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Q1. Which property of water is most directly responsible for its use as a solvent for polar and ionic substances in living cells?
A. Water molecules are dipolar, with a slightly negative oxygen and slightly positive hydrogens
B. Water has a high specific heat capacity due to hydrogen bonding
C. Water has a high surface tension caused by cohesion between molecules
D. Water is less dense as a solid than as a liquid
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Water molecules are dipolar, with a slightly negative oxygen and slightly positive hydrogens
Water's dipolar (polar) nature means the slightly negative oxygen and slightly positive hydrogens can surround and separate charged or polar solute particles, dissolving them. Specific heat capacity and surface tension are also consequences of hydrogen bonding but relate to thermal stability and cohesion, not solvent action. Ice being less dense is due to a fixed hydrogen-bond lattice, unrelated to solvency.
Q2. A student states that all ribosomes in the body are 80S. Why is this incorrect?
A. Mitochondrial and chloroplast ribosomes, like those of prokaryotes, are 70S
B. Ribosomes vary continuously in size with no fixed sedimentation value
C. Only ribosomes bound to rough ER are 80S; free ribosomes are 70S
D. 80S applies only to plant cells, animal cells have 70S ribosomes
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Mitochondrial and chloroplast ribosomes, like those of prokaryotes, are 70S
Eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes are 80S, but mitochondria and chloroplasts contain smaller 70S ribosomes, reflecting their prokaryotic evolutionary origin (endosymbiotic theory). Sedimentation values are not continuous or dependent on ER attachment.
Q3. Insects such as locusts exchange gases via a tracheal system rather than lungs. Which statement correctly describes how gases move in the tracheoles during periods of high activity?
A. Gases move entirely by mass flow driven by the heart pumping haemolymph
B. The ends of tracheoles fill with fluid which is withdrawn into tissues, increasing the air-filled surface area for diffusion
C. Gases move exclusively by active transport across the tracheole walls
D. Spiracles remain permanently open to allow continuous bulk airflow
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. The ends of tracheoles fill with fluid which is withdrawn into tissues, increasing the air-filled surface area for diffusion
During exercise, anaerobic respiration in muscle cells produces lactate, lowering the water potential of cells, which draws fluid out of the tracheole tips. This increases the surface area of air in contact with cells, speeding diffusion of oxygen. Mass transport of air by abdominal pumping also occurs, but is separate from this specific adaptation.
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Who has to sit the A-Level Biology (OCR)
Who needs a A-Level Biology (OCR)?
School leavers, adult learners, career changers, resitters, and home-educated students aiming for university degrees (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science) or new career paths.
The real A-Level Biology (OCR): format
How many questions are in the A-Level Biology (OCR)?
The real A-Level Biology (OCR) has 3 questions and lasts 360 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the A-Level Biology (OCR) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: 72 out of 270 marks (E grade) in 2026. Our mock marks you at 24 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the A-Level Biology (OCR) cost?
Real exam fee: £340-£450 (exam & centre fees for written papers) + £650 (for practical endorsement if required). Resit fee: £340-£450 (exam & centre fees for written papers) + £650 (for practical endorsement if required)
How hard is it
What is the A-Level Biology (OCR) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 96.3% (A*-E pass rate in 2026). Difficulty: Challenging, due to extensive content, demand for precise language, application of knowledge, and mathematical skills.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the A-Level Biology (OCR)?
Using imprecise biological language and missing key terms.
Misunderstood exam command words and incomplete chains of reasoning.
Weak data interpretation skills and not paying attention to practicals.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
A-Level Biology (OCR): common questions
Frequently asked
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with OCR.