Processes Mock 2

Biological Processes Mock Number 2
- Made using past paper questions from OCR Spec (both old and new) and
some AQA and other sources.
- I’ve tried to make this paper based on my predictions / hunches of what
might come up this year.
- You should also look back at the last round of processes / biodiversity
papers I set during your revision
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
© OCR 2022. You may photocopy this

Page 1 of 40 Created in ExamBuilder
page.
1. Which inorganic ion can act as a cofactor for amylase?
A OH−
B PO43−
C Cl−
D HCO3−
Your answer
[1]
2. Fig. 2.1 shows the shapes of an enzyme molecule, its substrate and the molecules of three substances, P, Q and R.
Each substance could bind either to the enzyme or to the substrate to cause an effect.
Four tubes were set up:
• The control contained enzyme and substrate only

• Tube P contained enzyme, substrate and substance P
• Tube Q contained enzyme, substrate and substance Q
• Tube R contained enzyme, substrate and substance R.
Which option describes the most likely effect on the rate of reaction in each tube compared with the control?
Tube P Tube Q Tube R

A increased no effect no effect
B decreased no effect decreased
C decreased no effect no effect
D decreased decreased no effect
Your answer
[1]

page.
3. Fig. 9.1 shows some of the checkpoints of the cell cycle.
Which statement correctly describes the events that happen if DNA

damage is discovered at the G2 checkpoint?
A The cell cycle continues to mitosis and the DNA will be replicated during metaphase.
B The cell cycle is halted and the cell tries to repair the DNA.
C The cell cycle returns to the G1 phase to try to correct the damage.
D The cell cycle stops and the cell dies.
Your answer
[1]
4. A student tested a range of solutions of known concentrations of reducing sugar using Benedict's solution and colorimetry.
Fig. 14.1 shows the calibration curve drawn by the student.

page.
The student then tested four solutions of unknown concentrations of reducing sugar. Table 14.1 shows the results:
Solution P Q R S
Absorption (%) 60 40 70 100
Table 14.1
Select the option that gives the correct sequence of reducing sugar concentrations from highest to lowest.
A S, R, P, Q
B Q, R, P, S
C S, P, R, Q
D Q, P, R, S
Your answer
[1]
5. Fig. 8.1 shows an animal cell.
Which option describes the correct sequence of organelles involved during the production and secretion of a protein from
this cell?
A S, K, L, J B T, K, L, J C T, M, L, J D S, T, K, L
Your answer
[1]

page.
6. Which of the following formulae of fatty acids represents a saturated fatty acid?
Statement 1: Palmitic acid, C15H31COOH

Statement 2: Oleic acid, C17H33COOH
Statement 3: Linoleic acid, C17H31COOH
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. Only 1 and 2
C. Only 2 and 3
D. Only 1
Your answer
[1]
7. Which graph represents the counter-current exchange system in fish gills?
Your answer
[1]

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8. Cells require vitamins and minerals in order to function correctly. These vitamins and minerals need to cross the plasma
membrane.
Vitamins are either fat soluble or water soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble.
Which of the following combinations enter a cell by facilitated diffusion?
A vitamin A and calcium ions

B vitamin C and calcium atoms
C vitamin C and calcium ions
D vitamin A and calcium atoms
Your answer
[1]
9. The following passage has four key terms missing:

Meristem cells in plants are used to generate new plant tissues. When .......................................... tissue is formed,
.......................................... impregnates the cell walls, making them impermeable to water. All cytoplasm is lost.
When .......................................... tissue is formed, cytoplasm remains, but the
.......................................... become elongated and lose most of their cytoplasm.
What is the correct order of missing terms?
A sclerenchyma, phloem, lignin, xylem vessels

B xylem, lignin, parenchyma, phloem vessels
C phloem, collenchyma, xylem, sieve tube elements
D xylem, lignin, phloem, sieve tube elements
Your answer
[1]

