AQA GCSE Biology — Paper 1 (Foundation Tier)

Total marks: 100 · Duration: 105 minutes · Tier: Foundation

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
• You are expected to use a calculator where appropriate.
• This paper covers Topics 1–4: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 100. The marks for each question are shown in brackets.

Paper

Section A — Multiple Choice (10 marks)

For each question, choose the one correct answer.

1. Which structure is found in a bacterial cell but not in an animal cell? (1 mark) A) Ribosome B) Cell wall C) Nucleus D) Mitochondrion

2. What is the function of a chloroplast? (1 mark) A) Respiration B) Photosynthesis C) Controlling the cell D) Storing water

3. A light microscope is used to view cells. What does magnification mean? (1 mark) A) How clear the image is B) How many times bigger the image is C) The size of the cell D) The colour of the cell

4. Which is the correct order of organisation in a multicellular organism? (1 mark) A) organ → tissue → cell → system B) cell → tissue → organ → organ system C) tissue → cell → organ → system D) system → organ → cell → tissue

5. Which enzyme digests starch? (1 mark) A) Protease B) Lipase C) Amylase D) Catalase

6. Which blood vessel carries blood away from the heart? (1 mark) A) Vein B) Artery C) Capillary D) Valve

7. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by… (1 mark) A) viruses B) bacteria C) fungi only D) protists only

8. What is produced in the leaf during photosynthesis? (1 mark) A) Glucose B) Protein C) Lactic acid D) Carbon dioxide

9. Where does aerobic respiration take place in a cell? (1 mark) A) Nucleus B) Ribosome C) Mitochondria D) Cell membrane

10. Which is a healthy lifestyle factor that reduces the risk of non-communicable disease? (1 mark) A) Smoking B) Regular exercise C) High-fat diet D) Excess alcohol

Section B — Structured Questions (90 marks)

11. The diagram shows a plant cell. (12 marks) [Diagram: plant cell with cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, vacuole, chloroplast labelled A–F.] (a) Name three structures found in a plant cell but not in an animal cell. (3 marks) (b) State the function of the cell membrane and the nucleus. (2 marks) (c) A cell is 0.05 mm long. Convert this to micrometres (µm). (1 mark) (d) The image of the cell is 60 mm long and the real length is 0.05 mm. Calculate the magnification. (2 marks) (e) Sperm cells and root hair cells are specialised. Explain how each is adapted to its function. (4 marks)

12. Substances move into and out of cells. (11 marks) (a) Define diffusion. (2 marks) (b) Name the process by which water moves across a partially permeable membrane. (1 mark) (c) Potato cylinders were placed in sugar solutions of different concentrations. Explain why a cylinder in a concentrated sugar solution lost mass. (3 marks) (d) Explain why the student calculated the percentage change in mass. (2 marks) (e) Give three features that increase the rate of diffusion across an exchange surface. (3 marks)

13. The human digestive system breaks down food. (12 marks) (a) Name the products formed when proteins are digested. (1 mark) (b) Describe the test and positive result for: starch, and protein. (4 marks) (c) Explain how the small intestine is adapted to absorb digested food. (3 marks) (d) Explain why enzymes stop working at very high temperatures. (3 marks) (e) State the function of bile. (1 mark)

14. The heart pumps blood around the body. (11 marks) (a) Explain why humans have a double circulatory system. (2 marks) (b) The left ventricle wall is thicker than the right. Explain why. (2 marks) (c) Describe two ways an artery is adapted for its function. (2 marks) (d) Compare the use of statins and stents in treating coronary heart disease. (4 marks) (e) Name the liquid part of blood that transports dissolved substances. (1 mark)

15. Pathogens cause communicable disease. (12 marks) (a) Define pathogen. (1 mark) (b) Match each disease to its pathogen type: measles, malaria, rose black spot, salmonella. (4 marks) (c) Describe how the body's white blood cells defend against pathogens. (3 marks) (d) Explain how vaccination protects a person from a disease. (4 marks)

16. Plants make food by photosynthesis. (11 marks) (a) Write the word equation for photosynthesis. (2 marks) (b) Photosynthesis is endothermic. What does this mean? (1 mark) (c) Name three factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis. (3 marks) (d) A student measured oxygen bubbles from pondweed at different distances from a lamp. Explain why the rate decreased as the lamp was moved further away. (3 marks) (e) Give two ways farmers increase photosynthesis in greenhouses. (2 marks)

17. Cells release energy by respiration. (15 marks) (a) Name the type of respiration that does not use oxygen. (1 mark) (b) Write the word equation for aerobic respiration. (2 marks) (c) State three uses of the energy released by respiration in the body. (3 marks) (d) During hard exercise, muscles respire anaerobically. Name the substance that builds up. (1 mark) (e) Explain what is meant by metabolism. (2 marks) (f) Extended response: A student investigated how exercise changes the heart rate and breathing rate. Describe the changes and explain why they happen during exercise. (6 marks)

18. Food tests identify the nutrients in a sample. (6 marks) (a) Describe the test, and the positive result, for lipids (fats). (2 marks) (b) Name the reagent used to test for protein and state its positive colour. (2 marks) (c) Give two variables a student should control when comparing the nutrients in different foods. (2 marks)