Sample exam questions - cell biology
Understanding how to approach exam questions helps to boost exam performance. Question types will include multiple choice, structured, mathematical and practical questions.
Multiple choice questions
Multiple choice questions are perhaps the easiest to complete - you simply put a cross in a box - however, the questions often have two answers that could, at first glance, be correct. Don't make the mistake of reading the first answer and thinking this is correct without checking all the others.
If it says 'Tick one box', you must tick one box. If you leave it blank or tick two or more boxes you will get zero marks. These multiple choice questions will not start with command words like 'Describe...' or 'Explain...'. They will be written in the form of a question like 'What...?' or 'Why...?'.
There will be more multiple choice questions on the Foundation paper.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
- Question
What is the part of the animal cell that is labelled by A?
[1 mark]
A Cell membrane B Chloroplast C Mitochondrion D Nucleus A Cell membrane B Chloroplast C Mitochondrion D Nucleus ✔
Sample question 2 - Foundation
- Question
Which of these units is most suitable for measuring the length of a cell?
[1 mark]
A Kilometre B Metre C Centimetre D Micrometre A Kilometre B Metre C Centimetre D Micrometre ✔
Sample question 3 - Higher
- Question
A cell of the pancreas produces digestive enzymes, which are proteins. The enzymes are released into the small intestine.
Suggest which two of the following are adaptations to its role?
Tick two boxes.
[2 marks]
A A small surface area to volume ratio B Large numbers of ribosomes C Mitochondria with well-developed internal membranes D The ability to move A A small surface area to volume ratio B Large numbers of ribosomes ✔ C Mitochondria with well-developed internal membranes ✔ D The ability to move
Sample question 4 - Higher
- Question
By which two processes does glucose enter cells in the human body?
Tick two boxes.
[2 marks]
A Active transport B Diffusion C Digestion D Osmosis A Active transport ✔ B Diffusion ✔ C Digestion D Osmosis