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10. Dissolved material gives rise to oncotic pressure, which is related to water potential, Ψ.
Which of the following shows the typical oncotic and hydrostatic pressures in blood at the arterial and venous ends of
capillaries?
Pressure (mmHg)
Arterial end of capillary Venous end of capillary
Oncotic Hydrostatic Oncotic Hydrostatic
A −20 13 −20 33
B −20 −13 −20 13
C 20 33 −20 13
D −20 33 −20 13
Your answer
[1]
11. Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease where elastase is produced by phagocytes in the lungs, which breaks down
lung tissue. This means that a person with emphysema cannot fully exhale.
Fig. 15.1 is a diagram of a small section of a healthy lung.
Which label shows the area of lung tissue that is broken down by elastase?
Your answer
[1]

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12. Which structure, A to D, is not an example of a surface that is specialised for the purpose of gas exchange?
A alveolus of a mammal
B plasma membrane of a unicellular protoctista
C leaf of a tobacco plant
D trachea of an insect
Your answer
[1]
13. Which of the statements, A to D, correctly describes the process of adhesion?
A attraction of water molecules to the impermeable walls of xylem tissue

B attraction of water molecules to other water molecules in the xylem tissue
C active transport of water molecules into phloem tissue
D attraction of water molecules to other water molecules in the phloem tissue
Your answer [1]
14. Which of the following describes the process that happens during repolarisation of a neurone during the action potential?
Sodium channels Potassium channels Membrane potential

A closed open decreasing
B open closed decreasing
C open closed increasing
D closed open increasing
Your answer
[1]

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15. Patients with kidney failure can be treated in different ways.
Which of the following statements describes a feature of peritoneal dialysis?
1 Urea and mineral ions pass into the tissue fluid.

2 Blood is passed over an artificial membrane to remove toxins.
3 The patient receives immunosuppressant medication.
A 1, 2 and 3
B Only 1 and 2
C Only 2 and 3
D Only 1
Your answer [1]

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16. Fig. 20.1 is a flow diagram that shows the sequence of events in the body once a threat is perceived. The response is often
described as the ‘fight or flight’ response as it prepares the body to respond physically to the threat in the short-term.
i. Identify two signalling molecules named in Fig. 20.1.

page.
[1]
ii. Adrenaline acts on a variety of cell types with a variety of responses.
Complete the table by stating the effects of stimulating each target cell. The first one has been completed for you.
Target cell Response Role in the ‘fight or flight’ response

Bronchioles dilate and allow more oxygen
Smooth muscle in bronchioles Muscle relaxes
to reach blood
Sino-atrial node
Liver cell
Erector muscle in skin
[6]
iii. Describe the sequence of actions that occur once adenylyl cyclase is activated in the target liver cells.
[2]
iv. The response in Fig. 20.1 also occurs when a person is subjected to stress. However, the body does not need to
respond physically to the stimulus and so, for example, the bronchioles do not dilate.
From the information given and your own knowledge, suggest the long term adverse effects of continued exposure
to stress on body function.
[2]
17(a). Animals and plants respond to changes in their environment.
Plants respond to changes in their environment using chemicals known as plant hormones or plant growth regulators.

page.
A student carried out a two-part experiment to identify the contents of two unlabelled bottles, J and K. One bottle contained
auxin and the other contained gibberellin.
In Part 1 of the experiment, 30 seedlings had their shoot tips removed. The 30 seedlings were then divided into three groups
of 10 and treated as shown in Table 3.1 and Fig. 3.1.
Group Treatment
1 no treatment applied
2 solution of J applied to cut stem at apex of seedling
3 solution of K applied to cut stem at apex of seedling
Table 3.1
Fig. 3.1
All the seedlings were then exposed to light from all directions and left for seven days.
In Part 2 of the experiment, 30 coleoptiles had their tips removed. They were then divided into three groups of 10 coleoptiles
and treated as shown in Table 3.2 and Fig. 3.2.
Group Treatment
4 no treatment applied
5 solution of J applied to cut tip of coleoptile
6 solution of K applied to cut tip of coleoptile
Table 3.2
Fig. 3.2
The coleoptiles in groups 4, 5 and 6 were then exposed to light from one direction, as shown in Fig. 3.2, and left to grow for
two days.

