30 HSC Biology practice questions for 2026 (Modules 5-8)

How to use this question bank

HSC Biology is a 3-hour exam covering four Year 12 modules. These 30 practice questions span the modules and are modelled on past NESA paper patterns.

Three rules for HSC Biology practice:

1. Use named examples. Every extended response should reference at least one specific named pathogen, disease, technology, or organism. Generic answers score in the middle band.
2. Show your structure. Extended responses are marked for structure as much as content. Use paragraph breaks and clear topic sentences.
3. Draw diagrams. Many marks are reserved for labelled diagrams (the immune response, replication, a feedback loop). Draw them confidently.

Module 5: Heredity (1-7)

1. Explain how the process of meiosis generates genetic variation in offspring.

2. Describe the process of DNA replication, including the role of DNA polymerase. (4 marks)

3. Distinguish between transcription and translation. Include the location and key enzymes for each. (5 marks)

4. Using a Punnett square, predict the genotype and phenotype ratios for a cross between two parents heterozygous for cystic fibrosis (Cc x Cc). (3 marks)

5. Haemophilia is a sex-linked recessive disorder. A carrier mother and an unaffected father have children. Use a Punnett square to determine the probability that a male offspring is affected. (4 marks)

6. Compare and contrast Mendelian inheritance and polygenic inheritance, using a named example for each. (6 marks)

7. Describe one application of DNA profiling. Evaluate the ethical implications of its use. (7 marks)

Module 6: Genetic Change (8-13)

8. Distinguish between a point mutation and a chromosomal mutation. Use a named example for each. (4 marks)

9. Explain how environmental mutagens can cause genetic change, with a named example. (4 marks)

10. Describe the process of producing recombinant DNA, using insulin production as a named example. (6 marks)

11. CRISPR-Cas9 is a genetic engineering technology. Describe how it works AND evaluate its potential medical applications. (8 marks)

12. Explain how genetic change drives evolution. Use a named example to illustrate. (5 marks)

13. Compare two biotechnologies used in agriculture (e.g. transgenic crops and selective breeding) in terms of effectiveness, ethical considerations, and ecological impact. (8 marks)

Module 7: Infectious Disease (14-21)

14. Describe one named bacterial disease and one named viral disease, including their transmission, symptoms, and treatment. (6 marks)

15. Explain the role of phagocytosis in the innate immune response. (4 marks)

16. Describe the role of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in the adaptive immune response. (6 marks)

17. With reference to a named vaccine, explain how vaccination produces long-term immunity. (6 marks)

18. Define R0 (basic reproductive number). Using a named infectious disease as an example, explain how public health measures can reduce R0. (6 marks)

19. Antibiotic resistance is increasing globally. Explain how resistance develops and discuss strategies to slow its spread. (7 marks)

20. Compare the innate (non-specific) and adaptive (specific) immune responses. Include at least two points of difference. (5 marks)

21. Plasmodium causes malaria. Describe the role of the Anopheles mosquito in malaria transmission AND outline two public health strategies for malaria control. (7 marks)

Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders (22-30)

22. Define homeostasis. Using thermoregulation as an example, describe the components of a homeostatic feedback loop. (6 marks)

23. Explain how blood glucose levels are regulated after a meal. Include the roles of insulin and the pancreas. (5 marks)

24. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are both disorders of blood glucose regulation but have different causes. Distinguish between them and outline management strategies for each. (7 marks)

25. Describe the role of the kidney in osmoregulation, including the role of ADH. (5 marks)

26. Explain how a named environmental factor causes a specific non-infectious disease. Evaluate prevention strategies. (7 marks)

27. Compare a genetic disease and a nutritional disease in terms of causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Use specific named examples. (8 marks)

28. Cataracts are a disorder of vision. Describe the cause of cataracts AND outline the technology used to treat them. (5 marks)

29. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia. Describe two major risk factors AND evaluate public health interventions to address them. (8 marks)

30. Evaluate the use of two different technologies in diagnosing a specific non-infectious disease (your choice of disease). (8 marks)

Marking your own work

For each question:

• 2-3 marks: short answer. One paragraph. One named example.
• 4-6 marks: medium response. Two paragraphs. Named examples plus a clear concept explanation.
• 7-9 marks: extended response. Three-four paragraphs with structure, named examples, evaluation, and (for relevant questions) a labelled diagram.

A useful self-mark question: did I name a specific pathogen / technology / disease / scientist? If yes, you usually scored in the higher band.

Past papers

These practice questions complement past NESA exam papers; they do not replace them. NESA publishes papers and marking guides at educationstandards.nsw.edu.au. Aim for 6-8 full past papers under timed 3-hour conditions in Term 4.

Related guides

• HSC Biology Modules 5 & 6 (heredity and genetic change)
• HSC Biology Modules 7 & 8 (infectious and non-infectious disease)
• HSC Biology hub

These questions are written by ExamExplained for practice purposes only. They are not endorsed by NESA.