Cell Division

Cell Division
These practice questions can be used by students and teachers

and is suitable for GCSE AQA Biology topic Questions 8641
Level: GCSE AQA Biology 8641
Subject: Biology
Exam board: GCSE AQA
Topic: Cell Division
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Q1.
This question is about the cell cycle.
(a) Chromosomes are copied during the cell cycle.
Where are chromosomes found?
Tick one box.
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Ribosomes
Vacuole
(1)
(b) What is the name of a section of a chromosome that controls a characteristic?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
Figure 1 shows information about the cell cycle.
(c) Which stage of the cell cycle in Figure 1 takes the most time?
Tick one box.
Cell growth

Copying of chromosomes
Mitosis
(1)
(d) During mitosis cells need extra energy.

Which cell structures provide most of this energy?
Tick one box.
Chromosomes
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
(1)
(e) The cell cycle in Figure 1 takes two hours in total.

The cell growth stage takes 45 minutes.
Calculate the time taken for mitosis.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Time = ____________________ minutes

(2)
Figure 2 shows some cells in different stages of the cell cycle.

(f) Which cell is not dividing by mitosis
Tick one box.
(1)
(g) Cell E in Figure 2 contains 8 chromosomes.

Cell E divides by mitosis.
How many chromosomes will each new cell contain?
Tick one box.
16
(1)
(h) Why is mitosis important in living organisms?
Tick one box.
To produce gametes

To produce variation
To release energy
To repair tissues
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
Q2.
Plants are made up of cells, tissues and organs.
(a) Draw one line from each level of organisation to the correct plant part.
Level of organisation Plant part
Leaf
Organ Root hair
Spongy mesophyll
Tissue Vacuole
Xylem
(2)
Figure 1 shows a plant cell drawn to scale.

(b) Where in a plant would the cell in Figure 1 be found?
Tick one box.
Epidermis
Palisade mesophyll
Phloem
Xylem
(1)
(c) Calculate the length of the chloroplast labelled in Figure 1.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Length = ____________________ micrometres

(2)
(d) Cells in plant roots do not photosynthesise.
Give one reason why.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(e) As a plant grows, new root hair cells are formed from unspecialised cells.
How does an unspecialised cell become a new root hair cell?
Tick one box.
Differentiation
Metabolism
Transpiration
Transport
(1)
Scientists can clone plants using tissue culture.
Figure 2 shows the process of tissue culture.
(f) Why might scientists want to clone plants?
Tick one box.
To create new species of plants.
To introduce variation into plants.

To protect endangered plants from extinction.
To reduce disease resistance in plants.
(1)
(g) What is the advantage of cloning plants using tissue culture?
Tick one box.
No special equipment is needed.
Plants can be produced quickly.
The flowers are all different colours.
The offspring are all genetically different.
(1)
(h) The growth medium in Figure 2 helps the plants to grow.
Name one substance in the growth medium.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Q3.
Cell division is needed for growth and for reproduction.
(a) The table below contains three statements about cell division.
Complete the table.
Tick one box for each statement.
Statement is true for
Both
Mitosis Meiosis mitosis
Statement
only only and
meiosis
All cells produced are genetically

identical

In humans, at the end of cell division
each cell contains 23 chromosomes
Involves DNA replication
(2)
Bluebell plants grow in woodlands in the UK.

• Bluebells can reproduce sexually by producing seeds.
• Bluebells can also reproduce asexually by making new bulbs.
(b) One advantage of asexual reproduction for bluebells is that only one parent is
needed.
Suggest two other advantages of asexual reproduction for bluebells.
1. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) Explain why sexual reproduction is an advantage for bluebells.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
Q4.
Rose black spot is a disease of roses.
(a) What type of microorganism causes rose black spot?
Tick one box.

A bacterium
A fungus
A protist
A virus
(1)
(b) Explain how different types of organism defend themselves against

microorganisms.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(6)
(c) A student tried to grow some bacteria in the laboratory.
The diagram shows some of the apparatus used.
This is the method used.
1. Remove the lid of the Petri dish.

2. Remove the lid of the bottle containing the bacteria.
3. Use the inoculating loop to remove some of the bacteria from the bottle.
4. Spread the bacteria over the agar using the inoculating loop.
5. Put the lid back on the Petri dish.
6. Put the Petri dish into an incubator at 25 °C for 24 hours.
Steps 1−5 could cause the sample of the bacteria on the petri dish to be
contaminated.
Give three improvements to the method to prevent contamination.
1. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(d) Why did the student grow the bacteria at 25 °C rather than at 40 °C?
Tick one box.
So the bacteria grew more quickly
So the bacteria grew more slowly
To prevent the growth of a harmful pathogen
To save money
(1)
(Total 11 marks)
Q5.
Stem cells can be used to treat some diseases.
(a) What is a stem cell?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Figure 1 shows a malignant tumour in the trachea of a patient.
(b) Give one way a malignant tumour differs from a benign tumour.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
Scientists can treat the patient’s tumour by replacing the trachea with a plastic trachea.
The plastic trachea has a layer of the patient’s own stem cells covering it.
Figure 2 shows the procedure.

(c) In Step 3 the cells are left for 48 hours to divide.
Name the type of cell division in Step 3.
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) In Step 3 the cells are given oxygen and water.
Name two other substances the cells need so they can grow and divide.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
(2)
(e) Give two advantages of using the stem cell trachea compared with a trachea from a
dead human donor.
1. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(f) Sometimes the stem cell trachea is not strong enough.
Doctors can put a stent into the trachea.
Suggest how a stent in the trachea helps to keep the patient alive.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(g) Stem cells can also be obtained from human embryos.
Evaluate the use of stem cells from a patient’s own bone marrow instead of stem
cells from an embryo.
Give a conclusion to your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(6)
(Total 16 marks)
Q6.
The diagram shows how scientists can use genetic engineering to produce human growth
hormone.

(a) Human growth hormone is made by the pituitary gland.
The human DNA containing the gene for growth hormone can be taken from a
white blood cell.
Give the reason why the gene does not have to be taken from cells in the
pituitary gland.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
The figure above shows that the plasmid contains two genes for antibiotic resistance:
• a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin
• a gene for resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline.
(b) Explain how the structure of Enzyme 1 allows it to cut the gene for tetracycline
resistance, but not the gene for ampicillin resistance.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(c) In the final step of the diagram above, very few bacteria take up a plasmid
containing the gene for growth hormone.
Some bacteria take up an unmodified plasmid.
Most bacteria do not take up a plasmid.
Complete the table below.

