Free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) Exam Questions and Answers
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) is Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Combined Science qualification, specification 1SC0, taken in England. 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 Combined Science (1SC0) 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 13, 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 bacteria/pathogens or produce antibodies/antitoxins, so Z is likely to have an infection.
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/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.
Type your answer, then reveal.
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; dispose of samples safely.
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. DNA is not a single, complementary or triple helix.
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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 are not in the DNA backbone, and bases are not part of the 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: (weak) hydrogen bonds
Explanation
One mark for hydrogen (bonds).
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Question #7
DNA can be extracted from fruit. Describe how cells are broken down to release DNA.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Homogenise (break up) the cells, then mix them with a salt or detergent solution.
Explanation
Two marks: (1) homogenise cells (accept grind/crush/squash cells using a pestle and mortar). (1) Mix cells with a salt/detergent (solution). Accept use of alcohol/ethanol.
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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.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two: locate genes associated with diseases; treat genetic disorders; personalised medicine.
Explanation
Any two from: locate genes associated with diseases; treat (genetic) disorders; personalised medicine. Also accept genetic screening, genetic counselling or named disorders, and developing new treatments/medicines. One mark each.
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Question #9
A student investigated the effect of enzyme concentration on the mass of product formed in one hour. Figure 3 shows the results of this investigation. Complete the graph by plotting the points and drawing a line to show the trend in the data. The first three points have been plotted for you.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: All points plotted correctly (within ½ small square); line showing a steady increase that levels off at 30 au / 40 g.
Explanation
1 mark for all points plotted correctly to within half a small square. 1 mark for a line showing a steady increase that levels off at 30 au / 40 g. Dot-to-dot line accepted.
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Question #10
A student investigated the effect of enzyme concentration on the mass of product formed in one hour. Figure 3 shows the results of this investigation. Describe the effect that enzyme concentration has on the mass of product formed.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Mass of product increases as enzyme concentration increases, then levels off (stays the same) at 30 au / 40 g.
Explanation
Any two from: mass of product formed increases as enzyme concentration increases; then the mass of product remains the same (accept levels off); 30 au / 40 g is the point where the mass of product remains the same.
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