Free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) Exam Questions and Answers
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) is Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Biology qualification, specification 1BI0, taken in England. It is sat at Foundation or Higher tier. The questions here come from Pearson Edexcel's published question papers from June 2018 to June 2025, plus its specimen papers, with answers and marking guidance taken from Pearson Edexcel'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 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) 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 Pearson Edexcel.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
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Question #1
Antibiotics can be used to treat diseases. Antibiotics kill
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Only C is correct. Antibiotics do not kill antibodies, antigens or viruses.
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Question #2
Figure 1 shows the number of white blood cells in blood samples from three patients. | | Patient X | Patient Y | Patient Z | | Number of white blood cells per µl | 8 500 | 5 700 | 12 500 | Figure 1 Explain why the data suggests that Patient Z has a bacterial infection.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Patient Z has a higher white blood cell count, and white blood cells kill pathogens/bacteria (by phagocytosis, producing antibodies or antitoxins).
Explanation
Two marks: (1) patient Z has a high(er) white blood cell count (accept more/most white blood cells); (1) white blood cells kill bacteria, pathogens or microorganisms, or produce antibodies or antitoxins (accept fight infection, destroy bacterial infection).
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Question #3
HIV is diagnosed by blood tests. State two safety precautions that need to be taken when handling blood samples. 1 ____ 2 ____
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Correct answer: Any two: wear gloves/goggles; cover cuts or wounds; clean up spills; use tongs to handle sample tubes; store samples in sealed containers (or in a fridge); dispose of samples safely (e.g. incinerate or sterilise).
Explanation
Any two from: wear gloves/goggles/cover wounds or cuts; clean up spills/use tongs to handle sample tubes; store samples in sealed containers (accept store in fridge/cooler); dispose of samples safely (accept burn, incinerate, sterilise). One mark each.
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Question #4
Figure 2 shows part of a DNA molecule. What is the shape of a DNA molecule?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Only B is correct.
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Question #5
Figure 2 shows part of a DNA molecule. Which molecules are present in the DNA backbone?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Only A is correct. Amino acids and bases are not in the DNA backbone.
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Question #6
Figure 2 shows part of a DNA molecule. State the type of bond that joins the bases together in the DNA molecule.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Hydrogen bonds (weak)
Explanation
One mark for (weak) hydrogen bonds.
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Question #7
DNA can be extracted from fruit. Describe how cells are broken down to release DNA.
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Correct answer: Homogenise (grind/crush/squash) the cells, e.g. with a pestle and mortar, then mix with a salt or detergent solution.
Explanation
Two marks: (1) homogenise cells (allow grind, crush, squash cells using pestle and mortar); (1) mix cells with a salt or detergent solution. Accept use of alcohol/ethanol for one mark.
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Question #8
In 2003, scientists finished sequencing the 3 billion base pairs in the human genome. State two benefits that the Human Genome Project could have for medicine. 1 ____ 2 ____
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two: locate genes associated with diseases; treat genetic disorders; personalised medicine; genetic screening; genetic counselling; develop new treatments/medicines.
Explanation
Any two from: locate genes associated with diseases; treat (genetic) disorders; personalised medicine. Accept genetic screening, genetic counselling or named disorders, and developing new treatments or medicines. One mark each.
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Question #9
Gregor Mendel investigated genetic inheritance using pea plants. Figure 3 shows some of the equipment used in this investigation. Gregor Mendel crossed red-flowered pea plants with white-flowered pea plants. Describe how this equipment could be used to do this cross and discover the flower colour of the new pea plants produced.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Remove pollen (male gametes) from one plant using a brush; transfer it to the other plant (cross-pollinate); collect the seeds; grow the seeds and observe flower colour.
Explanation
Any three from: remove pollen/male gametes from one plant using a brush; transfer pollen/male sex cells to the other plant (accept cross-pollinate); collect the seeds; grow seeds (in the soil).
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Question #10
Gregor Mendel investigated genetic inheritance using pea plants. Figure 3 shows some of the equipment used in this investigation. Describe how to make sure that the results obtained from this investigation are not anomalous.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Repeat the investigation and compare the results; if all results are the same they are not anomalous.
Explanation
Any two from: repeat; compare results; if all the results are the same then they are not anomalous (or the reverse).
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