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BIOLOGY - 0610

Topical-Revision-Notes-Biology (pdf)Download

Predicted Paper 6 Questions

High Probability Topics


  • Enzyme Activity
    • Effect of temperature and pH on rate of reaction; design experiments investigating these factors with clear variables.
  • Photosynthesis
    • Investigating limiting factors (light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration).
  • Transport in Plants
    • Absorption of ions via active transport; mineral requirements (magnesium, nitrate).
  • Blood and Circulation
    • Questions about the double circulatory system and functions.
  • Immunity
    • Passive and active immunity, vaccination and response.
  • Breathing System
    • Gas exchange, mechanism of inspiration/expiration, impact of exercise.
  • Excretion and Kidney
    • Filtration, selective reabsorption, structure-function relationships.
  • Neurones and Synapses
    • Function of synapses in nervous system and experimental data analysis.
  • Food Tests
    • Chemical tests for starch, glucose, protein, and fat; correct experimental procedures and safety.

Magnification

  • Calculating magnification using images and diagrams.


Common Practical Skills Assessed


  • Describing and labeling diagrams (no shading, large, accurate outlines).
  • Understanding and using independent, dependent, and control variables; designing experiments with variable tables.
  • Explaining, comparing, and evaluating methods for reliability and safety.
  • Planning and detailing practical procedures – e.g., changing distance of lamp for photosynthesis rate.
  • Interpreting experimental results and data tables.

 

Tips from Recent Predictions


  • Always identify variables (IV, DV, control) and apparatus in investigation planning.
  • Be precise and systematic: use ruler for label lines, quote magnification units as “X,” avoid vague comparisons.
  • Explain how to improve reliability and carry out safety precautions.
  • Data interpretation and drawing conclusions from experimental results are frequently tested.

 

Flashcards for IGCSE Biology Paper 6


Flashcard 1
Q: What is an independent variable?
A: The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effect.

Flashcard 2
Q: What is the dependent variable?
A: The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment.

Flashcard 3
Q: Name three control variables.
A: Variables kept constant to ensure a fair test, e.g., temperature, light intensity, volume of solution.

Flashcard 4
Q: Describe the Benedict’s test procedure.
A: Add Benedict’s solution to the sample, heat in a water bath, and observe color change from blue to brick red if reducing sugar is present.

Flashcard 5
Q: How do you calculate percentage change in mass?
A: (final mass−initial mass)/initial mass×100%(final mass−initial mass)/initial mass×100%

Flashcard 6
Q: What safety precaution is important when using a Bunsen burner?
A: Tie back long hair, keep flammable materials away, and turn off the burner when not in use.

Flashcard 7
Q: How do you ensure reliability in an investigation?
A: Repeat the experiment multiple times and calculate the mean of the results.

Flashcard 8
Q: What is magnification and how is it calculated?
A: Magnification = image size ÷ actual size.

Flashcard 9
Q: What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
A: To provide a baseline to compare results and ensure the effect is due to the independent variable.

Flashcard 10
Q: Why blot potatoes dry before weighing in osmosis experiments?
A: To remove excess surface water, ensuring only water inside the tissue affects the mass.

Flashcard 11
Q: What is active transport?
A: Movement of substances across a membrane against concentration gradient using energy.

Flashcard 12
Q: What is the correct way to draw a biological diagram for exams?
A: Use a sharp pencil, draw clear outlines with no shading, and label lines should be straight and not cross.

Flashcard 13
Q: Name two common sources of error in biological practical.
A: Measurement inaccuracies and inconsistent sample size.

Flashcard 14
Q: How can you improve accuracy in an experiment?
A: Use precise equipment, control variables tightly, and take multiple readings.

Flashcard 15
Q: What color does iodine turn in the presence of starch?
A: Blue-black.


 Common Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 Paper 6 experiments along with their typical independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), and controlled variables (CV)  .