• Put a tick in the box if the bacterium can multiply in the presence of the
given antibiotic.
• Put a cross in the box if the bacterium cannot multiply in the presence of the
given antibiotic.
Bacterium can multiply in the

presence of
Ampicillin Tetracycline
Bacterium + plasmid with growth hormone gene
Bacterium without a plasmid
Bacterium with an unmodified plasmid
(d) The figure above shows that the bacterium containing the gene for human growth
hormone multiplies by cell division.
This produces a clone of bacteria.
Explain why all the bacteria in this clone are able to produce growth hormone.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
Q7.
Figure 1 shows a human cheek cell viewed under a light microscope.
Figure 1
© Ed Reschke/Photolibrary/Getty Images
(a) Label the nucleus and cell membrane on Figure 1.

(2)
(b) Cheek cells are a type of body cell.
Body cells grow through cell division.
What is the name of this type of cell division?
Tick one box.
Differentiation
Mitosis
Specialisation
(1)
(c) Ribosomes and mitochondria are not shown in Figure 1.
What type of microscope is needed to see ribosomes and mitochondria?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) What is the advantage of using the type of microscope you named in part (c)?
Tick one box.

Cheaper
Higher magnification
Lower resolution
(1)
(e) The cheek cell in Figure 2 is magnified 250 times.
The width of the cell is shown by the line D to E.
Figure 2
Calculate the width of the cheek cell in micrometres (µm).
Complete the following steps.
Measure the width of the cell using a ruler _____________________ mm
Use the equation to work out the real width of the cell in mm:
real size = _____________________ mm
Convert mm to µm _____________________ µm
(3)
(f) A red blood cell is 8 µm in diameter.
A bacterial cell is 40 times smaller.
Calculate the diameter of the bacterial cell.
Tick one box.
0.02 µm
0.2 µm

2.0 µm
20.0 µm
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
Q8.
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a disease affecting plants.
The diagram below shows a leaf infected with TMV.
© Nigel Cattlin/Visuals Unlimited/Getty Images
(a) All tools should be washed in disinfectant after using them on plants infected with
TMV.
Suggest why.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Scientists produced a single plant that contained a TMV-resistant gene.
Suggest how scientists can use this plant to produce many plants with the TMV-
resistant gene.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) Some plants produce fruits which contain glucose.
Describe how you would test for the presence of glucose in fruit.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(d) TMV can cause plants to produce less chlorophyll.
This causes leaf discoloration.
Explain why plants with TMV have stunted growth.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
Q9.
Figure 1 shows photographs of some animal cells at different stages during the cell cycle.
Figure 1

A © Ed Reschke/Photolibrary/Getty Images
B © Ed Reschke/Oxford Scientific/Getty Images
C © Ed Reschke/Photolibrary/Getty Images
(a) Which photograph in Figure 1 shows a cell that is not going through mitosis?
Tick one box.
A B C
(1)
(b) Describe what is happening in photograph A.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) A student wanted to find out more about the cell cycle.
The student made a slide of an onion root tip.
She counted the number of cells in each stage of the cell cycle in one field of view.
The table below shows the results.
Stages in the cell cycle
Non-dividing cells Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Total
Number of cells 20 9 4 2 1 36
Each stage of the cell cycle takes a different amount of time.
Which stage is the fastest in the cell cycle?
Give a reason for your answer.
Stage _____________________
Reason ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(d) The cell cycle in an onion root tip cell takes 16 hours.
Calculate the length of time Stage 2 lasts in a typical cell.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Time in Stage 2 = ________________________ minutes

(3)
(e) Bacteria such as Escherichia coli undergo cell division similar to mitosis.
Figure 2 shows a growth curve for E. coli grown in a nutrient broth.
Figure 2

What type of cell division causes the change in number of E. coli cells at P?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(f) Suggest why the number of cells levels out at Q.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q10.
The diagram below shows the production of human sperm cells.

(a) Name the organ where the processes shown in the diagram above take place.
______________________________
(1)
(b) (i) Not every cell in the diagram above contains the same amount of DNA.
Cell A contains 6.6 picograms of DNA (1 picogram = 10-12 grams).
How much DNA is there in each of the following cells?
Cell B _____________ picograms
Cell C _____________ picograms
Cell E _____________ picograms

(2)
(ii) How much DNA would there be in a fertilised egg cell?
_____________________ picograms
(1)
(iii) A fertilised egg cell divides many times to form an embryo.
Name this type of cell division.
______________________________
(1)
(c) After a baby is born, stem cells may be collected from the umbilical cord. These can
be frozen and stored for possible use in the future.
(i) What are stem cells?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Suggest why it is ethically more acceptable to take stem cells from an
umbilical cord instead of using stem cells from a 4-day-old embryo produced
by In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iii) Stem cells taken from a child’s umbilical cord could be used to treat a
condition later in that child’s life.
Give one advantage of using the child’s own umbilical cord stem cells instead
of using stem cells donated from another person.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iv) Why would it not be possible to treat a genetic disorder in a child using his
own umbilical cord stem cells?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Q11.
Figure 1 shows some information about ‘stem cell burgers’.
Figure 1
(a) (i) Some scientists think using cultured meat instead of traditionally-produced
meat will help reduce global warming.
Suggest two reasons why using cultured meat may slow down the rate of
global warming.
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Suggest two other possible advantages of producing cultured meat instead of
farmed meat.
Do not refer to cost in your answer.
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) Mycoprotein is one type of food that is mass-produced.
Figure 2 shows a fermenter used to produce mycoprotein.
Figure 2
Describe how mycoprotein is produced.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
Q12.
(a) In humans there are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.
The table below gives statements about cell division.
Tick ( ) one box in each row to show if the statement is true for mitosis only, for
meiosis only, or for both mitosis and meiosis.
The first row has been done for you.
Both
Mitosis Meiosis mitosis
Statement
only only and
meiosis
How cells are replaced
How gametes are made
How a fertilised egg undergoes cell division
How copies of the genetic information are

made
How genetically identical cells are produced

(4)
(b) Stem cells can be taken from human embryos.
In therapeutic cloning, an embryo is produced that has the same genes as the
patient.
(i) Name one source of human stem cells, other than human embryos.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Stem cells from embryos can be transplanted into patients for medical
treatment.
Give one advantage of using stem cells from embryos, compared with cells
from the source you named in part (i).
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q13.
Human cells and yeast cells have some parts that are the same.
(a) The diagram shows a yeast cell.
Parts A and B are found in human cells and in yeast cells. On the diagram, label
parts A and B.
(2)
(b) Many types of cell can divide to form new cells.
Some cells in human skin can divide to make new skin cells.
Why do human skin cells need to divide?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) Human stem cells can develop into many different types of human cell.
(i) Use the correct answer from the box to complete the sentence.
embryos hair nerve cells
Human stem cells may come from
______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Use the correct answer from the box to complete the sentence.
cystic fibrosis paralysis polydactyly
Human stem cells can be used to treat
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q14.
In sexual reproduction, an egg fuses with a sperm.
(a) (i) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
cloning.
An egg and a sperm fuse together in the process of fertilisation.
mitosis.
(1)
(ii) Egg cells and sperm cells each contain the structures given in the box.
chromosome gene nucleus
List these three structures in size order, starting with the smallest.
1 ____________________________________________________ (smallest)
2 ____________________________________________________________
3 _____________________________________________________ (largest)
(2)
(iii) The egg and the sperm contain genetic material.
Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
carbohydrate.
The genetic material is made of DNA.
protein.
(1)
(b) The diagram below shows the inheritance of X and Y chromosomes.

