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0610_m26_ms_32 2026 March Biology 0610 Mark Scheme 3 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0610_m26_ms_322026 March Biology 0610 Mark Scheme 3 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Biology (0610) Mark Scheme 3 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0610_m26_ms_32 · 0610/32/f/m/26 ms · 0610/32 Feb/March 2026 ms

This mark scheme corresponds to 0610_m26_qp_32. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Biology (0610), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Same paper, other years

Biology (0610) Mark Scheme 3 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 3

Based on analysis of 6 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

1

Confusing excretion with egestion

A significant number of candidates incorrectly believed that undigested food is removed by excretion. Egestion is the process that removes undigested food. Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism.Paper 1, March 2023

How to fix: Excretion = removal of waste products of METABOLISM (e.g. CO₂ from respiration, urea from amino acid breakdown) via lungs and kidneys. Egestion = removal of UNDIGESTED food via the anus. These are completely different processes. The anus is NOT an excretory organ.

2

Enzyme misconceptions — pH 7, heat 'kills', shape matching

A significant number of candidates were unable to explain the specific role of the enzyme in converting the substrate to a product and what happens to the enzyme after it has been used.Paper 4, May/June 2025

How to fix: Common wrong beliefs: (1) 'All enzymes work best at pH 7' — FALSE, pepsin works best at pH 2. (2) 'Heat kills enzymes' — enzymes are not alive; heat DENATURES them (changes the shape of the active site). (3) 'Substrate and active site are the same shape' — the substrate is COMPLEMENTARY to the active site, not identical.

3

Food test procedures incomplete or wrong

Benedict's test was often incomplete as it was common for the heating step to be left out.Paper 4, May/June 2025

How to fix: Memorise all food tests: Benedict's (add reagent + HEAT in water bath → orange/red for reducing sugar). Biuret (add NaOH then CuSO₄ → purple for protein). Iodine solution (→ blue-black for starch). Ethanol emulsion test (dissolve in ethanol, add to water → white emulsion for fats). DCPIP (decolourises with vitamin C).

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Biology Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 6 official Cambridge documents