AQA A-Level Biology Revision 2026 | Past
Papers, Topic Questions & Mark Schemes
Description:
Struggling to master AQA A-Level Biology? Get exam-ready with our definitive 2026 revision
hub. We provide direct access to authentic past paper questions, organized by core topics like
Cell Structure, Immunity, and Energy Transfers. Download full practice exams with
detailed mark schemes and examiner-style explanations to understand exactly where you earn
marks. Our resources are specifically tailored to the latest AQA specification, covering
everything from maths in biology to required practicals. Boost your confidence, master the
marking criteria, and achieve your target grade.
Download your free revision pack now and start mastering your A-Level Biology today!
, AQA A-Level Biology Past Papers & Revision 2026 | Topic
Questions
Section A: Cell Structure
1. Which of the following best describes a eukaryotic organism?
a) An organism whose cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
b) An organism whose cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus.
c) An organism that can carry out photosynthesis.
d) An organism that is always unicellular.
Answer: b) An organism whose cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus.
Explanation: Eukaryotic organisms are defined by their cells possessing a true nucleus and
other membrane-bound organelles. This group includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists,
which can be either unicellular or multicellular.
2. What is the primary role of an organelle within a cell?
a) To store genetic information.
b) To perform a specific cellular function.
c) To provide structural support to the cell.
d) To synthesise all proteins.
Answer: b) To perform a specific cellular function.
Explanation: Organelles are specialised subcellular structures, each with a distinct role that
contributes to the overall function and survival of the cell, such as energy production by
mitochondria or protein synthesis by ribosomes.
3. Which organelle is responsible for the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids
for secretion or transport to other organelles?
a) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
b) Nucleus
c) Golgi Apparatus
d) Lysosome
, Answer: c) Golgi Apparatus
Explanation: The Golgi apparatus consists of a series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs. It
receives proteins and lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them (e.g., by adding
carbohydrate chains), and packages them into vesicles for delivery to their target destinations.
4. A student observes a cell with a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts. Which type of cell can they
confidently identify?
a) Animal Cell
b) Fungal Cell
c) Plant Cell
d) Bacterial Cell
Answer: c) Plant Cell
Explanation: The presence of both a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts is characteristic of plant
cells. Fungal cells have a cell wall (made of chitin) but lack chloroplasts, while animal cells have
neither.
5. Explain one key structural difference between the cell walls of plants and fungi.
Answer: Plant cell walls are primarily composed of cellulose, whereas fungal cell walls are
made of chitin.
Explanation: Cellulose and chitin are different polysaccharides. Cellulose provides strength and
rigidity in plants, while chitin, a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, offers structural support and
protection in fungi.
6. Describe the function of the nuclear pores.
Answer: Nuclear pores allow the passage of molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) and
ribosomes, between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Explanation: The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that isolates the cell's DNA. Nuclear
pores are embedded within this envelope and act as selective channels, regulating the transport of
specific molecules to ensure proper gene expression and cellular function.
Papers, Topic Questions & Mark Schemes
Description:
Struggling to master AQA A-Level Biology? Get exam-ready with our definitive 2026 revision
hub. We provide direct access to authentic past paper questions, organized by core topics like
Cell Structure, Immunity, and Energy Transfers. Download full practice exams with
detailed mark schemes and examiner-style explanations to understand exactly where you earn
marks. Our resources are specifically tailored to the latest AQA specification, covering
everything from maths in biology to required practicals. Boost your confidence, master the
marking criteria, and achieve your target grade.
Download your free revision pack now and start mastering your A-Level Biology today!
, AQA A-Level Biology Past Papers & Revision 2026 | Topic
Questions
Section A: Cell Structure
1. Which of the following best describes a eukaryotic organism?
a) An organism whose cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
b) An organism whose cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus.
c) An organism that can carry out photosynthesis.
d) An organism that is always unicellular.
Answer: b) An organism whose cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus.
Explanation: Eukaryotic organisms are defined by their cells possessing a true nucleus and
other membrane-bound organelles. This group includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists,
which can be either unicellular or multicellular.
2. What is the primary role of an organelle within a cell?
a) To store genetic information.
b) To perform a specific cellular function.
c) To provide structural support to the cell.
d) To synthesise all proteins.
Answer: b) To perform a specific cellular function.
Explanation: Organelles are specialised subcellular structures, each with a distinct role that
contributes to the overall function and survival of the cell, such as energy production by
mitochondria or protein synthesis by ribosomes.
3. Which organelle is responsible for the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids
for secretion or transport to other organelles?
a) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
b) Nucleus
c) Golgi Apparatus
d) Lysosome
, Answer: c) Golgi Apparatus
Explanation: The Golgi apparatus consists of a series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs. It
receives proteins and lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them (e.g., by adding
carbohydrate chains), and packages them into vesicles for delivery to their target destinations.
4. A student observes a cell with a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts. Which type of cell can they
confidently identify?
a) Animal Cell
b) Fungal Cell
c) Plant Cell
d) Bacterial Cell
Answer: c) Plant Cell
Explanation: The presence of both a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts is characteristic of plant
cells. Fungal cells have a cell wall (made of chitin) but lack chloroplasts, while animal cells have
neither.
5. Explain one key structural difference between the cell walls of plants and fungi.
Answer: Plant cell walls are primarily composed of cellulose, whereas fungal cell walls are
made of chitin.
Explanation: Cellulose and chitin are different polysaccharides. Cellulose provides strength and
rigidity in plants, while chitin, a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, offers structural support and
protection in fungi.
6. Describe the function of the nuclear pores.
Answer: Nuclear pores allow the passage of molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) and
ribosomes, between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Explanation: The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that isolates the cell's DNA. Nuclear
pores are embedded within this envelope and act as selective channels, regulating the transport of
specific molecules to ensure proper gene expression and cellular function.
