Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (Modular) Exam Style Questions - New Syllabus

Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (Modular) Exam Style Questions

Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (Modular) Exam Style Questions at IITian Academy focus on a specific topic or type of questions asked in actual exam. Notes are based on new syllabus for assessment of 2025

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Biology Paper 1	*Paper code 4BI1/1B and 4SD0/1B
Externally assessed Availability: November and June First assessment: June 2019	61.1% of the total International GCSE

Assessment

The paper is assessed through a 2 hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
The total number of marks is 110.
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions.
A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Topic 1: The nature and variety of living organisms

Characteristics of living organisms

1.1 Characteristics of Living Organisms

Variety of living organisms

Topic 2 : Structure and functions in living organisms

Level of Organisation

2.1 Levels of organisation

Cell Structure

2.2 Describe Cell structures
2.3 Functions of Nucleus
2.4 Similarities & differences: plant vs animal cells

Biological Molecules

2.7 Chemical elements in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
2.8 Structure of carbs/proteins/lipids (starch & glycogen from simple sugars; proteins from amino acids; lipids from fatty acids + glycerol)
2.10 Enzymes as biological catalysts
2.11 Effect of temperature on enzyme function (active site changes)
2.13 Effect of pH on enzyme function (active site)

Movement of Substances In & Out of Cells

2.15 Diffusion, osmosis, active transport
2.16 Factors affecting movement: SA:Vol, distance, temp, concentration gradient

Nutrition

Flowering plants
- 2.18 Photosynthesis and conversion of light → chemical energy
- 2.19 Word + balanced symbol equation
- 2.20 Factors affecting photosynthesis
- 2.21 Leaf structure adaptations
- 2.22 Mineral ions: Mg for chlorophyll; nitrate for amino acids
Humans
- 2.24 Components of a balanced diet
- 2.25 Sources & functions of nutrients (A, C, D; Ca; Fe; water; fibre)
- 2.26 Energy requirements: activity, age, pregnancy
- 2.27 Structure/function of alimentary canal
- 2.28 Peristalsis
- 2.29 Digestive enzymes: amylase/maltase, proteases, lipases
- 2.30 Bile produced in liver; stored in gallbladder
- 2.31 Bile neutralises acid + emulsifies lipids
- 2.32 Small intestine adaptations + villus structure

Respiration

2.34 Respiration produces ATP
2.35 ATP provides energy
2.36 Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration
2.37 Word + balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration
2.38 Word equation for anaerobic respiration in plants & animals

Gas Exchange

Humans
- 2.46 Structure of thorax
- 2.47 Diaphragm & intercostal muscles in ventilation
- 2.48 Alveoli adaptations
- 2.49 Biological consequences of smoking

Transport

General
- 2.51 Unicellular organisms rely on diffusion
- 2.52 Need for transport in multicellular organisms
Flowering plants
- 2.53 Phloem transports sucrose & amino acids
- 2.54 Xylem transports water & minerals
Humans
- 2.59 Components of blood
- 2.60 Role of plasma
- 2.61 RBC adaptations
- 2.62 Immune system: phagocytes & lymphocytes
- 2.63B Vaccination → memory cells
- 2.64B Platelets in blood clotting
- 2.65 Heart structure & function
- 2.66 Heart rate changes; adrenaline
- 2.67 Risk factors for CHD
- 2.68 Arteries, veins, capillaries
- 2.69 Structure of circulation system

Excretion

Plants
- 2.70 CO₂ & O₂ as waste products, lost through stomata
Humans
- 2.71 Excretory products of lungs, kidneys, skin

Coordination & Response

General
- 2.80 Response to environment
- 2.81 Homeostasis
- 2.82 Stimulus → receptor → effector
Plants
- 2.83 Plants respond to stimuli
- 2.84 Geotropism & phototropism
- 2.85 Auxin in phototropism
Humans
- 2.86 Nervous vs hormonal control
- 2.87 CNS = brain + spinal cord; nerves to sense organs
- 2.88 Electrical impulses → rapid responses
- 2.89 Neurotransmitters at synapses
- 2.90 Reflex arc
- 2.91 Eye structure & function
- 2.92 Focusing + light intensity response
- 2.93 Skin in temperature regulation
- 2.94 Hormones: adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone, oestrogen

