Biological molecules: past paper questions
Real questions on biological molecules
The newest 20 of 156 written questions, plus 126 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(ii)[1]
Water is a liquid that dissolves substances. State the name given to liquids that can dissolve substances.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(ii)[1]
Pectinase breaks down the carbohydrate pectin. Pectin is found in the cell walls of many types of fruit. State the name of one other carbohydrate found in plant cell walls.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[3]
All biological molecules contain elements. Complete Table 1.1 by placing ticks (3) in the boxes to show the elements that each biological molecule contains. Table 1.1 element biological molecule carbon hydrogen nitrogen oxygen carbohydrate fat protein
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[1]
State the name of the smaller molecules that join to form proteins.
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[1]
Starch is a carbohydrate. State the elements that are in all carbohydrates.
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[2]
Table 2.1 shows some information about large molecules and the smaller molecules they are made from. Complete Table 2.1. Table 2.1 large molecule small molecules glycogen cellulose amino acids fatty acids and glycerol
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(i)[1]
State the name of the mineral ion that provides an element found in all proteins.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(ii)[1]
State one reason why proteins are important in the human diet.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[1]
List the chemical elements that are found in all carbohydrates.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q5b(iii)[1]
State the name of the substance that contains magnesium ions in a palisade mesophyll cell. Roots absorb magnesium ions from the soil.
See it on the paper → - 0610/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
Fertilisers contain nitrates which are used by plants to make proteins. State the name of the solution used to test for protein.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(i)[1]
Complete Table 1.1 by writing in the final percentage concentration of vitamin C solution in test‑tube V3. Table 1.1 beaker volume of 0.6% vitamin C solution V / cm 3 volume of distilled water W / cm 3 final percentage concentration of vitamin C solution V1 12 0 0.6 V2 8 4 0.4 V3 4 step 3 Label three test‑tubes V1, V2...
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(ii)[3]
Prepare a table and record the results shown in Figure 1.1. Include the final percentage concentrations of the vitamin C solutions in your table.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(iii)[1]
Calculate the volume of iodine solution added to each test‑tube. Use the formula shown: volume of iodine solution added = 5.0 – the volume remaining in the syringe test‑tube V1 cm 3 test‑tube V2 cm 3 3
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(iv)[1]
State the dependent variable in this investigation.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(v)[1]
Explain why a blue‑black colour was seen when iodine solution was added to the test‑tubes.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(vi)[1]
The student used the same syringe to add the vitamin C solution in step 5, step 6 and step 7. Suggest what effect this would have on the volume of iodine solution required for the mixture in test‑tube V3 to remain blue‑black.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(vii)[1]
Another student repeated the investigation but counted the number of drops of iodine solution added instead of measuring the volume. Suggest why measuring volume is more accurate than counting drops.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[1]
Table 1.2 shows the volumes of iodine solution the student recorded in step 18 and step 19. Table 1.2 volume of iodine solution added to drink D / cm 3 2.8 2.9 2.7 Calculate the mean volume of iodine solution added to drink D. mean volume of iodine solution added to drink D cm 3
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Use your answers in 1(a)(iii) and 1(b)(i) to estimate the vitamin C concentration in drink D. estimated vitamin C concentration in drink D %
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Almost all candidates knew that the blue-black is the result of a positive test for starch.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/62 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Almost all candidates stated the correct positive result for the reducing sugar test.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/62 Q2(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates were awarded full marks here. Common errors were phagocytosis and enzyme.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/31 Q5(c)(i) (Cambridge)
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