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NATIONALSENIOR
CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

PRE- MIDYEAR EXAMINATION 2023

LIFE SCIENCES

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2½ hours

This question paper consists of 14 pages.

2 LIFE SCIENCES

SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions. Choose
the answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question number (1.1.1 to
1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 Fertilised eggs hatch inside the female body and the young are born alive in...

A precocial
B viviparous
C altricial
D ovoviviparous organisms

1.1.2 Which ONE of the following represents a single DNA nucleotide?

A Deoxyribose-adenine-thymine
B Adenine-ribose-phosphate
C Deoxyribose-thymine-phosphate
D Uracil-deoxyribose-phosphate

1.1.3 In which part of the female reproductive system does fertilisation occur?
A Fallopian tubes
B Uterus
C Cervix
D Vagina

1.1.4 Below is a list of steps involved in DNA replication.

(i) The two strands separate

(ii) Free nucleotides from the nucleoplasm come to pair with their
complementary bases on the template strands
(iii) Weak hydrogen bonds break
(iv) Two identical molecules are formed
Which ONE of the combinations below is the correct sequence of these
events?
A (iii), (ii), (iv) and (i)
B (iii), (i), (iv) and (ii)
C (iii), (i), (ii) and (iv)
D (iii), (ii), (i) and (iv)
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1.1.5 A man who has blood group A and a woman who has blood group O have a child
together.
Which one of the following is the blood group genotype of the child?

A ii
B IA IB
C IAIA
D IB i

1.1.6 The nitrogenous base sequence below represents a small portion of a nucleic
acid molecule:
AGCUCGUUA
From this data it is reasonable to conclude that…
A this portion of nucleic acid will code for a chain of seven amino acids
B the sequence given will be complementary to the sequence
C T C G T G C T on tRNA
C The nucleic acid represented contains the sugar ribose
D The nucleic acid represented is DNA
1.1.7 Which ONE of the following correctly represents a set of differences
between Mitosis and Meiosis I?

MITOSIS
A Crossing over occurs during
prophase
B Single chromosomes are
arranged at the equator
C Centromeres split and daughter
chromosomes pulled to
opposite poles in anaphase
MEIOSIS I
No crossing over occurs during
prophase
Homologous chromosomes are
arranged at the equator
Both chromosomes in a
homologous pair move to the
same pole

D Two cells are formed from Four cells are formed from parent
parent cell cell

1.1.8 High levels of this hormone stimulate the pituitary gland to release LH

A Oestrogen
B FSH
C Progesterone
D Prolactin
4 LIFE SCIENCES

1.1.9 There is variation in the characteristic of fur colour and fur texture in
cats. The table below shows the alleles that control these two
characteristics.

Which representation shows the CORRECT genotype and phenotype of the

parents if all the gametes of the female have alleles bR and for the male
parent gametes have BR?

Female Male
A bbRr BbRR
White fur with rough texture Black fur with rough texture
B bbRR BBRR
White fur with rough texture Black fur with rough texture
C BbRR BbRr
White fur with rough texture Black fur with rough texture
D BbRr Bbrr
Black fur with rough texture Black fur with rough texture

1.1.10 The body’s own immune system may attack and destroy myelin sheath
impairing conduction of impulses along neurons in people suffering from…

A Alzheimer’s disease
B Turner’s Syndrome
C Astigmatism
D Multiple sclerosis

(10 x 2) (20)
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1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions.
Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.8) in the ANSWER
BOOK.
1.2.1 The part of the nervous system which consists of cranial and spinal nerves
1.2.2 The fluid that protects the foetus from dehydration
1.2.3 More than two alleles for the same gene
1.2.4 A section of DNA that carries the code for a particular trait
1.2.5 A genotype having two non-identical alleles for a trait
1.2.6 A process by which genetically identical organisms are formed using
biotechnology
1.2.7 Division of the cytoplasm during meiosis
1.2.8 Three membranes that protect the brain and the spinal cord
(8 x 1) (8)
1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B ONLY,
BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B only, both A
and B or none next to the question number (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Function/s of the allantois in an A: Acts as shock absorber
amniotic egg B: Prevents dehydration
1.3.2 Cause of Down syndrome A: Gene mutation
B: Extra copy of chromosome
number 23
1.3.3 Young ones are capable of moving A: Precocial
around on their own soon after B: Altricial
hatching
(3x2) (6)
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1.4 The diagram below shows parts of the human ear.

1.4.1 Identify parts:

(a) A (1)
(b) C (1)
1.4.2 Which part of the brain will receive impulses from part B? (1)
1.4.3 State ONE advantage of the middle ear being filled with air. (1)
1.4.4 Briefly describe how the air enters the middle ear. (1)
1.4.5 Name the receptors that are found in part B. (1)
1.4.6 Give the significance of a larger surface area in A compared to D. (1)
(7)
1.5 The diagram below represents a sperm cell.

1.5.1 Identify parts:

(a) B (1)
(b) D (1)
1.5.2 Give the name of the cell division process involved in formation of sperm. (1)
1.5.3 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the part that:
(a) Contains hereditary information (2)
(b) Has organelles that supply energy to the cell (2)
(c) Contains enzymes to break the egg membrane during fertilisation (2)
(9)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
 LIFE SCIENCES 7

SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Study the diagram of the reflex arc below and answer the questions that follow.

2.1.1 Define the reflex arc (2)

2.1.2 Between which TWO neurons (A, B and C) is a synapse located in the
diagram? (2)
2.1.3 Give ONE significance of a synapse in the reflex arc. (1)
2.1.4 Using the example in the diagram above, describe how a reflex action is
achieved. (7)
2.1.5 Explain ONE consequence for the reflex action if neuron C is damaged. (3)
(15)
2.2 The diagram below shows the human female reproductive system.

2.2.1 Identify parts:

(a) E (1)
(b) C (1)
8 LIFE SCIENCES

2.2.2 State TWO functions of part F. (2)

2.2.3 A woman had a tumour growing at A, which resulted in a complete
blockage but she continued with her normal menstrual cycles.
Explain why her menstrual cycles continued to be normal. (3)
2.2.4 Name the structure formed by B with the chorion of the embryo during
gestation and explain TWO protective functions of this structure. (5)
21 2.2.5 Describe the process of fertilisation. (3)
(15)
2.3 The graph below shows changes in the diameter of the pupil under different
luminances. Luminances refer to how bright the light is. The diameter of the pupil
ranges from approximately 2 mm to 8 mm.

2.3.1 Give the diameter of the pupil at 0.001 cd/m2. (1)

2.3.2 Describe the relationship between luminance and the diameter of the pupil
from point A to point B. (2)
2.3.3 Explain the role that pupillary reflex plays in changing the diameter of the
pupil from point A to point B. (3)
2.3.4 Draw a labelled diagram of the front view of the eye to show the exact size
of the pupil at 0.1 cd/m2 light intensity, as indicated in the graph. (4)
(10)
 LIFE SCIENCES 9

2.4 The diagram below represents the human eye when a person is looking at an
object that is 3 m and 8 away.
.

Object Object
8m 3m
away away

2.4.1 Identify part C. (1)

2.4.2 Explain ONE adaptation of part F for its function. (2)
2.4.3 The eye of person referred to above produces a blurred image when he
looks at the object 8m away. Name the disorder that results in the inability
of the eye to focus at that object. (1)
2.4.4 Name the type of lens that should be used to correct the disorder mentioned
in QUESTION 2.4.3 (1)
(5)

2.5 Name and explain TWO processes/mechanisms that ensure that the gametes
produced at the end of meiosis are genetically different from each other. (5)

TOTAL QUESTION 2: 50
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QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagram below illustrates protein synthesis

3.1.1 Identify molecule N. (1)

3.1.2 Write down the sequence of the first THREE nitrogenous bases
on the DNA strand that led to the formation of Z. (1)
The table below shows the base triplets of DNA and the amino acid each
triplet codes for.
Base triplet of DNA Amino acid coded for
AGT Serine
CCG Glycine
TGT Threonine
GTA Histidine
CAA Valine
TCC Arginine
ACA Cysteine

3.1.3 With reference to the diagram in QUESTION 3.1 and the table above:
(a) State the base sequence of the molecule labelled Q. (1)
(b) Name the amino acid labelled P. (1)
 LIFE SCIENCES 11

3.1.4 A mutation occurred which resulted in the following base sequence on

molecule N:
UGU GGC ACA

(a) Describe the mutation that occurred. (2)

(b) Explain the effect that the mutation described in QUESTION
3.1.4(a) will have on the resulting protein. (3)
3.1.5 Give ONE function of the transfer RNA. (1)
(10)

3.2 A crime that left one person dead was committed. DNA sample was collected from
the deceased individual. There was also skin tissue at the crime scene from which
DNA was collected. Later on, two suspects were brought into custody by police
and their DNA samples were collected. The four DNA samples were subjected to
forensic testing. The results of the DNA tests are shown in the diagram below.

3.2.1 Identify the process used to produce the results in the diagram above. (1)
3.2.2 From analysis of the results in the diagram above, which suspect is most
likely to have committed the crime? (1)
3.2.3 Give a reason to support your answer to QUESTION 3.2.2. (2)
(4)
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3.3 The diagram below represents a phase in meiosis. Cell 1 undergoes

division to give rise to cells 2 and 3. Some alleles are indicated by letters.

3.3.1 Explain why cell 1 does NOT belong to a human (2)

3.3.2 How many chromosomes would be present in the daughter cells produced
by cell 3 after meiosis II? (1)
3.3.3 Draw a labelled diagram of a gamete that will result from cell 2. (5)

3.3.4 State Mendel’s Principle of Segregation (3)

(11)
3.4 The four o’clock plant, Mirabilis jalapa, can have flowers of three different colours
as shown in the diagram below.

A student crossed some red-flowered plants (R) with some yellow-flowered plants
(Y). She collected the seeds and grew them. All of the plants that grew from the
seeds had orange flowers.
3.4.1 What type of dominance is illustrated in the four o’clock plant? (1)
 LIFE SCIENCES 13

3.4.2 Provide a reason for the answer given in QUESTION 3.4.1 (2)
3.4.3 Use a genetic cross to illustrate the phenotypic ratio of the F2 generation if
the student allowed the offspring she obtained to inbreed.
(7)
(10)
3.5 The diagram below shows the inheritance of colour-blindness (Daltonism) in a
family. Colour-blindness is sex-linked and is caused by a recessive allele (d). The
ability to see colour normally is caused by a dominant allele (D).

3.5.1 How many of the male offspring of parent 1 and 2 were normal? (1)
3.5.2 State the:
(a) Phenotype of individual 5 (1)
(b) Genotype of individual 2 (2)
(c) Genotype of individual 1 (2)
3.5.3 Explain why any son of an affected female will always have this disorder. (3)
3.5.4 If individual 5 marries a normal male, what percentage of their daughters will
have an allele for colour-blindness, but will NOT be colour-blind? (2)
(11)
14 LIFE SCIENCES

3.6 Farmers use insecticides to kill insects that damage their crops. In this way they
are able to increase their crop yield.
They found a bacterium which contains a gene that produces insecticides.
Scientists transferred the insecticide gene to wheat plants and wanted to
investigate the effectiveness of this process in increasing crop yield.
Below are some of the steps they followed.
 Wheat plants with the insecticide gene were grown in a field and in
a greenhouse.
 Wheat plants without the insecticide gene were grown in a field and
in a greenhouse.
 The crop yield of the wheat plants was measured.

The results are shown in the table below.

3.6.1 What is the process called where wheat plants are altered by insertion of
genes? (1)
3.6.2 Identify the dependent variable in this investigation. (1)
3.6.3 State ONE way in which scientists could have improved the validity of this
investigation. (1)
3.6.4 State ONE other advantage of using the process mentioned in QUESTION
3.6.1 (1)
(4)
50
TOTAL SECTION B 100
GRAND TOTAL 150