Cambridge A Level Biology 9700 — 2021 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
9700/11/M/J/21 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper16 pages
















Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.



Questions as text
Q1 · The diagram shows a mitochondrion drawn from an electron micrograph
1 The diagram shows a mitochondrion drawn from an electron micrograph. Y X The actual length of the mitochondrion, using the line X–Y, is 3000 nm. What is the magnification of the drawing of the mitochondrion? A 100 B 1000 C 10 000 D 100 000
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · A specimen of plant tissue is observed twice with a microscope, firstly using red light…
2 A specimen of plant tissue is observed twice with a microscope, firstly using red light with a wavelength of 650 nm and then using green light with a wavelength of 510 nm. What happens to the magnification and resolution when using green light compared to red light? magnification resolution A decreases decreases B increases increases C remains the same decreases D remains the same increases
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · The electron micrograph shows a structure found in the cytoplasm of an animal cell
3 The electron micrograph shows a structure found in the cytoplasm of an animal cell. What is this cell structure? A centriole B lysosome C ribosome D vesicle
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Cells as the basic units of living organisms
Q4 · Which cell structures contain nucleic acid?
4 Which cell structures contain nucleic acid? 1 Golgi body 2 lysosome 3 mitochondria 4 ribosomes A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1 and 4 only D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Cells as the basic units of living organisms
Q5 · Which statements about mitochondria, chloroplasts or prokaryotes are correct?
5 Which statements about mitochondria, chloroplasts or prokaryotes are correct? 1 Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a fully permeable inner membrane and a partially permeable outer membrane. 2 Prokaryotes and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes that are the sites for translation and polypeptide synthesis. 3 Prokaryotes and mitochondria have an outer membrane and an inner, folded membrane where ATP synthesis occurs. 4 Prokaryotes and mitochondria have circular DNA where genes coding for information are located. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Cells as the basic units of living organisms
Q6 · The very large (1000 nm) Pandora viruses found in Chile and Australia are considered to…
6 The very large (1000 nm) Pandora viruses found in Chile and Australia are considered to be viruses because they cannot replicate their own genome and cannot make proteins. They also share essential structural features with other viruses. What are the essential structural features of viruses? 1 non-cellular 2 protein coat 3 both DNA and RNA 4 either DNA or RNA A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Cells as the basic units of living organisms
Q7 · A sample of food was heated with Benedict’s solution which changed colour to green
7 A sample of food was heated with Benedict’s solution which changed colour to green. A second sample of the same food was boiled with dilute hydrochloric acid and neutralised using sodium hydrogencarbonate. It was then heated with Benedict’s solution which changed colour to red. What did these results show? glucose present A reducing D non-reducing sugar present sugar present C B
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · Which pair of molecules only includes macromolecules that can be found in animal cells?
8 Which pair of molecules only includes macromolecules that can be found in animal cells? A amylase and amylopectin B collagen and glycogen C deoxyribose and starch D sucrose and haemoglobin
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · Homogalacturonan is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls
9 Homogalacturonan is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. The diagram shows a molecule of the monomer used to form homogalacturonan. CO2H O HO H OH H H OH H OH A student studied the structure of this monomer and compared it with the structure of the monomer used to form cellulose. Which carbon atoms in the monomer in the diagram have hydroxyl groups arranged in different positions to those found in the cellulose monomer? A carbon one and carbon four B carbon one only C carbon three and carbon four D carbon three only
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · Which statement is correct for triglycerides and phospholipids?
10 Which statement is correct for triglycerides and phospholipids? A A phosphate group is joined to a glycerol molecule. B Hydrocarbon chains may be saturated or unsaturated. C They are polar molecules. D They contain three ester bonds.
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · Which description of collagen is correct?
