What comes up in Leaving Cert Biology
We read every question of every Biology paper from 2017 to 2026 and noted the topics each one needs. Here is the full list, paper by paper and question by question, so you can see exactly where each topic has come up, and so teachers can check the counts printed in our Exam Ready workbooks.
New course. The class of 2027 sits the new Leaving Certificate Biology course (in schools since September 2025): a 300-mark written exam (60%) and the Biology in Practice Investigation (40%). The papers below are from the old course. Most of their topics are still on the new course, but some are gone: the eye and the ear, tropisms and plant growth regulators, the lymphatic system, vegetative propagation, tissue culture and the germination experiments.
How we count. A topic counts for a question when at least one of its parts cannot be answered without it. Questions only about the scientific method have no topic.
Every question printed. We count all the questions on the paper, including the ones students could choose to skip.
The years. There were no written exams in 2020: grades were calculated instead. The 2021 and 2022 papers had extra choice because of the pandemic.
A guide, not a prediction. The papers are set fresh each year. Use this to plan revision, not to skip topics.
Higher Level (old course): questions per topic
Each number is how many of that year's questions needed the topic. 147 questions in all.
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cells, microscopy & membranes | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 |
| Plant structure & responses | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 24 |
| Biomolecules & food | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 21 |
| Microorganisms & classification | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 21 |
| Ecology | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 18 |
| DNA & protein synthesis | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 16 |
| Plant reproduction | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| Enzymes | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Respiration | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| Heart, blood & circulation | – | 1 | 3 | – | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| Cell division & cancer | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Immunity & disease | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | – | 12 |
| Excretion & homeostasis | 2 | 2 | – | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Photosynthesis | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Nervous system & senses | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 2 | 11 |
| Human reproduction | 2 | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Genetics & inheritance | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Evolution & variation | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Digestion & diet | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Hormones | – | 2 | 1 | 2 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| DNA technology | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | – | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | 7 |
| Skeleton & muscles | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | 7 |
| Breathing | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 6 |
Higher Level (old course), question by question
2026 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Why food is needed, lipid elements and units, vitamins and deficiencies | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Cheek cells as eukaryotes, prokaryote term, tissue culture conditions and usesNote: Tissue culture placed under Cells (tissues). | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Thoracic cavity, epiglottis, tracheal cartilage, diaphragm and rib movement | Breathing a, b, c, d(i), d(ii), e, f |
| 4 | A | Stomata, carbon dioxide control of openings, leaf epidermis, lenticels | Plant structure & responses a, b, c, d, e(i), e(ii), f |
| 5 | A | Transcription and translation: ribosome, tRNA, codons, DNA template, folding | DNA & protein synthesis a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 6 | A | Completing nitrogen cycle diagram, naming processes, nitrogen fixation, molecules | Ecology a, b, c(i), c(ii), d |
| 7 | A | Location and function of retina, SA node, gall bladder, adrenal, cerebellum | Nervous system & senses a, eHeart, blood & circulation bDigestion & diet cHormones d |
| 8 | B | Qualitative versus quantitative; reducing sugar test, staining cells, DNA isolationNote: Part (a) is scientific method (no topic); DNA isolation under DNA & protein synthesis. | Biomolecules & food b(i)Cells, microscopy & membranes b(ii)DNA & protein synthesis b(iii)1, b(iii)2 |
| 9 | B | Enzymes, denaturation, investigating pH effect on enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b |
| 10 | B | Geotropism, where growth regulators form, IAA investigation and result | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 11 | C | Metabolism and ATP, stages of aerobic respiration, light-dependent photosynthesis | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii), a(iii)Respiration b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iii)3Photosynthesis c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iv), c(v) |
| 12 | C | Competition, vine weevil passage, pyramid, population graph, conservation, pollutionNote: Question number 12 missing from text extraction; identified by position. | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 13 | C | DNA nucleotide diagram, colour blindness sex linkage, natural selection, mutation types | DNA & protein synthesis aGenetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Evolution & variation c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 14 | C | Monocots versus dicots, seeds, dispersal, dormancy, germination, xylem cohesion-tension | Plant reproduction a(i), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)1, b(v)2, b(v)3, b(vi), b(vii)Plant structure & responses a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2 |
| 15 | C | Contraception, female system diagram, cycle hormones, early embryo, infertility | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 16 | C | Choice: mitosis and meiosis, virus replication, osmosis and turgor, yeast budding | Cell division & cancer a(i)1, a(i)2, a(ii)1, a(ii)2, a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Microorganisms & classification b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii), d(viii)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iii)3, c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii) |
| 17 | C | Choice: blood vessels, skin temperature control, urinary system, spinal reflex | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii)1, a(ii)2, a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)1, a(vi)2Excretion & homeostasis b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iii)3, c(iv)Nervous system & senses d(i), d(ii)1, d(ii)2, d(iii), d(iv)1, d(iv)2, d(iv)3, d(v) |
2025 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Carbohydrate formula, protein elements, roles, units, vitamins, trace elements | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Root tip structures, meristem, drawing a root cross-section | Plant structure & responses a, b, c, d |
| 3 | A | Mitochondrion, Krebs cycle, ATP and NAD, anaerobic respiration | Respiration a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 4 | A | Membrane structure and function, prokaryote/eukaryote, plant cell wall | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii) |
| 5 | A | Bioreactor, conditions controlled, bacterial growth curve, continuous flow processingNote: Bioreactor naming put under Enzymes (bioprocessing); growth curve and continuous flow under Microorganisms. | Enzymes aMicroorganisms & classification b, c, d, e |
| 6 | A | Digestive parts, peristalsis, pH change, pancreatic lipase, villus diagram | Digestion & diet a, b, c, d, e |
| 7 | A | Hypothesis, testing, controls, limitations, publishing, meaning of theoryNote: Scientific method is not in the topic list, so no topic assigned. | |
| 8 | B | Ecosystem term, identification keys, plant survey, abiotic factor measurement | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 9 | B | Osmosis definition and laboratory demonstration | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b(i), b(ii) |
