AQA GCSE Biology

Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook

1 Microscopy
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 cell membrane 1
ribosomes 1
mitochondria 1
cytoplasm 1
nucleus 1

2 cell membrane – controls the movement of 1

substances into and out of the cell
mitochondria – site of aerobic cellular 1
respiration
chloroplasts – where photosynthesis takes
1
place
ribosomes – protein synthesis 1

cytoplasm – organelles suspended/where allow either answer 1

chemical reactions take place for 1 mark

3 No chlorophyll present allow 1

‘no chloroplasts’

4 1

5 The magnification on a light microscope is not allow reference to 1

high enough resolution not being
high enough.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
1 Microscopy (continued)
6 ×4
7 So that the real size of the object can be
calculated
8 A – ×400
B – ×40
C – ×100
9 start with the lowest power objective lens
stage in the highest position
lower the stage until the image comes into focus
switch to ×100 objective lens and adjust fine
focus if required
10 Level 3 (5-6 marks)
Includes a balance of similarities and
differences (at least five in total)
presented as clear comparison
between the types of microscope.
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
Some comparison between
microscopes made, but lacking in
detail or balance
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
Only one or two
similarities/differences listed with
little or no comparison made.
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Indicative content
Similarities
- used to visualise very small structures that
can’t be seen with the human eye
- used to make measurements
- require samples to be prepared beforehand
- use in medical / scientific research
-
Differences
- electron microscope uses beams of electrons
/ light microscope uses light
- light microscope can looked at through an
eye piece / an electron microscope the
sample is visualised on a computer
- electron microscope has a much higher
magnification / can view smaller structures
- electron microscope has higher resolution
- colours / stains can be seen with a light
microscope
- electron microscope cannot view live sample
AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
1 Microscopy (continued)

11 CEDAB 1 mark for 2 of 3 2

correct

12 12.5 1

13 image size 1
real size =
magnificat ion

14 13 µm 1

15 2 cm = 20 000 µm 1

image size 20000 allow 1 mark for

real size = =
magnificat ion (100 × 4) correct substitution
1

without conversion

50 µm allow ecf 1

16 volume of nucleus = 523598.8 µm3 1

volume of whole cell = 113.1 µm3 1

523598.8
113.1 1
4630 allow one mark if 2
answer not given as
whole number

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
2 Microbiology
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 Level 3 (5-6 marks) Indicative content

Several safety measures listed which include - disinfect benchtops / risk of
general safety measures, and safety measures contamination / bacteria on
that are specific to microbiology practicals. bench
Understanding of the importance of the safety - flame apparatus / risk of
measures should be demonstrated clearly. contamination / bacteria on
Level 2 (3-4 marks) apparatus

Several safety measures identified and how they - autoclave equipment before and
relate specifically to this practical. after / to kill any bacteria

Level 1 (1-2 marks) - avoid air tight seal / risk of

Some laboratory safety measures listed but with anaerobic bacteria growing

little or no description of why they apply to this - avoid incubating at higher than
practical. 25 °C / risk of culturing human
pathogens

2 drugs/medicines 1
kills bacteria/stops bacteria from reproducing 1

3a so that clear zones don’t overlap 1

3b clear zones may not be a perfect circle 1

3c 12 both correct answers 1

7 required for mark

3d 113.0(4) Allow ecf 2

63.6 (63.59) allow one mark for 2
each calculation if
diameter used instead
of radius

3e soap A 1
larger clear zone 1
killed/stopped reproduction of more bacteria 1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
2 Microbiology (continued)

3f as a control 1
to make sure there was no clear zone when
antibacterial soap was not used
1

4a so condensation doesn’t run down on to agar- 1

avoid contamination
1

4b Different coloured colonies visible 1

4c To make sure anaerobic bacteria don’t grow 1

anaerobic bacteria can be pathogens 1
4d the base/agar aide 1
lids can be moved around/swapped/rotated 1
5a prevent growth of human pathogens 1

5b Any six from: 6

disinfect surfaces before beginning
open bottle near Bunsen burner
flame opening of culture bottles
flame inoculating loop to sterilise and allow to
cool / open new sterile plastic inoculating loop
sterilise loop in flame
only open lid of petri dish a small amount
inoculate petri dish near Bunsen burner
keep plates and bottles open for as short a time
as possible
6a construction lines drawn 1
4000 1
6b allow any sensible improvement, e.g., sample 1
more frequently, repeat experiment/carry out in
triplicate, take more than one sample and take
average each time, make dilutions of each
sample to plate.
6c any two from: 2
continue to increase at first
level off at a maximum number of bacteria
number of bacteria will eventually start to
decrease.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
2 Microbiology (continued)

