CURRICULUM FET

LIFE SCIENCES

LEARNER MATERIAL
TERM ONE 2024

BACK ON TRACK PROGRAMME

GRADE 10
 TOPIC: Scientific Skills and Chemistry of Life
DATE: 2 March 2024

SCIENTIFIC SKILLS

Scientific Method

Hypothesis ● A possible prediction and/or explanation of the

relationship between the two variables.
● Statement including both variables.

Variables ● Independent variable:

○ Variable that the scientist controls / manipulates
● Dependent variable:
○ Variable that responds to the independent
variable.
● Constant variable:
○ All factors that must be controlled/fixed during
investigation (determines the validity of the
investigation).

Improving reliability of ● Repeat the investigation.

results ● Use a larger sample size (Be specific to investigation).
● Take samples randomly.

Validity ● Validity questions HOW the investigation was carried

out.
● All variables should be controlled/fixed except the
dependent variable.
● Appropriateness of the investigation to address the
aim.

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SECTION A
QUESTION 1
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS:
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following
questions. Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D)
next to the question number.

1.1.1 The role of water in nutrition is to …

A prevent the movement of food down the alimentary canal.
B prevent the lubrication of all passages.
C create an acidic medium in the stomach.
D be a solvent for chemical reactions.

1.1.2 Which ONE of the following describes an increase in the nutrient levels in
dams and lakes because of the excess use of fertilisers by farmers?
A Photosynthesis
B Eutrophication
C Respiration
D Metabolism

1.1.3 Iron is necessary to prevent …

A rickets.
B the maintenance of water balance.
C muscle weakness.
D the yellowing of leaves.

1.1.4 Which ONE of the following leads to goitre when in short supply?
A Calcium
B Iodine
C Sodium
D Magnesium (4 x 2 ) (8)

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BIOLOGICAL TERMS

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions.

Description Term
1.2.1 The inorganic compounds needed in small quantities.

1.2.2 The carbohydrate stored in animal cells.

1.2.3 The carbohydrate stored in plant cells

1.2.4 An organic compound made up of three fatty acids

and one glycerol

1.2.5 An organelle within the cell where proteins are

synthesised

1.2.6 An increase in the nutrient levels in dams and lakes

because of the excess use of fertilisers

1.2.7 A deficiency disease caused as a result of a

deficiency of iodine in the diet, characterized by
enlargement of the thyroid gland.

1.2.8 The process where DNA makes an exact copy of

itself, so that each daughter cell has identical DNA

1.2.9 Enzymes lose their structure and function due to high

temperatures/pH.

1.2.10 A substance that increases the rate of chemical

reactions.
(10 x 2 ) (20)

1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements 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.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

1.3.1 Caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium. A: Rickets

B: Osteoporosis

1.3.2 A macro-nutrient that keeps bones and A: Potassium

teeth strong. B: Calcium
(2 x 2 ) (4)

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QUESTION 2

2.1 In the diagram below, the letters A, B and C represent THREE groups of
organic compounds that you have studied.
• Number 1 represents characteristics common to A and B only,
• Number 2 represents characteristics common to B and C only.
• B and C make up cell membranes.
• C is made up of amino acids.

2.1.1 What is meant by organic compounds? (2)

2.1.2 Name the organic compound represented by:

(a) A
(b) B
(c) C (3)

2.1.3 Name the monomers of:

(a) Carbohydrates
(b) Lipids (3)

2.1.4 List ONE function each of:

(a) Lipids
(b) Proteins (2)

2.1.5 Which organic compound (A, B or C) is stored as glycogen in the

liver of humans? (1)
(11)

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2.2 The bar graphs below show the food content of three different types of
cereal (X, Y and Z). Study the graphs then answer the questions that
follow.

2.2.1 Name the deficiency disease that would result if a person lacked:
(a) Vitamin A (1)
(b) Vitamin C (1)

2.2.2 Health officials noticed that the children from schools in a particular
area experienced a higher than average incidence of broken
bones.