| 10 | B | Yeast kingdom, sterility, growing leaf yeast and results | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 11 | C | Geotropism, embryo sac and double fertilisation, dispersal, dormancy, vegetative propagation | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), c(iv)1, c(iv)2Plant reproduction b(i)1, b(i)2, b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 12 | C | Mutation causes, fruit fly dihybrid cross, linkage, DNA bases, DNA profiling | Evolution & variation a(i), a(ii)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(ii)3, b(iii)DNA & protein synthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii)DNA technology c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Photosynthesis as anabolic, equation, light stage pathways, enzymes, immobilisation | Biomolecules & food a(i)Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Enzymes c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 14 | C | CNS and PNS, eye and ear parts, sight/hearing correction, neurons, Parkinson's | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), b(i)1, b(i)2, b(i)3, b(i)4, b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iii)3, b(iv), c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 15 | C | Ecology terms, sea eagle passage, predator-prey graph, nitrogen cycle, pollution | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)1, b(iv)2, b(v), c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(i)4, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 16 | C | Choice: Rhizopus, alveolar gas exchange and breathing, mitosis, lymphocytes and vaccinationNote: Lymphatic system organs/functions in d(i) put under Heart, blood & circulation per list; red blood cell in b(i) also counted there. | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)1, a(iv)2, a(v)Breathing b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Heart, blood & circulation b(i), d(i)1, d(i)2Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iii)3, c(iv)Immunity & disease d(ii), d(iii), d(iv) |
| 17 | C | Choice: circulation and heart, joints and bone, ADH homeostasis, male reproduction | Heart, blood & circulation a(i)1, a(i)2, a(i)3, a(i)4, a(ii)1, a(ii)2, a(iii), a(iv)Skeleton & muscles b(i), b(ii), b(iii)Excretion & homeostasis c(i), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2, c(v)3, c(vi)Hormones c(ii)Human reproduction d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v) |
2024 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Lipid elements, fats versus oils, phospholipids, roles, fat-soluble vitamin | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Hypothesis, good experiment principles, later steps and limitationsNote: Scientific method is not in the topic list, so no topic assigned. | |
| 3 | A | Alimentary canal parts and functions, small intestine, gut bacteria | Digestion & diet a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 4 | A | Xylem and phloem structure, function, vascular tissue in stem and root | Plant structure & responses a, b, c, d, e(i), e(ii), f |
| 5 | A | True or false on cell walls, turgor, fermentation, DNA facts | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, bRespiration cDNA & protein synthesis d, e, f, g |
| 6 | A | Distinguish paired terms: thermoregulation, joints, carpal/carpel, ploidy, heart cycleNote: Part (c) pairs a wrist bone with a flower part, so it counts twice. | Excretion & homeostasis aSkeleton & muscles b, cPlant reproduction cCell division & cancer dHeart, blood & circulation e |
| 7 | A | Genetic engineering definition, stages and applications | DNA technology a, b, c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 8 | B | Coding versus non-coding DNA; isolating DNA from plant tissueNote: DNA isolation practical placed under DNA & protein synthesis (DNA structure chapter), not DNA technology. | DNA & protein synthesis a, b |
| 9 | B | Enzyme definition, immobilisation advantages, immobilising and using enzyme | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii) |
| 10 | B | Seed dormancy; digestive enzymes in germinating seeds on agar platesNote: Germination-enzyme practical counted under Plant reproduction per brief; it also leans on enzyme knowledge. | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 11 | C | Pollination types, wind-pollinated flower, pollen development, double fertilisation, seeds, dispersal | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2 |
| 12 | C | Ecology terms, predator-prey graph, human population, marine food web | Ecology a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii) |
| 13 | C | Metabolism, mitochondrion, respiration equation and stages, NAD, light stage pathways | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii), c(v)1Respiration b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iii)3Photosynthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2, c(v)3 |
| 14 | C | Microbe distribution, asepsis, bacterial structure and reproduction, antibiotics, viruses | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)1, c(iv)2Immunity & disease b(iv), b(v) |
| 15 | C | Species and variation, snapdragon dihybrid cross with incomplete dominance, natural selection | Evolution & variation a(i), a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 16 | C | Choice: male reproduction, endocrine glands, phototropism, immune system | Human reproduction a(i)1, a(i)2, a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Hormones b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iii)3, b(iv)Plant structure & responses c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii)Immunity & disease d(i)1, d(i)2, d(ii)1, d(ii)2, d(ii)3 |
| 17 | C | Choice: enzyme pH graph, Rhizopus and fungi, nephron, mitosis stages | Enzymes a(i)1, a(i)2, a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)Digestion & diet a(ii), a(iv)Microorganisms & classification b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iv)Excretion & homeostasis c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)1, c(iv)2Cell division & cancer d(i), d(ii), d(iii)1, d(iii)2, d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii) |
2023 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Carbohydrate elements, formula, units, roles and food sources | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Hypothesis, variables, controls and limits of scientific method; germination graphNote: Scientific method is not in the topic list, so no topic assigned. Grass-seed germination graph is only context. | |
| 3 | A | Skeleton functions, axial bones, cartilage, hip bones, slightly movable joint | Skeleton & muscles a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Completing a DNA diagram, nucleotide, bonding, bases, RNA difference | DNA & protein synthesis a, b, c, d, e, gCells, microscopy & membranes f |
| 5 | A | Bacterial shape, cell wall, binary fission, growth factors, growth curve | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, d, e, f(i), f(ii) |
| 6 | A | Short biological explanations across ecology, plants, kidney, disease, meiosis, heart | Ecology a, bPlant reproduction cExcretion & homeostasis dImmunity & disease eCell division & cancer fHeart, blood & circulation g |
| 7 | A | Chlorophyll absorption graph, fate of electrons, water source, CO2 enrichmentNote: Section A in 2023 runs to Q7. | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b, c, d, e |
| 8 | B | Ecosystem terms, animal collecting apparatus, percentage cover survey | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 9 | B | Anaerobic respiration and producing alcohol with yeast | Respiration a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 10 | B | Asepsis, leaf yeast, heart dissection, IAA and dicot stem practicalsNote: Mixed-practical question spanning three topics. | Microorganisms & classification a, b(i)1, b(i)2Heart, blood & circulation b(ii)1, b(ii)2Plant structure & responses b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iv)1, b(iv)2 |
| 11 | C | Ecology terms, ash dieback passage, food chain, pyramid, nitrogen and carbon cycles | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)1, b(vi)2, c(i), c(ii) |
| 12 | C | Metabolism, stages of aerobic respiration, electron transport, enzyme action and denaturationNote: Metabolism / anabolic-catabolic placed under Biomolecules & food. | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii)Respiration b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Enzymes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Mendel, haemochromatosis cross, mutation types, haemophilia sex linkageNote: Carrier testing in b(v) counted as genetic screening (DNA technology). | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(iv), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Evolution & variation b(ii), b(iii)DNA technology b(v) |