7 6 doubling times allow one mark if final 1

answer is calculated
64 bacteria 1
correctly with incorrect
doubling time

8 7200 minutes in 5 days allow one mark if final 1

answer is calculated
9 doubling times 1
correctly with incorrect
51200 bacteria doubling time 1

3 Osmosis
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 dilute, concentrated 1

2 Hypertonic – A solution that is more 1

concentrated than the cell contents
Hypotonic – A solution that is less concentrated
1
than the cell contents
Isotonic – A solution that has the same
1
concentration as the cell contents

3 Cell membrane 1

4 Level 3 (5-6 marks) Indicative content

A detailed and accurate description of osmosis solution is less concentrated than
and turgor, using at least five of the indicative the cell cytoplasm
points.
water moves across the cell
Level 2 (3-4 marks) membrane into the cell
Several correct points made but without a full by osmosis
description of the process including osmosis and
turgor. the vacuole swells

Level 1 (1-2 marks) the cytoplasm presses against the

cell wall
A brief response with only a few correct or
relevant points. pressure builds until no more water
can enter the cell (turgor)
Turgor makes the cell hard and
rigid

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
3 Osmosis (continued)

5 B 1
skin will have different rates of osmosis / 1
will affect the results/not controlled/not fair test 1
6 concentration of sugar solution do not accept ‘amount 1
‘ of sugar in solution

7 so all cores have the same surface area. 1

so all cores have the same volume. 1
so that it is a fair test 1
8 change in mass = 1.35 – 0.92 = 0.43 Allow two marks for 1
correct final answer
% change in mass = 47% (46.7%) 1
with no working
9a all points correctly 2
plotted (± ½ square)
deduct 1 mark if only
four points correctly
plotted

one mark for correct 1

(curved) line of best
fit.

9b 0.06±0.01 Allow answer 1

agreeing with line of
best fit in 9a

10 time to leave sample in sugar solution one mark for each 2

too short - will not see any change / too long – variable
unrealistic time scale for lesson
range of sugar solution concentrations 2
one mark for each
too small or too large – will not produce corresponding reason
meaningful data
interval of concentration of solutions
too close together – won’t see any change
too far apart – won’t get any meaningful data
size of potato
too small – hard to work with / change in mass
too small to measure
too large – won’t fit in boiling tube

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
3 Osmosis (continued)

11 no net movement of water do not accept ‘no 1

osmosis’
accept ‘overall’
instead of ‘net’

solution was isotonic to egg 1

12 Level 3 (5-6 marks) Indicative content

Positive and negative points identified for each Group A
group, and an understanding of the strengths Positive points
and weaknesses of each group’s method
- controlled:
demonstrated.
o potato
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
o time in solution
Positive and negative points listed for each
Negative points
group, but with limited understanding how they
will affect error, fair test, etc. - didn’t dry sample before
weighing so will introduce errors
or
Group B
Positive and negative points well evaluated for
one group, but with limited comparison to the Positive points
second group. - dried sample before weighing
so they didn’t introduce an error
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
Negative points
One or two points made but may only list
positive or negative points of one method. No - didn’t control potato or time
evidence of own knowledge being used. in solution
- didn’t weigh all individual
samples
13 volume increases 1
solute concentration higher inside bag
1
water moves from less concentrated to more
concentrated solution in the bag. 1

14a volume of cylinder = π × (0.6)2 × 6.4 1

Allow one mark if
7.2 cm3 calculation is 1
performed correctly
14b SA = (2 × π × 0.6 × 6.4) + 2(π × 0.62 ) with the diameter 1
rather than the radius
= 26.39 cm2 1

15 not all the sugar has been dissolved 1

solution will not be the expected concentration 1
results will have error 1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
4 Food tests
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 in case of food allergies Allow other sensible 1

dietary information so people can make informed suggestions
1
choses about what they are eating
2a amylase allow carbohydrase 1

2b lipase 1

2c protease 1

3 Carbohydrates — Sugars 1
Lipids — Fatty acids and glycerol 1
Proteins — Amino acids 1

4 sugar 1

5 7+1.5+2=10.5cm3 Allow two marks for 1

correct answer
14% without working 1

6 A 1
5 ml cylinder will be more precise for small 1
volumes

7 A only is true 1

8 Level 3 (5-6 marks) Indicative content

A thorough description of hazards, risks, and • bunsen burner – inform teacher
safety precautions from both the table provided of burns and run under cold water
and the student’s own knowledge. • glass – broken glass can cause
Level 2 (3-4 marks) cuts – inform teacher of any
breakages, do not attempt to
Several hazards from the table or own
clear up yourself
knowledge listed along with associated risks and
safety measures. • copper sulfate – harmful if
swallowed – wash hands after
or
handling
Several hazards from both the table and own
• ethanol – flammable – keep away
knowledge listed, but detail may be lacking
from flames
about risks and safety precautions.
• iodine – stains skin – wear gloves
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
• sodium hydroxide – corrosive -
Few hazards identified and associated risks and inform teacher of spills
safety measures not given.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
4 Food tests (continued)

