0654.B12.1.01 — State the uses of energy in living organisms, including: muscle contraction, protein synthesis, cell division, growth, the passage of nerve : past paper questions

Real questions on 0654.b12.1.01 — state the uses of energy in living organisms, including: muscle contraction, protein synthesis, cell division, growth, the passage of nerve

The newest 6 of 6 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0654/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(iii)[2]

   The muscle in Figure 1.1 uses energy to contract and move the finger. State two other uses of energy in living organisms.

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2. 0654/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(ii)[2]

   Aerobic respiration releases energy. State two uses of the energy released from aerobic respiration in organisms.

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3. 0654/32 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iv)[2]

   Some of the energy released by aerobic respiration is used in active transport. State two other uses of the energy released from aerobic respiration in living organisms.

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4. 0654/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iv)[2]

   Some of the energy released by aerobic respiration is used in active transport. State two other uses of the energy released from aerobic respiration in living organisms.

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5. 0654/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(ii)[1]

   State one use of energy from respiration in living organisms.

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6. 0654/33 · May/June 2023 · Q10b(ii)[3]

   Complete these uses of energy in the body of humans. • contraction • protein • division

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What examiners said

Comprehensive responses • Some candidates correctly identified two uses of the energy released from aerobic respiration. These were usually cell division, the passage of nerve impulses or movement. Limited responses • Some candidates identified one use of the energy released from aerobic respiration.

— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/32 Q2(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

There is an extensive list of the uses of energy from respiration in the syllabus. In this case, candidates generally did not utilise this information and gave vague answers like breathing (potentially showing a misconception of the difference between breathing and respiration), pumping blood or reproduction all of which are indirect uses of energy reliant on direct process like muscle contraction...

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/31 Q3(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

Most candidates scored some marks. All three uses were equally well answered.

— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0654/33 Q10(b)(ii) (Cambridge)