11 Which description of collagen is correct? A A collagen molecule consists of three polypeptide chains, each in the shape of a helix. The three chains are wound together into a triple helix called a fibre. B A collagen molecule consists of three polypeptide chains, each of which is an -helix. The three chains are wound tightly together into a triple helix. Many of these triple helices bind together as a fibre. C A collagen molecule consists of three polypeptide chains wound tightly into a triple helix called a fibre. D A collagen molecule consists of three polypeptide chains in which every third amino acid is glycine. The three polypeptides are wound tightly together into a triple helix. Many of these helices form a fibre.
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · In a healthy human, the mean value for the number of haemoglobin molecules in one red…
12 In a healthy human, the mean value for the number of haemoglobin molecules in one red blood cell is 260 million. How many -globin chains does one red blood cell contain in a healthy human? A 1.3 108 B 2.6 108 C 5.2 108 D 1.04 109
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · Which statements about a peptide bond are correct?
13 Which statements about a peptide bond are correct? 1 It joins two monomers which are always identical to each other. 2 It contains four different atoms. 3 It can be broken by the addition of water at room temperature. 4 It is important in the primary structure of proteins. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 2, 3 and 4 D 2 and 4 only
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · Which graph correctly shows the activation energy of a reaction when an enzyme is added?
14 Which graph correctly shows the activation energy of a reaction when an enzyme is added? A B activation activation energy energy no enzyme no enzyme enzyme enzyme energy products energy products reactants reactants progress of reaction progress of reaction C D activation activation energy no enzyme energy no enzyme enzyme enzyme energy reactants energy reactants products products progress of reaction progress of reaction
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · The enzyme lactase is found in the membranes of epithelial cells lining the small…
15 The enzyme lactase is found in the membranes of epithelial cells lining the small intestine. The enzyme is formed by a single polypeptide that folds to give three regions. an active site with the free amino group outside the cell a short section inside the membrane a short section inside the cell What type of amino acid would be found in each of the three regions? inside the inside the outside the cell membrane cell A hydrophilic hydrophobic hydrophilic B hydrophilic hydrophobic hydrophobic C hydrophobic hydrophilic hydrophobic D hydrophobic hydrophobic hydrophilic
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · A student wrote three statements about cell signalling
16 A student wrote three statements about cell signalling. 1 A signal chemical always has the same shape as a protein receptor on a target cell. 2 An increase in temperature may decrease the effect of cell to cell signalling. 3 A mutation may decrease production of active protein receptors for the cell surface membrane. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · At which stages of mitosis are chromosomes composed of two chromatids that are held…
17 At which stages of mitosis are chromosomes composed of two chromatids that are held together by a centromere? A anaphase and telophase B anaphase and prophase C metaphase and prophase D metaphase and telophase
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · The jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, is described as being immortal
18 The jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, is described as being immortal. If T. dohrnii is not eaten by predators or diseased, it seems to be able to live forever. There is no way to determine the biological age of a T. dohrnii individual. Which feature of the cells in T. dohrnii could explain these observations? A very long G phases in the cell cycle B a very short S phase in the cell cycle C an ability to restore telomeres to their original length D fewer chromosomes than other eukaryotic organisms
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Replication and division of nuclei and cells
Q19 · Some chemicals, used to stop tumour growth, work by preventing the DNA double helix from…
19 Some chemicals, used to stop tumour growth, work by preventing the DNA double helix from uncoiling and separating. During which stage of the cell cycle would they act? A anaphase B interphase C metaphase D prophase
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Replication and division of nuclei and cells
Q20 · Four nucleotides, A, B, C and D, each consist of three phosphate groups, a nitrogenous…
20 Four nucleotides, A, B, C and D, each consist of three phosphate groups, a nitrogenous base and a pentose sugar. Characteristics of the base and sugar components before they are joined to form each nucleotide are shown in the table. Which nucleotide could pair with an adenine base during DNA replication? ratio of carbon to ring structure of oxygen atoms in nitrogenous base pentose sugar A double 1 : 1 B double 5 : 4 C single 1 : 1 D single 5 : 4
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Structure of nucleic acids and replication of DNA
Q21 · The statements describe the process of translation
21 The statements describe the process of translation. 1 A peptide bond forms between adjacent amino acids. 2 Hydrogen bonds form between the anticodon and the codon. 3 mRNA binds to the ribosome. 4 tRNA enters the ribosome carrying a specific amino acid. In which order does this process take place? A 3 2 1 4 B 3 4 2 1 C 4 2 1 3 D 4 2 3 1
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · The sequence of amino acids in a section of a polypeptide is: ……
22 The sequence of amino acids in a section of a polypeptide is: … histidine–proline–aspartic acid–leucine... amino acid possible DNA triplet codes aspartic acid CTA CTG histidine GTA GTG leucine GAT GAC proline GGA GGG What is a correct sequence of mRNA codons for this polypeptide section? A …CAC CCC GAA CUG… B …CAU CCU GAC CUA… C …GTA CCA CTG GAT… D …GUA GGA CUG GAU…
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · What contributes to the upward movement of water in a xylem vessel of a plant?