Topic 3 : Reproduction & Inheritance

Reproduction

General Reproduction Concepts
- 3.1 Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction
- 3.2 Fertilisation → Zygote → Embryo Development
Flowering Plants
- 3.3 Insect-pollinated vs Wind-pollinated Flowers
- 3.4 Pollen Tube Growth & Fertilisation → Seeds & Fruits
- 3.6 Use of Food Reserves in Germinating Seeds
- 3.7 Asexual Reproduction in Plants (Runners & Cuttings)
Humans
- 3.8 Male & Female Reproductive System Adaptations
- 3.9 Roles of Oestrogen & Progesterone
- 3.10B Roles of FSH & LH
- 3.11 Placenta & Nutrition of Embryo
- 3.12 Amniotic Fluid & Embryo Protection
- 3.13 Hormones in Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Inheritance

Genetic Material
- 3.14 Genome & Gene Meaning
- 3.15 Chromosomes & Gene Location
Genes & Patterns of Inheritance
- 3.19 Alleles & Variation
- 3.20 Dominant, Recessive, Genotype, Phenotype
- 3.21B Codominance
- 3.22 Polygenic Inheritance
- 3.23 Monohybrid Inheritance (Genetic Diagram)
- 3.24 Reading Family Pedigrees
- 3.25 Predicting Monohybrid Cross Outcomes
Sex Determination
- 3.26 XX/XY Chromosomes
- 3.27 Sex of Offspring at Fertilisation
Cell Division
- 3.28 Mitosis → Two Identical Diploid Cells
- 3.29 Roles of Mitosis
- 3.30 Meiosis → Four Haploid, Genetically Different Cells
- 3.31 Random Fertilisation → Variation
Chromosomes & Variation
- 3.32 Diploid (46) & Haploid (23) Numbers
- 3.33 Genetic vs Environmental Variation
- 3.34 Mutation (Inherited Random Change)
Mutations, Evolution & Antibiotic Resistance
- 3.38 Darwin’s Natural Selection
- 3.39 Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Topic 4: Ecology & The Environment

The Organism in the Environment

- 4.1 Population, Community, Habitat & Ecosystem
- 4.2 Practical: Population Size Using Quadrats
- 4.5 Abiotic & Biotic Factors Affecting Population Size

Feeding Relationships

- 4.6 Trophic Levels
- 4.7 Food Chains, Food Webs & Ecological Pyramids
- 4.8 Transfer of Substances & Energy in Food Chains
- 4.9 Why Only ~10% of Energy Passes to Next Trophic Level

Cycles Within Ecosystems

- 4.10 Stages of the Carbon Cycle

Human Influences on the Environment

- 4.12 Air Pollution: Sulfur Dioxide & Carbon Monoxide
- 4.13 Greenhouse Gases
- 4.14 Human Activities Increasing Greenhouse Gases
- 4.15 Enhanced Greenhouse Effect → Global Warming
- 4.16 Water Pollution by Sewage
- 4.17 Eutrophication from Mineral Runoff

Topic 5 : Use of Biological Resources

Food Production

Crop Plants
- 5.1 Glasshouses & Polythene Tunnels for Increasing Crop Yield
- 5.2 Effects of CO₂ & Temperature on Crop Yield
- 5.3 How Fertilisers Increase Crop Yield
- 5.4 Pest Control
Micro-organisms
- 5.5 Role of Yeast in Bread Making
- 5.7 Role of Bacteria in Yoghurt Production
- 5.8 Industrial Fermenter

Selective Breeding

5.10 Selective Breeding for Desired Plant Characteristics
5.11 Selective Breeding for Desired Animal Characteristics

Genetic Modification (Genetic Engineering)

5.12 Restriction Enzymes & Ligase Enzymes in DNA Cutting & Joining
5.13 Plasmids & Viruses as Vectors for Recombinant DNA
5.14 Manufacturing Human Insulin Using Genetically Modified Bacteria
5.15 Genetically Modified Plants for Improving Food Production
5.16 Meaning of “Transgenic”

Biology Paper 2	*Paper code 4BI1/2B
Externally assessed Availability: November and June First assessment: June 2019	38.9 percent of the total International GCSE