AQA AS Biology Paper 1 Exam
Questions WITH Answers 100%
PASS
Describe a biochemical test to show that raffinose solution contains a non-
reducing sugar.—ANSWER-First heat the sample with an acid in a water
bath and neutralise, then heat with Benedict solution in a water bath for
five minutes. A positive test should produce a red precipitate.
Explain the arrangement of phospholipids in a cell-surface membrane.—
ANSWER-Phospholipids are arranged in a phospholipid bilayer. The
hydrophobic fatty acid tails point away from the water and the hydrophilic
heads attract the water.
Describe how an ester bond is formed in a phospholipid molecule.—
ANSWER-An ester bond is formed between a glycerol and a fatty acid,
producing a water molecule in a condensation reaction.
State and explain the property of water that helps to prevent temperature
increase in a cell.—ANSWER-Water has a high specific heat capacity. This
buffers changes in temperature, so lots of energy is required to change the
temperature.
, Describe how a phagocyte destroys a pathogen present in the blood.—
ANSWER-The phagocyte is attracted to the pathogen by chemoattractants.
The phagocyte binds to the pathogen. The pathogen is engulfed and
lysosomes migrate to the phagosome. The lysosomes then release lytic
enzymes which break down the pathogen. The breakdown products are then
absorbed by the phagocyte.
Give two types of cell, other than pathogens, that can stimulate an immune
response.—ANSWER-Cancer cells and virus infected cells.
What is the role of a disulphide bridge in forming the quaternary structure
of an antibody.—ANSWER-It joins two polypeptide chains
Outline the role of organelles in the production, transport and release of
proteins from Eukaryotic cells.
Do not include details of transcription or translation in your answer.—
ANSWER-DNA in the nucleus codes for the amino acids which make up
proteins. Ribosomes on the RER then synthesise these proteins.
Mitochondria produce ATP for use in protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus
then packages and modifies proteins which are transported to the cell
surface membrane in vesicles where they fuse.
Give one advantage of viewing a biological specimen using a transmission
electron microscope compared with using a scanning electron microscope.—
ANSWER-There is a higher resolution / view internal structures
Describe and explain the mechanism that causes lungs to fill with air.—
ANSWER-The diaphragm muscle contracts and external intercostal muscles
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Katelyn Whitman
Questions WITH Answers 100%
PASS
Describe a biochemical test to show that raffinose solution contains a non-
reducing sugar.—ANSWER-First heat the sample with an acid in a water
bath and neutralise, then heat with Benedict solution in a water bath for
five minutes. A positive test should produce a red precipitate.
Explain the arrangement of phospholipids in a cell-surface membrane.—
ANSWER-Phospholipids are arranged in a phospholipid bilayer. The
hydrophobic fatty acid tails point away from the water and the hydrophilic
heads attract the water.
Describe how an ester bond is formed in a phospholipid molecule.—
ANSWER-An ester bond is formed between a glycerol and a fatty acid,
producing a water molecule in a condensation reaction.
State and explain the property of water that helps to prevent temperature
increase in a cell.—ANSWER-Water has a high specific heat capacity. This
buffers changes in temperature, so lots of energy is required to change the
temperature.
, Describe how a phagocyte destroys a pathogen present in the blood.—
ANSWER-The phagocyte is attracted to the pathogen by chemoattractants.
The phagocyte binds to the pathogen. The pathogen is engulfed and
lysosomes migrate to the phagosome. The lysosomes then release lytic
enzymes which break down the pathogen. The breakdown products are then
absorbed by the phagocyte.
Give two types of cell, other than pathogens, that can stimulate an immune
response.—ANSWER-Cancer cells and virus infected cells.
What is the role of a disulphide bridge in forming the quaternary structure
of an antibody.—ANSWER-It joins two polypeptide chains
Outline the role of organelles in the production, transport and release of
proteins from Eukaryotic cells.
Do not include details of transcription or translation in your answer.—
ANSWER-DNA in the nucleus codes for the amino acids which make up
proteins. Ribosomes on the RER then synthesise these proteins.
Mitochondria produce ATP for use in protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus
then packages and modifies proteins which are transported to the cell
surface membrane in vesicles where they fuse.
Give one advantage of viewing a biological specimen using a transmission
electron microscope compared with using a scanning electron microscope.—
ANSWER-There is a higher resolution / view internal structures
Describe and explain the mechanism that causes lungs to fill with air.—
ANSWER-The diaphragm muscle contracts and external intercostal muscles
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Katelyn Whitman
