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A Level Biology OCR A Questions

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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

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25 Questions

1. Explain why water loss is inevitable for plants.

Extracellular vs intracellular: Extracellular are secreted - easier to isolate and useEach microorganism produces few extracellular enzymes - easy to identify and isolate required enzyme vs hundreds of intracellularExtracellular are adapted to cope with greater variations in temp and pH because conditions outside cells are less tightly controlled than insideWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

2. Explain why multicellular organisms have specialised cells.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesExtracellular vs intracellular: Extracellular are secreted - easier to isolate and useEach microorganism produces few extracellular enzymes - easy to identify and isolate required enzyme vs hundreds of intracellularExtracellular are adapted to cope with greater variations in temp and pH because conditions outside cells are less tightly controlled than insideWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

3. Describe the reasons for developing new DNA sequencing technologies.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesExtracellular vs intracellular: Extracellular are secreted - easier to isolate and useEach microorganism produces few extracellular enzymes - easy to identify and isolate required enzyme vs hundreds of intracellularExtracellular are adapted to cope with greater variations in temp and pH because conditions outside cells are less tightly controlled than inside

4. Explain why extracellular enzymes tend to be used more than intracellular in biotechnology.

Why multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesExtracellular vs intracellular: Extracellular are secreted - easier to isolate and useEach microorganism produces few extracellular enzymes - easy to identify and isolate required enzyme vs hundreds of intracellularExtracellular are adapted to cope with greater variations in temp and pH because conditions outside cells are less tightly controlled than inside

5. Explain how the skin acts as an effective barrier to the entry of pathogens.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedThe skin as defence: Acts as a physical barrierSkin flora of healthy microorganisms that outcompete pathogens on body surfaceSebum production to inhibit growth of pathogensWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

6. What type of pathogen causes tuberculosis?

Why multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedBacteriumNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

7. Name the taxonomic level that has been added above kingdom.

DomainNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closed

8. Define dihybrid inheritance.

Dihybrid inheritance - transmission of a characteristic or characteristics determined by two genes through generationsWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closed

9. Describe how activity changes the volume of tracheal fluid in tracheoles and explain the value of this occurring.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedExercise and tracheal fluid: Lactic acid from anaerobic respiration builds up in the tissuesThis draws fluid out, exposing greater surface area for more oxygen uptake into body cellsImportant bc exercise means oxygen demand increasesWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

10. Explain how to calculate heart rate from an ECG.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesCalculating heart rate: Count number of QRS complexesDivide 60 by time it takes for 1 beatWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

11. Suggest the value of personalising medicine to a person's genetic information.

Why multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedValue of personalised medicine We can improve how we treat disease by working out the best approach for a specific personNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

12. Define the terms cohesion and adhesion.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedCohesion - the ability of a substance to stick to a like substance Adhesion - the ability of a substance to stick to an unlike substanceWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

13. Define assimilates.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesAssimilates - products of photosynthesis that are transported around a plant eg sucroseWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closed

14. Define clone.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyClone - offspring produced by mitosis Genetically identical to parent organism and each otherNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

15. Define turgid.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyTurgid - plant cell that is swollen from water uptake where the cell wall prevents the cell from bursting

16. Define primary metabolite. + examples

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyPrimary metabolite - substance formed as an essential part of the normal functioning of a microorganism E.g. ethanol from yeast anaerobic respiration, range of amino acids and enzymes

17. Define exocrine gland.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedExocrine gland - group of cells that secrete chemicals (sweat, saliva, milk, tears) onto an epithelial surface through a duct.Why multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

18. Explain why plants need to respond to their environment & list the different types of response.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedPlant respond to increase chances of survival & reproductive success by: Coping with changing conditionsAvoiding abiotic stressAvoiding herbivoryEnsuring pollination and germinationMaximising photosynthesisWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

19. Explain the benefits of using plant hormones to control ripening of fruit for sale in shops.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedCommercial use of ethene: Fruits can be transported when hard (unripe) - less easily damagedThey are then exposed to ethene in controlled conditions so they are all at the same stage of ripeningThis decreases wasteWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

20. Define limiting factor.

Limiting factor - factor which limits the rate of a processWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

21. Suggest how DNA profiling can be used to answer questions about identity in different situations.

Next-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesUses of DNA profiling: Forensics - samples of blood, semen, saliva, hair roots, skin cells have DNA extracted & compared with a suspect/with the criminal DNA databasePaternity tests - often used in immigration casesIdentifying individuals at risk of particular disease - its been found tha somemicrosatellite patterns are associated with increased risk/incidence of diseasesWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

22. Describe the function of the hepatic portal vein.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedHepatic portal vein: Carries blood loaded with products of digestion from intestines straight to the liverNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

23. Define passive immunity.

Passive immunity - no exposure to antigen, pre-made antibodies received by individualWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficientlyWhy transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studies

24. Define first messenger & second messenger.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesFirst messenger - travels through bloodstream, binds to receptor on CSM & causes formation of second messenger within cell (hormone) Second messenger - triggers enzyme cascade within cell, causing the intended response (cAMP)Why multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

25. Outline the structure and function of pili.

Why transpiration is inevitable: CO2 moves in and O2 moves out of leaf by diffusion thru stomataWhen stomata are open to allow gas exhange, water vapour also moves out by diffusion and is lost - transpirationStomata open/close to control amount of water lost, during the day must be open for photosynthesis but during night closedNext-gen sequencing: Allows us to sequence more efficiently, with lower costAble to carry out sequencing in 24h, used to be 13 year long processThis way we use information from genomes & carry out large scale genome studiesPili - hair like appendages found on surface of many bacteria/archaea Used for swapping plasmids and help them stick to cells and infectWhy multicellular organisms have specialised cells: Multicellular organisms are complex and require different organ systems to functionSpecialised cells carry out their functions very efficiently, if no cells were specialised, no life process would be done as efficiently

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❤ 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