23 What contributes to the upward movement of water in a xylem vessel of a plant? 1 cohesion of water molecules by hydrogen bonding 2 adhesion of water molecules to the cellulose walls of xylem vessels by hydrogen bonding 3 removal of water from xylem vessels in a leaf reduces the hydrostatic pressure in the xylem A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · The diameter of a tree trunk usually decreases slightly during the day
24 The diameter of a tree trunk usually decreases slightly during the day. Which changes in environmental factors during the day could cause the diameter to decrease even more? increased light intensity C A D increased increased wind speed B temperature
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · The diagram shows a transverse section of a stem
25 The diagram shows a transverse section of a stem. Which area is the phloem? A D C B
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The diagram shows a xerophytic leaf in different conditions, P and Q
26 The diagram shows a xerophytic leaf in different conditions, P and Q. Y Y P Q Which statements describe the difference between the cells in layer Y in conditions P and Q? 1 more negative water potential in P than Q 2 more cells plasmolysed in P 3 cells less turgid in Q 4 water potential becomes zero in Q A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 2 and 4 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Different substances, such as sucrose and amino acids, can move in different directions…
27 Different substances, such as sucrose and amino acids, can move in different directions in the phloem sieve tube elements. Which statement explains this? A Active transport occurs in some phloem sieve tube elements and mass flow occurs in other sieve tube elements. B Both active transport and mass flow occur in each individual phloem sieve tube element. C Mass flow occurs in both directions at the same time in each individual phloem sieve tube element. D Mass flow occurs in different directions in different phloem sieve tube elements at the same time.
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · The statements list some of the events in a cardiac cycle
28 The statements list some of the events in a cardiac cycle. The statements are not in the correct order. Which statement describes the fourth of these events to occur in the cardiac cycle? 1 The impulse travels through Purkyne tissue. 2 A wave of excitation sweeps across the atria. 3 The atrioventricular node delays the impulse for a fraction of a second. 4 The sinoatrial node contracts. 5 The wave of excitation sweeps upwards from the base of the ventricles. 6 The ventricles contract. 7 The atria contract. A 1 B 3 C 4 D 7
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · Which row correctly identifies components of both lymph and tissue fluid?
29 Which row correctly identifies components of both lymph and tissue fluid? ~ «QOS x v x antibodies red white blood cells ions blood cells J Jv J v x v key ¥ = component present X = component not present
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · Which row is correct for the mean blood pressure in different parts of the human…
30 Which row is correct for the mean blood pressure in different parts of the human circulatory system? mean blood pressure right artery in vein in capillary atrium arm arm in arm key A + ++++ ++ +++ ++++ highest mean blood pressure B ++ ++++ +++ + +++ C +++ ++ ++++ + ++ D ++++ +++ + ++ + lowest mean blood pressure
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · Which mechanism accounts for the way most of the carbon dioxide is transported in blood?