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i. Identify three variables that must be controlled in this experiment to produce valid results.
[3]
ii. Groups 1 and 4 were controls in this experiment.
Explain why these controls were necessary.
[1]
The observations at the end of each part of the experiment are shown in Table 3.3.
Group Treatment Observations

1 none increase in stem length of 10 mm and growth of lateral buds
2 J on cut stem apex no growth of lateral buds
3 K on cut stem apex increase in stem length of 40 mm and growth of lateral buds
4 none vertical growth of the coleoptiles
5 J on cut coleoptile tip growth of the coleoptiles towards the light source
6 K on cut coleoptile tip vertical growth of the coleoptiles
Table 3.3
iii. Using the information from Table 3.3, identify the contents of bottles J and K and give reasons for your answer.

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J
reasons
[3]
(b). As mammalian muscle uses energy to contract, it needs an energy supply.
Complete the following passage by choosing the best term to fill each gap.
Most ATP for muscle contraction is generated by aerobic respiration in organelles
called .......................................................................... Most of this ATP is produced by the stage of aerobic
respiration called ..........................................................................

If the oxygen supply is insufficient, ATP can also be obtained from anaerobic respiration, in which pyruvate is
converted to the toxic product ..................................................... .

A third source of ATP in muscle involves the transfer of a phosphate group to ADP from a
substance called ......................................................

During the contraction of skeletal muscle, energy from ATP is used to break
the ..................................................... that hold the actin and .....................................................

together.
[6]
page.
18. Chromista are photosynthetic protoctists that live in water.
Chromista are different from other photosynthetic organisms because they contain the pigment chlorophyll c.
Chlorophyll c is not found in plants.
i. Outline the importance of photosynthetic pigments in photosynthesis.
[4]
ii. The wavelengths of light absorbed by chlorophyll c are different from those wavelengths absorbed by chlorophyll a
and chlorophyll b.
Suggest why Chromista need pigments that are different from those of other photosynthetic organisms.
[1]

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19. Fig. 23.2 shows a cross section of a plant stem. The vascular bundles containing xylem found in most other flowering plants
are absent. There are many air spaces in the stem.
Suggest and explain two likely adaptations of the leaves of the plant in Fig. 23.2.
[2]

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20. The water calthrop, Trapa natans, lives in lakes and other water bodies. Its leaves float on the surface of the water. Its stems
trail just under the surface of the water.
i. What name is given to plants like T. natans, which are adapted to life in water?
[1]
ii. Fig. 20.1 shows cells from the stem of T. natans. Water travels between the cells by two different pathways, X and
Y.
Name the pathways represented by diagrams X and Y.

page.
21. A group of students wanted to observe the position of xylem vessels in the leaf stalks (petioles) of celery.
Describe a procedure they could use to do this.
[2]
22. i. Soluble mineral ions are present in soil.
Explain why water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with nitrate (NO3–) ions.
[2]
ii. Fig. 18 shows a process that occurs in the cell surface membrane of the endodermis in the root.
Fig. 18
Explain how the events shown in Fig. 18 cause water to enter the endodermis.

page.
[2]
23. The figure below shows a drawing of a light microscope image. The image is a cross-section taken from the stem of a
dicotyledonous plant.
Which of the rows, A to D, correctly identifies the name of the tissue labelled E and the functions of tissue F and tissue G?
Name of tissue E Function of tissue F Function of tissue G

A cambium transport of assimilates transport of water
B cambium transport of water transport of assimilates
C palisade cells transport of assimilates transport of water
D palisade cells transport of water transport of assimilates
Your answer [1]