Explain why cereal Z should be recommended for these learners to

make their bones stronger. (2)

2.2.3 The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of vitamin B is 8mg.

How many mg of vitamin B is provided by cereal Y? (1)

2.2.4 How many servings of cereal Y are required to obtain the RDA for
vitamin B? Show all calculations. (2)
(7)

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QUESTION 3
3.1 The graph below shows the results of an investigation using a sample of
men and women.

3.1.1 In the above investigation identify the:

(a) independent variable (2)
(b) dependent variable (1)

3.1.2 State TWO ways in which the reliability of the results could be
improved, other than repeating the investigation. (2)
(5)

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3.2 Amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyses (breaks down) starch into sugars in
humans.
Sipho conducted an investigation where a solution of amylase was mixed
with a starch suspension. The mixtures were kept in water baths at different
temperatures for 15 minutes each.
At the end of the time, the samples were analysed to find out how much
sugar was produced. The results of the above investigation are recorded
in the table below:

3.2.1 In this investigation identify the:

(a) Independent variable (1)

(b) Dependent variable (1)

3.2.2 State TWO ways by which Sipho could improve the reliability of the
investigation. (2)

3.2.3 State TWO ways how Sipho could improve the validity of the
investigation. (2)

3.2.4 Based on the results, what is the range for the optimum temperature
for the action of amylase? (2)

3.2.5 Explain why one would have expected the optimum temperature
to be in the range, stated in Question 3.2.4, even before the
investigation was conducted. (2)
(10)

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3.3 The table below shows the percentage incidence of high levels of
cholesterol in different population groups in the Western Cape.

Population Percentage of individuals having high levels of

Group cholesterol

A 30%

B 65%

C 10%

D 25%

3.3.1 Draw a bar graph to represent the data in the table. (6)

3.3.2 According to the graph, which population group (A, B, C or D), is

least affected by high cholesterol. (1)

3.3.3 Give TWO possible reasons why the population group named in
QUESTION 3.3.2 is least affected by high cholesterol. (2)
(9)

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TOPIC: Cell Structure
DATE: 16 March 2024

CELL STRUCTURE

Cell structure and function: The roles Relate structure and location to
of organelles functions of:
- Cell wall
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus, nuclear membrane,
chromatin network
- Mitochondria

Cell structure and function: The roles Relate structure and location to
of organelles functions of:
- Ribosome
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi-body
- Plastids
- vacuole
▪ Discuss differences between plant
and animal cells

The use of a microscope: ▪ View a prepared slide

▪ Magnification and calculations of
micrographs

Cell structure and Function: ▪ Discuss passive and active transport.

(link to cell membrane and transport)
Define diffusion

▪ Define osmosis
Differentiate between diffusion and
osmosis

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MATCH THE LABELS TO THE DIAGRAMS BELOW:

ANIMAL CELL PLANT CELL

A. CYTOPLAS G. NUCLEUS A. GOLGI G. CYTOPLASM

M APPARATUS
B. MITOCHON- H. ENDOPLASMIC B. CELL WALL J. NUCLEUS
DRION RETICULUM
(ROUGH) C. CELL SAP I. ENDOPLASMIC
RETICULUM
C. LYSOSOME I. CELL
MEMBRANE D. TONOPLAST J. CHLOROPLAST

D. ENDO- J. GOLGI BODY E. CELL K. VACUOLE

PLASMIC MEMBRANE
RETICULUM
(SMOOTH) F. MITOCHONDRI
A
E. MICROVILLI K. VACUOLE

F. RIBOSOME

Tabulate at least 4 differences between plant and animal cells (5)

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SECTION A
QUESTION 1
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (CELL STRUCTURE)
1.1 Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the correct letter (A - D) next to the
question number.

