About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE Biology (Edexcel) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by Edexcel. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Try 3 real GCSE Biology (Edexcel) questions
Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 217 original questions. Unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.
Q1. What is the main function of the nucleus in an animal cell?
A. Contains genetic material and controls the cell's activities
B. Produces ATP through aerobic respiration
C. Site where proteins are made
D. Controls what enters and leaves the cell
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Contains genetic material and controls the cell's activities
The nucleus contains the cell's DNA, which carries the genetic instructions that control all of the cell's activities. Making ATP is the job of the mitochondria, and protein synthesis happens at ribosomes, not the nucleus itself.
Q2. Peristalsis moves food through the gut by:
A. Alternating contraction and relaxation of circular and longitudinal muscles behind and ahead of the food bolus
B. A single muscle layer contracting all at once along the entire gut
C. Cilia beating to sweep food along the gut lining
D. Gravity alone pulling food downwards through the tube
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Alternating contraction and relaxation of circular and longitudinal muscles behind and ahead of the food bolus
Circular muscles contract behind the food bolus while longitudinal muscles contract ahead of it (and vice versa in sequence), squeezing food forward in a wave. This is why food can still move to the stomach even if you are lying down or upside down, showing it is not gravity-dependent.
Q3. In the UK, herd immunity through widespread vaccination helps protect unvaccinated individuals in a population. What does 'herd immunity' mean?
A. Every individual in the population must be vaccinated for anyone to be protected
B. When enough people are vaccinated, the spread of a pathogen is significantly reduced, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated
C. Vaccinated individuals cannot carry or transmit the pathogen under any circumstances
D. Herd immunity only applies to animal populations, not humans
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. When enough people are vaccinated, the spread of a pathogen is significantly reduced, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated
Herd immunity occurs when a high enough proportion of a population is vaccinated or immune, making it difficult for a pathogen to spread between people. This indirectly protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems, because they are less likely to come into contact with an infected person. It does not require 100% vaccination coverage to be effective.
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Who has to sit the GCSE Biology (Edexcel)
Who needs a GCSE Biology (Edexcel)?
Typically taken by students around age 16. Not compulsory to retake if below Grade 4, but often essential for A-level science or healthcare courses. Suitable for private candidates and adult learners.
The real GCSE Biology (Edexcel): format
How many questions are in the GCSE Biology (Edexcel)?
The real GCSE Biology (Edexcel) has 2 questions and lasts 105 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the GCSE Biology (Edexcel) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: Grade 4 is a standard pass. For June 2026, 84/200 marks (Higher tier) was needed for a Grade 4. 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 GCSE Biology (Edexcel) cost?
Rebooking after a fail: Standard GCSE Biology runs only in the summer series (May-June). Resit for summer 2027 if missed summer 2026.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE Biology (Edexcel)?
Not showing all working or omitting steps in calculations.
Misreading command words (e.g., confusing 'describe' with 'explain').
Ignoring specific instructions like 'by reference to' or 'using your data'.
Figures for the real exam from google.com, vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE Biology (Edexcel): 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 Edexcel.