(i) Draw a tick ( ) on the part of the diagram that shows a sperm cell.
(1)
(ii) What is the chance of having a female child?
Give the reason for your answer.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q15.
CADASIL is an inherited disorder caused by a dominant allele.
CADASIL leads to weakening of blood vessels in the brain.
The diagram shows the inheritance of CADASIL in one family.
(a) CADASIL is caused by a dominant allele.
(i) What is a dominant allele?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) What is the evidence in the diagram that CADASIL is caused by a dominant
allele?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iii) Person 7 has CADASIL.
Is person 7 homozygous or heterozygous for the CADASIL allele?
Give evidence for your answer from the diagram.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Persons 7 and 8 are planning to have another baby.

Use a genetic diagram to find the probability that the new baby will develop into a
person with CADASIL.
Use the following symbols to represent alleles.
D = allele for CADASIL

d = allele for not having CADASIL
Probability = ____________________________________
(4)
(c) Scientists are trying to develop a treatment for CADASIL using stem cells.
Specially treated stem cells would be injected into the damaged part of the brain.
(i) Why do the scientists use stem cells?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

(2)
(ii) Embryonic stem cells can be obtained by removing a few cells from a human
embryo. In 2006, scientists in Japan discovered how to change adult skin cells
into stem cells. Suggest one advantage of using stem cells from adult skin
cells.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Q16.
(a) (i) Mitosis and meiosis are types of cell division.
For each feature in the table, tick ( ) one box to show if the feature occurs:
• only in mitosis
• only in meiosis.
Only in Only in
Feature mitosis mitosis
( ) ( )
Produces new cells during growth and repair
Produces gametes (sex cells)
Produces genetically identical cells

(2)
(ii) Name the organ that produces gametes (sex cells) in:
a man ______________________
a woman ____________________
(2)
(b) X and Y chromosomes are the sex chromosomes. They determine a person’s sex.
What sex chromosomes will be found in the body cells of:
(i) a man ______________________

(1)
(ii) a woman? ____________________

(1)
(c) A man and a woman decide to have a child.
What is the chance that the child will be a boy? ________________________

(1)

(Total 7 marks)
Q17.
The photographs show the flowers of two closely-related species of plant.
Species A Species B
Images: © iStock/Thinkstock
The drawings show chromosomes from one cell in the root of each plant during cell
division.
Species A Species B
One One
chromosome chromosome
(a) The drawings show that each chromosome has two strands of genetic material.
(i) How does a chromosome become two strands?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Explain why each chromosome must become two strands before the cell
divides.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) For sexual reproduction, the plants produce gametes.
(i) Name the type of cell division that produces gametes. ___________________
(1)
(ii) How many chromosomes would there be in a gamete from each of these two
plant species?
Species A Species B
(1)
(iii) It is possible for gametes from Species A to combine with gametes from
Species B to produce healthy offspring plants.
How many chromosomes would there be in each cell of one of the offspring
plants?
(1)
(c) (i) Look back at the information at the start of the question and the information
from part (b).
What evidence from these two pieces of information supports the belief that
Species A and Species B evolved from a common ancestor?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) For successful gamete production to take place, chromosomes that contain
the same genes must pair up.
The drawings showing the chromosomes of Species A and of Species B are

repeated below.
Species A Species B

The offspring plants cannot reproduce sexually.
Suggest an explanation for this.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q18.
Stem cells can be collected from human embryos and from adult bone marrow.
Stem cells can develop into different types of cell.
The table gives information about using these two types of stem cell to treat patients.
Stem cells from human embryos Stem cells from adult bone marrow
It costs £5000 to collect a few cells. It costs £1000 to collect many cells.
There are ethical issues in using Adults give permission for their own
embryo stem cells. bone marrow to be collected.
The stem cells can develop into most The stem cells can develop into only a
other types of cell. few types of cell.
Each stem cell divides every 30 Each stem cell divides every four
minutes. hours.
There is a low chance of a patient’s There is a high chance of a patient’s

immune system rejecting the cells. immune system rejecting the cells.
More research is needed into the use Use of these stem cells is considered
of these stem cells. to be a safe procedure.
Scientists are planning a new way of treating a disease, using stem cells.
Use only the information above to answer these questions.
(a) Give three advantages of using stem cells from embryos instead of from adult bone
marrow.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) Give three advantages of using stem cells from adult bone marrow instead of from
embryos.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
Q19.
Read the information about stem cells.
Stem cells are used to treat some human diseases.
Stem cells can be collected from early embryos. These stem cells have not begun
to differentiate, so they could be used to produce any kind of cell, tissue or organ.
The use of embryonic stem cells to treat human diseases is new and, for some
diseases, trials on patients are happening now.
Stem cells can also be collected from adult bone marrow. The operation is simple
but may be painful. Stem cells in bone marrow mainly differentiate to form blood
cells. These stem cells have been used successfully for many years to treat some
kinds of blood disease. Recently there have been trials of other types of stem cell
from bone marrow. These stem cells are used to treat diseases such as heart
disease.
Evaluate the use of stem cells from embryos or from adult bone marrow for treating
human diseases.
You should give a conclusion to your evaluation.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 5 marks)
Q20.
The photograph shows some cells in the root of an onion plant.
By UAF Center for Distance Education [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr
(a) Cells X and Y have just been produced by cell division.
(i) Name the type of cell division that produced cells X and Y.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) What happens to the genetic material before the cell divides?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) A gardener wanted to produce a new variety of onion.
Explain why sexual reproduction could produce a new variety of onion.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q21.
The diagram shows a strawberry plant.
The parent plant grows side shoots.
New plants grow on the side shoots.
© D.G. Mackean
The new plants will all have the same inherited characteristics as the original parent plant.
Complete the sentences to explain why.
Use words from the box.
asexual differentiation embryos fertilisation
gametes genes mitosis sexual
(a) The new plant is produced by _______________________________ reproduction.

(1)
(b) In this type of reproduction, body cells divide by ____________________________

(1)
(c) The new plant has the same ___________________________ as the parent plant.
(1)
(Total 3 marks)
Q22.
Some students grew one species of bacterium in a flask.
Diagram 1 shows the flask.

The students wanted to find the number of bacteria in 1 cm3 of the culture medium.
The students:
• diluted 1 cm3 of the culture medium from the flask with 999 cm3 of water
• added 1 cm3 of diluted culture to sterilised nutrient agar in a Petri dish
• placed the Petri dish in an incubator at 25 °C.
Diagram 2 shows the Petri dish after 3 days in the incubator.
(a) Each colony of bacteria is formed where one bacterium landed on the agar jelly.
How is each colony formed?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Complete the following calculation to find how many bacteria there were in 1 cm3 of
the undiluted culture.
Number of colonies of bacteria in the Petri dish = ____________________

These colonies were formed from 1 cm3 of the culture diluted × 1000.
Therefore, number of bacteria in 1 cm3 of undiluted culture = __________

(2)
(c) It is important to sterilise the culture medium and all the apparatus before use.
Explain why.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(d) The bacteria would grow faster at 35 °C. In a school laboratory, the Petri dish should
not be incubated at a temperature higher than 25 °C.
Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(e) The students decided to repeat their investigation.
Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q23.
The table shows the number of chromosomes found in each body cell of some different
organisms.
Animals Plants
Species Number of chromosomes Species Number of chromosomes

in each body cell in each body cell
Fruit fly 8 Tomato 24
Goat 60 Potato 44
Human 46 Rice 24
(a) Nearly every organism on earth has an even number of chromosomes in its body
cells.
Suggest why.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Chromosomes contain DNA molecules.
Describe the function of DNA.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(c) Gametes are made in the testes by meiosis.
(i) Look at the diagrams.
Which diagram, A, B, C or D, represents how cell division by meiosis
produces gametes in the testes?
(1)
(ii) How many chromosomes will each goat gamete contain?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) Body cells divide by mitosis.
(i) Why is the ability of body cells to divide important?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) When a body cell of a potato plant divides, how many chromosomes will each
of the new cells contain?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q24.
A woman gives birth to triplets.
Two of the triplets are boys and the third is a girl.
The triplets developed from two egg cells released from the ovary at the same time.
The diagram shows how triplets A, B and C developed.
(a) Which stages on the diagram show gametes?

Draw a ring around your answer.
1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 7 1 and 7

(1)
(b) Embryo B is male.
Which of the following explains why embryo B is male?
Tick ( ) one box.
Cell P has an X chromosome; cell R has an X chromosome.
Cell P has a Y chromosome; cell R has an X chromosome.
Cell P has an X chromosome; cell R has a Y chromosome.
(1)
(c) The children that develop from embryos A and C will not be identical.
Explain why.
You may use words from the box in your answer.
egg genes sperm
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(d) Single cells from an embryo at Stage 7 can be separated and grown in a special
solution.
(i) What term describes cells that are grown in this way?
Draw a ring around your answer.
lleles screened cells stem cells

(1)
(ii) What happens when the cells are placed in the special solution?
Tick ( ) two boxes.

The cells divide
The cells fertilise
The cells differentiate
The cells separate
(2)
(iii) Give one use of cells grown in this way.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iv) Some people might object to using cells from embryos in this way.
Give one reason why.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
Q25.
Diagram 1 shows the nucleus of a body cell as it begins to divide by mitosis.
Diagram 1
(a) Use a word from the box to label Diagram 1.

alleles chromosomes gametes
(1)
(b) Complete Diagram 2 to show what the nucleus of one of the cells produced by this
mitosis would look like.
Diagram 2
(1)
(c) Stem cells from a recently dead embryo can be grown in special solutions.
Some facts about stem cells are given below.
• Stem cells from an embryo can grow into any type of tissue.
• Stem cells may grow out of control, to form cancers.
• Large numbers of stem cells can be grown in the laboratory.
• Stem cells may be used in medical research or to treat some human diseases.
• Patients treated with stem cells need to take drugs for the rest of their life to
prevent rejection.
• Collecting and growing stem cells is expensive.
Use only the information above to answer these questions.
(i) Give two advantages of using stem cells.
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Give two disadvantages of using stem cells.
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q26.
The diagram shows how an immature egg could be used either to produce cells to treat
some human diseases or to produce a baby.
Scientists may be allowed to use this technique to produce cells to treat some human
diseases, but not to produce babies.
Using information from the diagram, suggest an explanation for this.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 4 marks)
Q27.
The diagram shows two patterns of cell division. Cell division type A is used in gamete

formation. Cell division type B is used in normal growth.
(a) Name the two types of cell division, A and B, shown in the diagram.
Type A ____________________________________________________________
Type B ____________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) Name the process in which an egg and sperm join together.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) Cell 1 contains 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes will there be in:
(i) cell 10; ___________________________________________________

(1)
(ii) cell 14? ___________________________________________________

(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q28.
Meiosis and mitosis are different types of division in human cells. Compare the two
processes by referring to where each takes place and the kind of products that are made.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)
Q29.
(a) The diagram shows a normal body cell which has six chromosomes.
(i) Complete the diagram below to show one cell produced from this cell by
mitosis.
(3)
(ii) Complete the diagram below to show one cell produced from the original cell
by meiosis.

(2)
(b) Thalassaemia is a blood disease. It is determined by a single recessive allele. A

person with one recessive allele does not get the disease but does act as a carrier.
People with this pair of recessive alleles can become ill.
(i) Draw a genetic diagram to show the inheritance of' this disease if both parents
are heterozygous.
[Use the symbols T = dominant allele and t = recessive allele]
(3)
(ii) What are the chances of a baby inheriting the disease?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iii) What are the chances of a baby being a carrier if both parents are
heterozygous?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Q30.
The diagram shows how Dolly the sheep was cloned.

