Chemical digestion: past paper questions
Real questions on chemical digestion
The newest 20 of 45 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[2]
State where amylase and pepsin act in the human body. amylase pepsin
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(i)[4]
Identify the processes occurring at F, G, H and J in Figure 2.1. F G H
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(ii)[1]
Circle the name of an organ where protease acts. large intestine mouth oesophagus small intestine
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[2]
A different protease enzyme is found in the stomach. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid. Describe two functions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3c[3]
Describe the importance of protease in the digestive system.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[2]
Pathogens are disease‑causing organisms. Describe how gastric juice in the stomach helps to defend the body against pathogens in food.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2025 · Q1d[2]
In Fig. 1.1, particle R moves from the lumen of the small intestine into the epithelial cell. Suggest why particle R cannot be starch.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(i)[4]
Complete the sentences about fat digestion. Bile is released into the in the digestive system. Bile increases the surface area of fats and oils. This is called . This increase in surface area increases the rate of digestion
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(ii)[1]
State the names of the products of fat digestion.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · October/November 2024 · Q1c[2]
Explain the role of bile in the breakdown of protein by trypsin.
See it on the paper → - 0610/11 · May/June 2024 · Q31[1]
Which row describes an insect-pollinated flower?
See it on the paper → - 0610/11 · May/June 2024 · Q33[1]
Which adaptive feature of sperm provides the energy that enables it to swim?
See it on the paper → - 0610/04 · Specimen 2023 · Q1c[4]
Explain the effect of cholera bacteria on the digestive system. [Total: 12]
See it on the paper → - 0610/04 · Specimen 2023 · Q5b(i)[2]
State the names of two parts of the digestive system where starch is digested by enzymes.
See it on the paper → - 0610/11 · October/November 2023 · Q1[1]
Some processes carried out by living organisms are listed. 1 egestion 2 excretion 3 reproduction 4 respiration Which processes are carried out by all living organisms?
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(i)[4]
State the letter from Fig. 1.1 that represents: where salivary amylase is produced ............................. where insulin is produced ............................. the liver ............................. where protease acts. .............................
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2023 · Q3a[2]
State the meaning of the term chemical digestion.
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2023 · Q1[1]
that produces bile
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · October/November 2022 · Q7b(ii)[1]
State the name of a structure in the alimentary canal or an associated organ, that secretes protease.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · October/November 2022 · Q8a[2]
Large molecules are made from smaller molecules. State the name of the two small molecules that make fats and oils.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates scored well on this question. They could correctly state that protease was an enzyme that digested protein into amino acids. Few candidates referred to the absorption of the amino acids. Marks were often missed because of poor expression. A few candidates referred to protease building proteins.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/31 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
Candidates need to be careful with their description of an acid. Whereas highly acidic is correct, high pH describes an alkali.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0610/32 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
Some reasonable explanations were seen, including that starch is a large insoluble molecule that is already digested in the mouth. Candidates should use the mark allocation as a guide to how many distinct points they need to make in their responses. Some candidates only gave one reason. Some candidates stated that starch needs to be broken down, but did not explain that starch had already been bro...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0610/42 Q1(d) (Cambridge)
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