The microscope in cell: past paper questions
Real questions on the microscope in cell
The newest 20 of 319 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9700/22 · October/November 2025 · Q1e(i)[1]
Paneth cells are formed following the mitotic division of an intestinal stem cell during a cell cycle. Complete the cell cycle shown in Fig. 1.3 by naming, in sequence, the stages of mitosis. names of stages of mitosis interphase mitosis cytokinesis
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[5]
A student made a drawing to summarise the movement of substances across the cell surface membranes of mammalian red blood cells. Fig. 1.1 shows the drawing made by the student: • • A Each arrow indicates the movement of a substance through the membrane. The number of each of the 4 shapes represents the relative concent...
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[2]
Some viruses infect plants through the surfaces of damaged leaves. These plant viruses can travel from one leaf cell to another without having to pass through any cell surface membranes. Explain how some plant viruses can travel from one cell to another without passing through cell surface membranes.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(i)[1]
State the letter on Fig. 5.1 that indicates the length of a sarcomere.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(ii)[1]
State the letter on Fig. 5.1 that indicates a region where actin and myosin overlap.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(iii)[4]
Describe and explain how the region labelled D on Fig. 5.1 changes during muscle contraction.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(i)[1]
Suggest a reason why the Venus fly trap needs to capture insects, even though it carries out photosynthesis.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(ii)[1]
The leaves are specialised to form 2 lobes. The lobes are red on the upper surface. Suggest why the lobes are red.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(iii)[1]
The lobes have sensory hairs. Touching 1 sensory hair will not cause a response by the leaf. At least 2 sensory hairs need to be touched within 20 seconds to cause a response in the leaves. State the advantage to the plant of producing a response only when 2 sensory hairs are touched within 20 seconds.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(iv)[1]
When an insect has been trapped, the leaves have to remain closed for a number of days. Suggest why this needs to happen.
See it on the paper → - 9700/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[3]
Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of a photomicrograph of a root hair cell. cytoplasm X Z Y Fig. 1.1
See it on the paper → - 9700/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[3]
Abciximab is a drug developed from a monoclonal antibody. Abciximab is used to prevent blood clotting in the coronary arteries in people with coronary heart disease. Abciximab prevents blood clotting by stopping structures called platelets from binding together. Fig. 6.1 shows platelets and abciximab in a coronary arte...
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(i)[2]
The scientists carried out a Pearson’s linear correlation calculation for the data in Fig. 5.4. The scientists concluded that there is a significant correlation between the number of tourists visiting the Galápagos islands each year and the number of invasive alien species present. The scientists calculated an r value...
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(ii)[4]
Invasive alien species are thought to have contributed to extinctions recorded in the Galápagos islands. Discuss the negative effects of introducing invasive alien species to an ecosystem.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(iii)[2]
State two factors, other than competition and the introduction of invasive alien species, that can cause extinction.
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(i)[3]
Name the processes, other than diffusion, osmosis and active transport, that are occurring at P, Q and R. P Q
See it on the paper → - 9700/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(ii)[3]
Identify the regions of the nephron represented by P, Q and R. P Q
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[6]
An axon membrane is described as being at its resting potential when an action potential is not occurring. Describe and explain how a resting potential of an axon membrane is maintained.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(i)[3]
With reference to Fig. 7.1 and Fig. 7.2, describe the differences between a normal action potential and an action potential of a person with hypokalaemia.
See it on the paper → - 9700/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(ii)[2]
Suggest how hypokalaemia may affect nervous coordination.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates incorrectly considered that the image had been obtained using an electron microscope.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9700/22 Q1(a) (Cambridge)
Most responses included correct measurements for distance and recognised the mathematical manipulation required. However, errors in conversion of units or errors in rounding were often apparent.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9700/22 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates were able to provide an appropriate explanation.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9700/22 Q1(c) (Cambridge)
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