Looking for AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026 predicted topics, Paper 2 predictions, a Biology practice paper or a final AQA Biology revision paper? If you are preparing for AQA A Level Biology Paper 2, this guide will help you focus your revision before the real exam.
Paper: AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 Paper 2
Session: Afternoon
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91
Focus: Paper 2 predictions, predicted topics, exam-style practice and mark scheme revision
At Tyrion Papers, we provide AQA A Level Biology 2026 predicted papers for students who want a good, affordable and exam-style way to practise before the final exam. This post focuses specifically on AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 Paper 2.
This predicted paper is designed to work as both a practice paper and a revision paper. You can complete it under timed conditions first, then use the mark scheme to check your answers, identify weak topics and improve your AQA Biology exam technique.
This is not an official AQA paper, and no predicted paper can guarantee the exact questions in the real exam. However, a carefully written predicted paper can provide accurate exam-style practice, help you revise high-value topics and give you fresh questions after you have already used the main past papers.
๐ AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026 predictions
๐ Paper 2 predicted topics and practice questions
๐ A Level Biology practice paper with mark scheme
๐ Useful for final revision, mocks and last-minute exam preparation
Key Takeaway
The main AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 2026 predicted topics to prioritise are neuromuscular junctions, inhibitory synapses, muscle contraction, sliding filament theory, sex-linked inheritance, chi-squared tests, DCPIP and photosynthesis, the link reaction, Krebs cycle, hydrogen carriers, blood glucose regulation, second messenger systems, succession, gene cloning, genetic variation and epigenetics.
For the best result, use this AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 practice paper under timed conditions first. Then use the mark scheme as a revision paper to improve terminology, application, graph/data interpretation, statistical conclusions and longer explanation answers.
AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026: What Is Paper 2?
AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 is Paper 2. It tests a large part of the A Level Biology specification, including energy transfers, responses, genetics, populations, evolution, ecosystems and control of gene expression.
Students searching for AQA Biology Paper 2 predictions, AQA A Level Biology predicted topics 2026, 7402/2 predicted paper, AQA Biology practice paper or AQA Biology revision paper usually want to know which areas are worth prioritising before the exam.
The safest strategy is to revise the full specification. However, a focused Paper 2 predicted paper can help students practise the question styles that commonly separate grades, especially application, practical reasoning, statistical analysis and longer biological explanations.
AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 Predicted Topics for 2026
Based on this AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026 predicted paper, students should give particular attention to the following predicted topic areas.
1. Neuromuscular Junctions and Synaptic Transmission
Neuromuscular junctions are a strong AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 predicted topic. Students should understand the sequence from an impulse arriving at the presynaptic membrane to depolarisation of the muscle fibre membrane.
Revise:
Acetylcholine release
Diffusion across the synaptic cleft
Binding to receptors on the sarcolemma
Sodium ion channels opening
Sodium ions diffusing into the muscle fibre
Depolarisation of the muscle fibre membrane
Generation of an action potential
This is a useful AQA Biology 7402/2 predicted topic because students often know the outline but lose marks by missing the exact sequence or by using vague wording such as โthe impulse crosses the gapโ.
2. Inhibitory Synapses and Hyperpolarisation
Inhibitory synapses can be tested through explanation questions. Students should be able to explain why a postsynaptic neurone becomes less likely to fire.
Revise:
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Hyperpolarisation
Membrane potential becoming more negative
Threshold being harder to reach
Action potential being less likely or not generated
This is a strong predicted topic because AQA rewards precise explanation. โStops the impulseโ is usually too vague unless the mechanism is explained.
3. Antagonistic Muscle Pairs and Movement at Joints
Antagonistic muscle action is a common response-topic area. Students should understand why skeletal muscles work in pairs.
Students should revise:
Muscles can pull but cannot push
One muscle contracting while the other relaxes
Movement in opposite directions at a joint
Biceps and triceps as a common example
This is useful for AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 revision because it is a topic where students can score quickly if the explanation is clear.
4. Sarcomeres and the Sliding Filament Mechanism
Muscle contraction and the sliding filament mechanism are high-value Paper 2 topics. Students should be able to describe structural changes in the sarcomere and explain how myosin interacts with actin.
