AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 2 (Higher), 2024: Question 2

✅ Marks available

• 02.1 1 mark
• 02.2 1 mark
• 02.3 1 mark
• 02.4 1 mark
• 02.5 6 marks

🧠 How to score well

• Use the exact biology term the mark scheme wants.
• For 1-mark boxes, one correct tick is enough.
• For the 6-mark question, give several linked points, not a list of random facts.

✅ Correct answer

Domain

Tick: Domain

💡 Key knowledge

• The largest classification groups include domain and kingdom.
• Eukaryota is one of the three domains.
• Potato plants are eukaryotic because their cells have a nucleus.

❌ Common errors

• Choosing kingdom because it sounds like a big group.
• Confusing eukaryota with eukaryote and not linking it to the domain level.

✅ Correct answer

Offspring are genetically identical.

💡 Key knowledge

• Asexual reproduction involves one parent.
• There is no fusion of gametes.
• Offspring are clones, so they are genetically identical to the parent.

🧠 Exam technique

• Read every option before ticking.
• Look for clues: meiosis and gametes belong to sexual reproduction, not asexual.

❌ Common errors

• Ticking meiosis occurs — this is wrong.
• Ticking pollen and egg cells are produced — these are gametes for sexual reproduction.

✅ Correct answer

A gamete contains half of the number of chromosomes.

💡 Key knowledge

• Gametes are sex cells.
• They are haploid, meaning they have half the chromosome number of body cells.
• In plants, gametes are involved in sexual reproduction.

❌ Common errors

• Choosing one-quarter — the mark scheme does not accept this.
• Choosing double — this is the opposite of correct.

✅ Correct answers

Any one of these is enough for 1 mark:

• It has similar structure / characteristics / phenotype to potatoes.
• It has similar DNA / genes.
• It has similar biochemistry.
• It has the same first part of the binomial name.

💡 Key knowledge

• Scientists can compare visible features, DNA, and classification names.
• Examples of structure/characteristics: similar leaves, flowers, shape, or taste.
• DNA analysis can show how closely related organisms are.

🧠 Examiner insight

• Top answers were specific, such as “similar DNA” or “similar flower structure”.
• Vague wording like “it looks similar” can be too weak unless you name a feature.

❌ Common errors

• Saying same DNA or same genes exactly — the mark scheme allows similar DNA / genes, not necessarily identical.
• Writing only “similar” with no detail.

✅ What a high-mark answer includes

• Explain that climate change changes weather patterns.
• State that this can cause drought, flooding, or temperature changes.
• Explain that some current crops may not survive in the new conditions.
• Say GM crops could be made to grow in a wider range of conditions.
• Explain GM crops could be made resistant to pests/diseases, store longer, or have higher yield / faster growth.
• Link this to feeding a growing population, especially if farming land is reduced.

💡 Key knowledge

Effects of climate change:

• weather patterns/trends change
• flooding
• drought
• temperature change
• sea level rise can reduce farmland
• desertification can reduce farmland

Benefits of GM crops:

• grow in a wider range of conditions
• resistant to pests and diseases
• store for longer
• increase yield
• increase growth rate
• help feed a larger human population

🧠 Exam technique

• This is a Level 3 question if you give detailed points and link them logically.
• Do not just write a list. Use cause → effect → benefit.
• Use phrases like “because”, “this means”, and “therefore”.
• To reach the top level, you must explain both the problem caused by climate change and how GM helps.

❌ Common errors

• Only saying “GM crops help people” without explaining how.
• Talking about GM in general but not linking it to climate change.
• Writing about selective breeding instead of GM, unless clearly relevant and linked.
• Forgetting that the answer needs logical links, not just facts.

💡 Remember these facts

• Eukaryota is a domain.
• Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring.
• Gametes have half the number of chromosomes.
• Species in the same genus may have similar features, DNA, biochemistry, or binomial names.
• GM crops can help if climate change makes farming harder.

🧠 Final exam tip

In short-answer questions, use the exact wording from biology. In the long answer, keep linking each point back to the question: climate change → crop failure risk → GM crop benefit → more food for people.