9 iodine (starch) test would be positive due to 1

added starch
1
Other tests would be unchanged
10 Place a small amount of bread in a test tube 1
Add biurette solution Allow 1
add sodium hydroxide
solution + copper
Biurette solution will turn from blue to purple if sulfate solution 1
gluten is present.
11 C 1
separate fat into smaller droplets.
1

12a This answer must be balanced with positives Student A 6

and negatives for each method. Positives
Full marks can only be achieved if a justified - readily available
opinion as to the best method is given. equipment
- relatively
inexpensive
Negatives
- colour change is
subject to opinions
- only provides
qualitative results
Student B
Positives
- quantitative data
- less human error
Negatives
more expensive
12b Qualitative – data that is descriptive or OWTTE 1
categorical accept suitable
examples
Quantitative – data that is numerical or a
measurement 1

13a all plotted correctly (± ½ square) award 1 mark for 4 or 2

5 points correct
curved line of best fit 1

13b 1.5-2 one mark for each 1

3 correct row
1
2.5-3
1
1
1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
5 Enzymes
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 biological catalyst 1
speeds up a reaction without getting used up. 1

2 salivary glands allow ‘small intestine’ 1

pancreas 1

3 Starch solution – the substrate 1

Iodine solution – used to test for the presence of allow ‘indicator’ 1
starch

4 A control/to have something to compare colour 1

changes against

5 temperature Any two points 2

concentration of enzyme
concentration of substrate

6 there is a site on an enzyme where the substrate one mark for each 1
fits, this is the active site point
the active site is specific to one (or a limited 1
number of ) substrates
within the active site the enzyme binds to the 1
substrate
the enzyme will break down (or build up) the 1
substrate
the enzyme will release the products of the 1
reaction

the enzyme can more on to a different reaction 1

7a to control for temperature ‘fair test’ is insufficient 1

temperature could affect the rate of reaction 1

7b to get an accurate reading of the solution 1

the solution might not have heated up fully allow temperature in 1
tube may be lower

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
5 Enzymes (continued)

8 peak of human enzyme at 37°C 1

peak / line labelled 1
peak of extremophile enzyme further to the right 1
peak / line labelled 1

9 optimum pH is 2 1
rate is highest at pH 2 1
enzyme is denatured above pH 3.5 1
10a results correctly plotted (±½ square) for each one mark for each 3
class correct class
curved line of best fit drawn for each class. one mark for each
3
correct class

10b difference between A and B – enzyme lost 1

activity over the course of the day
difference between A/B and C – different
solution of enzyme (may be higher
1
concentration)
10c pH 5 1
shortest time taken for all three classes accept ‘lowest point 1
on the graphs’
OWTTE
11 Any two from : 2
dilute the enzyme solution Allow one change with
a suitable explanation
reduce substrate concentration of how the change will
lower temperature make the results
easier to measure for
two marks. e.g., lower
concentration of
enzyme will result in
lower reaction rate
12 So samples are not contaminated 1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
6 Photosynthesis
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 Number of bubbles/volume of gas 1

2 carbon dioxide — CO2 deduct one mark for 3

glucose — C6H12O6 one or two incorrect

oxygen — O2 answers

water — H2O one mark for one

correct answer

3 carbon dioxide + water one mark for each 1

→ correct
glucose + oxygen 1

4 oxygen accept O2 1

5 light intensity will be lower for the mobile phone. accept either example 1
stated as higher or
lower light intensity.
rate of photosynthesis will be lower with the
mobile phone 1

6 Similar volume of gas release in both sets of allow ‘larger volume in 1

results
Group A’s experiment’
1
both sets of results show that more bubbles
were produced closer to the light source 1
more bubbles in group A 1
Comparison of size/volume of each bubble 1

7 not a fair test 1

different number of leaves/surface area/number 1

of cells etc.

different amount of chloroplasts/less light 1

absorbed/

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
6 Photosynthesis (continued)

