Monday 8 June 2026 ? Morning
GCSE (9?1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
*
2
6 You must have:
9 ? a ruler (cm/mm) H
4 You can use:
8 ? a scientific or graphical calculator5
5 ? an HB pencil
5
0
5 * J 2 5 0 0 8 *
*
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 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 (PQ/CT) 361026/10 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 Which statement describes the term genome?
A A gene that codes for an enzyme
B A version of a gene
C The combination of alleles for a particular characteristic
D The entire genetic material of an organism
Your answer [1]
2 Which person in the table is the healthiest according to the definition of health?
Person Diet Illnesses Exercise Mental attitude
A balanced none regular stress/anxiety
B balanced recovered from none calm/positive
recent illness
C balanced none regular calm/positive
D high in fats long-term illness occasional fatigue
managed
Your answer [1]
3 What is the correct description for body cells?
A Diploid with one set of chromosomes.
B Diploid with two sets of chromosomes.
C Haploid with one set of chromosomes.
D Haploid with two sets of chromosomes.
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
for more:
, 3
4 How does the predator-prey relationship demonstrate interdependence in an ecosystem?
A Both predators and prey are harmed, creating competition.
B Both predators and prey benefit equally, increasing the size of the populations.
C Predators benefit by eating prey; prey are unaffected by predators.
D Predators depend on prey for food; predators regulate the population of prey.
Your answer [1]
5 Which statement correctly describes both the water and carbon cycles?
A Both cycles rely only on animals to move water and carbon through the environment.
B Both the water and carbon cycle use energy from the Sun.
C The water cycle involves only biotic components, while the carbon cycle involves only abiotic
components.
D The water cycle involves precipitation and evaporation, while the carbon cycle only happens
in plants.
Your answer [1]
6 Which statement best explains how cancer develops?
A Cancer is caused by a fungal infection which grows in the body, forming a tumour.
B Cancer is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body cells, causing mutation.
C Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably due to damage in their DNA, leading to the
formation of tumours.
D Cancer develops when cells stop dividing, leading to a lack of growth and repair in tissues.
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
for more:
GCSE (9?1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
*
2
6 You must have:
9 ? a ruler (cm/mm) H
4 You can use:
8 ? a scientific or graphical calculator5
5 ? an HB pencil
5
0
5 * J 2 5 0 0 8 *
*
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 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 (PQ/CT) 361026/10 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 Which statement describes the term genome?
A A gene that codes for an enzyme
B A version of a gene
C The combination of alleles for a particular characteristic
D The entire genetic material of an organism
Your answer [1]
2 Which person in the table is the healthiest according to the definition of health?
Person Diet Illnesses Exercise Mental attitude
A balanced none regular stress/anxiety
B balanced recovered from none calm/positive
recent illness
C balanced none regular calm/positive
D high in fats long-term illness occasional fatigue
managed
Your answer [1]
3 What is the correct description for body cells?
A Diploid with one set of chromosomes.
B Diploid with two sets of chromosomes.
C Haploid with one set of chromosomes.
D Haploid with two sets of chromosomes.
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
for more:
, 3
4 How does the predator-prey relationship demonstrate interdependence in an ecosystem?
A Both predators and prey are harmed, creating competition.
B Both predators and prey benefit equally, increasing the size of the populations.
C Predators benefit by eating prey; prey are unaffected by predators.
D Predators depend on prey for food; predators regulate the population of prey.
Your answer [1]
5 Which statement correctly describes both the water and carbon cycles?
A Both cycles rely only on animals to move water and carbon through the environment.
B Both the water and carbon cycle use energy from the Sun.
C The water cycle involves only biotic components, while the carbon cycle involves only abiotic
components.
D The water cycle involves precipitation and evaporation, while the carbon cycle only happens
in plants.
Your answer [1]
6 Which statement best explains how cancer develops?
A Cancer is caused by a fungal infection which grows in the body, forming a tumour.
B Cancer is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body cells, causing mutation.
C Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably due to damage in their DNA, leading to the
formation of tumours.
D Cancer develops when cells stop dividing, leading to a lack of growth and repair in tissues.
Your answer [1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
for more:
