Edexcel GCSE Biology

The eye

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on The eye. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which part of the eye is responsible for the majority of light refraction before it reaches the lens?

    • A) The vitreous humour
    • B) The transparent cornea
    • C) The pigmented iris
    • D) The circular retina
    Show answer

    Answer: The transparent cornea

    While the lens provides fine-tuning for focusing, the cornea provides the primary refractive power because of the significant change in density between air and the corneal tissue. Students often incorrectly assume the lens does all the work, but the cornea is the main refractive element.

  2. Question 2

    What happens to the ciliary muscles when the eye focuses on a distant object?

    • A) The muscles contract
    • B) The muscles relax
    • C) The muscles thicken
    • D) The muscles shorten
    Show answer

    Answer: The muscles relax

    When viewing distant objects, the ciliary muscles relax, which increases the tension on the suspensory ligaments. This tension pulls the lens into a thinner, flatter shape, reducing its refractive power to focus light from far away.

  3. Question 3

    Which specific structure in the eye acts as the light-sensitive surface where images are formed?

    Show answer

    Answer: retina

    The retina contains rods and cones which convert light energy into electrical impulses. These impulses are then sent to the brain via the optic nerve to be processed into vision.

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2 more questions on The eye — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Biology spec.

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