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24. Another patient shows severe symptoms of unregulated blood glucose concentration. Under certain circumstances this
condition may need to be treated with glucagon injections.
i. Under what circumstances might this patient need to be given a glucagon injection?
[1]
ii. Describe how glucagon is involved in the regulation of blood glucose concentration in a person who is able to
regulate their blood glucose concentration correctly.
In your answer, you should use appropriate technical terms, spelled correctly.
[5]

page.
25. Water moves by osmosis in living organisms.
The apparatus shown in Fig. 16 can be used to demonstrate osmosis.
Fig. 16
When the capillary tube with visking tubing bag was placed in solution Y, the level of solution X inside the capillary tube rose
from 10.5 mm to 26.5 mm.
i. The ruler used to measure the distance along the capillary tube was accurate to the nearest 0.5 mm.
Calculate the percentage uncertainty of the measurement.
uncertainty = .................................................... % [2]
i. What conclusions can be drawn about the composition of solutions X and Y?
[2]

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26. Murray’s cabbages is a company that grows cabbages for sale in major UK supermarkets. They
grow their cabbages in greenhouses in the south of England. They want to investigate whether
spraying auxin onto their cabbages would increase their yield and profit.
Design and experiment to investigate the following hypothesis:
“Varying the concentration of auxin applied affects the yield of cabbage grown in a greenhouse”
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(9)
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Question 4a
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c) Another set of students decided to adapt this respirometer method to investigate how temperature
affected the rate of respiration in woodlice. Below is their method
- they reset the position of the bubble to the start of the ruler using the syringe and 3 way tap
- they replaced the water in the waterbath with water at 20°C
- they immediately started a stopwatch and measured the distance the bubble moved in a 5
minute period
- they repeated this procedure with temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C three times at
each temperature
The then plotted their results on a line graph which is given below

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C)i) Identify 2 errors with their graph (2 marks)
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C)ii) Give one limitation with their experimental design, comment on how this may have affected their
results and suggest an improvement (3 marks)
Limitation----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Explain the effect on results--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Improvement------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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2 marks
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END OF QUESTION PAPER

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Mark scheme
Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance
1 C 1
Total 1
2 D 1
Total 1
3 B 1
Total 1
4 D 1
Total 1
5 B 1
Total 1
6 D 1
Total 1
7 B 1
Total 1
8 C 1
Total 1
9 D 1
Total 1
1
D 1
0
Total 1
1
B 1
1
Total 1

page.
1
B✓ 1
2
Total 1
1 Examiner’s Comments
A✓ 1
3 The majority of candidates chose the correct option for this question.
Total 1
1
A 1
4
Total 1
Examiner’s Comments
1 Only stronger candidates appeared to understand the processes involved in
D✓ 1
5 peritoneal dialysis. Many candidates were challenged by the nature of the question
requiring them to rule out the incorrect statements.
Total 1
two of
1 ACTH
i 1 Two answers required for 1 mark.
6 cortisol
adrenaline
increased
heart rate
Sino- increases rate
circulates
atrial of firing
blood
node impulses (1)
more
quickly (1)
makes
more
increases glucose
Liver
glycogenolysi available
cell
s (1) for
ii respiratio 6
n (1)
(causes
hairs to
be raised
Erecto and so)
r makes
contraction of
muscl animal
muscle (1)
e in look
skin larger /
more
aggressiv
e (1)

page.
catalyses synthesis of cyclic
AMP from ATP (1)
cyclic AMP activates
iii 2
enzymes responsible for
conversion of glycogen to
glucose (1)
two from
prolonged high blood
pressure can lead to
cardiovascular problems (1)
prolonged high blood sugar
i can lead to, problems with
2
v blood sugar regulation /
diabetes (1)
suppression of the immune
system can lead to
susceptibility to, disease /
infection (1)
Total 11
Mark the first answer on each prompt line. If the answer is correct and an additional
answer is given that is incorrect or contradicts the correct answer then = 0 marks
S2 IGNORE size / surface area / width

