Free OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) (J250) Exam Questions and Answers
OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) (J250) is OCR's GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) qualification, specification J250, taken in England. It is sat at Foundation or Higher tier. The questions here come from OCR's published question papers from June 2018 to June 2025, plus its specimen papers, with answers and marking guidance taken from OCR's own mark schemes. Written-answer questions let you work out your answer and then reveal what the mark scheme accepts; diagrams, graphs and source material appear with the questions that use them.
Candidates comparing OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) (J250) exam dumps, ExamTopics and other practice tests use this page for the answers and explanations behind each question. Download the free PDF, then sit the timed exam simulation before booking with OCR.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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Question #1
Which substances are used in the synthesis of lipids?
Correct answer: D
Explanation
One mark for D.
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Question #2
The drawing shows some of the structures found in an animal cell. Which labelled structure contains enzymes for cellular respiration?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
One mark for C. B is also allowed.
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Question #3
Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants. Which row describes photosynthesis? | Row | Type of reaction | Substrates | Products | | A | Endothermic | Carbon dioxide and water | Oxygen and glucose | | B | Exothermic | Carbon dioxide and water | Oxygen and glucose | | C | Endothermic | Oxygen and glucose | Carbon dioxide and water | | D | Exothermic | Oxygen and glucose | Carbon dioxide and water |
Correct answer: A
Explanation
One mark for A.
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Question #4
Which substances are transported in the phloem vessels?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
One mark for C.
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Question #5
The diagram shows a potometer. Why is structure X needed?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
One mark for C.
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Question #6
Look at the diagram of a potometer. How can the apparatus be changed to increase the rate of water uptake?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
One mark for B.
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Question #7
A student investigates osmosis. They place potato chips in different sugar solutions. The table shows their results. | Sugar solution | Mass of potato chip (g) at start | Mass of potato chip (g) after one hour | | X | 2.0 | 2.2 | | Y | 2.0 | 1.9 | | Z | 2.0 | 1.7 | What is the percentage change in mass for the potato chip in sugar solution Z?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
One mark for B.
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Question #8
The level of some hormones change during the menstrual cycle. The graph shows how the level of one hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. Fertilisation has not taken place after ovulation. Which hormone is represented in the graph?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
One mark for C.
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Question #9
A student investigates an enzyme controlled reaction. She collects the gas produced during the reaction in a gas syringe. The diagrams show the amount of gas in the gas syringe at the start and after five minutes. What is the rate of the reaction?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
One mark for B.
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Question #10
Which of these carbohydrates is a polymer?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
One mark for C.
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