(a) Name the type of cell division that occurs:
(i) as the egg cell is produced; _______________________
(ii) as the fused cell begins to divide normally. _______________________

(2)
(c) The diagram below shows the relationships between the glands and hormones that
control the menstrual cycle of a woman.
(i) Name:
gland X; _________________________
hormone Y. _______________________
(2)
(ii) Give two effects of the hormone oestrogen on gland X.
1. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q31.
In the cell shown in the diagram as a box, one chromosome pair has alleles Aa. The other
chromosome pair has alleles Bb. The cell undergoes meiosis.
(a) Complete the diagram of the four gametes to show the independent assortment, or
reassortment, of genetic material during meiosis.
(2)
(b) If the cell undergoes mitosis instead of meiosis, draw the two daughter cells which
result to show the chromosomes in each.
(2)
(c) State the number of chromosomes in:

(i) a normal human cell;
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) a human gamete;
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iii) the daughter cell from mitosis of a human cell.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q32.
The genetic diagram shows how the chromosomes divide and combine in human
reproduction.
(a) Draw circles around the symbols for the two male gametes.
(2)
(b) State the chance of a child being a girl.
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) (i) How many pairs of chromosomes are there in a human body cell?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) How many chromosomes are there in a human egg cell?
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(d) Chromosomes contain genes. From what substance are genes made?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(e) In the process of mitosis, how do the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells
compare to that in the original cell?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q33.
(a) How many pairs of chromosomes are there in a body cell of a human baby?
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) Place the following in order of size, starting with the smallest, by writing
numbers 1 – 4 in the boxes underneath the words.
(1)
(c) For a baby to grow, its cells must develop in a number of ways.
Explain how each of the following is part of the growth process of a baby.
(i) Cell enlargement
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) The process of cell division by mitosis
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(3)
(d) Why is cell specialisation (differentiation) important for the development and growth
of a healthy baby from a fertilised egg?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Mark schemes
Q1.
(a) nucleus
1
(b) gene(s)
allow allele(s)
1
(c) copying of chromosomes

1
(d) mitochondria
1
(e) 60 − 45
or
120 − 105
1
15 (minutes)
1
an answer of 15 (minutes) scores 2 marks
(f) C
1
(g) 8
1
(h) to repair tissues

1
[9]
Q2.
(a)
additional line from a level of organisation

negates the mark for that level of organisation
2
(b) palisade mesophyll

1

(c)
1
6 / 6.25 / 6.3 (micrometres)

1
an answer of 6 / 6.25 / 6.3 scores 2 marks
(d) they have no chloroplasts / chlorophyll

allow they are underground
allow they don’t get (access to) light
allow (because) photosynthesis needs light
allow they can’t absorb light
ignore ‘sun’
ignore ‘it is dark’
1
(e) differentiation
1
(f) to protect endangered plants from extinction

1
(g) plants can be produced quickly

1
(h) any one from:

• glucose / sugars / starch
• amino acids / protein
• hormones
allow named hormones e.g. auxin
• ions / minerals
allow magnesium / nitrate
• vitamins
allow named vitamins e.g. vitamin B
• water
allow H2O / H2O
ignore oxygen / carbon dioxide / agar / nutrients / fertiliser
1
[10]
Q3.
(a)
statement is true for
both
mitosis meiosis mitosis
only only and
meiosis
all cells produced ✓

are genetically
identical
in humans, at the
end of cell division
✓
each cell contains
23 chromosomes
involves DNA
✓
replication
3 correct = 2 marks
2 correct = 1 mark
0 or 1 correct = 0 marks
2
(b) any two from:

ignore references to one parent only
• many offspring produced

• takes less time
allow asexual is faster
• (more) energy efficient

• genetically identical offspring
allow offspring are clones
• successful traits propagated / maintained / passed on (due to offspring

being genetically identical)
• no transfer of gametes or seed dispersal
allow no vulnerable embryo stage
allow no need for animals
• not wasteful of flowers / pollen / seeds

• colonisation of local area
must imply local area
2
(c) genetic variation (in offspring)

1
(so) better adapted survive

allow reference to natural selection or survival of
the fittest
1
(and) colonise new areas by seed dispersal

or
can escape adverse event in original area (by living in new area)
must imply new area
1
many offspring so higher probability some will survive

1

allow bluebell example described (max 3 if not
bluebell)
[8]
Q4.
(a) a fungus
1
(b) Level 3 (5-6 marks):

Relevant points (reasons / causes) are identified, given in detail and logically linked
to form a clear account.
Level 2 (3-4 marks):

Relevant points (reasons / causes) are identified, and there are attempts at logical
linking. The resulting account is not fully clear.

Points are identified and stated simply, but their relevance is not clear and there is
no attempt at logical linking.
Level 0
No relevant content
Indicative content
defence description of defence
animals skin sebum / oils to kill microbes

dead layer difficult to
penetrate
nose hairs keep out dust and
microbes
trachea / mucus traps microbes
bronchi cilia moves mucus
stomach (hydrochloric) acid kills
bacteria
white blood produces antibodies
cells produces antitoxins
engulf microbes /
phagocytosis
plants cell wall tough / difficult to penetrate

waxy cuticle tough / difficult to penetrate
dead cells / fall off, taking pathogens with
bark them
production of kill bacteria
antibacterial
chemicals
fungi antibiotic kill bacteria
production
6
(c) any three from:
• sterilise agar (before use)
• sterilise (Petri) dish before use
• disinfect bench (before use)
• pass inoculating loop (through flame)
• secure lid with (adhesive) tape
• minimise exposure of agar / culture to air / lift and replace lid as quickly as
possible
allow:
• dip loop into ethanol (after flaming)
• keep the lid on the plate for as long as possible
or
minimise exposure of agar to air
or
only tilt the lid off (rather than remove it)
• flame the neck of the bottle
3
(d) to prevent the growth of a harmful pathogen

1
[11]
Q5.
(a) an undifferentiated / unspecialised cell
1
that can differentiate / become / change into (many) other cell types
1
(b) (malignant tumours) invade / spread to other tissues via the blood (benign don’t)
or
(malignant tumours) form secondary tumours in other organs
ignore cancer unqualified
allow converse
allow metastasises
1
(c) mitosis
correct spelling only
1
(d) glucose
answers in any order
ignore sugar
1
protein / amino acids

1

(e) no need to wait for a donor
or
can be done immediately
1
(so) no risk of rejection

or
no need for immunosuppressant drugs
if no other marks awarded, allow for 1 mark idea of ethics
surrounding the use of tissue from another / dead person
1
(f) stent opens up the trachea

1
allowing air to flow through

or
allowing patient to breathe
1
(g) Level 3 (5-6 marks):

A judgement, strongly linked and logically supported by a sufficient range of correct
reasons, is given.

Some logically linked reasons are given. There may also be a simple judgement.