S3 IGNORE size / weight
seedlings / coleoptiles have S4 ACCEPT same genetic makeup
same IGNORE same genes
S1 age;
S2 height / length;
S3 mass;
S4 genotype / genome; For all P points IGNORE light direction (as this is an independent variable)
S5 species;
P1 IGNORE ref to concentration of solution
1
a i 3 max ACCEPT idea of consistency in application of J and K
7
P2 e.g. type / pH / fertiliser (applied) / minerals / ions

IGNORE nutrients
procedure has same
P1 same volume of solution
applied; P3 e.g. volume of water / time of watering
P4 e.g. distance from light source
P2 (named) feature of Examiner's Comments

growth medium;
The majority of candidates could correctly identify at least 2 control variables, but the
use of imprecise terms such as ‘amount’ frequently led to candidates losing marks.

page.
Teachers should advise candidates that this word should be avoided in the
construction of exam answers as it is rarely considered creditworthy.
P3 watering regime;
P4 light, intensity /
wavelength / duration;
P5 temperature;
IGNORE improves validity / fair test (as an explanation is required) ‘to show the
idea that shows the
effects of J and K’ is not enough
response without treatment
CREDIT ‘observations’ for treatments

or
ii 1
Examiner's Comments
idea that allows the, effect

Most candidates had the right idea of comparing the results to the controls or using
of the treatment / results /
the controls to show the response without treatments. However, a significant number
groups, to be, compared;
still mentioned fair test, or improved reliability.
J must be identified correctly for A marks to be awarded

ONLY CREDIT mark points
K must be identified correctly for G marks to be awarded
in context of results, and not
in context of general roles of
auxin and giberellin
A1 CREDIT (group 2) results show apical dominance
A2 CREDIT (group 5) results show positive phototropism
IGNORE plant (as all are plants)
J is auxin because
A1 inhibition of development
of (lateral) buds (in group 2);
G1 CREDIT greater elongation
iii A2 growth of, coleoptiles / 3 max
G2 CREDIT (group 3) results do not show apical dominance
group 5, towards light;
Examiner's Comments
K is gibberellin because
Although the hormones were correctly identified by the majority, several candidates
G1 greater increase in,
lost marks by not relating the functions of the hormones to the results given. Where
height / stem length (in
candidates missed out on MPA2 it was often because they had said ‘bent towards
group 3);
the light’ or missed saying positive when they had given phototropism. Others had
G2 causes growth of
not mentioned greater increase in stem length and some had also included group 6
(lateral) buds (in group 3);
as a result for gibberellins.
Mark the first answer on each prompt line. If the answer is correct and an additional
answer is given that is incorrect or contradicts the correct answer then = 0 marks
ACCEPT mitochondrion
b 6 DO NOT CREDIT mitochondrial matrix
mitochondria; IGNORE electron transport chain (as not a stage)

page.
oxidative phosphorylation; ACCEPT lactic acid
lactate; DO NOT CREDIT creatinine
creatine phosphate / DO NOT CREDIT bond

phosphocreatine; ACCEPT phonetic spelling
Examiner's Comments
(cross-)bridge / (cross-)link;
myosin (head); This question proved to be a good discriminator, with less able candidates scoring 2
or 3 marks and stronger candidates scoring 5 or 6 marks. Almost all candidates
correctly got the mark for mitochondria, and most also got the mark for myosin. The
most common mark missing from this question was for creatine phosphate.
Total 13
(pigments) absorb , light /

photons ✓
electrons , excited / raised
to higher energy level ✓ ALLOW named accessory pigments e.g. chlorophyll b / xanthophyll / carotenoids
ALLOW chlorophyll a for primary pigment
accessory pigments pass
1 energy to , reaction centres
i 4 max
8 / primary pigments ✓ ALLOW for making , ATP / reduced NADP
primary pigments , become
oxidised / lose electrons / Examiner’s Comments
pass electrons to ETC ✓
AO1 was assessed in this part of the question. Many candidates were able to state
for light dependent reaction that pigments absorbed light, excited electrons and were important in a named stage
/ photophosphorylation ✓ or process in photosynthesis. Mark points 3 and 4 were most often credited to higher
ability candidates who were able to differentiate between primary and accessory
pigments and their relevant roles.
ALLOW blue / blue-violet light