Enzyme Activity

  • Experiment: Effect of temperature or pH on enzyme activity (e.g., amylase or catalase)
  • IV: Temperature or pH
  • DV: Rate of reaction (e.g., time taken for starch to disappear or gas volume produced)
  • CV: Enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, time of reaction

Osmosis and Diffusion

  • Experiment: Osmosis in potato strips in different sucrose concentrations
  • IV: Concentration of sucrose solution
  • DV: Change in mass or length of potato strips
  • CV: Temperature, time, size of potato strips
  • Experiment: Diffusion rate using agar cubes or dialysis tubing
  • IV: Concentration of solute or temperature
  • DV: Change in mass or color intensity
  • CV: Surface area, time

Photosynthesis

  • Experiment: Rate of photosynthesis in pondweed with varying light intensity
  • IV: Distance of light source (light intensity)
  • DV: Number or volume of oxygen bubbles released
  • CV: Temperature, species of pondweed, carbon dioxide concentration
  • Experiment: Effect of carbon dioxide or temperature on photosynthesis rate
  • IV: Carbon dioxide concentration or temperature
  • DV: Amount of oxygen produced or starch accumulation
  • CV: Light intensity, time

Food Tests

  • Experiment: Testing for starch, glucose, protein, fat in food samples
  • IV: Type of food sample
  • DV: Color change or test result
  • CV: Reagent volume, test duration, temperature during testing

Transpiration and Transport

  • Experiment: Rate of transpiration using a potometer under different humidity, temperature, or wind speed
  • IV: Environmental factor (humidity, temperature, wind)
  • DV: Distance moved by air bubble or water uptake rate
  • CV: Plant species, light intensity, time

Respiration

  • Experiment: Measuring carbon dioxide production in yeast respiration at different temperatures or glucose levels
  • IV: Temperature or glucose concentration
  • DV: Rate or volume of carbon dioxide produced
  • CV: Yeast amount, pH, time

Germination and Growth Responses

  • Experiment: Effect of water, oxygen, temperature on seed germination
  • IV: Water availability, oxygen availability, or temperature
  • DV: Number or percentage of seeds germinated
  • CV: Seed type, light conditions, duration
  • Experiment: Geotropism and phototropism in seedlings
  • IV: Positioning of plant (light direction or orientation)
  • DV: Direction of shoot or root growth
  • CV: Plant species, age of seedlings, time

 


Cambridge Biology 610 Paper 6 Variant 2 Questions from year 2020 to 2025

 

2020 Paper 6 Variant 2

 

 Q1:

Describe an experiment to investigate the effect of different concentrations of sucrose solution on the mass of potato cells. Include independent, dependent and control variables.

 Q2:

Draw and label a diagram showing the apparatus you would use to test a leaf for starch.

 Q3:

Explain how you would test a food sample for the presence of protein.

2021 Paper 6 Variant 2

 Q1:
A student investigates the effect of temperature on the rate of enzyme activity. Describe how the student could carry out the investigation, including how to measure the rate.

 Q2:
Describe an experiment to test for osmosis in plant tissue, including how to control variables.


2022 Paper 6 Variant 2

Q1:
Describe in detail a method to test a food sample for starch. What result would be expected if starch is present?

Q2:
Outline the steps you would take to investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in pondweed.

Q3:
Explain how to calculate magnification when given the image size and actual size.

2023 Paper 6 Variant 2

Q1:
Plan an investigation to find out how pH affects the activity of an enzyme. Describe variables you would keep the same.

Q2:
Draw a clear and labeled diagram of the apparatus needed to show osmosis in plant cells.

2024 Paper 6 Variant 2

Q1:
Describe how you would measure the volume of oxygen produced by pondweed in different light intensities.

Q2:
Describe the procedure to test for reducing sugars in a food sample.

2025 Paper 6 Variant 2

Q1:
Plan an experiment to test the effect of pH on the rate of digestion of a protein. Include variables to be controlled.

Q2:
Describe how hydrogen carbonate indicator is used to show photosynthesis occurring in an aquatic plant.

