But before we dive in, the most important bit of advice: these are predictions, not a guarantee! 💯 The only way to be 100% prepared is to revise your entire specification. Think of this list as a smart way to focus your revision, not replace it.
And please, look after yourselves! Your mental health is more important than any exam. Build a revision timetable that includes breaks, sleep, seeing friends, and doing things you enjoy. A well-rested brain is a smart brain! 🧠✨
🤔 How Do We Make Our Exam Predictions?
We don't just use a crystal ball! Our team analyses years of past papers, looking for patterns, topics that haven't appeared in a while, and those big, important topics that examiners love. We combine this with a deep understanding of the AQA specification to make our best-educated guess.
It's a lot of work, but it helps us create resources that are targeted and effective. If you're curious about the method behind the madness, you can read more on our post: How Accurate Are Predicted Papers?
Table of Contents
Higher Separate Science AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 - 2026 Exam Predictions 🧬
Here's a breakdown of the topics we think are likely to make an appearance in your AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1. We've included a brief description of each to help kick-start your revision.
Pathogens and Defence Against Pathogens 🦠
This topic covers what pathogens are (microorganisms that cause disease, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists) and how your body defends itself. Think about the physical barriers, the immune system, white blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes), and antibodies.
Plant Diseases
Plants can get sick too! This section focuses on common plant diseases caused by pathogens (like tobacco mosaic virus or rose black spot) and how they can be identified and treated. You should also revise plant defence mechanisms, such as physical barriers and chemical defences.
Transport of Water and Ions in Plants
Get ready to explore how plants move essential substances around. This involves understanding the structure of the xylem that transports water and mineral ions from roots to leaves. Understand the factors affecting the rate of transpiration (temperature, humidity, air movement, light intensity) and how it contributes to the loss of water from the leaves.
Photosynthesis ☀️
The absolute cornerstone of plant biology! You'll need to know the word and symbol equations for photosynthesis (carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen), where it happens (chloroplasts), and the factors that affect its rate (light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature).
Animal, Plant, and Bacterial Cells: Organelles and Functions
A fundamental topic! Be able to identify and describe the function of key organelles in eukaryotic cells (animal, plant and fungal cells) and prokaryotic cells (bacterial cells). Think about the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplasts, and permanent vacuole. Remember the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells!
Anaerobic and Aerobic Respiration
Energy release! Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces a lot of ATP (energy), with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less ATP, with lactic acid in animals and ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast/plants. Understand when each type occurs and their products.
Microscopes and Magnification
How do we see the tiny world of cells? This involves understanding light microscopes and electron microscopes. Key calculations include magnification, image size, and actual size. Remember the formula: magnification = image size / actual size. 🔬
Aseptic Technique
In biology, working with microorganisms safely is crucial. Aseptic technique refers to practices that prevent contamination of cultures and sterilise equipment. This minimises the risk of infection and ensures reliable experimental results. Think about sterilising loops, flaming bottle necks, and working near a Bunsen burner.
Stem Cells
These amazing cells have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. Revise embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells and plant stem cells. Understand their potential uses in medicine (e.g., treating paralysis or diabetes) and the ethical considerations surrounding their use.
Mitosis
The process of cell division for growth and repair! You'll need to understand the stages of mitosis and its importance in producing two genetically identical daughter cells. 🧬
Plant Tissues and Organ Systems
Delve into the organisation of plants! This includes understanding different plant tissues in the leaf like epidermal tissue, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, xylem, and phloem. Be able to label a diagram of a leaf and explain how its structure is adapted for photosynthesis.
Structure of the Heart
The incredible pump of your body! You'll need to know the four chambers (atria and ventricles), valves, and major blood vessels (aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein). Understand the direction of blood flow and the role of the coronary arteries. 🫀
Treatment for Heart Disease
What happens when the heart goes wrong? Revise common heart conditions like coronary heart disease, leaky valves and arrhythmia. Understand the treatments used in each case and how they aim to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
The Digestive System
From munching to nutrients! This topic covers the organs of the digestive system (mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver) and their roles in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Make sure to learn how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for its function.
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
The essential macromolecules! Understand the structure and function of these three main food groups. Know the small molecules that make them up (amino acids for proteins, simple sugars for carbohydrates, fatty acids and glycerol for lipids) and how they are used by the body. You also need to know the food tests for each.