ALLOW wavelengths between 400 and 500nm
idea that they have to ALLOW high(er) frequency
absorb light of short (er)
wavelengths ✓ e.g. some wavelengths of light may not reach Chromista if they are in deep water
ii 1 max Examiner’s Comments
idea that some wavelengths There were few correct responses for this part of the question which was assessing
(of light) don’t reach , AO2. Many candidates were able to appreciate that living in water was the reason
depths / them ✓ behind the need for a different pigment but did not mention the fact that it was
because only certain (shorter) wavelengths of light penetrated sufficiently to reach
Chromista.
Total 5

page.
no / thin, (waxy) cuticle and
idea that wax production is
a waste (1)
large surface area to,
increase / maximise,
photosynthesis, as
1
transpiration is not an issue 2
9
(1)
many stomata to, increase /
ALLOW stomata do not close at night to maximise gas exchange
maximise, gas exchange (1)
stomata on the top surface,
as gas concentration is
higher in air than water (1)
Total 2
2
i hydrophyte 1
0
X symplast (1)
ii 2
Y apoplast (1)
Total 3
IGNORE any observations
D1 put, (leaf) stalk(s) / D1 ACCEPT ‘stick’ for ‘stalk’

petiole(s), in, dye / stain /
food colouring ✓
D2 (then) cut, transversely /

cross section ✓ cut across,
(leaf) stalk / petiole (with a sharp blade)
D2 ACCEPT
a longitudinal, cut / section
cut in half
2
OR 2 IGNORE
1
M1 cut a (thin), transverse /

IGNORE
cross, section ✓
cut a (thin) slice of (leaf) stalk / petiole

(with a sharp blade)
M1 ACCEPT
a longitudinal, cut / section
M2 (then) add (named) stain cut in half
/
observe with microscope
under low power ✓
IGNORE

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IGNORE
Examiner’s Comments The responses suggested that few candidates had carried
out, or even seen, a practical procedure used to observe the distribution of xylem.
Standing the leaf stalk in a coloured solution was the most common basic method
described but this was often not followed up with the need to cut a section in order
to observe the location of the xylem vessels. Few had any understanding of the
difference between the stem, leaf and leaf stalk of celery or how to produce a cross
or transverse section for viewing with a low power microscope, and often confused
transverse and longitudinal or even suggested cutting lengthways. Credit was given
for recognising that a stain was needed but naming a suitable stain for xylem was
rare. Many candidates knew to observe under a microscope but did not specify
under low power. Some candidates described the use of a potometer to view xylem
vessels.
Total 2
Read answer first; if two marks from written response, IGNORE diagram. If two
marks not awarded refer to diagram to find additional mark(s).
DO NOT ALLOW water is charged

ALLOW water has slightly positive / δ+, H
water is (a) polar (molecule) IGNORE ‘δ– O’ if describing water
✔
2 IGNORE ‘δ– O’ if describing nitrate or on diagram
i 2 max
2 DO NOT ALLOW nitrate is polar
nitrate (ion) / NO3–, is, IGNORE solid line for H bond on diagram
charged / negative ✔
NOTE ‘delta plus of water is attracted to negative charge of nitrate’ = 2 marks (MP1
and 2)
(hydrogen bonds form)
between H on water and O NOTE the following examples
on nitrate ✔

page.
The majority of candidates gained the maximum two marks for Q18(c)(i). However,
there were those who incorrectly described or drew the bonding between the
hydrogen on water and the nitrate ion rather than the oxygen atom of nitrate.
Numerous candidates also suggested that the oxygen on the nitrate ion is ‘slightly’

page.
negative or that nitrate is a polar molecule in an attempt to gain marking point two;
neither of these options could be credited. It was noted by Examiners that
candidates were often better at expressing their ideas in a diagram rather than in
written text and many candidates scored the maximum marks from their diagrams.
ALLOW Ψ for water potential throughout

