AQA A Level Biology Year 1 Questions with Correct
Answers| Latest Update 2026/2027| Perfect Score|
Graded A+….100%
Cell fractionation. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Homogenisation- break up cells in ice cold
(reduce enzyme activity), isotonic (prevent water damage to organelles) and a pH buffer
(prevents organelle damage.
2) Filter through gauze to remove large debris such as connecting tissues from organelles.
3) Ultracentrifugation. Spin in centrifuge, drain supernatant and spin again at higher speeds.
Nucleus, chloroplast, Mitochondria, Lysosomes, ER, Ribosomes.
Cell Vacuole Function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Maintains pressure in cell and keeps the cell
rigid to prevent wilting. Involved in the isolation of unwanted chemicals.
Cell Vacuole Structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Membrane-bound organelle found in
cytoplasm, contains cell sap (weak solution of sugar and water) membrane is called tonoplast.
Cell wall function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Supports cell and prevents it from changing
shape.
Cell wall in prokaryotes. - Correct Answer ✅💯Made of murein, which is a glycoprotein.
Supports cell and stops it changing shape.
Cell wall structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Rigid structure surrounding plants, algae and
fungi. Cellulose in plants and fungi and chitin in algae.
Chloroplast Structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Small and flattened, found in plant and algal
cells. Surrounded by double membrane and contains membrane discs called thylakoid
membranes which stack to form Grana which are linked by lamallae (long thin, flat pieces of
thylakoid membrane.) Contains stroma.
Co-transport with glucose. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Sodium ions are actively transported
out the epithelial cells in the ileum by sodium-potassium pump. Creates concentration
gradient between lumen and cell.
2) Na diffuses from lumen to cell by sodium-glucose co-transporters, carrying glucose with
it.
3) Glucose diffuses into the blood by facilitated diffusion.
Comparison of active and passive immunity. - Correct Answer ✅💯Active Passive
Requires antigen exposure No exposure required
Takes time for protection Immediate protection
Memory cells produced No memory cells
Long term protection Short term protection (memory cells) (antibodies break down)
,Describe atheroma formation - Correct Answer ✅💯If damage occurs to the endothelium
(for example, by high bp), white blood cells and fats can clump under the lining, forming
fatty streaks. Over time, more white blood cells, lipids and connective tissue build up and
harden to form a fibrous plaque, an atheroma. This partially blocks the lumen, restricting
blood flow and increasing BP.
Details of the Meselson and Stahl experiment. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Two samples of
bacteria grown in ¹⁵N and ¹⁴N nutrient broth. Bacteria took up N in replication.
2) DNA samples taken, spun in centrifuge. Heavy N settled further down.
3) DNA from ¹⁵N placed n ¹⁴N for one replication. and spun in centrifuge.
4) Only one line formed in middle so semi- conservative.
DNA in Prokaryotes. - Correct Answer ✅💯Circular DNA present as a long, coiled up
strand, not attached to histones.
Does meiosis produce genetically identical or different gametes? - Correct Answer
✅💯Different.
Electron microscope resolution and magnification. - Correct Answer ✅💯0.0002
Micrometers and 1,500,000 magnification.
Factors affecting rate of active transport. - Correct Answer ✅💯Speed of carrier proteins,
number of carrier proteins and rate of respiration and availability of ATP.
Flagellum. - Correct Answer ✅💯A long, hair-like structure which rotates to make
prokaryotes move.
Gas exchange in single-celled organisms? - Correct Answer ✅💯They absorb and release
gases by diffusion through the cell-surface membranes which have a large surface area and
short diffusion pathway.
Gel Capsule. - Correct Answer ✅💯Some prokaryotes secrete slime to form a capsule to
help protect the cell.
Glucose formula - Correct Answer ✅💯C₆H₁₂O₆
Golgi apparatus function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Processes and packages new lipids and
proteins. Also make lysosomes.
Golgi apparatus structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯A group of fluid-filled membrane-bound
flattened stacks. Vesicles often seen at edges.
Golgi vesicle function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Stores lipids and proteins made by the Golgi
apparatus and transports them out the cell.
Golgi vesicle structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Produced by Golgi apparatus, a small fluid-
filled sac in the cytoplasm.
HIV structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯A core containing RNA and Reverse transcriptase, a
protein capsid and an outer layer called the envelope, made from the cell membrane of the
host cell. Attachment proteins stick out which attach to cell receptor proteins.
, How are amino acids absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯By co-transport. Sodium ions are
actively transported out the cell into the ileum, they then diffuse back through the sodium-
dependent transporter.
How are bases in DNA joined? - Correct Answer ✅💯Hydrogen bonds.