| 14 | C | Meristems, animal-pollinated flower, embryo sac development, vegetative and artificial propagation | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii)Plant reproduction b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 15 | C | Male secondary sex traits, male system diagram, sperm, menstrual cycle hormonesNote: Text extraction mislabels part (b) as '16.'; confirmed as 15(b) from the scheme. | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iii)3, c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii) |
| 16 | C | Choice: osmosis graph, genetic engineering, viruses and defence, fungi and Rhizopus | Cells, microscopy & membranes a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)1, a(v)2, a(vi), a(vii)DNA technology b(i), b(ii), b(iv)DNA & protein synthesis b(iii)Microorganisms & classification c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi)Immunity & disease c(v) |
| 17 | C | Choice: endocrine glands, synapse, veins and breathing, plant organ tissues | Hormones a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)Nervous system & senses b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Heart, blood & circulation c(i)Breathing c(ii), c(iii)Plant structure & responses d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi) |
2022 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Protein elements, amino acids, fibrous protein, roles, dietary source | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Define ecology terms including edaphic factor and nitrogen fixation | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 3 | A | Down's syndrome karyotype: chromosome makeup, sex, mutation types, tissue cultureNote: Chromosome/gene mutation types placed under Evolution & variation | DNA & protein synthesis aGenetics & inheritance b, cEvolution & variation d, eCells, microscopy & membranes f |
| 4 | A | Electron micrograph of mitochondrion; respiration stages; lactic acid | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, bRespiration c(i), c(ii), c(iii), d |
| 5 | A | True or false: food elements, osmosis, macrophages, ethene, fungiNote: (b) characteristics of life: no matching topic, left unassigned | Biomolecules & food aCells, microscopy & membranes c, eImmunity & disease dPlant structure & responses fMicroorganisms & classification g |
| 6 | A | Lipase and bile salts experiment; lipid digestion and absorption | Digestion & diet a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 7 | A | Virus structure, antigens, obligate parasites, vaccination, beneficial viruses | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, e, fImmunity & disease b, d |
| 8 | B | Eukaryote versus prokaryote; light microscope images, stains, magnification | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)1, b(iv)2, b(v), b(vi) |
| 9 | B | Autotrophs and light or CO2 effect on photosynthesisNote: 60 °C curve needs enzyme denaturation, so Enzymes added | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)1, b(vi)2Enzymes b(vi)2 |
| 10 | B | Plant growth regulators and IAA effect investigation | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 11 | C | Asepsis, bacterial cell and endospores, antibiotics, growth curve, bioprocessing | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)3, c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Immunity & disease b(iii)2 |
| 12 | C | Ecology terms, dragonfly predators, carbon cycle and global warming | Ecology a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)1, b(v)2, b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 13 | C | Nucleotide structure, transcription and translation, dihybrid squash cross | DNA & protein synthesis a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)1, b(v)2, b(vi)Genetics & inheritance c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 14 | C | Photosynthesis stages diagram and greenhouses; mitosis phases | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii)Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 15 | C | Excretion and homeostasis, kidney and nephron, water uptake in plants | Excretion & homeostasis a(i), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Plant structure & responses a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i) |
| 16 | C | Neurons, the eye, synovial joints and bone, pollen and pollination | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)1, b(iv)2, b(v), b(vi)Skeleton & muscles c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii)Plant reproduction d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v) |
| 17 | C | Natural selection, placenta and birth, seeds and fruit, heart cycle | Evolution & variation a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Cell division & cancer a(ii), a(iii)Human reproduction b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Plant reproduction c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)1, c(vi)2Plant structure & responses c(vii)Heart, blood & circulation d(i)1, d(i)2, d(ii), d(iii), d(iv)1, d(iv)2, d(v), d(vi), d(vii) |
2021 · Higher Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Fats versus oils, phospholipids, lipid role, vitamin, dissolved salts | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Nitrogen cycle diagram: processes, bacteria, fertiliser effects, decomposers | Ecology a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Identify mitosis stage, diploid number, functions of mitosis | Cell division & cancer a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 4 | A | Induced fit model, reaction type, specificity, where enzymes are made | Enzymes a, b, c, d, eCells, microscopy & membranes f |
| 5 | A | Early human embryo: ovulation hormone, stages, implantation, placenta | Human reproduction a, b, c, d, e |
| 6 | A | True or false across hormones, plants, nerves, tissue culture, bones | Hormones aRespiration bNervous system & senses c, fPlant structure & responses d, gCells, microscopy & membranes e |
| 7 | A | Distinguish paired skeletal and muscle terms | Skeleton & muscles a, b, c, d, e |
| 8 | B | Protein food test and isolating DNA from plant tissueNote: a(i)-(ii) scientific method left unassigned | Biomolecules & food b(i)1, b(i)2DNA & protein synthesis b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(ii)3, b(ii)4 |
| 9 | B | Heat denaturation and temperature effect on enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 10 | B | Leaf yeast growth on malt agar from rural and urban leaves | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 11 | C | Pyramid of numbers, Irish bats and predator-prey, conservation, surveys | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2 |
| 12 | C | Mutagens, dihybrid pea cross, haemophilia and genetic engineeringNote: Mutation agents/mutant alleles placed under Evolution & variation | Evolution & variation a(i), a(ii)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i)DNA technology c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(ii)3, c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Metabolism, respiration pathway diagram, chlorophyll and dark stage | Biomolecules & food a(i)Respiration a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), b(ix)Photosynthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 14 | C | Digestion, villus structure and liver, transpiration and xylem | Digestion & diet a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Plant structure & responses c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 15 | C | Homeostasis and plant defences, flower structure and pollination, seeds | Excretion & homeostasis a(i)Plant structure & responses a(ii)Plant reproduction b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)1, b(vi)2, c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 16 | C | Skin and temperature, male reproduction, COVID immunity, gas exchange | Excretion & homeostasis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), a(vii)Human reproduction b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Immunity & disease c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2, c(vi), c(vii)Breathing d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi) |
| 17 | C | Rhizopus and Amoeba, reflex arc, plasmolysis in onion cells | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), a(vii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), d(vi)Cells, microscopy & membranes b(vii), d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii)1, d(vii)2Nervous system & senses c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Hormones c(vi) |
2019 · Higher Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Need for food, carbohydrate ratio, lipid roles, fat-soluble vitamin | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Principles of experimentation: hypothesis, double-blind, random selection, publishingNote: Scientific method only: no matching topic in the fixed list | |
| 3 | A | Tissues, animal tissue adaptations, tissue culture uses | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Identify mitosis stages in plant cells; cytokinesis | Cells, microscopy & membranes aCell division & cancer b, c, d, e |