Revise:
I-band becoming narrower
H-zone becoming narrower or disappearing
Z-lines moving closer together
Sarcomere shortening
A-band remaining the same width
Actin and myosin overlap increasing
ATP allowing myosin heads to detach and reattach
Myosin heads forming cross-bridges with actin
This is one of the strongest AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 predicted topics because it combines structure, function, evidence and precise biological terminology.
5. Sex-Linked Inheritance and Expected Ratios
Sex-linked inheritance is a useful Paper 2 prediction because it links genetics, allele notation and phenotypic ratios.
Students should revise:
Genes on sex chromosomes
Using correct X-linked genotype notation
Heterozygous females
Male genotypes with Y chromosomes
Expected phenotypic ratios
Green females, yellow females, green males and yellow males
This is a good AQA Biology Paper 2 predicted topic because students need to present genetic crosses carefully and avoid mixing up allele notation.
6. Chi-Squared Tests and Statistical Conclusions
Chi-squared testing is a high-value AQA Biology skill. Students should know how to compare observed and expected values and write a conclusion.
Revise:
Observed and expected values
Chi-squared formula
Degrees of freedom
Critical values
Accepting or rejecting the null hypothesis
Stating whether differences are due to chance
This is a strong AQA A Level Biology practice paper topic because students often calculate correctly but lose conclusion marks by not linking the result to significance.
7. DCPIP and Light-Dependent Photosynthesis
The predicted paper includes a DCPIP investigation testing the effect of different light colours on the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Students should revise:
DCPIP as an electron acceptor
DCPIP changing from blue to colourless when reduced
Red light and blue light being absorbed by chlorophyll
Green light being reflected more by leaves
White light containing multiple wavelengths
Dark controls
Use of a colorimeter to measure absorbance
This is a useful AQA Biology Paper 2 prediction because it tests photosynthesis, practical technique and data interpretation together.
8. Light Intensity, Chloroplast Isolation and Control Variables
Students should also revise how to modify practical methods and control variables in photosynthesis investigations.
Revise:
Changing distance from the light source
Using identical chloroplast suspensions
Keeping DCPIP volume constant
Repeating for reliability
Keeping chloroplasts cold during isolation
Protecting chloroplast structure and enzymes
COโ affecting the Calvin cycle, not the light-dependent reaction
This is important for students searching for an AQA Biology revision paper because practical-method questions are a common source of lost marks.
9. Link Reaction and Pyruvate Oxidation
The link reaction is a high-yield respiration topic for AQA A Level Biology Paper 2.
Students should revise:
Pyruvate entering the mitochondrial matrix
Decarboxylation of pyruvate
Carbon dioxide release
Hydrogen atoms accepted by NAD
Formation of reduced NAD
Formation of acetate
Acetate combining with coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA
This is a strong predicted topic because students must know the products and the location, not just that pyruvate โenters the Krebs cycleโ.
10. Krebs Cycle and Hydrogen Carriers
The Krebs cycle is one of the most important respiration topics. Students should know both the sequence and why the cycle is important.
Revise:
Acetyl CoA combining with a 4-carbon molecule
Formation of a 6-carbon molecule
Carbon dioxide release
Hydrogen atoms transferred to NAD and FAD
Reduced NAD and reduced FAD
Substrate-level phosphorylation
Regeneration of the 4-carbon molecule
Reduced coenzymes transferring electrons to the electron transport chain
This is a strong AQA Biology 7402/2 prediction because students often forget that most ATP is produced later by oxidative phosphorylation, not directly in the Krebs cycle.
11. Blood Glucose Regulation: Insulin, Glucagon and Adrenaline
Blood glucose regulation is an important homeostasis topic for Paper 2.
Students should revise:
Alpha cells producing glucagon
Beta cells producing insulin
Insulin lowering blood glucose
Glucose uptake into cells
Conversion of glucose to glycogen
Glucagon raising blood glucose
Glycogen breakdown to glucose
This is a useful predicted area because it can test both recall and explanation of negative feedback.
12. Second Messenger Systems and cAMP
The predicted paper includes adrenaline acting on a liver cell using a second messenger system.
