# 4-mark practice questions — AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

> 119 questions · biology

## How to answer

4-mark questions are the shortest levels-of-response band. Aim for four scientific ideas, each in its own short sentence.

## Sample questions

1. [Explain how thyroxine and negative feedback work together to maintain a stable metabolic rate in the body.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-thyroxine-and-negative-feedback-01bd0a99)
2. [Describe how plants defend themselves against attack by pathogens and insects.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-plants-defend-themselves-against-01efdd7d)
3. [Explain why monoclonal antibodies are described as 'monoclonal' and outline one advantage this property gives when using…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-monoclonal-antibodies-are-described-0358727c)
4. [A marine food chain contains the following organisms: phytoplankton → krill → mackerel → dolphin. Describe what is meant…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-marine-food-chain-contains-the-03ce3b06)
5. [Explain how cells, tissues, and organs are related to each other in a multicellular organism. Use an example of a named …](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-cells-tissues-and-organs-05137d2b)
6. [Explain how sustainable fisheries help to maintain fish stocks for future generations.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-sustainable-fisheries-help-to-053019d8)
7. [Describe what happens in the muscles during vigorous exercise when the body cannot supply enough oxygen, and explain why…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-what-happens-in-the-muscles-0594590f)
8. [Describe how mutations contribute to variation within a population, and explain why most mutations have no effect on the…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-mutations-contribute-to-variation-0a46853c)

## Related

- [AQA GCSE Biology (8461) revision notes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn/aqa-gcse-biology-8461)
- [AQA GCSE Biology (8461) past papers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/past-papers/aqa-gcse-biology-8461)
- [Practise with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)