IB Biology HL · 2025
3.3 Photosynthesis
10 past paper questions from 6 papers across 2 exam sessions. See what repeats, then practise the same skills with AI marking.
Original Exam Vault questions with AI markscheme feedback for this topic.
HL archive · 2025 to 2026
3.3 Photosynthesis
Latest exam session: May 2026
- questions
- 10
- questions
- papers
- 6
- papers
- exam sessions
- 2
- exam sessions
- micro-topics
- 6
Micro-topics in 3.3 Photosynthesis
In syllabus order. The ring is the share of papers each appears in.
3.3.1
Photosynthesis as energy conversion
3 questions · in 38% of papersAppears in 3 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (38%), at least once each.
Frequently testedlast May 26 P1 TZA
3.3.2
2 questions · in 25% of papersAppears in 2 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (25%), at least once each.
Frequently testedlast May 25 P2 TZ2
3.3.3
Products of photosynthesis: oxygen, CO2 uptake and measuring rate
2 questions · in 25% of papersAppears in 2 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (25%), at least once each.
Frequently testedlast May 25 P1 TZ3
3.3.4
Limiting factors and rate of photosynthesis
1 question · in 13% of papersAppears in 1 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (13%), at least once each.
Occasionallast May 25 P1 TZ3
3.3.5
From CO2 to biological molecules (carbon fixation into oils)
1 question · in 13% of papersAppears in 1 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (13%), at least once each.
Occasionallast May 25 P1 TZ2
3.3.6
Leaf structure for photosynthesis
1 question · in 13% of papersAppears in 1 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (13%), at least once each.
Occasionallast May 25 P2 TZ3
Exam pattern
How often each micro-topic has been examined, year by year. Each label is explained under the grid.
Does it repeat?
Top 4 of 6 micro-topics for the next sitting. Numbers are questions per year.
fewermore
| Micro-topic | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2Photosynthesis as energy conversion, 2025: 2 questions | 1Photosynthesis as energy conversion, 2026: 1 question | |
| 2Light absorption and pigments, 2025: 2 questions | ·Light absorption and pigments, 2026: 0 questions | |
| 2Products of photosynthesis: oxygen, CO2 uptake and measuring rate, 2025: 2 questions | ·Products of photosynthesis: oxygen, CO2 uptake and measuring rate, 2026: 0 questions | |
| 1From CO2 to biological molecules (carbon fixation into oils), 2025: 1 question | ·From CO2 to biological molecules (carbon fixation into oils), 2026: 0 questions |
2 more micro-topics with a free account
- Frequently testedin at least a quarter of all papers, and still appearing in the last two years
- Occasionalin about one paper in ten
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Questions on 3.3 Photosynthesis, by exam session
Which papers asked about 3.3 Photosynthesis, and which question numbers. Open a paper to see them highlighted.
May 2026
1 question across 1 paper
May 2025
9 questions across 5 papers
Every 3.3 Photosynthesis question, unlocked
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Frequently asked questions
Short answers about this page.
Which Biology HL exam sessions are covered for 3.3 Photosynthesis?
2 exam sessions from 2025 to 2026, the latest May 2026. Every Paper 1 and 2 in every timezone is read and classified in full, which gives 6 papers in this archive.
Which 3.3 Photosynthesis topic comes up most?
Photosynthesis as energy conversion (3.3.1): in 38% of papers, last seen May 26 P1 TZA. Usually "identify", worth about 3 marks in a paper that includes it.
Can I see the original question and mark scheme?
No. The wording belongs to the IB. You get the citation, the marks, the command term and the skill tested, plus our own matched practice questions with worked answers and AI marking.
What do "banker", "due" and "rising" mean?
Banker: examined in at least one sitting in four and still appearing. Due: regular before, but absent for the last two exam sessions. Rising: clearly more common in the last two years. Our classification of real papers, not an IB statistic.
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