Role of Enzymes
Biological catalysts! Enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions without being used up. Understand the 'lock and key' model, the concept of the active site, and how factors like temperature and pH affect enzyme activity (denaturation).
Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases
Cancer involves uncontrolled cell division. Understand the difference between benign and malignant tumours. Also, revise other non-communicable diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma) and their risk factors.
Drug Trials
Before new medicines can be used, they undergo rigorous testing. Understand the stages of drug trials, including preclinical testing (on cells/animals) and clinical trials (on healthy volunteers and then patients), including double-blind trials and placebos.
Boost Your Revision! ✨
We've poured our expertise into creating resources to help you ace these exams!
Download our Predicted Papers! 📥 Get a head start and practice with our specially designed predicted papers for AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1. They come with mark schemes so you can check your answers.
Unlimited Free Notes! ✍️ Access a treasure trove of comprehensive, easy-to-understand notes covering every topic you need.
Take Retrieval Quizzes! 🧠 Test your knowledge and reinforce your learning with our interactive retrieval quizzes. Regular quizzing is a super effective way to remember information!
And that's not all! Our predicted papers also come with free video walkthroughs. These videos are fantastic for showing you exactly how to interpret questions and lay out your answers in a way that allows examiners to give you full marks. It's like having a tutor right there with you! 🧑🏫
Curious about how we develop our predictions? Learn more here: How do we write our Predicted Papers
AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 Exam Structure 📝
Here's a quick overview of what to expect in your AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1:
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Marks: 100 marks
Question Types: A mixture of multiple-choice, short answer, long answer, calculations, and questions that require you to interpret data or graphs.
Content: This paper assesses topics from Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics.
Remember to manage your time wisely during the exam! Read each question carefully, highlight keywords, and make sure you answer what is being asked. Even if you're unsure, try to put something down – you might pick up some marks!
Higher Combined Science (Trilogy) AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 - 2026 Exam Predictions 🧬
🦠 Pathogens
This is all about the four types of microorganisms that cause disease: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. You'll need to know examples of diseases for each (like salmonella for bacteria, flu for viruses), how they spread (e.g., air, water, direct contact), and how we can prevent the spread.
☀️ Photosynthesis
The classic! This is how plants make their own food. You must know the word and symbol equations:
6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Animal, Plant, and Bacterial Cells
Get ready to compare and contrast! You need to know the different organelles and their functions (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplast, vacuole, cell wall). Also, know the key differences between prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (animal/plant) cells.
🔬 Microscopes and Magnification
How do we see cells? Know the difference between light microscopes and electron microscopes (in terms of magnification and resolution). Be ready to calculate magnification using the formula:
Image size = Actual size × Magnification (I=AM). Remember to get your units right (mm, µm, nm)!
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
This is how organisms release energy from glucose.
Aerobic (with oxygen) is the most efficient: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water.
Anaerobic (without oxygen) is less efficient. In animals, it's Glucose → Lactic Acid. In plants and yeast, it's Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide (fermentation).
🫀 Structure of the Heart
This is a big one. Be able to label a diagram of the human heart, including the four chambers (atria, ventricles), the main blood vessels (vena cava, pulmonary artery, aorta, pulmonary vein), and the valves. You must know the path of blood through the heart (the double circulatory system).
🩸 The Circulatory System
Know the three types of blood vessels and their adaptations:
Arteries: Thick, muscular walls; carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.
Veins: Thinner walls; have valves; carry blood towards the heart.
Capillaries: Tiny, one-cell-thick walls for efficient diffusion of substances.
Treatment for Heart Disease
What happens when the heart goes wrong? Revise common heart conditions like coronary heart disease, leaky valves and arrhythmia. Understand the treatments used in each case and how they aim to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
🍔 The Digestive System
Follow the food! Know the main organs of the digestive system (mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine) and their functions. This links perfectly with enzymes. Make sure to also learn how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for its function.
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
These are the three main food groups. Know the small molecules that make them up (amino acids for proteins, simple sugars for carbohydrates, fatty acids and glycerol for lipids) and how they are used by the body. You also need to know the food tests for each.
🧩 The Role of Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts. You must know the 'lock and key' theory and the concept of the active site. Know that enzymes are specific and what happens when they denature (due to high temperatures or the wrong pH).
