2O25 OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway
Science) J247/03 (Higher Tier)
Question paper with Marking scheme
attached
INSTRUCTIONS
Candidate number
• 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.
OCR GCSE INFORMATION
BIOLOGY A • The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown
in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be
assessed in questions marked with an asterisk
(*).
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/03 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
H
• 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 90.
• 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 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8589/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (PQ/SG) 351548/5 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which mechanism is used to control water balance in the human body? A
Adjusting the glucose concentration of the urine
B Altering the volume of urine produced C
Changing the rate of urea production D
Varying the rate of sweat production
Your answer [1]
2 The diagram shows a kidney tubule.
What is the structure labelled X?
X
A Bowman’s capsule
B Collecting duct
C Glomerulus
D Loop of Henle
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The concentration of mineral ions in soil varies.
What describes how mineral ions move from soil into the root hair cells of a plant? A By
active transport and diffusion
B By active transport and osmosis C By
diffusion only
D By osmosis only
Your answer [1]
4 Which component of the nervous system detects stimuli? A
Effector
B Motor neurone C
Receptor
D Sensory neurone
Your answer [1]
5 Which of these biological molecules are polymers? A
Amino acid and protein
B DNA and glucose C
DNA and protein
D Glucose and protein
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
Science) J247/03 (Higher Tier)
Question paper with Marking scheme
attached
INSTRUCTIONS
Candidate number
• 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.
OCR GCSE INFORMATION
BIOLOGY A • The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown
in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be
assessed in questions marked with an asterisk
(*).
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/03 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
H
• 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 90.
• 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 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8589/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (PQ/SG) 351548/5 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which mechanism is used to control water balance in the human body? A
Adjusting the glucose concentration of the urine
B Altering the volume of urine produced C
Changing the rate of urea production D
Varying the rate of sweat production
Your answer [1]
2 The diagram shows a kidney tubule.
What is the structure labelled X?
X
A Bowman’s capsule
B Collecting duct
C Glomerulus
D Loop of Henle
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The concentration of mineral ions in soil varies.
What describes how mineral ions move from soil into the root hair cells of a plant? A By
active transport and diffusion
B By active transport and osmosis C By
diffusion only
D By osmosis only
Your answer [1]
4 Which component of the nervous system detects stimuli? A
Effector
B Motor neurone C
Receptor
D Sensory neurone
Your answer [1]
5 Which of these biological molecules are polymers? A
Amino acid and protein
B DNA and glucose C
DNA and protein
D Glucose and protein
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