8 40 1 mark for two/three 2

26 correct
17
11 allow 10.7

9 carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis 1

carbon dioxide is dissolved in water 1

carbon dioxide used up by end of day 1

1
less photosynthesis

10 Chloroplast(s) 1

11a systematic error

11b take a reading at time zero and deduct from 1

each measurement
12 Gas syringe accept burette 1

13a 15 1

13b the line is becomes flat 1

beyond light intensity of 20 units 1
another factor is limiting the rate. 1

14 Level 3 (5–6 marks) indicative content

a detailed description of three sources of error
and suitable suggestions of how to reduce the
errors
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
one or two sources of error correctly identified
with suitable suggestions of how to reduce the
error
or
three sources of error correctly described but
with no suggestions of how to reduce the errors
Level 1 (1–2 marks)
few correct sources of error identified, with little
or no detail of how to reduce the error
bubbles on leaf before experiment
starts — gently shake the leaf to
dislodge any bubble before
experiment starts.
temperature changes — measure
with a thermometer to watch for
temperature changes. Do not leave
lamp on close to pondweed.
light intensity — ensure same light
source is used and distance is
measured from the filament to the
pondweed – not from the bulb to the
edge of the beaker.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
6 Photosynthesis (continued)

15 as the distance increases the light is spread out 1

over a larger area
area is larger in two dimensions 1
if the distance is doubled, the area is increased 1
by 22.
light intensity is therefore divided by 22 when the 1
distance doubles

7 Reaction time
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 test person at start of day/after lots of sleep 1

repeat test with same person at end of day/after
1
a bad night sleep
compare the results 1

2 not a suitable test 1

unethical as illegal/potentially harmful 1

3 Caffeine — Decrease reaction time 1

Alcohol — Increase reaction time 1
Being distracted — Increase reaction time 1

4a mean 46.8 41 40.80 award two marks if all 3

correct but given to
incorrect number of
s.f.
allow 1 mark if two
range 8.0 4 8.00 2
correct or three
correct but to incorrect
number of s.f.

4b B 1
least spread around the mean 1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
7 Reaction rates (continued)

4c Calculation of uncertainty for:

Student A = 8.5% 1
Student B = 4.9% 1
Student C = 9.8% 1

Answer = C 1

4d Precise — repeat values are close to the mean. 1

Repeatable results — whole experiment 1

repeated producing similar results

5a so hand used is controlled 1

reactions may be slower or faster with the other 1
hand

5b Any two from: same person / same volume / Accept any 2

type of music / same ruler / same height suggestion of a
variable that could
affect results

6 Stimulus detected by eye 1

signal passed to sensory neuron 1
signal relayed to spinal cord or brain 1
signal stimulates motor neuron 1
causes a response 1
electrical signal in neurons 1
chemical signal across synapse/between 1
neurons

7 280 1
8 direct measurement of reaction time 1
no need to use table of values 1
error because of reaction time of student A 1
less accurate 1

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
7 Reaction time (continued)

9a appropriate scale on x axis 1

appropriate scale on y axis
1
≥ 8 of the points plotted correctly (±½ square)
1
correct line of best fit (missing out anomalous
point) 1

9b drop 5 accept 0.17 s 1

9c as the number of attempts increase the reaction 1

time decreases
negative correlation
1

9d results support the hypothesis 1

because as the drop is repeated the faster the 1
reactions become.

9e same shape line Allow a slightly 1

different gradient

slightly longer reaction time at each point. 1

8 Plant responses
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 When a seed starts to grow / when shoots and 1

roots emerge from the seed
2 temperature 1
volumes of water given 1
type of seed 1
3 Gravitropism 1
4a large seeds so they are easy to handle 1
quick germination time 1
4b Doesn’t fit in lesson times / weekends 1
4c change the experiment away from just being 1
focused on seedling growth
factors that affect germination would play a part
1
in the results

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
8 Plant responses (continued)

5a 2.9 5/6 correct gains 3 4

marks
4.1
deduct one mark if
5.4
seedling 5 is included
6.9 in calculation of mean
8.1 deduct one mark for
9.3 quoting to more than
one dp
10.6
5b 50 1
120
0.42 1
5c appropriate units and scale on x-axis and y-axis 2
all points plotted correctly (for both conditions) 2
one mark for each correct line of best fit 2
5d seedlings are normally underground 1
have to grow quickly in the dark to reach light 1
using energy stored in seeds 1
6a auxins cause growth in shoots 1
auxins concentrate on lower side of shoot 1
auxins inhibit growth in roots 1
more growth on the upper side of the root 1
6b Auxins—Used as a weed killer spray 1
Ethene—Control the ripening of fruit 1
Giberellins—Increase the size of fruit 1
7 14.6 2
8 Level 3 (5-6 marks) 6
A detailed method that proposes a suitable, quantifiable method of
varying the moisture level while describing adequate controls of other
variables. Specific detail of apparatus and measurements must be made.
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
A suitable method proposed that varies the moisture while controlling
other variables. There may be a lack of detailed description of apparatus
and how to measure variables.
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
Suggestion of a way to change moisture levels, but lacking detail about
controlling other variables and no detail of how to make measurements.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
9 Field investigations
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 avoids unconscious bias 1