Relevant points are made. They are not logically linked.
Level 0
No relevant content
Indicative content
embryos advantages
• can create many embryos in a lab
• painless technique
• can treat many diseases / stem cells are pluripotent / can become any type of
cell (whereas bone marrow can treat a limited number)
embryos disadvantages
• harm / death to embryo
• embryo rights / embryo cannot consent
• unreliable technique / may not work
bone marrow advantages

• no ethical issues / patient can give permission
• can treat some diseases
• procedure is (relatively) safe / doesn’t kill donor
• tried and tested / reliable technique
• patients recover quickly from procedure
bone marrow disadvantages
• risk of infection from procedure
• can only treat a few diseases
• procedure can be painful
both procedures advantage
can treat the disease / problem

both procedures disadvantages
• risk of transfer of viral infection
• some stem cells can grow out of control / become
cancerous
[16]
Q6.
(a) white blood cells have the same DNA / genes / chromosomes
or
have the gene for GH
allow have all the genes
allow all body cells (except RBCs) have all of the genes
1
(b) enzyme has specifically-shaped active site

1
the 2 antibiotic resistance genes have different (sequence of) bases

1
only Tetracycline-resistance gene fits (active site of) enzyme

or
only Tetracycline-resistance gene is complementary to (active site of) enzyme
1
(c)
Ampicillin Tetracycline
✔ ✔
1 mark for each correct row
if no other mark, allow 1 mark for one correct column
1
1
1
(d) clone produced by asexual reproduction

allow by ‘mitosis’
1
all DNA / all genes are copied

allow GH gene copied
allow plasmid copied
1
every cell receives a copy
or
receives every gene
or
receives GH gene
or
receives plasmid
or
genetically-identical cells
1
[10]
Q7.
(a) nucleus labelled correctly
1
cell membrane labelled correctly

1
(b) mitosis
1
(c) electron (microscope)

1
(d) higher magnification

1
(e) 45 (mm)
1
45 / 250 or 0.18 (mm)

allow ecf
1
180 (µm)
1
allow 180 (µm) with no working shown for 3 marks
(f) 0.2 µm
1
[9]
Q8.
(a) to kill virus
or
to prevent virus spreading
1
(b) take (stem) cells from meristem

or
tissue culture
allow take cuttings
1

(c) use Benedict’s solution
1
glucoses turns solution blue to orange

1
(d) Level 2 (3–4 marks):

A detailed and coherent explanation is provided. The student makes logical links
between clearly identified, relevant points that explain why plants with TMV have
stunted growth.
Level 1 (1–2 marks):

Simple statements are made, but not precisely. The logic is unclear.
0 marks:
No relevant content.
Indicative content
• less photosynthesis because of lack of chlorophyll
• therefore less glucose made
so
• less energy released for growth
• because glucose is needed for respiration
and / or
• therefore less amino acids / proteins / cellulose for growth
• because glucose is needed for making amino acids / proteins / cellulose
4
[8]
Q9.
(a) C
1
(b) cytoplasm and cell membrane dividing

accept cytokinesis for 1 mark
1
to form two identical daughter cells

1
(c) stage 4
1
only one cell seen in this stage

1
(d) (4 / 36) × 16 × 60
1
107 / 106.7
1
110 (minutes)
allow 110 (minutes) with no working shown for 3 marks
1
(e) binary fission
do not accept mitosis
1
(f) shortage of nutrients / oxygen

1
so cells die
or
death rate = rate of cell division
1
[11]
Q10.
(a) testis / testes
allow testicle(s)
1
(b) (i) B = 13.2

C = 6.6
E = 3.3
all 3 correct = 2 marks
2 or 1 correct = 1 mark
If no marks awarded allow ecf for C and E based on answer
to B
ie C = ½ B and E = ½ C for one mark
2
(ii) 6.6
allow twice answer for cell E in part bi
1
(iii) mitosis
1
(c) (i) any two from:

• cells that are able to divide
• undifferentiated cells / not specialised
• can become other types of cells / tissues or become specialised
/differentiated
allow pluripotent
2
(ii) 4-day embryo is a (potential) human life
or
destroying/damaging (potential) human life

allow cord would have been discarded anyway
ignore reference to miscarriage
allow cannot give consent
1
(iii) perfect tissue match or hard to find suitable donors

allow same/matching antigens
allow no danger of rejection
allow no need to take immunosuppressant drugs (for life)
ignore genetically identical or same DNA
1
(iv) stem cells have same faulty gene / allele / DNA / chromosomes
allow genetically identical
ignore cells have the same genetic disorder
1
[10]
Q11.
(a) (i) fewer cows
1
any one from:

• less methane
do not allow CH4
• less CO2 in the atmosphere because of less deforestation or less plants
consumed.
allow less CO2 released into the atmosphere because less
fuel used e.g. to heat cowsheds or to transport meat
do not allow CO2
1
(ii) any two from:

• could be mass produced to feed an increasing population
• disease free meat
• no / low fat
• no harm to animals or less intensive farming
allow (may be) suitable for vegetarians
• antibiotic free meat
• more land available for farming crops
allow no energy loss along a food chain
2
(b) fungus / Fusarium

1
with glucose (syrup)

1
in aerobic conditions or in presence of oxygen

ignore air
1
mycoprotein is harvested / purified

allow ammonia added (as source of nitrogen)
ignore stirring / mixing and temperature
1
[8]
Q12.
(a)
Both
Meiosis mitosis
Mitosis only
only and
meiosis
How cells are

replaced
How gametes
are made
How a fertilised
egg undergoes
cell division
How copies of
the genetic
information are
made
How genetically
identical cells
are produced
if more than one tick per row then no mark

ignore first row
1
1
1
1
(b) (i) (adult) bone marrow

accept (umbilical) cord blood, skin, amniotic fluid /
membrane
1
(ii) cells will not be rejected by the patient’s body (if they have been
produced by therapeutic cloning)
allow easier to obtain linked to embryo stem cells
or
(embryo stem cells) can develop into many different types of cells
allow doesn’t need an operation linked to bone marrow
or
(embryo stem cells) not yet differentiated / specialised or undifferentiated
accept embryo cells are pluripotent
1

[6]
Q13.
(a) A = nucleus
allow phonetic spelling
1
B = (cell) membrane
1
(b) for repair / growth or to replace cells

ignore new cells / skin
1
(c) (i) embryos

1
(ii) paralysis
1
[5]
Q14.
(a) (i) fertilisation
1
(ii) in sequence:
accept 1 next to gene, 2 next to chromosome and 3 next to
nucleus in box
1 gene
2 chromosome
3 nucleus
allow 1 mark for smallest or largest in correct position
2
(iii) DNA
1
(b) (i) On diagram:
tick drawn next to X and / or Y from Parent 1

tick(s) must be totally outside grid squares
allow ticks around “parent ”
extra ticks elsewhere cancel
1
(ii) 0.5 / ½ / 50% / 1:1 / 50:50 / 1 in 2

allow 2/4 / 2 in 4 / 2 out of 4 / ‘even(s)’ / ‘fifty – fifty’
do not allow 1:2 or ‘50 / 50’ or ‘50 – 50’
1
2 (out of 4) boxes are XX

or
half of the sperm contain an X-chromosome

allow XY is male and 2 (out of 4) boxes are XY
1
[7]
Q15.
(a) (i) allele expressed even when other allele present or expressed if just one copy
of allele is present or expressed if heterozygous
if present other allele not expressed
1
(ii) 2 affected parents have unaffected child or 1 and 2 → 5 / 6
or if recessive all of 1 and 2’s children would have CADASIL

