Thursday 21 May 2026 – Morning
AS Level Biology A
H020/02 Depth in biology
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
You can use:
GCE
*
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Biology A
H020/02: Depth in biology
* H 0 2 0 0 2 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. AS Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
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 70.
• 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.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4261/3] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (SL/TC) 363156/6 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
1
(a) The table lists features of cells.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Complete the table with one tick (✓) in each row to identify if the feature is found in a guard cell,
a typical animal cell or both. meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
Feature Guard Cell Typical animal cell Both Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
Cellulose cell wall present
Plasma membrane present It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
Ribosomes present made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
Chloroplasts present and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
[4] This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
(b) A student uses a light microscope to study guard cells and stomata. indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
This is the image they see.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.
Cambridge 2026
Cell X
× 600
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H020/02 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
(i) State two ways the image would be different if it was taken with a scanning electron
microscope (SEM). Marking Instructions
Preparation For Marking
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
1. RM Assessor
.......................................................................................................................................................... • Access and complete the on-screen marking training packages: Examiner Training (RMA3).
2 ....................................................................................................................................................... • Read the mark scheme and question paper for this component or unit.
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2] • The mark scheme and question paper are available in RM Assessor or on your Component Page if you use the Training Platform for
standardisation.
(ii) The actual length of cell X is 190 μm.
Calculate how long the cell would appear when viewed using a light microscope with a • Log in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice scripts and the required number of standardisation scripts.
magnification of ×600.
Give your answer in mm. Marking
2. General Guidance
• Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
• Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
Magnified cell length = .................................................. mm [2]
• If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by phone, email or via the RM Assessor messaging
State a source of plant stem cells.
system.
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
• It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% batch deadlines. For traditional marking this will be 40% and 100%. If you
experience problems, contact your Team Leader without delay.
• Always check the pages (and additional objects if present) at the end of the response in case any answers have been continued there. If the
candidate has continued an answer there, then add the annotation ‘SEEN’ to confirm that the work has been seen and mark any responses
using the annotations in Section 6.
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
AS Level Biology A
H020/02 Depth in biology
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
You can use:
GCE
*
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Biology A
H020/02: Depth in biology
* H 0 2 0 0 2 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. AS Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
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 70.
• 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.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4261/3] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (SL/TC) 363156/6 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
1
(a) The table lists features of cells.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Complete the table with one tick (✓) in each row to identify if the feature is found in a guard cell,
a typical animal cell or both. meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
Feature Guard Cell Typical animal cell Both Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
Cellulose cell wall present
Plasma membrane present It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
Ribosomes present made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
Chloroplasts present and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
[4] This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
(b) A student uses a light microscope to study guard cells and stomata. indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
This is the image they see.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.
Cambridge 2026
Cell X
× 600
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H020/02 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
(i) State two ways the image would be different if it was taken with a scanning electron
microscope (SEM). Marking Instructions
Preparation For Marking
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
1. RM Assessor
.......................................................................................................................................................... • Access and complete the on-screen marking training packages: Examiner Training (RMA3).
2 ....................................................................................................................................................... • Read the mark scheme and question paper for this component or unit.
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2] • The mark scheme and question paper are available in RM Assessor or on your Component Page if you use the Training Platform for
standardisation.
(ii) The actual length of cell X is 190 μm.
Calculate how long the cell would appear when viewed using a light microscope with a • Log in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice scripts and the required number of standardisation scripts.
magnification of ×600.
Give your answer in mm. Marking
2. General Guidance
• Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
• Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
Magnified cell length = .................................................. mm [2]
• If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by phone, email or via the RM Assessor messaging
State a source of plant stem cells.
system.
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
• It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% batch deadlines. For traditional marking this will be 40% and 100%. If you
experience problems, contact your Team Leader without delay.
• Always check the pages (and additional objects if present) at the end of the response in case any answers have been continued there. If the
candidate has continued an answer there, then add the annotation ‘SEEN’ to confirm that the work has been seen and mark any responses
using the annotations in Section 6.
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
