Cell biology dominates Paper 1 on every major GCSE Biology specification. This page shows biology GCSE questions shapes for cells, microscopy, and division—original examples, not live paper text.

Overview of all formats: Biology GCSE questions: types & examples. Past papers: GCSE Biology past papers.

Question types that repeat

State / name (1–2 marks)

• State one function of the mitochondrion.
• Name the organelle that contains chlorophyll.

Mark tip: Syllabus wording; no story unless the command is explain.

Compare plant and animal cells (3–4 marks)

• Give two structural differences between a palisade mesophyll cell and a human cheek cell.

One mark per valid difference linked to structure (cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuole size, etc.).

Microscope maths (3–5 marks)

• A image length is 24 mm. Actual specimen length is 0.06 mm. Calculate magnification. Show your working.

Formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size (same units). Common loss: unit conversion (mm ↔ µm).

Describe mitosis or the cell cycle (4–6 marks)

• Describe what happens to the chromosomes during mitosis.

Ordered stages earn marks; “cells split” alone does not.

Explain transport (osmosis, diffusion, active transport)

• Explain why red blood cells burst in pure water but stay intact in saline solution.

Link water potential, membrane, and direction of movement. See command words.

Frequently asked questions

Is cell biology only on Paper 1?

On AQA 8461, yes for most cell topics. Always check your board’s topic list.

Do I need to draw cells?

If the question says draw or label, diagrams must be clear and labelled; otherwise prose is fine unless the stem asks for a diagram.

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