| 5 | A | Red blood cell shape, haemoglobin, lifespan, production, lymph | Heart, blood & circulation a, b, c, d, e1, e2, f |
| 6 | A | Alveolus and capillary: gas exchange features, breathing disorder | Heart, blood & circulation aBreathing b, c |
| 7 | B | Mixed practicals: food reagents, cheek cells, DNA, IAA, osmosis | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii)Cells, microscopy & membranes b(i)1, b(i)2, b(iv)1, b(iv)2DNA & protein synthesis b(ii)1, b(ii)2Plant structure & responses b(iii)1, b(iii)2 |
| 8 | B | Producing alcohol with yeast and testing for it | Respiration a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 9 | B | Preparing and viewing a dicot stem transverse section | Plant structure & responses a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Cells, microscopy & membranes b(ii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 10 | C | Nutrient recycling, invasive mink and gulls, flora survey | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i)1, b(i)2, b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 11 | C | DNA versus RNA, transcription and translation, haemophilia pedigree | DNA & protein synthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Genetics & inheritance c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(ii)1, c(ii)2 |
| 12 | C | Metabolism, how enzymes work, photosynthesis stagesNote: Metabolism / anabolic-catabolic placed under Biomolecules & food | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii)Enzymes b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Photosynthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Contraception, female reproductive system, menstrual disorder, early embryo | Human reproduction a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iv) |
| 14 | C | Brain parts and pituitary; short notes; skeleton and musclesNote: Antibiotic resistance and batch food processing counted as Microorganisms | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii)1, a(ii)2, a(iii)1, a(iii)2Hormones a(iv), a(v)1, a(v)2, a(vi)Immunity & disease b(i)Microorganisms & classification b(ii), b(iv)Plant structure & responses b(iii)Heart, blood & circulation b(v)Skeleton & muscles c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 15 | C | Rhizopus reproduction, human digestion of protein, embryo sac and seed | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)Digestion & diet b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii)Plant reproduction c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii) |
2018 · Higher Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Need for food, polysaccharides, triglycerides, lipid roles, protein test | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Define ecology terms from biotic factor to qualitative survey | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 3 | A | Cell cycle stage, mitosis versus meiosis, cancer | Cell division & cancer a, b, c, d |
| 4 | A | Genetic engineering definition, ordered steps, plasmids, applications | DNA technology a, b, c, d, e |
| 5 | A | Auxins: production, inhibition, tropisms, horticultural uses | Plant structure & responses a, b(i), b(ii), c(i), c(ii), d |
| 6 | A | Nephron parts, ADH action and trigger, kidney failure treatment | Excretion & homeostasis a, b, c, d, fHormones e |
| 7 | B | Mixed practicals: alcohol production, microscope use, food testsNote: a(i)-(ii) scientific method and b(i) general lab control (pH/temperature) left unassigned | Respiration b(ii)1, b(ii)2Cells, microscopy & membranes b(iii)1, b(iii)2Biomolecules & food b(iv)1, b(iv)2 |
| 8 | B | Light or CO2 effect on photosynthesis rate experiment | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 9 | B | Rhizopus versus yeast; growing leaf yeast on agar | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 10 | C | Pyramid of numbers, human population, adaptations, conservation, fieldwork | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 11 | C | Blood transport, heart structure and pacemaker, nerve impulse and synapse | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(iii)Nervous system & senses c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(ii), c(iii) |
| 12 | C | ATP structure, aerobic respiration stages, enzyme specificity and immobilisation | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii), b(ii)1, b(ii)2Respiration b(i), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Enzymes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Viruses, RNA locations, Mendel's laws and dihybrid cross, evolution | Microorganisms & classification a(i)DNA & protein synthesis a(ii)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii)Evolution & variation c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 14 | C | Seed dispersal and germination, leaf structure, pancreas hormonesNote: Paper prints (iv) twice in 14(a); the graph part is labelled a(v) here | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Plant structure & responses b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Photosynthesis b(ii), b(iii)Hormones c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(ii)3, c(ii)4, c(iii), c(iv) |
| 15 | C | Bacteria and batch processing; explain biological facts; eye structureNote: Antibiotic overuse/resistance counted as Microorganisms; antibiotics vs viral illness as Immunity | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii)1, a(ii)2, a(iii)1, a(iii)2, a(iv), b(v)Digestion & diet b(i)Immunity & disease b(ii), b(iv)Excretion & homeostasis b(iii)Cells, microscopy & membranes b(v)Nervous system & senses c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(ii), c(iii) |
2017 · Higher Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Fibrous protein, plant minerals, water, haemoglobin metal, reducing sugar test | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 2 | A | Nitrogen cycle: recycling, fixation, nitrates, legumes, fertilisers | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 3 | A | Membrane structure, transport across membranes, organelles, eukaryotes and prokaryotes | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 4 | A | Define microbiology terms including pathogen, asepsis, bioprocessing, bioreactorNote: Bioprocessing/bioreactor placed under Enzymes (syllabus enzyme unit) | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, d, eEnzymes f, g |
| 5 | A | True or false statements about respiration and fermentation | Respiration a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 6 | A | Compare gamete production and fertilisation in plants and humans | Plant reproduction a, b, c, d, eHuman reproduction a, b, c, d, eCell division & cancer a |
| 7 | B | Habitat study: survey errors, food web, adaptations, plant survey | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 8 | B | Effect of pH on enzyme activity experiment | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 9 | B | Mixed practicals: germination, stem section, osmosis, DNA isolationNote: a(i)-(ii) scientific method: no matching topic, left unassigned | Plant reproduction b(i)1, b(i)2Plant structure & responses b(ii)1, b(ii)2Cells, microscopy & membranes b(ii)2, b(iii)1, b(iii)2DNA & protein synthesis b(iv)1, b(iv)2 |
| 10 | C | Ecology terms, incineration and pollution, predator-prey cycles | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 11 | C | Phloem, transpiration and water uptake, vegetative propagation | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 12 | C | DNA profiling, natural selection, haemophilia inheritance, RNA in protein synthesis | DNA technology aEvolution & variation b(i)Genetics & inheritance b(ii)DNA & protein synthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 13 | C | Boosting photosynthesis, light and dark stages, mitosis | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 14 | C | Zika virus, measles vaccine and T cells, structure-function adaptations | Immunity & disease a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Microorganisms & classification a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Nervous system & senses c(i), c(ii)Digestion & diet c(iii)Excretion & homeostasis c(iv)Plant reproduction c(v) |
| 15 | C | Homeostasis and inhalation, vertebral column and bone, IVF and placenta | Excretion & homeostasis a(i), a(ii)Breathing a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Skeleton & muscles b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Human reproduction c(i)1, c(i)2, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
Ordinary Level (old course): questions per topic
Each number is how many of that year's questions needed the topic. 147 questions in all.
