GCSE Biology (Edexcel): Free Mock Test & Practice Questions

GCSE Biology (Edexcel)

Cell biology, organisation, infection, bioenergetics, homeostasis, ecology. Edexcel board.

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Free practice questions

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

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✓ 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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GCSE Biology (Edexcel) — common questions

Frequently asked

How many questions are in the GCSE Biology (Edexcel)?

The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.

What is the pass mark for the GCSE Biology (Edexcel)?

You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.

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.