31 Which mechanism accounts for the way most of the carbon dioxide is transported in blood? A Carbon dioxide dissolves in plasma and is carried in solution. B Carbon dioxide is converted to carbaminohaemoglobin inside red blood cells. C Carbon dioxide is converted to carboxyhaemoglobin inside red blood cells. D Carbon dioxide is converted to hydrogencarbonate ions inside red blood cells.
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · The graph shows the dissociation curves for haemoglobin at two different partial…
32 The graph shows the dissociation curves for haemoglobin at two different partial pressures of carbon dioxide. At which position on the graph, A, B, C, or D, is the concentration of haemoglobinic acid lowest in red blood cells? low carbon dioxide partial pressure C D percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen high carbon dioxide partial pressure A B partial pressure of oxygen / kPa
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The table shows the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen in two blood vessels
33 The table shows the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen in two blood vessels. partial pressure of partial pressure of gas in pulmonary gas in pulmonary artery / kPa vein / kPa carbon dioxide 6 5 oxygen 5 15 What explains the difference in the partial pressures of oxygen in the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein? A Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood in the capillaries. B Carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli from the blood in the capillaries. C Oxygen diffuses from the body cells into the blood in the capillaries. D Carbon dioxide diffuses into the body cells from the blood in the capillaries.
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · Which graph shows the effect of carbon monoxide on the percentage saturation of…
34 Which graph shows the effect of carbon monoxide on the percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen? A B percentage percentage saturation of saturation of haemoglobin haemoglobin with oxygen with oxygen key = without carbon partial pressure partial pressure monoxide of oxygen of oxygen = with carbon monoxide C D percentage percentage saturation of saturation of haemoglobin haemoglobin with oxygen with oxygen partial pressure partial pressure of oxygen of oxygen
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · Which row shows the correct methods of transmission of the named pathogens?
35 Which row shows the correct methods of transmission of the named pathogens? method of transmission airborne droplets insect vector water A Morbillivirus Mycobacterium Vibrio B Mycobacterium Plasmodium Vibrio C Plasmodium Vibrio Morbillivirus D Vibrio Plasmodium Mycobacterium
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · Which disease is caused by a eukaryote?
36 Which disease is caused by a eukaryote? A cholera B malaria C measles D smallpox
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · What is the initial mechanism by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?
37 What is the initial mechanism by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics? A genetic mutation B overuse of antibiotics C natural selection D patients not finishing a course of antibiotics
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · What are functions of T-lymphocytes?
38 What are functions of T-lymphocytes? 1 production of cytokines 2 production of toxins 3 recognition of an antigen bound to an antigen-presenting cell A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · What is correct about the role of memory cells in long-term immunity?
39 What is correct about the role of memory cells in long-term immunity? 1 They divide to form plasma cells and memory cells when the pathogen enters the body a second time. 2 They produce a fast response so that the person infected with the pathogen does not become ill again. 3 They produce more antibodies than were produced during the primary immune response. 4 They remain in the blood and lymphatic system after the pathogen has been destroyed. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 2 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · Which events result in a person developing actively acquired immunity?
40 Which events result in a person developing actively acquired immunity? 1 becoming infected by TB bacteria 2 drinking breast milk 3 receiving an injection of antigens 4 receiving an injection of antibodies A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 3 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4
Mark scheme: C
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
4Carbohydrates and lipids3Proteins3Transport mechanisms3Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide3Antibodies and vaccination2Infectious diseases2Mode of action of enzymes2Protein synthesis2Replication and division of nuclei and cells2The circulatory system2The microscope in cell studies2Antibiotics1Chromosome behaviour in mitosis1Fluid mosaic membranes1Movement into and out of cells1Structure of nucleic acids and replication of DNA1Structure of transport tissues1Testing for biological molecules1The gas exchange system1The heart1The immune system1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2021 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.