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Predicted paper
OCR GCSE Biology 2026 Predicted Practice Paper — Paper 3 Higher
GCSE Biology · OCR-style · 105 minutes · 90 marks
Modelled component: J247/03 · Tier: Higher · Calculator permitted
Models OCR Gateway GCSE Biology Paper 3 Higher: 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
Prediction type: predicted_paper · Evidence mode: historical · Full-length original practice paper modelled on OCR Gateway GCSE Biology public paper structure. It is not official, leaked or guaranteed.
Evidence basis: official public assessment structure, full-paper mark total, board-specific paper code, GCSE Biology topic weighting, required-practical and data-response mix.
65
0–100 model (higher = more demanding)
- Cell transport
- Osmosis practical
- Gas exchange
- Xylem and transpiration
- Vaccination
- Respiration
I completed a StudyVector GCSE Biology derived predicted-practice paper (2026) and scored 0/90. This is practice-only and not an official paper:
Section A
Answer all questions. This paper is written in an OCR Gateway Biology Paper 1 practice style.
Question A1 (9 marks)
(a) State the function of the nucleus. (1) (b) Compare diffusion, osmosis and active transport. (6) (c) Explain why mitochondria are important in active transport. (2)
Question A2 (9 marks)
A student investigates osmosis using potato cylinders. (a) Describe a valid method. (5) (b) Explain why percentage change in mass is better than change in mass. (2) (c) Give two control variables. (2)
Question A3 (9 marks)
(a) Explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange. (4) (b) Describe how ventilation maintains a concentration gradient. (3) (c) Name the gas that diffuses from blood into alveoli. (2)
Question A4 (9 marks)
(a) Describe the role of xylem. (2) (b) Explain transpiration. (4) (c) Give three factors that can increase transpiration rate. (3)
Question A5 (9 marks)
(a) Describe the function of platelets. (2) (b) Explain why the left ventricle has a thicker wall than the right ventricle. (3) (c) Compare arteries and veins. (4)
Section B
Answer all questions. Extended answers should use evidence and key terms.
Question B1 (9 marks)
(a) Explain how enzymes catalyse reactions. (3) (b) Explain the effect of pH on enzyme activity. (3) (c) Describe how to test for starch using iodine solution. (3)
Question B2 (9 marks)
(a) Explain how vaccination protects a population. (4) (b) Describe how white blood cells defend against pathogens. (3) (c) Give two ways pathogens can spread. (2)
Question B3 (9 marks)
(a) Write the word equation for aerobic respiration. (2) (b) Explain why cells need respiration. (3) (c) Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration in muscle cells. (4)
Question B4 (9 marks)
(a) Describe the lock-and-key model of enzyme action. (4) (b) Explain why digestion is necessary before absorption. (3) (c) Name the products of protein digestion. (2)
Question B5 (9 marks)
A student estimates plant population using quadrats. (a) Describe a random sampling method. (4) (b) Explain how to calculate population estimate from mean per quadrat. (3) (c) Give two reasons the estimate may be unreliable. (2)
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