DO NOT ALLOW ref to concentration of water in mps 2 or 3
ALLOW ‘pumped’ as AW for active transport
solutes / ions / named ion,

enter, against concentration ALLOW water potential of cell(s) becomes more negative
gradient / by active
ii 2 max
transport ✔ ALLOW from high to low water potential
reduces water potential of Examiner’s Comments

(endodermal) cell(s) ✔ Q18(c)(ii) was surprisingly challenging despite the desired responses being fairly
straightforward. Good responses clearly indicated that active transport of mineral
water, moves / diffuses, by ions or solutes into the endodermis would lead to water entering by osmosis. A large
osmosis / down water number of incorrect responses were seen which referred to water being actively
potential gradient ✔ transported or water moving down a concentration gradient.
Total 4
1
2
A✓ (AO1.1
3
)
Total 1
1 CREDIT hypoglycaemic / hypoglycaemia

IGNORE ‘below normal’ alone
1 if blood glucose falls,
extremely / dangerously /
too / very, low; 2 CREDIT ref to dysfunctional, α cells / glucagon receptors
2 if patient, cannot 3 CREDIT a suitable reason (e.g. fitting or in a coma)

2
i produce (enough) glucagon 1 max
4
/ produces little glucagon; Examiner's Comments
Most candidates gained a mark in this section for stating that the circumstance under
3 idea that glucose which the patient would need to be given a glucagon injection would be a very low
source cannot be taken by blood glucose level. Some also commented that the alpha cells may not be
mouth; functioning properly, resulting in an inadequate secretion of glucagon. It was
insufficient to refer to ‘low blood glucose’ or ‘below normal blood glucose
concentration’.
when blood glucose IGNORE ref to insulin or events following an increase in blood glucose concentration
concentration decreases
1 DO NOT CREDIT ‘alpha cells are produced’
ii 4 max
1 (glucagon) released by
the, alpha / α, cells in, islets
of Langerhans / pancreas; 2 Any description must correspond correctly to term

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DO NOT CREDIT if glucagon converts glycogen directly
2 promotes / AW,
conversion of glycogen to 3 Any description must correspond correctly to term
glucose / glycogenolysis, in, IGNORE imprecise ref to glucagon doing the conversion
liver / muscle / effector,
cells; 4 Any description must correspond correctly to term
IGNORE imprecise ref to glucagon doing the conversion
3 ref gluconeogenesis / 5 DO NOT CREDIT stopping glucagon secretion

described;
6 DO NOT CREDIT stopping insulin secretion
4 ref conversion of
triglycerides to (free) fatty
acids / lipolysis / increased
use of fatty acids in
respiration;
5 negative feedback,
reduces / inhibits, the
secretion of glucagon;
6 glucagon, reduces /
inhibits, insulin secretion;
Use of three terms from:
alpha, islet,
pancreas, glycogen,
glycogenolysis, effector,
gluconeogenesis, negative feedback
QWC – technical terms Please insert a QWC symbol next to the pencil icon, followed by
ii used appropriately and 1 a tick (✓) if QWC has been awarded
spelled correctly; or a cross (×) if QWC has not been awarded You should use the green dot to
identify the QWC terms that you are crediting.
Examiner's Comments
The role of glucagon in the regulation of blood glucose concentration produced

variable responses. Better candidates achieved all marks available for a good
description of the secretion of glucagon from the alpha cells of the islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas and its subsequent effects on liver or muscle cells. Most
appreciated that glucagon would stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, or