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecology | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| Microorganisms & classification | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 18 |
| Plant structure & responses | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| Cells, microscopy & membranes | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| Biomolecules & food | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 15 |
| Nervous system & senses | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 15 |
| Plant reproduction | – | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 14 |
| Enzymes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| Digestion & diet | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 12 |
| Respiration | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Genetics & inheritance | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| Cell division & cancer | 2 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Heart, blood & circulation | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 |
| Immunity & disease | – | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 11 |
| Human reproduction | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Hormones | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Excretion & homeostasis | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 10 |
| Photosynthesis | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Breathing | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Skeleton & muscles | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| DNA & protein synthesis | – | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| DNA technology | 1 | – | – | – | 3 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Evolution & variation | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
Ordinary Level (old course), question by question
2026 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Nitrogen in protein; carbohydrate and fat foods; vitamins; trace elements | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | True/false on hypothesis, controls, replicates, theory, data, journalsNote: Scientific method only; no matching topic in the fixed list, left empty | |
| 3 | A | Match terms: vacuole, nucleus, osmosis, ribosome, mitosisNote: Ribosome treated as cell structure | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, dCell division & cancer e |
| 4 | A | Natural selection proposers, evidence for evolution, key observations | Evolution & variation a, b, c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 5 | A | Woodland food web: producer, consumers, food chain, energy loss | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 6 | A | Bacterial cell parts, flagellum, growth factor, harmful and useful bacteriaNote: Harmful bacterium example also counted under immunity & disease | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, dImmunity & disease d |
| 7 | A | Label breathing system, gas exchange site, asthma or bronchitis | Breathing a, b, c |
| 8 | B | Microscope lens power; preparing and staining plant cells for viewing | Cells, microscopy & membranes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 9 | B | Enzyme shape and makeup; immobilising an enzyme and testing it | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 10 | B | Pacemaker, meristems; heart dissection; dicot stem section | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), b(i)1, b(i)2, b(i)3, b(i)4Plant structure & responses a(ii), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(ii)3 |
| 11 | C | Flora, fauna, biotic; invasive rhododendron in national park; carbon cycle, waste | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 12 | C | Genetic terms; incomplete dominance rose cross; DNA bases, transcription, profiling | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii)DNA & protein synthesis c(i), c(ii), c(iii)DNA technology c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Metabolism; photosynthesis equation, glucose formula, greenhouses; respiration stages, enzyme factorsNote: Metabolism definition attached to photosynthesis | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Respiration c(i), c(ii), c(iii)Enzymes c(iv), c(v) |
| 14 | C | Balanced diet, peristalsis; digestion types, organs, pancreas, liver; villi, intestines, fibreNote: Hepatic portal vein part also counted under circulation | Digestion & diet a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Heart, blood & circulation c(iii) |
| 15 | C | Contraception; ovulation, fertilisation, placenta, birth stages, lactation; sperm, infertility, IVF | Human reproduction a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 16 | C | Choice: synovial joint, muscles; skin, immunity; right heart; xylem, phloem | Skeleton & muscles a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Excretion & homeostasis b(i), b(ii)Immunity & disease b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Heart, blood & circulation c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Plant structure & responses d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii), d(viii) |
| 17 | C | Choice: ear and disorders; endocrine glands; pollination; yeast, Rhizopus | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)Hormones b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Plant reproduction c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Microorganisms & classification d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi) |
2025 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Energy biomolecule, carbohydrate formula, triglyceride, vitamins | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Match ecology terms: biosphere, ecosystem, conservation, habitat, pollution | Ecology a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Mixed true/false: experiments, fauna, osmosis, preservation, glands, meninges, lenticelsNote: Part (a) is scientific method (no topic); food preservation placed under microorganisms | Ecology bCells, microscopy & membranes cMicroorganisms & classification dHormones eNervous system & senses fPlant structure & responses g |
| 4 | A | Identify plant or animal cell; vacuole and membrane functions | Cells, microscopy & membranes a(i), a(ii), b, c |
| 5 | A | Identify tropisms, their importance, auxin transport, commercial regulators | Plant structure & responses a, b, c, d |
| 6 | A | Nerves versus hormones; nervous system divisions; iris and retina | Nervous system & senses a, b, c(i), c(ii)Hormones a |
| 7 | A | Order mitosis stages, spindle, meiosis difference, cancer | Cell division & cancer a, b, c, d, eCells, microscopy & membranes b |
| 8 | B | Protein element, monosaccharide; food tests for four biomolecules | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 9 | B | Enzyme makeup; experiment on pH and enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 10 | B | Dormancy, food store; experiment on factors needed for germination | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 11 | C | Food webs; horseshoe bat adaptations and niche; nitrogen, carbon cycles | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 12 | C | Genotype, phenotype; pea height crosses; replication, transcription, translation; profiling | Genetics & inheritance a(i), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)DNA & protein synthesis a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii)DNA technology c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Metabolism; photosynthesis inputs, oxygen fate, greenhouses; muscle respiration stagesNote: Metabolism definition attached to photosynthesis | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Respiration a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 14 | C | Root and shoot systems; root, stem sections; dispersal, vegetative propagation | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(ii)Plant reproduction c(i) |