How are monoglycerides and fatty acids absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯Micelles help to
move monoglycerides and fatty acids towards the epithelium. Because micelles constantly
break up and reform, they release monoglycerides and fatty acids, allowing them to be
absorbed. Whole micelles are not taken up. Monoglycerides and fatty acids are lipid soluble,
so can diffuse directly across the membrane.
How are monosaccharides absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯Glucose and galactose are
absorbed by co-transport with sodium ions via a co-transporter proteins. Fructose is absorbed
via facilitated diffusion by a different transporter protein.
How are the polynucleotide strands in DNA arranged? - Correct Answer ✅💯They are
antiparallel. One runs from 3' to 5' and the other 5' to 3'.
How can ATP hydrolysis be used? - Correct Answer ✅💯Coupled to energy requiring
reactions, meaning energy can be used to make reaction occur, rather than wasted as heat.
How can courtship behaviour be used to classify species? - Correct Answer ✅💯It is
specific to each species. Closely related species have similar rituals.
How can fetuses can be protected from Mother's with HIV? - Correct Answer ✅💯By the
Mother taking antiviral drugs.
How can genome sequencing be used in classification? - Correct Answer ✅💯The entire
base sequence of an organism can be determined. The sequences can be compared to see how
close species are.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used for cancer treatments? - Correct Answer
✅💯Monoclonal antibodies bind to abnormal cell antigens. The antibodies have anti-cancer
drugs attached, meaning the drug accumulates near cancer cells.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used in pregnancy tests? - Correct Answer
✅💯Application area contains antibodies complementary to hCG protein (found in pregnant
urine), bound to coloured bead. Forms antigen-antibody complex. Urine moves up stick,
carrying beads. Test strip contains antibodies to hCG that are stuck in place, concentrating the
body with the beads. If no hCG is present, nothing happens and beads pass through.
How can species be classified using Amino acid sequences? - Correct Answer ✅💯The
sequence of amino acids depends on the DNA sequence so similar sequences can mean
similar DNA.
How can species be classified using immunology? - Correct Answer ✅💯Similar proteins
will bind to the same antibodies. Proteins binding to antibodies often forms a precipitate so
the more they bind, the more precipitate will form, showing they are more similar. Antibodies
are often linked to a fluorescent protein.
Answers| Latest Update 2026/2027| Perfect Score|
Graded A+….100%
Cell fractionation. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Homogenisation- break up cells in ice cold
(reduce enzyme activity), isotonic (prevent water damage to organelles) and a pH buffer
(prevents organelle damage.
2) Filter through gauze to remove large debris such as connecting tissues from organelles.
3) Ultracentrifugation. Spin in centrifuge, drain supernatant and spin again at higher speeds.
Nucleus, chloroplast, Mitochondria, Lysosomes, ER, Ribosomes.
Cell Vacuole Function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Maintains pressure in cell and keeps the cell
rigid to prevent wilting. Involved in the isolation of unwanted chemicals.
Cell Vacuole Structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Membrane-bound organelle found in
cytoplasm, contains cell sap (weak solution of sugar and water) membrane is called tonoplast.
Cell wall function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Supports cell and prevents it from changing
shape.
Cell wall in prokaryotes. - Correct Answer ✅💯Made of murein, which is a glycoprotein.
Supports cell and stops it changing shape.
Cell wall structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Rigid structure surrounding plants, algae and
fungi. Cellulose in plants and fungi and chitin in algae.
Chloroplast Structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Small and flattened, found in plant and algal
cells. Surrounded by double membrane and contains membrane discs called thylakoid
membranes which stack to form Grana which are linked by lamallae (long thin, flat pieces of
thylakoid membrane.) Contains stroma.
Co-transport with glucose. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Sodium ions are actively transported
out the epithelial cells in the ileum by sodium-potassium pump. Creates concentration
gradient between lumen and cell.
2) Na diffuses from lumen to cell by sodium-glucose co-transporters, carrying glucose with
it.
3) Glucose diffuses into the blood by facilitated diffusion.
Comparison of active and passive immunity. - Correct Answer ✅💯Active Passive
Requires antigen exposure No exposure required
Takes time for protection Immediate protection
Memory cells produced No memory cells
Long term protection Short term protection (memory cells) (antibodies break down)
,Describe atheroma formation - Correct Answer ✅💯If damage occurs to the endothelium
(for example, by high bp), white blood cells and fats can clump under the lining, forming
fatty streaks. Over time, more white blood cells, lipids and connective tissue build up and
harden to form a fibrous plaque, an atheroma. This partially blocks the lumen, restricting
blood flow and increasing BP.