Cancer and Non-communicable Diseases
A non-communicable disease cannot be spread between people. Cancer is a key example, caused by uncontrolled cell growth (mitosis). Know the difference between benign (not cancerous, stays in one place) and malignant (cancerous, can spread) tumours. Also, revise other non-communicable diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma) and their risk factors.
💊 Drug Trials
Before new medicines can be used, they undergo rigorous testing. Understand the stages of drug trials, including preclinical testing (on cells/animals) and clinical trials (on healthy volunteers and then patients), including double-blind trials and placebos.
🚀 Ready to Ace Your Exam?
Feeling a bit more focused? We've got the tools to help you turn this revision list into top marks.
✅ Download Our Predicted Papers: Get your hands on our full 2026 predicted papers, written in the style of the real AQA exams.
💻 Use Our Free Notes: We have unlimited free revision notes covering every single topic on your specification.
🧠 Take Retrieval Quizzes: Test your knowledge and find your gaps with our quick-fire quizzes.
🎥 Watch FREE Video Walkthroughs: This is a game-changer! Our predicted papers come with free video walkthroughs. We show you exactly how to interpret long-answer questions, structure your answers, and hit the keywords that examiners are looking for to give you marks.
Click here to get your Predicted Papers and Free Revision Resources!
📊 Exam Breakdown: Biology Paper 1 (8464)
Here’s a quick reminder of what you're facing:
Paper: Biology Paper 1 (Higher Tier)
Topics Covered: Topics 1–4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics)
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Marks: 70 marks
Worth: 16.7% of your total GCSE Combined Science grade
Question Types: You'll face a mix of multiple-choice, structured questions, closed short-answer, and longer open-response (6-mark) questions.
You've got this! Take it one topic at a time, look after yourself, and make the most of all the resources available to you.
Good luck! 👍
Foundation Combined Science (Trilogy) AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 - 2026 Exam Predictions 🧬
🦠 Pathogens
These are microorganisms that cause disease. You need to know the four types: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. You should also know how they spread (e.g., in the air, by touch, in water) and how we can stop them spreading (like washing hands or being vaccinated).
☀️ Photosynthesis
This is how plants make their own food (glucose) using sunlight. You need to know the word equation:
Carbon dioxide + water → (light) → glucose + oxygen
You also need to know what a "limiting factor" is—the things that can slow it down (not enough light, CO2, or the wrong temperature).
Animal, Plant, and Bacterial Cells
Get ready to compare and contrast! You need to know the different parts inside cells and their functions (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplast, vacuole, cell wall). Also, know the key differences between prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (animal/plant) cells e.g bacterial cells are much smaller and have no nucleus or mitochondria.
🔬 Microscopes and Magnification
We use microscopes to see tiny cells. You need to know the difference between light microscopes and electron microscopes (in terms of magnification and resolution). Be ready to calculate magnification using the formula:
Image size = Actual size × Magnification (I=AM).
Remember to get your units right (mm, µm, nm)!
'Image size' is how big it looks (e.g., in a photo), and 'Actual size' is how big it is in real life.
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
This is how all living things release energy from glucose.
-
Aerobic: Uses oxygen. Releases lots of energy. The equation is:
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
-
Anaerobic: Used when there's no oxygen. Releases less energy. In our muscles, it's:
Glucose → lactic acid. In plants and yeast, it's Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide (fermentation).
Structure of the Heart 🫀
The heart is a pump. You should be able to label its main parts:
The four chambers (two atria on top, two ventricles on the bottom).
The main blood vessels: Aorta (takes blood to the body), Vena Cava (brings blood from the body), Pulmonary Artery (to the lungs), and Pulmonary Vein (from the lungs).
🩸 The Circulatory System
This is the heart, blood, and all the blood vessels. You need to know the three types of blood vessels:
Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart (thick walls, high pressure).
Veins: Carry blood to the heart (thinner walls, have valves).
-
Capillaries: Tiny, thin vessels where gas exchange happens.
Treatment for Heart Disease
What happens when the heart goes wrong? Revise common heart conditions like coronary heart disease, leaky valves and arrhythmia. Understand the treatments used in each case and how they aim to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
🍔 The Digestive System
This is how we break down food. You should know the order of the organs that food travels through:
Mouth → Oesophagus (food pipe) → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum
and their functions. This links perfectly with enzymes. Make sure to also learn how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for its function.