Revise:
Adrenaline binding to receptors on liver cells
Activation of adenyl cyclase
ATP converted to cyclic AMP
cAMP as a second messenger
Activation of protein kinase
Glycogen converted to glucose
Blood glucose increasing
This is one of the best AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 predicted topics because the answer must be stepwise. Missing one step can lose marks.
13. Succession, Pioneer Species and Biodiversity
Succession is a strong Paper 2 topic because it links ecology, abiotic factors and biodiversity.
Students should revise:
Pioneer species
Lichens colonising bare rock
Adaptations to extreme conditions
Soil formation
Organic matter and nutrient release
Environment becoming less hostile
Biodiversity increasing during mid-succession
Dominant species at the climax community
Secondary succession being faster than primary succession
This is a useful AQA Biology predicted topic because exam questions often ask students to explain the change in abiotic conditions, not just list the sequence of species.
14. Gene Cloning, Vectors and Marker Genes
Gene cloning is a high-value control-of-gene-expression topic. Students should understand vectors and how transformed cells are identified.
Revise:
Plasmids as vectors
Vectors carrying genes into host cells
Replication and protein production
Marker genes
Antibiotic-resistance markers
Fluorescent markers such as GFP
Identifying colonies with the desired gene
Colonies growing on ampicillin but not tetracycline
This is a strong AQA A Level Biology revision paper topic because it is easy to confuse transformed cells, recombinant cells and cells with the desired gene.
15. Genetic Variation, Meiosis and Random Fertilisation
Genetic variation is a major Paper 2 topic. Students should be able to explain where variation comes from and why traits can be continuous.
Students should revise:
Mutations creating new alleles
Meiosis producing gametes with different allele combinations
Random fertilisation
Polygenes
Environmental influence on gene expression
Continuous variation in human height
Nutrition affecting growth
This is useful because AQA often asks students to link genetic and environmental causes in the same answer.
16. Epigenetics and Control of Gene Expression
Epigenetics is a high-value Paper 2 application topic. The predicted paper includes a passage about chemical tags on DNA and histones.
Revise:
Epigenetic changes affecting gene activity
DNA methylation
Histone acetylation
Chemical tags switching genes on or off
Environmental factors such as diet and stress
Inheritance of epigenetic changes
Difference between epigenetic change and mutation
Epigenetic changes being potentially reversible
This is one of the strongest AQA A Level Biology 2026 predictions because it tests passage comprehension and application of specification knowledge.
AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 Predicted Topics at a Glance
AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026 predicted topics include neuromuscular junctions, acetylcholine, inhibitory synapses, hyperpolarisation, antagonistic muscle pairs, sarcomeres, sliding filament theory, ATP, myosin heads, sex-linked inheritance, chi-squared tests, DCPIP, light-dependent photosynthesis, chloroplast isolation, the link reaction, Krebs cycle, NAD, FAD, blood glucose regulation, insulin, glucagon, adrenaline, cAMP, succession, gene cloning, marker genes, GFP, genetic variation, continuous variation and epigenetics.
This AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 practice paper is designed to help students prepare for the 7402/2 exam with fresh exam-style questions and a mark scheme.
Why Use a Predicted Paper for AQA Biology Paper 2?
Past papers are essential, but by the final stage of revision many students have already seen the same questions several times. This can make past papers feel easier than they really are because the question style becomes familiar.
A predicted paper gives you fresh, unseen practice. It helps you test whether you can apply biology to a new question rather than simply remembering an old mark scheme.
A good AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 predicted paper helps with:
โ Fresh A Level Biology Paper 2 practice
โ Predicted topics and likely question styles
โ Genetics and statistical-test revision
โ Respiration and photosynthesis application
โ Control of gene expression and epigenetics practice
โ Mark scheme language and keyword practice
This is why many students search for AQA A Level Biology predictions, AQA Biology Paper 2 predicted topics, 7402/2 predicted paper, AQA Biology practice paper and AQA A Level Biology revision paper before the real exam.
Who Is This AQA Biology Paper 2 Predicted Paper For?
This predicted paper is suitable for students preparing for AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 Paper 2.
