Leaving Cert Biology 2021

The 2021 Leaving Cert Biology exam papers and official marking scheme, free below as direct PDF links from the State Examinations Commission archive.

Higher Level

Section A&BSection CMarking Scheme
What's in the 2021 Higher Level paper?
  • Q1 biochemistry, lipids, vitamins · 20 marks
  • Q2 nitrogen cycle, ecology, decomposers · 20 marks
  • Q3 cell division, mitosis, chromosomes · 20 marks
  • Q4 enzymes, metabolism, cell biology · 20 marks
  • Q5 human reproduction, embryo development, hormones · 20 marks
  • Q6 general biology, true or false · 20 marks
  • Q7 musculoskeletal system, bones, anatomy · 20 marks
  • Q8 experimentation, food tests, dna isolation · 30 marks
  • Q9 enzymes, denaturation, laboratory investigation · 30 marks
  • Q10 microbiology, leaf yeast, aseptic technique · 30 marks
  • Q11 ecology, food chains, conservation · 60 marks
  • Q12 genetics, mutations, genetic engineering · 60 marks
  • Q13 respiration, photosynthesis, metabolism · 60 marks
  • Q14 digestion, plant transport, vascular tissue · 60 marks
  • Q15 plant biology, reproduction, germination · 60 marks
  • Q16 human biology, skin, immune system · 60 marks
  • Q17 diversity of organisms, nervous system, osmosis · 60 marks

Ordinary Level

Section A&BSection CMarking Scheme
What's in the 2021 Ordinary Level paper?
  • Q1 nutrition, biomolecules, proteins, vitamins · 20 marks
  • Q2 tissues, organs, tissue culture · 20 marks
  • Q3 anatomy, organ systems · 20 marks
  • Q4 genetics, monohybrid cross · 20 marks
  • Q5 virology, microbiology, immune system · 20 marks
  • Q6 ecology, fieldwork techniques · 20 marks
  • Q7 musculoskeletal system, joints, bone disorders · 20 marks
  • Q8 microscopy, plant cells · 30 marks
  • Q9 enzymes, metabolism, ph · 30 marks
  • Q10 digestion, enzymes, seed germination · 30 marks
  • Q11 ecology, pollution, food chains · 60 marks
  • Q12 genetics, dna, cell division · 60 marks
  • Q13 circulatory system, heart, lymphatic system · 60 marks
  • Q14 digestion, endocrine system, hormones · 60 marks
  • Q15 plant biology, transport in plants, homeostasis · 60 marks
  • Q16 human biology, respiration, reproduction · 60 marks

Revise Biology by topic

Scientific Method & the Study of LifeFood & BiomoleculesEcology & the EnvironmentCell Structure & DiversityEnzymes, Metabolism & Membrane TransportPhotosynthesis & RespirationCell Continuity: Cell DivisionGenetics, DNA & EvolutionDiversity of Organisms & MicrobiologyPlant BiologyHuman Nutrition, Digestion, Circulation & DefenceBreathing, Excretion & HomeostasisHuman Responses: Nervous, Senses, Endocrine & MusculoskeletalHuman Reproduction
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Questions come from the official State Examinations Commission papers. Every link opens the original PDF on examinations.ie.