Subject-specialist worked solutions — every mark explained. Topical & Yearly Solved, Revision Notes, Predicted Papers. Explore →

0610_m26_qp_42 2026 March Biology 0610 Question Paper 4 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Loading document...

0610_m26_qp_42.pdf

0610_m26_qp_422026 March Biology 0610 Question Paper 4 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) Question Paper 4 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 0610_m26_qp_42 · 0610/42/f/m/26 qp · 0610/42 Feb/March 2026 qp

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (0610_m26_ms_42). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Biology question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Biology (0610).

Same paper, other years

Biology (0610) Question Paper 4 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 4

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).

View full exam guide for Biology (0610) →

All Biology (0610) Papers — 2026 March

Browse all 2026 March papers →

More Biology (0610) Past Papers

View all Biology (0610) sessions →

Biology Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

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