Practise for Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 Paper 1 with two full online mock tests. Each has 40 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour across the whole syllabus, with an explanation for every answer.
- Paper
- 5090 Paper 1 Multiple Choice (5090/12 in zone 4)
- Exam date
- Tuesday 10 November 2026, morning (zone 4)
- Time
- 1 hour
- Marks
- 40
- Questions
- 40 four-option multiple choice
Choose a mock test
What each mock covers
Every mock test has the same balance of topics, with different numbers and contexts, so you can track your progress from Mock 1 to Mock 2.
- Classification, cells and movement into cells6 questions
- Biological molecules and enzymes4 questions
- Plant nutrition and transport in plants5 questions
- Human nutrition, transport and gas exchange6 questions
- Disease, respiration and excretion5 questions
- Coordination, response and drugs4 questions
- Reproduction, inheritance and variation6 questions
- Ecology, human influences and biotechnology4 questions
How each topic is examined in 5090 Paper 1
- Characteristics, classification and cells (about 6 questions)
- Characteristics of living organisms, the binomial system and dichotomous keys, the main groups of organisms, plant, animal and bacterial cells, levels of organisation, magnification, diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
- Biological molecules and enzymes (about 4)
- Carbohydrates, fats and proteins and the food tests, the structure of DNA (Extended), enzymes as biological catalysts, the active site, and the effects of temperature and pH.
- Plants (about 5)
- Photosynthesis and limiting factors, leaf structure, mineral ions, xylem and phloem, transpiration and the factors that affect it, and translocation (Extended).
- Human nutrition, transport and gas exchange (about 6)
- Balanced diet and deficiency diseases, the alimentary canal and digestive enzymes, the heart, blood vessels and blood, coronary heart disease, the breathing system and gas exchange.
- Disease, respiration and excretion (about 5)
- Pathogens and transmission, defences and immunity, vaccination, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the kidney and urea.
- Coordination, response and drugs (about 4)
- Neurones and reflexes, the eye, hormones, homeostasis, tropisms, antibiotics and the misuse of drugs.
- Reproduction, inheritance and variation (about 6)
- Asexual and sexual reproduction, flowers and pollination, human reproduction and STIs, chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis, monohybrid crosses, variation, adaptation, natural and selective breeding.
- Ecology, human influences and biotechnology (about 4)
- Food chains and webs, pyramids, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, populations, habitat destruction, pollution and conservation, and the use of microorganisms and genetic modification.
How to use these mocks before the exam
- Take each mock in one sitting, timed, with only the equipment allowed in the exam.
- Do calculations on paper and check the units before choosing an answer.
- Cover the options, work out your own answer first, then find it in the list.
- Read every explanation for the questions you got wrong and redo them a day later.
- Watch for NOT, LEAST and MOST in the question. They decide which option is correct.
Frequently asked questions
When is O Level Biology 5090 Paper 1 in November 2026?
In India and the rest of Cambridge zone 4, 5090 Paper 1 (5090/12) is on the morning of Tuesday 10 November 2026. Other Cambridge administrative zones can sit a different variant on a different day, so always check the timetable and start time with your exam centre.
Are these mock tests the same format as the real paper?
Each mock has 40 four-option multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, the same as the real paper, in a similar topic balance. The questions are written by our teachers, not copied from past papers, so you can use them alongside past papers without repeating questions.
Is there negative marking?
No. Each correct answer scores one mark and wrong answers lose nothing, so answer every question.
How is my mock marked?
As soon as you submit you see your score, a topic-by-topic breakdown and an explanation for every question. The result is also emailed to you.
Are the mock tests free?
Yes. You only need to enter your name, email, phone number, school and grade so that we can send you your result.
Written and checked against the Cambridge International syllabus by the The Vector Academy biology team. Last updated 29 October 2026.
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