1
(iii) heterozygous – has unaffected children or because if homozygous all

children would have CADASIL
1
(b) genetic diagram including:

accept alternative symbols, if defined
1
correct gametes:
D and d
and d (and d)
ignore 7 / 8 or male / female
1
derivation of offspring genotypes:
Dd Dd dd dd
allow just Dd dd if ½-diagram
allow ecf if correct for student’s gametes
1
identification of Dd as CADASIL
or dd as unaffected
allow ecf if correct for student’s gametes
1
correct probability: 0.5 / ½ / 1 in 2 / 50% / 1 : 1

1
(c) (i) stem cells can differentiate or are undifferentiated / unspecialised

1
can form blood vessel cells / brain cells
or
stem cells can divide
1
(ii) ethical argument - eg no risk of damage to embryo or adult can give

consent for removal of cells or adult can re-grow skin
more ethical qualified
ignore religion unqualified
or
if from a relative then less chance of rejection or if from self then no
chance of rejection
or
skin cells more accessible
1
[10]
Q16.
(a) (i)
Feature Mitosis Meiosis
only only
Produces new cells during growth and repair
Produces gametes (sex cells)
Produces genetically identical cells
All 3 correct = 2 marks
2 correct = 1 mark
0 or 1 correct = 0 marks
2
(ii) (a man) testis / testes

accept testicle(s)
1
(a woman) ovary / ovaries

do not accept ‘ova’ / ovule
1
(b) (i) XY / YX
or
X and Y
1
(ii) XX
or
X and X or 2 X’s
accept X
1
(c) ½ / 0.5 / 50% / 1:1 / 1 in 2

do not accept 1:2 / 50/50
allow 50:50
allow 2 in 4
1
[7]
Q17.
(a) (i) DNA replication / copies of genetic material were made
’it’ = a chromosome
allow chromosomes replicate / duplicate / are copied
ignore chromosomes divide / split / double
1
(ii) one copy of each (chromosome / chromatid / strand) to each offspring

cell
ignore ref. to gametes and fertilisation
1
each offspring cell receives a complete set of / the same genetic

material
allow ‘so offspring (cells) are identical’
1
(b) (i) meiosis

allow mieosis as the only alternative spelling
1
(ii) Species A = 4 and Species B = 8

1
(iii) sum of A + B from (b)(ii) e.g. 12

1
(c) (i) similarities between chromosomes

or
similarities between flowers described
e.g. shape of petals / pattern on petals / colour / stamens
1
can breed / can sexually reproduce

allow can reproduce with each other / they can produce
offspring
1
(ii) any two from:
• offspring contain 3 copies of each gene / of each chromosome /

odd number of each of the chromosomes

• some chromosomes unable to pair (in meiosis)
• (viable) gametes not formed / some gametes with extra / too many
genes / chromosomes
or
some gametes with missing genes / chromosomes
2
[10]
Q18.
(a) comparisons are not required but should be credited
accept a clear indication of the statement even if incomplete
can develop into most other types of cell

1
each cell divides every 30 minutes

1
low chance of rejection by the patient’s immune system

1
(b) any three from:
• cheaper / only costs £1000

this must be comparative
ignore costs £1000
• can collect many (stem) cells
• adults give permission for their own bone marrow to be collected

comparisons are not required but should be credited
• safe
3
[6]
Q19.
Marks should not be awarded for simply copying the information provided
A mark may be awarded for a comparison between treatments if the answer only involves
copied information
any four from:

For all 4 marks to be awarded, there must be at least 1 pro
and 1 con
embryo stem cells – examples of
pros
• can treat a wide variety / lots of diseases / problems

• many available / plentiful
• using them better than wasting them
• painless
cons
• (possible) harm / death to embryo
• (relatively) untested / unreliable / may not work

allow long term effects not known
or may be more risky
• embryo can’t be ‘asked’ / ‘embryo rights’ idea
adult bone marrow stem cells – examples of
pros
• no ethical issues (in collection) or permission given
• quick recovery
• (relatively) safe
allow does not kill (donor) / low risk
• well tried / tested / know they work
cons
• operation hazards eg infection
• few types of cell / tissue produced or few diseases / problems treated
• painful so may deter donors

4
Conclusion to evaluation:
A reasoned conclusion from the evidence

1
[5]
Q20.
(a) (i) mitosis
1
(ii) replicates / doubles / is copied / duplicates

accept cloned
ignore multiplied / reproduced
1

(b) fertilisation occurs / fusion (of gametes)
accept converse for asexual, eg none in asexual / just
division in asexual
1
so leading to mixing of genetic information / genes / DNA / chromosomes

genes / DNA / chromosomes / genetic information comes
from 1 parent in asexual
ignore characteristics
1
one copy (of each allele / gene / chromosome) from each parent
or
gametes produced by meiosis
or
meiosis causes variation
meiosis must be spelt correctly
1
[5]
Q21.
(a) asexual
1
(b) mitosis
1
(c) genes
1
[3]
Q22.
(a) cell division / bacterium divides / multiplies / reproduces

allow asexual / mitosis
ignore growth
1
(b) 18
1
18 000 / 18 × 103 / 1.8 × 104

do not accept 1.8 / 1.8 04 / 1.84
allow ecf from wrong count
1
(c) to kill / destroy other microorganisms / named type

or to prevent contamination
ignore germs / viruses
1

to prevent other microorganisms affecting the results
or other microorganisms would be counted
allow to give accurate / reliable results
1
(d) prevent growth of pathogens / disease-causing microorganisms / dangerous

microorganisms
do not accept microorganisms become pathogenic
ignore germs / viruses
ignore general safety / biohazards / harmful products
produced by bacteria
1
(e) to improve the reliability of the investigation / check for anomalies

do not accept accuracy / precision / fairness / validity
ignore averages / repeatability / reproducibility
1
[7]
Q23.
(a) any one from
• chromosomes in pairs
• inherited one of each pair from each parent
• one of each pair in egg and one of each pair in sperm
• so sex cells / gametes can have half the number

allow need to pair during cell division / meiosis
1
(b) any two from:
• code
• combination / sequence of amino acids
• forming specific / particular proteins / examples

If no other mark gained allow reference to controlling
characteristics / appearance for 1 mark
2
(c) (i) C
1
(ii) 30
1
(d) (i) for growth / repair / replacement / asexual reproduction

do not accept incorrect qualification, eg growth of cells or
repair of cells

they equals cells therefore do not accept they grow etc
1
(ii) 44 or 22 pairs
1
[7]
Q24.
(a) 2 and 3
1
(b) cell P has an X chromosome; cell R has a Y chromosome