| 15 | C | Sex hormones; menstrual cycle, ovulation, infertility, placenta, lactation; male system | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 16 | C | Choice: enzymes and immobilisation; mutation and evolution; Rhizopus and yeast; viruses, bacteriaNote: Part (b) mixes molecular genetics, heredity and evolution; harmful viruses and antibiotics also immunity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), a(iii)DNA & protein synthesis b(i), b(iii)Evolution & variation b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Genetics & inheritance b(iii)Microorganisms & classification c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(v)Immunity & disease d(iii), d(iv) |
| 17 | C | Choice: heart and vessels, blood groups; skeleton and joints; breathing system; immunityNote: Lymph and lymph vessel part counted under circulation | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), d(v)Skeleton & muscles b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Breathing c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Immunity & disease d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv) |
2024 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Need for food; protein element, source, role and amino acids | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Yeast budding, unicellular nature, nucleus, cell wall, kingdom | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, d, e, f, gCells, microscopy & membranes e |
| 3 | A | DNA replication and mitosis stages, chromosomes, spindle, purpose | Cell division & cancer a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 4 | A | Virus structure, harmful and useful viruses, replication inside cellsNote: Harmful virus example also counted under immunity & disease | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, dImmunity & disease b |
| 5 | A | Skeleton functions, labelled bones, joint types | Skeleton & muscles a, b, c, d |
| 6 | A | True/false on microscope, ribosomes, cells, tissues, enzymes, osmosis, membranesNote: Ribosome statement treated as cell structure | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, f, gEnzymes e |
| 7 | A | Match scientific method terms: hypothesis, experiment, control, data, theoryNote: Scientific method only; no matching topic in the fixed list, left empty | |
| 8 | B | Habitat definition; identifying organisms; abiotic factors and collecting apparatus | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii) |
| 9 | B | Define enzyme; experiment on temperature and enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 10 | B | Exercise effect on pulse and breathing rate; graph and recoveryNote: Student may choose pulse or breathing rate; both topics listed | Heart, blood & circulation a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Breathing b(i), b(ii), b(iii) |
| 11 | C | Energy source, biosphere, niche; food web and pyramid; pollution, waste, conservation | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 12 | C | Metabolism; aerobic respiration equation and stages; chloroplast and water splittingNote: Metabolism definition attached to the question's respiration topic | Respiration a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Photosynthesis a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Evolution by natural selection; pea flower cross; mutation, species, DNA profiling | Evolution & variation a(i), a(ii), c(ii), c(iii)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii)DNA technology c(iv), c(v) |
| 14 | C | Kingdoms; bacterial cell, shapes, fission, growth; Amoeba; asepsisNote: Pathogenic term also counted under immunity & disease | Microorganisms & classification a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)Immunity & disease b(iii) |
| 15 | C | Secondary sexual traits; female system, gametes; infertility, birth control, breastfeeding | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 16 | C | Choice: leaf section and venation; digestive system; flower parts; skin | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Digestion & diet b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Plant reproduction c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)Excretion & homeostasis d(i), d(ii), d(iv), d(v)Immunity & disease d(iii) |
| 17 | C | Choice: seeds and germination; ear; vegetative propagation; endocrine glandsNote: Vegetative propagation under plant structure per list; seed-vs-vegetative comparison also plant reproduction | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), c(iii)Nervous system & senses b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Plant structure & responses c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Hormones d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v) |
2023 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Carbohydrate sources, elements, roles and sugar types | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | True/false statements on hypothesis, data and experiment designNote: Scientific method only; no matching topic in the fixed list, left empty | |
| 3 | A | Match digestive terms: peristalsis, bile, villi, egestion, liver | Digestion & diet a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Aerobic respiration equation gases, stages, energy use, lactic acid | Respiration a, b, c, d |
| 5 | A | Light microscope parts, magnification, staining, other microscope | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 6 | A | DNA strands, bases, codon, location and RNA partner | DNA & protein synthesis a, b, c, d, e, f |
| 7 | A | Neuron parts, impulse direction, neurotransmitters, nervous disorder | Nervous system & senses a, b, c, d, e |
| 8 | B | Flora versus fauna; percentage frequency survey and bar chart | Ecology a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii) |
| 9 | B | Define osmosis; describe and draw osmosis demonstration | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii) |
| 10 | B | Sterility; leaf yeast growth on malt agar, May vs September | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 11 | C | Pollution control, ecological pyramids, soil factors and nutrient recycling | Ecology a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 12 | C | Chromosomes; eye colour monohybrid cross; tissues, organs and tissue cultureNote: Diploid number placed under cell division; tissue culture parts under cells/tissues | DNA & protein synthesis a(i)Cell division & cancer a(ii), c(iv), c(v)Genetics & inheritance b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(vi) |
| 13 | C | Chlorophyll, leaf photosynthesis, greenhouses; enzymes and immobilisation | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Enzymes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 14 | C | Female hormones, reproductive system, fertilisation, placenta, birth, contraception | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Cell division & cancer b(iii) |
| 15 | C | Blood vessels; breathing system and mechanism; heart structure and health | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii)Breathing b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 16 | C | Choice: kidney and excretion; eye; root structure; animal-pollinated flower | Excretion & homeostasis a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Nervous system & senses b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Plant structure & responses c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Plant reproduction d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii), d(viii) |
| 17 | C | Choice: skeleton and joints; endocrine glands; Rhizopus and yeast; bacteriaNote: Pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic misuse also counted under immunity & disease | Skeleton & muscles a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Hormones b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Microorganisms & classification c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi), d(vii)Immunity & disease d(vi), d(vii) |
2022 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Fat composition, triglycerides, fat-soluble vitamin, fat test | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Respiration definition, products, oxygen, two stages and locations | Respiration a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Rhizopus parts, spores, saprophytic nutrition, kingdom | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Skin parts, sweat, responses to cold, ectotherm example | Excretion & homeostasis a, b, c, d |
