Edexcel IGCSE Biology Past Papers
GradeMax provides comprehensive IGCSE Biology revision with real past paper questions organized by topic. Practice cells, genetics, ecology, human biology, and plant biology with mark schemes.
9 years of papers (2017–2025) · 27 topics · Mark schemes included · Free download
IGCSE Biology Topics
Practice topic-wise Edexcel IGCSE Biology past paper questions with mark schemes
Characteristics of Living Organisms
The seven characteristics of life (MRS GREN): movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition.
Variety of Living Organisms
Classification into five kingdoms (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, protists); features of viruses; dichotomous keys.
Cell Structure and Organisation
Animal and plant cells; cell organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplast, cell wall, vacuole); cell, tissue, organ, system hierarchy; specialised cells.
Biological Molecules
Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and DNA; enzyme structure; food tests (Benedict's, iodine, biuret).
Movement of Substances
Diffusion, osmosis and active transport; factors affecting diffusion; water potential; turgid and plasmolysed cells.
Nutrition in Plants
Photosynthesis equation and process; limiting factors (light, CO₂, temperature); leaf structure; mineral ion requirements.
Nutrition in Humans
Balanced diet; digestive system; enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase); absorption in small intestine; villi; liver functions.
Respiration
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration equations; ATP; fermentation; effects of exercise; mitochondria.
Gas Exchange
Gas exchange in humans (alveoli, lungs); gas exchange in plants (stomata, guard cells); gas exchange in fish (gills).
Transport in Plants
Xylem and phloem; transpiration; transpiration stream; factors affecting transpiration rate; translocation.
Transport in Humans
Heart structure and function; circulatory system; blood composition (plasma, red cells, white cells, platelets); blood groups; coronary heart disease.
Excretion
Kidneys and urine formation; ultrafiltration and reabsorption; role of ADH; liver producing urea; lungs excreting CO₂.
Coordination and Response
Nervous system (neurones, reflex arc, brain, spinal cord); hormonal system (hormones, endocrine glands); plant responses (tropisms, auxins).
Homeostasis
Regulation of body temperature; blood glucose control (insulin, glucagon); ADH and water balance; negative feedback.
Reproduction in Plants
Sexual reproduction (flowers, pollination, fertilisation, seed dispersal); asexual reproduction (runners, tubers, bulbs, cuttings).
Reproduction in Humans
Male and female reproductive systems; menstrual cycle; fertilisation; pregnancy; contraception; sexually transmitted infections.
Cell Division
Mitosis (growth and repair, produces 2 identical diploid cells); meiosis (produces 4 haploid gametes, genetic variation).
Inheritance
DNA structure; genes and alleles; dominant and recessive; Punnett squares; monohybrid and dihybrid crosses; codominance; sex linkage; mutations.
Natural Selection and Evolution
Natural selection; Darwin's theory; variation; adaptation; antibiotic resistance; speciation; fossil record.
Organisms and Their Environment
Ecosystems; habitats and niches; abiotic and biotic factors; population size; sampling techniques (quadrats, transects).
Feeding Relationships
Food chains and food webs; producers, consumers and decomposers; energy transfer; trophic levels; pyramids of number, biomass and energy.
Nutrient Cycles
Carbon cycle (photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion); nitrogen cycle (fixation, nitrification, denitrification); water cycle.
Human Influences on the Environment
Pollution (water, air, land); deforestation; habitat destruction; climate change; conservation; biodiversity; eutrophication.
Food Production
Crop plants (pest control, fertilisers, irrigation); livestock farming; fish farming; glasshouses and hydroponics; food chains and efficiency.
Selective Breeding
Artificial selection in plants and animals; examples (high-yield crops, disease-resistant varieties, dog breeds); advantages and risks.
Genetic Engineering
Process of genetic modification; GM crops (pest resistance, herbicide tolerance); production of insulin and other proteins; ethical issues.
Cloning
Tissue culture; embryo transplanting; adult cell cloning (Dolly the sheep); stem cells; advantages and ethical considerations.
IGCSE Biology Past Papers by Year
IGCSE Biology — Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are in Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1)?
Edexcel IGCSE Biology has 5 sections with 27 chapters: Section 1 (Nature and Variety of Living Organisms), Section 2 (Structures and Functions — cells, nutrition, respiration, transport, coordination), Section 3 (Reproduction and Inheritance — genetics, evolution), Section 4 (Ecology and the Environment), and Section 5 (Use of Biological Resources).
How do you draw a Punnett square?
To draw a Punnett square: 1) Write parent genotypes, 2) Split alleles — one parent across top, one down side, 3) Fill in boxes by combining alleles, 4) Calculate genotype and phenotype ratios from results.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces 2 identical diploid cells for growth and repair. Meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction. Meiosis involves two divisions and creates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
How many papers are in IGCSE Biology?
Edexcel IGCSE Biology has two papers: Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks) and Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks). Both are written exams covering all topics.
What equations do I need for IGCSE Biology?
Key equations: Photosynthesis (6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂), Aerobic respiration (C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy), Anaerobic respiration in animals (glucose → lactic acid), Magnification = image size ÷ actual size.