page.
described the processes, although some failed to gain the second marking point for
either failing to identify the effector cells or stating that glucagon itself would convert
glycogen into glucose. Some contradicted their answers by referring to the
breakdown of glycogen to glucose as glycolysis. While many also recognised that
more fatty acids would be used in respiration, some simply that fats or lipids would
be used. There were comparatively few references to glucagon reducing insulin
secretion (most stated that insulin secretion was stopped) and hardly any to negative
feedback reducing glucagon secretion once blood glucose levels had been restored
to normal.
Most candidates were awarded the QWC mark for three technical terms spelled
correctly and used in an appropriate context.
Total 6
FIRST CHECK ON
Only a few candidates knew exactly what to do here and gained both marks. A
ANSWER LINE
smaller number of candidates carried out a correct calculation but they only
If answer = 6.25 or 6.3
considered uncertainty at one end, so scored 1 mark. A number of candidates used
award 2 marks ✓✓
an inappropriate number of significant figures and were therefore didn’t score full
marks for the calculation.
If answer is incorrect
2 ALLOW 1 mark max for any 2 (AO
i
5 one of… 2.8)
correct answer to 1 or >3
s.f. OCR support
3.125 ± 0.005
0.0625 or 0.063
The ‘Maths for Biology’ website offers support on calculating uncertainties as well as
(2 x 0.5) / (26.5 – 10.5) x
the correct use of significant figures:
100 ✓
https:/www.ocr.org.uk/subjects/biology/maths-for-biology/handling-data/
Must be comparative statements

IGNORE water concentration
Y / solution outside bag, IGNORE hypertonic / hypotonic

has higher, water potential / ALLOW X has more sugar molecules
Ψ (than X) ✓ ora
2 (AO Examiner’s Comments
ii
X / solution inside bag, has 3.1)
higher, solute / AW, Many candidates scored one mark for getting the water potentials the right way
concentration / potential round. However, only a few candidates expanded their answer. Most candidates did
(than Y) ✓ ora address the issue of solute concentration but often did not express this with sufficient
precision. For example, ‘solution X is more concentrated’ was not awarded a mark. A
few candidates explained the processes that were happening, rather than answering
the question being asked, which was to draw conclusions.
Total 0

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Processes Mock 2

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Processes Mock 2

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Biological Processes Mock Number 2

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

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Four tubes were set up:

• The control contained enzyme and substrate only

Tube P Tube Q Tube R

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Which statement correctly describes the events that happen if DNA

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5. Fig. 8.1 shows an animal cell.

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Statement 1: Palmitic acid, C15H31COOH

7. Which graph represents the counter-current exchange system in fish gills?

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Which of the following combinations enter a cell by facilitated diffusion?

A vitamin A and calcium ions

9. The following passage has four key terms missing:

What is the correct order of missing terms?

A sclerenchyma, phloem, lignin, xylem vessels

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Fig. 15.1 is a diagram of a small section of a healthy lung.

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13. Which of the statements, A to D, correctly describes the process of adhesion?

A attraction of water molecules to the impermeable walls of xylem tissue

Your answer [1]

Sodium channels Potassium channels Membrane potential

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Which of the following statements describes a feature of peritoneal dialysis?

1 Urea and mineral ions pass into the tissue fluid.

Your answer [1]

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i. Identify two signalling molecules named in Fig. 20.1.

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ii. Adrenaline acts on a variety of cell types with a variety of responses.

Target cell Response Role in the ‘fight or flight’ response

Erector muscle in skin

17(a). Animals and plants respond to changes in their environment.

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ii. Groups 1 and 4 were controls in this experiment.

Explain why these controls were necessary.

Group Treatment Observations

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(b). As mammalian muscle uses energy to contract, it needs an energy supply.

Most ATP for muscle contraction is generated by aerobic respiration in organelles

called .......................................................................... Most of this ATP is produced by the stage of aerobic

respiration called ..........................................................................

converted to the toxic product ..................................................... .

substance called ......................................................

the ..................................................... that hold the actin and .....................................................

Chlorophyll c is not found in plants.

i. Outline the importance of photosynthetic pigments in photosynthesis.

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Name the pathways represented by diagrams X and Y.

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Describe a procedure they could use to do this.

22. i. Soluble mineral ions are present in soil.

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Name of tissue E Function of tissue F Function of tissue G

Your answer [1]

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The apparatus shown in Fig. 16 can be used to demonstrate osmosis.