A Level Biology OCR A Questions | Practice Test / Quiz / MCQs

Home > CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam > Quizzes > A Level Biology OCR A Questions

A Level Biology OCR A Questions

Fast practice, instant feedback. Timer auto-submits when time’s up.

Avg score: 10% • Most missed: “Draw, label and annotate diagram to show how phloem tissue is specialised for it…”

Overview of A Level in Biology A:

Content is split into six teaching modules:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology
Module 2 – Foundations in biology
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
Module 4 – Biodiversity,evolution and disease
Module 5 – Communication,homeostasis and energy
Module 6 – Genetics,evolution and ecosystems

A Level Biology OCR A Questions

Time left 00:00

25 Questions

1. Explain why the polar nature of water allows it to be a useful coolant.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concRooting powder: Auxin - stimulates root productionIncreases likelihood of successful cuttings & large scale micropropagationActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

2. Give 3 metabolic activities that require ATP.

3. Describe what reagent test strips are with an example of how they are used.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concRooting powder: Auxin - stimulates root productionIncreases likelihood of successful cuttings & large scale micropropagationWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

4. State the plant hormone in rooting powders and explain why rooting powders are useful.

Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateRooting powder: Auxin - stimulates root productionIncreases likelihood of successful cuttings & large scale micropropagationActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine conc

5. Define initial rate of reaction and describe its significance in investigations into factors affecting rate of enzyme-controlled reactions.

Initial rate of reaction - instantaneous rate at the start of the reaction Gradient of tangent to curve at t=0Important because concentration of substrate always changes as the experiment proceeds - rate constantly changesTherefore the only true rate of reaction is the initial rate of reaction (only moment where the two variables investigated are the only ones influencing rate)Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine conc

6. How does TMV spread?

TMV: Direct contactSoil contaminationHuman vectorsWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

7. Describe stratified sampling.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateStratified sampling - populations divided into strata (sub-groups) based on a characteristic Random sample taken from each strata proportional to its size

8. Explain the survival value of the blinking reflex.

Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concValue of blinking reflex: To keep the cornea safe from damage due to dust/flying insects entering eye

9. What is the symbol for calcium ions? List one biological process it is involved in.

Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateCa2+ Part of enamel and bone structureCofactor in blood clottingReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

10. Define transamination.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Transamination - conversion of one amino acid into another

11. Explain why the walls of ventricles are thicker than the walls of the atria.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateWalls of ventricles vs atria: Their walls are thicker because they have to pump blood out of the heartAtria only receive blood and pass it to ventriclesActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

12. What is the symbol for hydrogen carbonate ions? List one biological process it is involved in.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)HCO3- Involved in carbon dioxide transport in the blood with H+Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

13. Outline the structure and function of SER & RER.

Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateEndoplasmic reticulum - network of membranes throughout the cytoplasm enclosing flattened sacs - cisternae. Connected to the outer membrane of the nucleus Smooth endoplasmic reticulum Responsible for lipid and carbohydrate synthesis and storage Rough endoplasmic reticulum Responsible for synthesis and transport of proteinsHas ribosomes bound to the surfaceActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine conc

14. Define speciation.

15. Give the 4 characteristics of a normal distribution.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateNormal distribution: Mean, mode median are the sameBell shape distribution, symmetrical about mean50% of values are less than mean, 50% greater than meanMost values lie close to mean value, number of individuals at extremes is low

16. Describe one risk of using stem cells to treat Type 1 diabetes.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concRisk of stem cell treatment: Ability to control growth and differentiation in stem cells is limited - risk of formation of tumors as a result of unlimited cell growth

17. Define migration.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateMigration - movement of members of a species to a different environmentActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

18. Outline the structure and function of a plant cell wall.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concPlant cell wall - made of fibrils of cellulose embedded in a matrix of other molecules Protects the cell from pathogens, gives the cell its shapeHigh tensile strength allows plant cells to become turgid and press against the cell wall, making the cell rigid which supports both the cell and the plant as a wholeFreely permeble - gaps for important molecules to get thruPlasmodesmata are connections of cytoplasm through cell walls and allow transport of substances between adjacent cells

19. Explain the survival value of the knee jerk reflex.

Knee jerk reflex value: To maintain balance and posture, with little effort/conscious thoughtReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

20. Explain why there can be correlation between two variables without there being a direct causal link.

Activities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Correlation ≠ Causation: Could be missing a third variable, linking the twoReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

21. Draw a diagram to show alcoholic fermentation.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateAlcoholic fermentation:

22. Define epistasis.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concEpistasis - effect of one gene on the expression of another geneWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

23. Describe step-by-step method to investigate the effect of one factor on growth of microorganisms.

Investigating effect of one factor on growth of microorganisms: Ensure aseptic conditions throughout experimentCarry out serial dilution of original culture broth until when culturing a given volume of broth on an agar plate, the number of colonies can be counted Assuming that each colony on a dilute agar plate comes from a single microorganism, the number of colonies indiciates the number of bacteria that was initially on the dilute plateBy multiplying this number by the dilution factor, the cell count per volume of original colony can be foundThis method is carried out at start of experiment to count initial number of bacteria and at the end, after the desired factor has affected the populationImportant to control rest of factorsWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateReagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)

24. Define antennae complex.

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concWater as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporateActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Antennae complex (light harvesting system)- accessory photosynthetic pigments and other proteins embedded in the thylakoid membrane Role is to absorb light energy of diff wavelengths and transfer efficiently to reaction center

25. State the ""normal"" blood glucose conc.""

Reagent test strips: They are used to determine the concentration/presence of an ion/compound in solution (or air)Example: to test for presence of reducing sugars (glucose) - using color coded chart - can determine concActivities requiring ATP: Active transportAnabolic reactionsMovement (cillia, flagella, contractile filaments in muscle cells)Normal blood glucose conc - 90mg cm-3Water as a coolant Because of its high thermal stability (high specific heat capacity) meaning it requires a lot of heat gain or loss to change its temperatureIt also has a high latent heat of vaporisation (large amount of energy is needed to convert liquid water into gas)Hydrogen bonding holds water molecules together, it takes a lot of energy to overcome them in order to release the particles and cause water to melt/evaporate

⚡ Recently practiced quizzes in this topic

Live quiz activity

CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam: Network Troubleshooting CompTIA Network+ Exam Practice Questions Exam N10-006: CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam: Network Implementations N10-007: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam - Practice Test 2 Comptia Network Fundamentals Mobility+ Glossary CompTIA Network Security (A7l1) N10-007: CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Exam: Cloud Computing Concepts and Options

25 Questions

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

25 Questions

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com