100%
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 Which pathway shows how nitrates are used by plants to make proteins?
A Nitrates amino acids proteins
B Nitrates carbohydrates proteins
C Nitrates DNA proteins
D Nitrates fatty acids proteins
Your answer [1]
3 Which term describes the interaction between the biotic and abiotic factors in the environment?
A Community
B Ecosystem
C Habitat
D Species
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
4 Water is recycled in the environment.
Which process increases the level of water in the atmosphere?
A Condensation
B Precipitation
C Translocation
D Transpiration
Your answer [1]
5 New drugs are tested in clinical trials.
A placebo looks like the drug being tested but has no medical effect.
Which row is the correct description for a double-blind placebo trial?
All patients receive the Patient and doctors know
drug who takes the drug
A no yes
B no no
C yes yes
D yes no
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
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 pages 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 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) J250/08
Biology (Higher Tier) QP and MS summer 2025
, 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 a genetic cross for inheriting cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a recessive inherited condition.
Egg
Cc
Sperm
Cc
C c
C C CC Cc
c c cC cc
What percentage of the offspring will have cystic fibrosis?
A 0%
B 25%
C 75%
D 100%
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 Which pathway shows how nitrates are used by plants to make proteins?
A Nitrates amino acids proteins
B Nitrates carbohydrates proteins
C Nitrates DNA proteins
D Nitrates fatty acids proteins
Your answer [1]
3 Which term describes the interaction between the biotic and abiotic factors in the environment?
A Community
B Ecosystem
C Habitat
D Species
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
4 Water is recycled in the environment.
Which process increases the level of water in the atmosphere?
A Condensation
B Precipitation
C Translocation
D Transpiration
Your answer [1]
5 New drugs are tested in clinical trials.
A placebo looks like the drug being tested but has no medical effect.
Which row is the correct description for a double-blind placebo trial?
All patients receive the Patient and doctors know
drug who takes the drug
A no yes
B no no
C yes yes
D yes no
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