| 5 | A | Read a DNA profile, order profiling steps, base pairs, uses | DNA technology a, b, dDNA & protein synthesis c |
| 6 | A | True or false on where body substances are producedNote: Mixed true/false spanning many systems; antibiotic source item under Microorganisms. | Hormones aHuman reproduction bDigestion & diet c, d, gNervous system & senses eMicroorganisms & classification f |
| 7 | A | Match scientific method terms to descriptionsNote: Scientific method only; no topic in the fixed list fits, so topics left empty. | |
| 8 | B | Quantitative vs qualitative surveys; percentage frequency of plants | Ecology a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 9 | B | Fermentation basics; preparing alcohol with yeast and a control | Respiration a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 10 | B | Dormancy, seed food stores; conditions needed for germination | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 11 | C | Ecology terms; food web questions; river nitrogen pollution passage | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(v)Biomolecules & food c(iv) |
| 12 | C | Diploid, haploid, allele; cystic fibrosis cross and screening; mitosis, meiosis | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(ii)3, b(iii), b(iv)DNA technology b(v)Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 13 | C | Lungs and excretion; breathing system parts, alveoli; asthma or bronchitis, exerciseNote: Exercise part allows pulse rate; kept under Breathing. | Breathing a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 14 | C | Enzymes; photosynthesis details and carbohydrates; osmosis, turgor, plasmolysis | Enzymes a(i), a(ii)Photosynthesis b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(v)1, b(v)2, b(vi)1, b(vi)2Biomolecules & food b(iv)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 15 | C | Phototropism; dicot stem tissues and transport; flower parts, pollination | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Plant reproduction c(i)1, c(i)2, c(i)3, c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 16 | C | Choice: male system, infertility; bacteria, antibiotics; skeleton, bone; plant propagationNote: Pathogens and antibiotic overuse put under Immunity & disease; seed vs vegetative comparison adds Plant reproduction. | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Microorganisms & classification b(i), b(ii), b(iii)Immunity & disease b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Skeleton & muscles c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii), c(iv)Plant structure & responses d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi)1, d(vi)2Plant reproduction d(vi)1, d(vi)2 |
| 17 | C | Choice: reflex arc, nerves vs hormones; evolution, genetic engineering; blood; digestion | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), a(vii)1, a(vii)2Hormones a(vii)1, a(vii)2Evolution & variation b(i), b(ii)DNA technology b(iii), b(iv)Heart, blood & circulation c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Digestion & diet d(i), d(ii)1, d(ii)2, d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi) |
2021 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 17 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Glycerol, reducing sugar test, protein elements, fibrous protein, vitamin | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Define tissues and organs with examples; tissue culture | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Match structures like retina, villi, ureter to organsNote: Mixed matching item spanning four systems. | Nervous system & senses a, bBreathing cDigestion & diet dExcretion & homeostasis e |
| 4 | A | Monohybrid cross for squirrel coat colour | Genetics & inheritance a, b, c |
| 5 | A | Virus structure, spread, body defence, uses, obligate parasites | Microorganisms & classification a, b, e, fImmunity & disease c, d |
| 6 | A | True or false on fieldwork collecting equipment | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 7 | A | Skeleton joints, femur, skeleton function, arthritis or osteoporosis | Skeleton & muscles a, b, c, d, e, f(i), f(ii) |
| 8 | B | Microscope parts; preparing stained and unstained plant cells | Cells, microscopy & membranes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 9 | B | Enzyme and metabolism terms; effect of pH on enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii) |
| 10 | B | Digestive activity of germinating seeds; controls and contaminationNote: Germination experiment under Plant reproduction; iodine reagent as food test; digestion definition under Digestion. | Plant reproduction a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Biomolecules & food b(v)Digestion & diet a(i) |
| 11 | C | Ecology terms; red and grey squirrel passage; pollution and waste | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 12 | C | Genetic terms; DNA structure and protein synthesis; cancer and cell cycle | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), a(iii)DNA & protein synthesis b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), b(ix)Cell division & cancer c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Blood components; heart diagram and pulse; vessels and lymph system | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
| 14 | C | Digestion types and peristalsis; digestive organs; endocrine glands | Digestion & diet a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)Hormones c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 15 | C | Phototropism; water uptake and transport; homeostasis, stomata, plant defence | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii)Excretion & homeostasis c(i), c(ii) |
| 16 | C | Choice: ear; respiration and fermentation; fruit, seeds, dispersal; urinary system | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Respiration b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Plant reproduction c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)1, c(iv)2, c(iv)3, c(v)Excretion & homeostasis d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v)1, d(v)2, d(vi) |
| 17 | C | Choice: pregnancy and birth; photosynthesis; bacteria; neuron and disorders | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Photosynthesis b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv)1, b(iv)2, b(iv)3, b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Microorganisms & classification c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Nervous system & senses d(i), d(ii), d(iii), d(iv), d(v), d(vi) |
2019 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Fat-soluble vitamin and deficiency, amino acids, plant mineral, polysaccharide | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Order mitosis stages, interphase, division types, cancer causes | Cell division & cancer a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Match plant organs, tissues, meristem and lenticel to descriptions | Plant structure & responses a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Menstrual cycle timing, its hormones, female infertility and treatment | Human reproduction a, b(i), b(ii), c, d, e |
| 5 | A | True or false statements on ecology basics | Ecology a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 6 | A | Light microscope purpose, parts, focusing and staining | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e |
| 7 | B | Chloroplast and sugar; light or CO2 effect on photosynthesis rate | Photosynthesis a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 8 | B | Protein in diet; Biuret and reducing sugar food tests | Biomolecules & food a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii) |
| 9 | B | Cardiac muscle, coronary artery; dissecting and drawing a heart | Heart, blood & circulation a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 10 | C | Ecology terms; hedgerow passage; carnivore adaptation, capture-recapture calculationNote: b(vi) on early flowering needs pollination knowledge, so Plant reproduction added. | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)Plant reproduction b(vi) |