CIE IGCSE BIOLOGY PAPER 6 - PDF Viewer

FULL VIEW PRESS F11

PAPER 4 AND 6 - PDF Viewer

List of 20 high-probability exam questions

Paper 6 February /March - 610//62 - 2020 - Answer key explanation

  

Paper 6 February /March - 610//62 - 2020 

Question 1: Experiment with Beetroot and Temperature

1(a)(i) Table Construction

· Draw a table with headers for 'Temperature (°C)' and 'Observation'.

· The table should include two temperatures and corresponding observations (e.g., color intensity/more pigment visible). 

· Logic: A well-drawn table helps organize results and shows changes with different temperatures, which is essential in practical biology.

1(a)(ii) Explanation of Observations

· More pigment leaks at higher temperatures (or similar wording).

· Logic: Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, causing the cell membrane to become more permeable and leak pigment.[2]

1(a)(iii) Controlled Variables

· Surface area of beetroot exposed to water, number of cells at start.

· Logic: Ensuring these remain the same means any differences in observed pigment release are due to temperature, not other factors. 

1(a)(iv) Error and Apparatus

· Error: Volume of water not stated, so concentration of pigment may not be comparable.

· Apparatus: Use a measuring cylinder, syringe, burette, or graduated pipette.

· Also, if temperature was not controlled, use a water bath or insulating material.

· Logic: Identifying sources of error and possible improvements makes the procedure more reliable.

1(b)(iii) Definition of Anomaly

· An anomaly is a result that does not fit the pattern or other results. 

· Logic: Recognizing anomalies helps in statistical analysis and improving experimental design.

1(b)(iv) Handling Anomaly

· Do not include anomalies in calculating averages. 

· Logic: This prevents anomalous results from distorting the overall data interpretation.

1(b)(v) Graph Plotting

· Axes labeled with units, suitable scale, all points accurately plotted, suitable line (trendline/curve) drawn.

· Logic: Proper graph techniques help visualize relationships between variables in the experiment. 

1(b)(vi) Using Graph to Estimate

· Use the trendline to estimate the value at 50°C by finding where the line crosses that temperature and reading the value.

· Logic: Trendline estimates allow for interpolation and prediction within the measured range. 

Question 2: Measurement & Practical Skills

2(a)(i) Drawing a Biological Diagram

· Make the outline with a single clear line, no shading; size should be larger than the image seen.

· Include relevant details (cell wall, nucleus, etc.). 

· Logic: Accurate biological drawings are a key skill for communicating observations.

2(a)(ii) Calculating Size

· Correctly measure line PQ (should match mark scheme values, with units).

· Apply the image-to-actual measurement formula (usually based on actual size/image size ratio).

· Round answer appropriately. 

· Logic: This develops skills in interpreting and using scales from microscope images, which is common exam material.

2(b)(i) Purpose of Control Experiment

· To show that beetroot causes the effect (the experimental variable’s impact). 

· Logic: Controls prove the effect specifically arises from the test substance, not due to other conditions.

2(b)(ii) Description of Control

· Replace beetroot juice with water (same volume). 

· Logic: Direct comparison rules out variables other than the concentration of beetroot juice.

2(b)(iii) Percentage Change Calculation

· Use readings from the graph (given data), perform calculation: [(change/original) x 100].

· E.g., if time changes from 510s to 470s, percentage change calculation is required. 

· Logic: Calculating percentage change quantifies the impact of the independent variable.

Question 2(c): Planning an Experiment

2(c) Planning Investigation Variables

· Use at least two different volumes of beetroot juice.

· State fasting details or when juice is consumed.

· Measure running time in a consistent way.

· Include rest breaks for repeat measurements.

· State three named constant variables (concentration, running conditions, participant details, environment).

· Use many participants per group or repeat with same individuals.

· State a safety precaution.

· Logic: Systematically planning ensures validity, reliability, and safety, which is critical for exam success and real-world practical’s. 

Question 2(d): Food Test

2(d) Benedict’s Test for Reducing Sugars

· Add Benedict’s solution, heat.

· Observed color change (red, orange, yellow, green indicate presence of reducing sugars). 

· Logic: Understanding food tests is essential for practical and theoretical exam questions.

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