1
(c) any two from:
• (formed from) different egg / 2 eggs
• (formed from) different sperm / 2 sperm
• have different genes / alleles / chromosomes / DNA

allow genetics
2
(d) (i) stem cells

1
(ii) the cells divide

1
the cells differentiate

1
(iii) (medical) research / named eg growing organs

or
medical / patient treatment

allow (embryo) cloning
do not allow designer babies / more babies
1
(iv) any one from:
• ethical / moral / religious objections

ignore cruel / not natural / playing God
• potential harm to embryo

allow deformed
ignore harm to mother
1
[9]
Q25.
(a) chromosomes
1
(b) diagram showing four separate chromosomes two long and two short
(as in diagram 1)
allow each chromosome shown as two joined chromatids
do not allow if chromosomes touching each other
1
(c) (i) any two from:
• can grow into any type of tissue / named tissue
• used in medical research
• used to treat human diseases
• large numbers can be grown

2
(ii) any two from:
• expensive
• grow out of control / ref cancers
• may be rejected
• need for drugs (for rest of life)

2
[6]
Q26.
any four from:
• cells used to treat diseases do not go on to produce a baby
• produces identical cells for research
• cells would not be rejected
• allow cells can form different types of cells
• (immature) egg contains only genetic information / DNA /

genes / chromosomes from mother or there is only one parent
• asexual / no mixing of genetic material / no sperm involved /

no fertilisation or chemical causes development
• baby is a clone
• reference to ethical / moral / religious issues

allow ethically wrong
NB cloning is illegal gains 2 marks
ignore unnatural
• risk of damage to the baby

in correct context
[4]
Q27.
(a) A = meiosis
accept ‘mieosis’
do not accept ‘miosis’
1
B = mitosis
do not accept ‘meitosis’ etc
1
(b) fertilisation allow conception

1
(c) (i) 23
1
(ii) 46
1
[5]
Q28.
one mark for each of the following
comparisons to a maximum of 6
candidates must make a clear comparison
meiosis mitosis
sexual asexual
gametes growth
ovary or testes all other cells

or gonads
half number same number

of chromsomes of chromosomes
haploid or diploid or
23 chromosomes 46 chromosomes
reassortment or no reassortment
variation possible or no variation
or not identical or identical
4 cells produced 2 cells produced

2 divisions 1 division
[6]
Q29.
(a) (i)
if two nuclei drawn then maximum two marks
1
6 chromosomes
1
same 3 homologous pairs

1
nuclear membrane drawn

1
(ii) 3 chromosomes
1
1 from each homologous pair

1
(b) (i)
parent line must be separate
heterozygous parents Tt × Tt
maximum of 2 marks if parental genotype is wrong
gametes correct T t T t
1
genotypes TT Tt Tt tt
1
(ii) correct analysis of chance i.e. 1 in 4

or 25%
1
(iii) 50% or 1 in 2
1
[10]
Q30.
(a) (i) meiosis
1
(ii) mitosis
1
(c) (i) X pituitary

1
Y FSH
1
(ii) stimulates LH production

1
inhibits FSH production / production of Y

1
[6]
Q31.
(a) A A a a
Aa allele correctly separated
1
B b B b
Bb allele arranged to form four different pairings
all four pairings must be correct for the second mark
1
(b) A A
the two cells the same as the parent
cell
a a
B B
b b
1 mark for each cell
2
(c) (i) 46
accept 23 pairs
1
(ii) 23
accept half if c(i)
1
(iii) 46
accept save as c(i)
1
[7]
Q32.
(a) circles round right hand X and Y gametes
put two ticks or crosses by the circles
2
(b) 50:50 or 1:1 or 50% or 0.5 or ½ equal or evens

credit even

do not accept 2:1 or 50 / 50
1
(c) (i) 23
1
(ii) 23
credit the same as the one above to be marked
consequential
1
(d) DNA
do not accept nucleic acid
1
(e) same
1
[7]
Q33.
(a) 23
1
(b) chromosome nucleus gene cell

2 3 1 4
1
(c) (i) any one from
(cells which are bigger) take up more space
(cells) have to get bigger or mature to divide

1
(ii) chromosomes duplicate or

make exact copies of self
accept forms pairs of chromatids
1
nuclei divide
accept chromatids or
chromosomes separate
1
identical (daughter) cells formed

accept for example, skin cells make
more skin cells or cells are clones
1
(d) any two from
Differentiation mark
babies need or are made of different types of cells or cells that have
different functions
accept different cells are needed
for different organs
Division or specialisation mark

as fertilised egg starts to divide each cell specialises to form a part of the body
accept specialised cells make
different parts of the body
Growth mark
specialised cells undergo mitosis to grow further cells
accept cells divide or reproduce
to form identical cells
2
[8]

Cell Division

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Cell Division

These practice questions can be used by students and teachers

Level: GCSE AQA Biology 8641

Exam board: GCSE AQA

Topic: Cell Division

For more help, please our website www.exampaperspractice.co.uk

(a) Chromosomes are copied during the cell cycle.

Where are chromosomes found?

Tick one box.

(b) What is the name of a section of a chromosome that controls a characteristic?

Figure 1 shows information about the cell cycle.

Tick one box.

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(d) During mitosis cells need extra energy.

Tick one box.

(e) The cell cycle in Figure 1 takes two hours in total.

Calculate the time taken for mitosis.

Time = ____________________ minutes

Figure 2 shows some cells in different stages of the cell cycle.

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Tick one box.

(g) Cell E in Figure 2 contains 8 chromosomes.

How many chromosomes will each new cell contain?

Tick one box.

(h) Why is mitosis important in living organisms?

Tick one box.

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Level of organisation Plant part

Organ Root hair

Figure 1 shows a plant cell drawn to scale.

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Tick one box.

(c) Calculate the length of the chloroplast labelled in Figure 1.

Length = ____________________ micrometres

(d) Cells in plant roots do not photosynthesise.

Give one reason why.

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How does an unspecialised cell become a new root hair cell?

Tick one box.

Scientists can clone plants using tissue culture.

Figure 2 shows the process of tissue culture.

(f) Why might scientists want to clone plants?

Tick one box.

To create new species of plants.

To introduce variation into plants.

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To reduce disease resistance in plants.

(g) What is the advantage of cloning plants using tissue culture?

Tick one box.

No special equipment is needed.

Plants can be produced quickly.

The flowers are all different colours.

The offspring are all genetically different.

(h) The growth medium in Figure 2 helps the plants to grow.

Name one substance in the growth medium.

Complete the table.

Tick one box for each statement.

Statement is true for

All cells produced are genetically

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