PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced Level
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
Question Type:
1. (a) (i): Identification questions, often image-based, are common in cell
biology. Typically, these questions test your ability to recognize and name
stages of mitosis based on visual cues in a diagram.
2. (a) (ii): These are explanation-based questions, testing conceptual
understanding of the biological processes and their implications in growth and
repair.
3. (b): Comparison questions like this test your understanding of similarities and
differences between biological processes (mitosis and meiosis in this case).
4. (c): Application questions test your ability to explain the significance of
biological processes like cytokinesis.
Patterns (2015–2023):
• These types of questions have consistently appeared in biology exams across
years.
• The visual identification of mitosis stages is a staple question type, often
accompanied by an explanation of its biological importance.
• Comparisons between mitosis and meiosis frequently appear, as the
distinction is foundational in genetics and cell biology.
• Questions about cytokinesis are less frequent but important for testing
understanding of the complete cell cycle.
Approach:
1. For visual questions: Memorize the key features of each mitosis stage
(e.g., chromosome alignment in metaphase, chromatid separation in
anaphase).
2. For conceptual questions: Use concise, clear explanations rooted in the
context of the cell cycle.
3. For comparisons: Use structured points (e.g., process type, outcome,
purpose).
4. For applications: Relate the biological process to its real-world significance.
Theory to Learn:
• Mitosis Stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and
Interphase (prelude).
• Functions of Mitosis: Tissue growth, repair, asexual reproduction.
• Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis: Number of divisions, genetic
variability, chromosome number.
• Cytokinesis: Process and importance in cell division.
4
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced Level
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AL Biology Marking Scheme 2B 2025 Predicted
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
Question Type:
1. (a) (i): Identification questions, often image-based, are common in cell
biology. Typically, these questions test your ability to recognize and name
stages of mitosis based on visual cues in a diagram.
2. (a) (ii): These are explanation-based questions, testing conceptual
understanding of the biological processes and their implications in growth and
repair.
3. (b): Comparison questions like this test your understanding of similarities and
differences between biological processes (mitosis and meiosis in this case).
4. (c): Application questions test your ability to explain the significance of
biological processes like cytokinesis.
Patterns (2015–2023):
• These types of questions have consistently appeared in biology exams across
years.
• The visual identification of mitosis stages is a staple question type, often
accompanied by an explanation of its biological importance.
• Comparisons between mitosis and meiosis frequently appear, as the
distinction is foundational in genetics and cell biology.
• Questions about cytokinesis are less frequent but important for testing
understanding of the complete cell cycle.
Approach:
1. For visual questions: Memorize the key features of each mitosis stage
(e.g., chromosome alignment in metaphase, chromatid separation in
anaphase).
2. For conceptual questions: Use concise, clear explanations rooted in the
context of the cell cycle.
3. For comparisons: Use structured points (e.g., process type, outcome,
purpose).
4. For applications: Relate the biological process to its real-world significance.
Theory to Learn:
• Mitosis Stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and
Interphase (prelude).
• Functions of Mitosis: Tissue growth, repair, asexual reproduction.
• Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis: Number of divisions, genetic
variability, chromosome number.
• Cytokinesis: Process and importance in cell division.
4
