Photosynthesis: past paper questions
Real questions on photosynthesis
The newest 20 of 232 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(i)[3]
Predict in which tubes the seeds would germinate. Explain your answer. explanation tube and tube
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[1]
State one condition not shown in Table 3.1 that is required for germination.
See it on the paper → - 0610/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(i)[3]
Describe how tissue G in Figure 3.2 is adapted for photosynthesis.
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5b(ii)[1]
Describe how herbicides can increase the yield of crop plants.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[3]
Tilapia is a type of fish that is eaten by many people around the world. In the wild, tilapia feed on producers. Fish farmers grow these fish in water in outdoor ponds. The ponds are positioned to maximise access to sunlight. Suggest how maximising sunlight leads to an increase in the growth of tilapia.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(iii)[1]
State the name of a process that could occur if the farmer adds excessive waste organic material to the pond.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(iv)[1]
The protoctist in Figure 1.2 takes up magnesium ions from its surroundings. Suggest one use of the magnesium ions.
See it on the paper → - 0610/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(v)[3]
Using the data in Table 3.1, calculate the percentage change in the potato crop yield when the mass of fertiliser used was increased from 60 kg per hectare to 285 kg per hectare. Give your answer to three significant figures. Space for working. %
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(i)[3]
Use Figure 2.1 to describe the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. Use data from Figure 2.1 in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(ii)[1]
At 20 °C the rate of photosynthesis is 4 arbitrary units. Use Figure 2.1 to determine one other temperature with a rate of photosynthesis of 4 arbitrary units. °C
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(i)[2]
Complete the word equation for photosynthesis. glucose + +
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(iii)[2]
Plants need chlorophyll to photosynthesise. Describe the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(iv)[4]
Some of the glucose produced in photosynthesis is made into larger molecules. The boxes on the left show some of these larger molecules. The boxes on the right contain sentence endings. Draw lines to make four correct sentences about these large molecules. Draw four lines. sentence ending larger molecules gives a blue‑...
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4d[2]
State two environmental conditions that affect seed germination. Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(i)[2]
At the maximum rate of photosynthesis, species 1 makes 15.0 g of carbohydrate per day. Use Figure 2.1 to calculate the mass of carbohydrate made by species 1 per day at 0 °C. Space for working.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(ii)[4]
The scientist forms several conclusions. Tick (3) all the conclusions that are supported by the data in Figure 2.1. At every temperature, species 3 has a greater rate than species 1. Species 1 has a rate of at least 50% of the maximum over a temperature range of 23 °C. Species 2 has a greater rate of photosynthesis tha...
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(iii)[6]
Use Figure 2.1 to describe and explain the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis for species 1.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(i)[1]
State the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(ii)[2]
Explain why plants need magnesium ions to photosynthesise.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2c[3]
The carbohydrate made during photosynthesis is made into larger carbohydrates with specific functions. Complete Table 2.1. carbohydrate Table 2.1 function in a plant starch cellulose translocated in the phloem Turn over
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • There were some excellent, succinct responses from a minority of candidates. Limited responses • The majority of candidates would benefit from having more practice in answering this type of question. • Often the temperatures quoted were inaccurately read from the graph. • Rather than referring to the rate of photosynthesis increasing or decreasing, a significant number o...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/32 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates could determine the temperature required. Limited responses • None seen.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/32 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • The majority of candidates knew the word equation for photosynthesis. Limited responses • None seen.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/32 Q2(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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