It is especially useful for:
๐งโ๐ Students searching for AQA Biology Paper 2 predicted topics
๐ Students doing final A Level Biology revision
๐ฏ Students aiming for A or A* grades
๐ง Students who need fresh exam-style Biology questions
๐จโ๐ซ Tutors looking for a realistic 7402/2 mock paper
๐ Students who have already completed most past papers
If you are looking for a cheap AQA A Level Biology predicted paper that still gives good, accurate and focused exam-style practice, this Paper 2 resource is designed for final revision before the real exam.
How to Use This Paper 2 Revision Paper
To get the most out of this AQA Biology 7402/2 revision paper, do not read the mark scheme first.
Use this method:
Step 1: Sit the paper under timed conditions.
Step 2: Mark your work using the mark scheme.
Step 3: List every topic where you lost marks.
Step 4: Rewrite weak explanation answers using correct AQA keywords.
Step 5: Revise the linked topic from your notes or textbook.
This turns the predicted paper from a simple score-check into a proper revision tool.
How to Get the AQA A Level Biology 2026 Predicted Papers
You can download the AQA A Level Biology 2026 predicted papers from Tyrion Papers using the link below.
๐ Download AQA A Level Biology 2026 Predicted Papers
You can also browse the full Tyrion Papers 2026 predicted papers collection here:
๐ View All 2026 Predicted Papers
Final Revision Tip for AQA A Level Biology 7402/2
For AQA A Level Biology Paper 2, the biggest gains usually come from improving application and precision. Many students know the biology but lose marks because their answer does not match the exact wording required by the mark scheme.
Before the exam, practise questions where you have to:
Use precise biological terminology
Explain mechanisms in the correct sequence
Interpret tables and experimental results
Use statistics to support conclusions
Link structure to function
Use passage information without simply copying it
Answer the command word directly
If you are preparing for AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 Paper 2, this predicted paper can help you practise smarter, identify weak areas and feel more prepared before the real exam.
๐ Get the AQA A Level Biology 2026 Predicted Papers now from Tyrion Papers.
FAQ: AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 2026 Predicted Topics
What are the predicted topics for AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 2026?
Important AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 2026 predicted topics include neuromuscular junctions, inhibitory synapses, muscle contraction, sex-linked inheritance, chi-squared tests, DCPIP and photosynthesis, the link reaction, Krebs cycle, glucose regulation, succession, gene cloning, genetic variation and epigenetics.
What is AQA A Level Biology 7402/2?
AQA A Level Biology 7402/2 is Paper 2 for AQA A Level Biology. It assesses topics including energy transfers, responses, genetics, populations, evolution, ecosystems and control of gene expression.
Is this an official AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 paper?
No. Tyrion Papers predicted papers are independent revision resources. They are not official AQA papers and should be used for exam practice, not as guaranteed copies of the real exam.
Are AQA Biology Paper 2 predictions accurate?
No prediction can guarantee the exact real exam questions. However, a carefully written predicted paper can provide accurate exam-style practice and help students focus on high-value topics and question styles for Paper 2.
Does the AQA Biology 7402/2 predicted paper include a mark scheme?
Yes, the predicted paper is designed to be used with a mark scheme where stated on the product page, so students can check answers, understand marking points and improve exam technique.
Is this a cheap AQA A Level Biology predicted paper?
Tyrion Papers aims to provide affordable revision resources. Students looking for a cheap but good AQA A Level Biology Paper 2 predicted paper can use it as extra exam-style practice before the real exam.
How should I use an AQA Biology Paper 2 practice paper?
Use it under timed conditions, then mark it carefully. Focus on biological terminology, mechanisms, statistical conclusions, practical interpretation, passage-based questions and applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.
Should I use predicted papers or past papers for AQA A Level Biology?
Use both. Past papers help students understand previous AQA exam style, while predicted papers provide fresh unseen practice and targeted 2026 revision.
What is the best way to revise AQA A Level Biology Paper 2?
The best method is to combine topic revision with exam-style practice. Revise the topic, attempt a timed practice paper, mark it carefully, then rewrite weak answers using the correct AQA mark scheme language.