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
These are the three main food groups.
Carbohydrates made up of sugars are for energy.
Proteins made up of amino acids are for growth and repair.
-
Lipids made of fatty acids and glycerol are for energy storage and insulation.
You should also know the food tests: Iodine for starch, Biuret for protein, and Benedict's for sugar.
🧩 The Role of Enzymes
Enzymes are special proteins that speed up chemical reactions (like digestion). They work like a 'lock and key'—each enzyme only fits one specific molecule. If enzymes get too hot or the pH is wrong, they denature (lose their shape) and stop working.
Cancer and Non-communicable Diseases
Non-communicable: A disease you can't "catch" from someone (like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer).
Cancer: Caused by cells dividing and growing uncontrollably. A benign tumour stays in one place. A malignant tumour can spread to other parts of the body.
Also, revise other non-communicable diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma) and their risk factors.
💊 Drug Trials
Before a new medicine is used, it must be tested to see if it's safe and effective (if it works).
Pre-clinical: Tested on cells and animals.
-
Clinical: Tested on healthy volunteers, then patients.
Tests often use a placebo (a fake pill) and are double-blind (so nobody knows who got the real drug) to stop bias.
🚀 Your Revision Action Plan!
Feeling more focused? Now it's time to put that revision into action! We have everything you need to feel ready for this exam.
✅ Download Our Predicted Papers: Get your hands on our full 2026 predicted papers, written just like the real AQA exam.
💻 Use Our Free Notes: We have unlimited free revision notes covering every single topic on your specification.
🧠 Take Retrieval Quizzes: The best way to revise! Test what you know and find your weak spots with our quick quizzes.
🎥 Watch FREE Video Walkthroughs: All our predicted papers come with free video walkthroughs. We show you exactly how to read the questions, how to structure your answers, and what keywords examiners look for to give you marks.
Click here to get your Predicted Papers and Free Revision Resources!
📊 Exam Breakdown: Biology Paper 1 (Foundation)
Here’s a quick reminder of what you're sitting:
Paper: Biology Paper 1 (Foundation Tier)
Code: 8464/B/1F
Topics: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics (Topics 1-4).
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Marks: 70 marks
Value: This paper is 16.7% of your total GCSE Combined Science grade.
Grades: This paper targets grades 1-1 up to 5-5.
Question Types: You'll get a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and simple "open response" (longer) questions.
You can do this! Take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and you'll be amazing.
Good luck! 👍
Foundation Separate Science AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 - 2026 Exam Predictions 🧬
🦠 Pathogens and Defence Against Pathogens
What are pathogens? They're microorganisms that cause disease, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
How do we stop them? Your body has amazing defences! This includes your skin, mucus in your nose, and your immune system (white blood cells). We can also use vaccinations to help protect us.
Transport of Water and Ions in Plants 💧
This is about how plants get the water and minerals (ions) they need from the soil up to their leaves. This happens in tubes called xylem.
Transpiration is water evaporating from the leaves of a plant.
This pulls water up from the roots through the xylem tubes. This is called the transpiration stream.
Photosynthesis
This is how plants make their own food (glucose) using sunlight. ☀️
You need to know the simple word equation: Carbon Dioxide + Water —> Glucose + Oxygen (light is needed for this!).
Know what can slow it down (limiting factors): not enough light, not enough CO2, or the wrong temperature.
Animal, Plant, and Bacterial Cells
You need to know the three types of cells and what's inside them (organelles).
Animal Cells: Have a nucleus (controls the cell), cytoplasm (where reactions happen), cell membrane (controls what goes in/out), mitochondria (for respiration/energy), and ribosomes (make proteins).
Plant Cells: Have everything an animal cell has, PLUS a cell wall (for support), a permanent vacuole (contains cell sap), and chloroplasts (for photosynthesis)
Bacterial Cells: Are much simpler! They have cytoplasm, a cell membrane, and a cell wall, but no true nucleus.
Anaerobic and Aerobic Respiration
This is not breathing! It's how cells release energy from glucose.