2 environment where a population lives 1

3a predict what effect it would have on habitat 1

look for rare species that need to be protected 1
3b Obtaining an accurate number would take too 1
long
3c sample a greater number of 1m2 areas 1

4a 7 1

4b All points plotted correctly (±½ square) Allow 1 mark if ≥ 6 2

points correct
4c The graph does support the statement 1
highest grass coverage is between 10 and 20
1
metres where the pH is between 6 and 7.

5 10 000 1

6 Biotic Factors Abiotic factors one mark for each 2

nutrient levels light intensity correct column
primary consumers soil pH
parasites temperature
wind

7 Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6

Detailed method including reasonable
suggestions of sample area, number of samples
and a description of how to calculate the final
estimate.
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
A method is described which uses random
sampling but may lack detail about sample
numbers and size of sample areas, or may lack
reference to how the sample data will be used to
calculate the estimate.
Level1 (1–2 marks)
A simplistic answer which correctly identifies
random sampling but lacks an adequate method.

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
9 Field investigations (continued)

8 random sampling
areas samples at randomised locations across 1
whole area
used to estimate species population 1
transect line
samples along a line/path 1
used to investigate the distribution of a species 1
9 0.25 × 0.25 1
0.0625 1
10a smaller numbers of plant A overall 3
more of plant B near the wall
more of plant A in the sunny field.
10b Even spacing of distances from wall 1
10c leaves are needed for photosynthesis 1
larger surface area – more sunlight absorbed 1
11a mean = 25.4 1
median = 20 1

11b area of field = 30 × 75 = 2250 m2 1

2
area of quadrat = 0.5625 m 1
state equation 1
correct substitution 1
6
1.02 × 10 1

10 Decay
Question Answers Extra information Marks

1 Cresol red—Indicator solution 1

Full-fat milk—Substance that is decaying 1
Sodium carbonate—pH buffer 1
Lipase solution—Enzyme to speed up decay process 1
2 Any three from: 3
volume of milk, volume of lipase, conc. of lipase, volume of cresol red

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
10 decay (continued)

3 Any three from: 3

volume of milk
volume of lipase
concentration of lipase
volume of cresol red
4 5 cm3, 10 cm3, or 20 cm3 measuring cylinder measuring cylinder is 1
insufficient
Allow other sensible
suggestions, e.g.,
10 cm3 syringe.

5a Quantitative 1
time is being measured / the results are 1
numerical

5b any three from: 3

for
more data collected (better resolution)
wider range of temperature
against
difficult to control temperature below RT
accept too many
experiment will take too long as too many reagents used for
samples taken same reason
6a Fat 1

6b rate is low for both OWTTE 1

rate slightly higher for 20 °C 1
enzyme denatured at 65 °C 1
at 25 °C enzyme meets substrate infrequently 1
6c 45 °C ± 1 °C 1

6di fatty acids 1

6dii slower at temperatures below 55 °C 1

higher rate above 55 °C 1
rate would continue to increase as temperature 1
increased.
not caused by an enzyme therefore no 1
denaturation

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AQA GCSE Biology
Required Practicals Exam Practice Workbook
10 decay (continued)

7 use a date logger/colorimeter 1

computer will measure the colour and end the 1
experiment at the same point

8a all points plotted correctly ±½ square 1 mark for 3 points 2

plotted correctly

straight line of best drawn correctly 1

8bi 5.8 (± 0.1) 1
allow answers
8bii 5.2 (± 0.1) consistent with 1
student’s LOBF
8biii 4.4 (± 0.1) 1

8ci bi / 25 minutes 1
within the range of measured results
(interpolated)
1
8cii biii / 60 minutes 1
furthest outside the range of measured results 1
9 even distribution of lipase through the mixture 1
if not stirred the lipase will only react with the 1
milk at the top

10a 338 1

10b 6 minutes 7 seconds 1

10c repeat the experiment accept use of data 1

logger for first marking
point
using smaller intervals of temperature 1
between 25 °C and 35 °C 1
11 one mark for error and follow up for effect: accept any 2
reasonable source of
starting the timer – error in recording data
error and appropriate
judgement of endpoint – error in measurement effect
of time
volume of lipase added – change rate of reaction
due to difference in enzyme concentration.

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