Details of the Meselson and Stahl experiment. - Correct Answer ✅💯1) Two samples of
bacteria grown in ¹⁵N and ¹⁴N nutrient broth. Bacteria took up N in replication.
2) DNA samples taken, spun in centrifuge. Heavy N settled further down.
3) DNA from ¹⁵N placed n ¹⁴N for one replication. and spun in centrifuge.
4) Only one line formed in middle so semi- conservative.
DNA in Prokaryotes. - Correct Answer ✅💯Circular DNA present as a long, coiled up
strand, not attached to histones.
Does meiosis produce genetically identical or different gametes? - Correct Answer
✅💯Different.
Electron microscope resolution and magnification. - Correct Answer ✅💯0.0002
Micrometers and 1,500,000 magnification.
Factors affecting rate of active transport. - Correct Answer ✅💯Speed of carrier proteins,
number of carrier proteins and rate of respiration and availability of ATP.
Flagellum. - Correct Answer ✅💯A long, hair-like structure which rotates to make
prokaryotes move.
Gas exchange in single-celled organisms? - Correct Answer ✅💯They absorb and release
gases by diffusion through the cell-surface membranes which have a large surface area and
short diffusion pathway.
Gel Capsule. - Correct Answer ✅💯Some prokaryotes secrete slime to form a capsule to
help protect the cell.
Glucose formula - Correct Answer ✅💯C₆H₁₂O₆
Golgi apparatus function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Processes and packages new lipids and
proteins. Also make lysosomes.
Golgi apparatus structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯A group of fluid-filled membrane-bound
flattened stacks. Vesicles often seen at edges.
Golgi vesicle function. - Correct Answer ✅💯Stores lipids and proteins made by the Golgi
apparatus and transports them out the cell.
Golgi vesicle structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯Produced by Golgi apparatus, a small fluid-
filled sac in the cytoplasm.
HIV structure. - Correct Answer ✅💯A core containing RNA and Reverse transcriptase, a
protein capsid and an outer layer called the envelope, made from the cell membrane of the
host cell. Attachment proteins stick out which attach to cell receptor proteins.
, How are amino acids absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯By co-transport. Sodium ions are
actively transported out the cell into the ileum, they then diffuse back through the sodium-
dependent transporter.
How are bases in DNA joined? - Correct Answer ✅💯Hydrogen bonds.
How are monoglycerides and fatty acids absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯Micelles help to
move monoglycerides and fatty acids towards the epithelium. Because micelles constantly
break up and reform, they release monoglycerides and fatty acids, allowing them to be
absorbed. Whole micelles are not taken up. Monoglycerides and fatty acids are lipid soluble,
so can diffuse directly across the membrane.
How are monosaccharides absorbed? - Correct Answer ✅💯Glucose and galactose are
absorbed by co-transport with sodium ions via a co-transporter proteins. Fructose is absorbed
via facilitated diffusion by a different transporter protein.
How are the polynucleotide strands in DNA arranged? - Correct Answer ✅💯They are
antiparallel. One runs from 3' to 5' and the other 5' to 3'.
How can ATP hydrolysis be used? - Correct Answer ✅💯Coupled to energy requiring
reactions, meaning energy can be used to make reaction occur, rather than wasted as heat.
How can courtship behaviour be used to classify species? - Correct Answer ✅💯It is
specific to each species. Closely related species have similar rituals.
How can fetuses can be protected from Mother's with HIV? - Correct Answer ✅💯By the
Mother taking antiviral drugs.
How can genome sequencing be used in classification? - Correct Answer ✅💯The entire
base sequence of an organism can be determined. The sequences can be compared to see how
close species are.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used for cancer treatments? - Correct Answer
✅💯Monoclonal antibodies bind to abnormal cell antigens. The antibodies have anti-cancer
drugs attached, meaning the drug accumulates near cancer cells.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used in pregnancy tests? - Correct Answer
✅💯Application area contains antibodies complementary to hCG protein (found in pregnant
urine), bound to coloured bead. Forms antigen-antibody complex. Urine moves up stick,
carrying beads. Test strip contains antibodies to hCG that are stuck in place, concentrating the
body with the beads. If no hCG is present, nothing happens and beads pass through.
How can species be classified using Amino acid sequences? - Correct Answer ✅💯The
sequence of amino acids depends on the DNA sequence so similar sequences can mean
similar DNA.
How can species be classified using immunology? - Correct Answer ✅💯Similar proteins
will bind to the same antibodies. Proteins binding to antibodies often forms a precipitate so
the more they bind, the more precipitate will form, showing they are more similar. Antibodies
are often linked to a fluorescent protein.