| 11 | C | Dominant, recessive terms; sheep wool colour cross; species and evolution | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(ii)Evolution & variation c(i), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 12 | C | Nutrition terms; stages of food processing; skeleton parts and bone | Digestion & diet a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii)Skeleton & muscles c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iv) |
| 13 | C | Metabolism terms; aerobic respiration equation and stages; membranes, osmosis, preservationNote: b(ii) asks for a process making oxygen, so Photosynthesis counted. | Enzymes a(i)Respiration a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii)Photosynthesis b(ii)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2 |
| 14 | C | Choice: viruses and bacteria; endocrine glands and hormones; vegetative propagationNote: Viral diseases a(iii) kept under Microorganisms. | Microorganisms & classification a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Hormones b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Plant structure & responses c(i), c(ii)1, c(ii)2, c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 15 | C | Choice: motor neuron; kidney and excretion; Amoeba and yeast | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v)Excretion & homeostasis b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v)Microorganisms & classification c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2 |
2018 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Protein elements, monosaccharide, reducing sugar test, minerals, glycerol | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Synovial joint parts, elbow joint, tendons, a disorder and treatment | Skeleton & muscles a, b, c, d, e |
| 3 | A | Match terms about immobilised enzymes and their uses | Enzymes a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Male reproductive system, sperm production, hormone, infertility | Human reproduction a, b, c, d, e |
| 5 | A | True or false statements on scientific method and experimentsNote: Scientific method only; no topic in the fixed list fits, so topics left empty. | |
| 6 | A | Plant cell parts, membrane makeup, cellulose wall, electron microscope | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b, c, d, e |
| 7 | B | Breathing muscles and alveoli; exercise effect on breathing or pulseNote: Experiment allows pulse instead of breathing; data are breathing rates, so Breathing only. | Breathing a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv) |
| 8 | B | Enzyme definition; effect of temperature on enzyme activity | Enzymes a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 9 | B | Digestive activity in germinating seeds on starch agarNote: Germination experiment under Plant reproduction; iodine starch test as food test; digestion definition under Digestion. | Plant reproduction a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Biomolecules & food b(v), b(vi)Digestion & diet a(i) |
| 10 | C | Ecology terms; woodland food web; peacock spider adaptations | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Microorganisms & classification c(i) |
| 11 | C | Genetic terms; DNA bases, RNA and protein making; tall-short cross, sex | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), a(iii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)DNA & protein synthesis b(i)1, b(i)2, b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), b(viii) |
| 12 | C | Plant vascular tissue; circulation diagram; skin and cooling | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii)Heart, blood & circulation b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(iii), b(iv)Excretion & homeostasis b(ii)2, c(i), c(ii), c(iii) |
| 13 | C | Organelles of metabolism; photosynthesis equation and factors; respiration, fermentation, cramp | Photosynthesis a(i), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Respiration a(ii), a(iii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi)Plant structure & responses b(vii), b(viii) |
| 14 | C | Choice: ear parts and disorders; vaccination and immunity; teeth and saliva | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi)Immunity & disease b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi)Digestion & diet c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2 |
| 15 | C | Choice: flower, dormancy, seedless fruit; dicot root; tropisms and plant defence | Plant reproduction a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv)1, a(iv)2, a(v)1, a(v)2, b(iv)Plant structure & responses b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(v), b(vi), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi), c(vii) |
2017 · Ordinary Level (old course) · 15 questions
| Q | Section | What it asks (our summary) | Topics, with the parts that need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Elements in lipids, lipid role, vitamins, plant minerals, amino acids | Biomolecules & food a, b, c, d, e |
| 2 | A | Use a dichotomous key to name five invertebratesNote: Unlettered key exercise; placed under Ecology (identification keys used in fieldwork). | Ecology whole |
| 3 | A | Match genetic engineering terms: enzyme, isolation, plasmid, insulin | DNA technology a, b, c, d, e |
| 4 | A | Label digestive organs; bile, peristalsis and stomach acid | Digestion & diet a, b, c, d, e |
| 5 | A | True or false statements about enzyme properties | Enzymes a, b, c, d, e, f, g |
| 6 | A | Rhizopus: kingdom, labelled parts and economic uses | Microorganisms & classification a, b, c, d |
| 7 | B | Stem functions; preparing and viewing a dicot stem section | Plant structure & responses a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii)1, b(iii)2, b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 8 | B | Anaerobic respiration; producing alcohol from yeast with control | Respiration a(i), a(ii), b(i)1, b(i)2, b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi) |
| 9 | B | Define osmosis; osmosis demonstration and salt preservation | Cells, microscopy & membranes a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v) |
| 10 | C | Genetic terms; cell cycle, mitosis, cancer; mutations and mutagensNote: Mutation passage put under Evolution & variation; chromosome makeup b(iii) kept with cell division. | Genetics & inheritance a(i), a(ii), a(iii)Cell division & cancer b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), c(vi)Evolution & variation c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v) |
| 11 | C | Producers and food webs; invasive species passage; ecosystem survey | Ecology a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv) |
| 12 | C | Female reproductive system, contraception, birth stages and lactation | Human reproduction a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), c(i), c(ii), c(iii)1, c(iii)2, c(iv), c(v) |
| 13 | C | Hormones vs nerves; reflex arc and synapse; brain parts | Hormones a(i)Nervous system & senses a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vi), b(vii), c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv)Excretion & homeostasis c(v) |
| 14 | C | Choice: metabolism and respiration; leaf and photosynthesis; tissues and organsNote: Metabolism/anabolism terms in (a) kept under Respiration; stomata and guard cells under Plant structure. | Respiration a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), a(vii), a(viii)Photosynthesis b(i), b(ii), b(v), b(vi), b(vii)Plant structure & responses b(iii), b(iv)Cells, microscopy & membranes c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v)1, c(v)2, c(v)3Cell division & cancer c(v)4 |
| 15 | C | Choice: eye and senses; three blood vessels; lungs and breathing | Nervous system & senses a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), a(vi), a(vii)Heart, blood & circulation b(i), b(ii)1, b(ii)2, b(ii)3, b(ii)4, b(ii)5, b(iii)Breathing c(i), c(ii), c(iii), c(iv), c(v), c(vi) |
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