0610_s26_ms_17 — 2026 May-June Biology 0610 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 7

0610_s26_ms_17 — 2026 May-June Biology 0610 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 7 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0610_s26_ms_17 — 2026 May-June Biology 0610 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 7

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Biology (0610) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 7) from the 2026 May-June 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_s26_ms_17 · 0610/17/m/j/26 ms · 0610/17 May/June 2026 ms

After reviewing this document, explore the other papers from this session listed below. Pairing question papers with their mark schemes is the most effective way to prepare for your exam.

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.

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Examiner Insights — Paper 1

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

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.

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.

View full exam guide for Biology (0610) →