AQA GCSE Biology
AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.2 Cell Division Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Biology exam questions for 4.1.2 Cell Division, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers chromosomes, the cell cycle and mitosis, stem cells in embryos, adults and plant meristems, therapeutic cloning and stem cell ethics.
4.1.2 Cell Division exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.2 Cell Division
Cell division is part of the AQA Cell biology section on Paper 1. It explains how body cells copy their chromosomes and divide by mitosis for growth and repair, and introduces stem cells and how they might be used in medicine. It links to cancer in Organisation, to meiosis in Inheritance, variation and evolution, and to cloning plants. Examiners like asking you to describe the stages of the cell cycle in order, interpret diagrams or data on the percentage of time spent in each stage, and evaluate the practical risks and ethical issues of using stem cells.
What you need to know
- 4.1.2.1 Chromosomes The nucleus contains chromosomes made of DNA molecules, and each chromosome carries a large number of genes. In body cells chromosomes are normally found in pairs; human body cells have 23 pairs.
- 4.1.2.2 Cell cycle: growth and DNA replication Before a cell divides it grows, increases the number of subcellular structures such as ribosomes and mitochondria, and its DNA replicates to form two copies of each chromosome.
- 4.1.2.2 Mitosis and cytokinesis In mitosis one set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell and the nucleus divides. Then the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical daughter cells. Mitosis is used for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
- 4.1.2.3 Stem cells A stem cell is undifferentiated and can give rise to many more cells of the same type and certain other cells by differentiation. Embryonic stem cells can become most cell types; adult bone marrow stem cells form many cell types including blood cells; meristem cells in plants can differentiate into any plant cell type throughout life.
- Uses of stem cells Stem cells may help treat conditions such as diabetes and paralysis. In therapeutic cloning an embryo is produced with the same genes as the patient, so cells are not rejected. Plant meristems can be used to produce clones quickly and cheaply, including rare species and crops with disease resistance.
- Issues with stem cells Risks include transfer of viral infection from cultured cells. Some people object to using embryos on ethical or religious grounds. Evaluate both benefits and concerns in balanced answers.
Common mistakes in 4.1.2 Cell Division
- Saying chromosomes are copied during mitosis. DNA replication happens before mitosis, during the growth stage of the cell cycle.
- Saying daughter cells from mitosis are 'similar'. They are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
- Saying adult stem cells can become any cell type. Adult stem cells, such as those in bone marrow, can only form certain types of cell; embryonic stem cells are far more versatile.
- Forgetting cytokinesis. The final stage is division of the cytoplasm and cell membrane to form two cells.
- Giving only one side in evaluation questions. Stem cell questions usually need benefits, risks and ethical points with a conclusion.
Try three 4.1.2 Cell Division exam-style questions
1. Describe what happens during the cell cycle. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Cell grows; number of subcellular structures such as mitochondria and ribosomes increases; DNA replicates to form two copies of each chromosome; one set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell and the nucleus divides (mitosis); cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to form two identical cells
2. In a sample of root tip, 20 out of 400 cells were in mitosis. The cell cycle lasts 24 hours. Estimate how long mitosis lasts in minutes. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Fraction in mitosis = 20 / 400 = 0.05; 0.05 x 24 hours = 1.2 hours; 1.2 x 60 = 72 minutes
3. Evaluate the use of embryonic stem cells to treat paralysis. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into nerve cells; could restore function to damaged tissue; therapeutic cloning means cells would not be rejected; risk of viral infection being transferred; ethical or religious objections as embryos are destroyed; treatment is still largely experimental; conclusion supported by reasons
4.1.2 Cell Division FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.2 Cell division cover?
It covers chromosomes, the cell cycle and mitosis, stem cells in animals and plants, therapeutic cloning, and the benefits, risks and ethical issues of stem cell use.
Which paper is 4.1.2 Cell division examined on?
It is part of Cell biology, which is assessed on Paper 1.
How should I answer stem cell evaluation questions?
Give specific benefits (which conditions could be treated, no rejection with therapeutic cloning), specific risks (viral infection, cost, unproven treatments) and ethical points about embryos, then finish with a reasoned conclusion.