Aerobic Respiration: Uses oxygen. Releases lots of energy. (Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water)
Anaerobic Respiration: Happens without oxygen. Releases less energy. In animals, it makes lactic acid (which causes muscle cramps!). In plants and yeast, it's Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide (fermentation).
🔬 Microscopes and Magnification
How we see tiny cells! Know the difference between a light microscope (uses light) and an electron microscope (more powerful).
Be ready for the magnification calculation: Magnification = Image Size / Actual Size.
Aseptic Technique
This is about working with microorganisms (like bacteria) safely in a lab. It means keeping things sterile (clean) to avoid contamination. Think sterilising equipment and working near a flame.
Stem Cells
These are special "blank" cells that can turn into other types of cells.
Embryonic stem cells (from embryos) can become any type of animal cell.
Adult stem cells (e.g., in bone marrow) can only become a few types. They can be used to treat diseases.
Plant stem cells (in the tips of roots and shoots) can become any type of plant cell throughout the life of the plant.
Mitosis 🧬
This is how body cells divide to make new ones for growth and repair.
It makes two new cells that are genetically identical (exact copies) of the original.
Plant Tissues and Organ Systems
Know the parts of a leaf and their function in gas exchange and photosynthesis.
For example, the palisade layer is packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and the stomata are tiny holes that let gases in and out.
Structure of the Heart 🫀
Your heart is a pump! You'll need to know the four chambers (left/right atria and ventricles).
Know the main blood vessels: aorta (takes blood to the body), vena cava (brings blood back), pulmonary artery (to the lungs), and pulmonary vein (from the lungs).
The Circulatory System
This is your body's transport system.
Know the three types of blood vessels: Arteries (carry blood away from the heart), Veins (carry blood to the heart, they have valves), and Capillaries (tiny, for exchange with cells).
Treatment for Heart Disease
What happens when the heart goes wrong? Revise common heart conditions like coronary heart disease, leaky valves and arrhythmia. Understand the treatments used in each case and how they aim to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
🍔 The Digestive System
This is how we break down food. You should know the order of the organs that food travels through:
Mouth → Oesophagus (food pipe) → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum
and their functions. This links perfectly with enzymes. Make sure to also learn how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for its function.
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
These are the three main food groups.
Carbohydrates made up of sugars are for energy.
Proteins made up of amino acids are for growth and repair.
-
Lipids made of fatty acids and glycerol are for energy storage and insulation.
You should also know the food tests: Iodine for starch, Biuret for protein, and Benedict's for sugar.
🧩 The Role of Enzymes
Enzymes are special proteins that speed up chemical reactions (like digestion). They work like a 'lock and key'—each enzyme only fits one specific molecule. If enzymes get too hot or the pH is wrong, they denature (lose their shape) and stop working.
Cancer and Non-communicable Diseases
Non-communicable: A disease you can't "catch" from someone (like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer).
Cancer: Caused by cells dividing and growing uncontrollably. A benign tumour stays in one place. A malignant tumour can spread to other parts of the body.
Also, revise other non-communicable diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma) and their risk factors.
💊 Drug Trials
Before a new medicine is used, it must be tested to see if it's safe and effective (if it works).
Pre-clinical: Tested on cells and animals.
-
Clinical: Tested on healthy volunteers, then patients.
Tests often use a placebo (a fake pill) and are double-blind (so nobody knows who got the real drug) to stop bias.
🌟 Ready to Ace Your Revision?
Feeling more confident? We hope so! To help you even more, we have a ton of resources waiting for you:
Download Our Predicted Papers! 📥 Get practising with questions we think might come up.
Unlimited Free Notes! ✍️ Use our clear, simple notes to revise every topic.
Retrieval Quizzes! 🧠 Test yourself with our quizzes to make sure the information sticks.
Plus, our predicted papers come with FREE video walkthroughs! These show you exactly how to understand a question and write the perfect answer to get full marks from the examiner.
📋 Exam Structure: AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1 (Foundation)
Here’s what your exam paper will look like:
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Marks: 100 marks
Worth: 50% of your total GCSE Biology grade.
Question Types: A mix of multiple-choice, matching, short-answer, and simple calculation questions.
Topics Covered: This paper covers Topics 1-4: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics (all the topics we've listed above!).
You're working hard, and it will pay off. Keep going, look after yourself, and believe in yourself!
Good luck! You've got this! 👍