1.1.1 The substance that makes up the cell wall.

A. Glucose
B. Starch
C. Cellulose
D. Glycogen

1.1.2 Plays a role in protein synthesis:

A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Centrosome
D. Vacuole

1.1.3 A plant cell can be distinguished from an animal cell because of

the presence of …
A cytoplasm
B a cell wall
C a nucleus
D a cell membrane

1.1.4 Which ONE of the following would you expect to be in larger

numbers in a muscle cell as compared to a skin cell?
A. Lysosome
B. Leucoplast
C. Mitochondrion
D. Vacuole

1.1.5 Which ONE of the following is the site for protein synthesis?
A. Golgi body
B. Cell wall
C. Ribosomes
D. Plasma membrane (5 x 2) (10)

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 1.2 Give the correct biological term for the following descriptions

DESCRIPTION TERM

1.2.1 A carbohydrate that forms part of the cell wall.

1.2.2 The movement of gas molecules from a region of high

concentration to a region of low concentration.

1.2.3 The movement of water molecules through a selectively

permeable membrane from a high to a low concentration

1.2.4 The movement of molecules from a low to a high

concentration (against the concentration gradient) through
membranes.
Energy is needed for this type of transport.

1.2.5 A tangled network of DNA and protein located within the

nucleus

1.2.6 Structure that holds two chromatids together

1.2.7 Thread-like structures that carry genetic information in the

form of genes; made up of 2 chromatids, joined by a
centromere

1.2.8 Organelle responsible for energy production in a cell

1.2.9 The organelles found in cytoplasm, responsible for protein

synthesis

1.2.10 The regulation of water content in a cell

1.2.11 The gel-like fluid inside a cell containing all the organelles, in
which chemical reactions take place.

1.2.12 A plastid in green plant cells which contains chlorophyll and

in which photosynthesis takes place

1.2.13 A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy

from carbohydrates (sugars).

1.2.14 Membrane that surrounds a plant vacuole

1.2.15 The organelle that contains digestive enzymes

1.2.16 An organelle within the cytoplasm of a cell, responsible for

regulation of water.

1.2.17 The part of a microscope that is used for final and clear
focus of the object

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 1.2.18 An organism without a distinct nucleus

1.2.19 An organism with a distinct nucleus

1.2.20 Organisms consisting of a single cell

1.2.21 Organisms made up of many cells

(21 x 1) (21)

1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I apply 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 numbers (1.3.1
to 1.3.3).

COLUMN I COLUMN II

1.3.1 The plastids in a plant cell A. Leucoplast

B. Golgi-body

1.3.2 A photograph that was taken of a A. Micrograph

specimen using a microscope B. Microslide

1.3.3 The part of the microscope that A. Diaphragm

regulates the amount of light on the B. Ocular
specimen.

(3 x 2) (6)

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SECTION B

QUESTION 2 (CELL STRUCTURE)

2.1 The diagram below shows part of a cell as seen under an electron
microscope. Study the diagram below and answer the questions that
follow.

C
E D

2.1.1 State whether the diagram represents a plant or animal cell? (1)
2.1.2 Give TWO visible reasons for your answer in QUESTION 2.1.1. (2)
2.1.3 Identify the small round structures C on the endoplasmic reticulum. (1)
2.1.4 Give ONE function of:
(a) Part A
(b) Part D (2)

2.1.5 Explain ONE property of part B that helps it in carrying out its
function. (2)
2.1.6 Explain why you would expect part E to be found in large
numbers in muscle cells. (2)
(10)

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2.2 Study the diagram of a cell shown below.

2.2.1 Write down the LETTER only of the:

(a) Nucleus (1)
(b) Endoplasmic Reticulum (1)
(c) Vacuole (1)
(d) Mitochondria (1)
(e) Cytoplasm (1)
(f) Part that contains cellulose (1)

2.2.2 Provide one observable reason as to why this cell cannot be from the
root of a plant. (1)

2.2.3 Explain ONE observation that you would make if this cell was
placed in a concentrated sugar solution. (3)
(10)

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2.3 The questions that follow are based on the drawing from a micrograph of
a cell organelle.

A drawing from a micrograph of a cell organelle (magnification: 25000x)

2.3.1 Identify the organelle shown above. (1)
2.3.2 Name the parts labeled A and B. (2)
2.3.3 Name the biochemical process that occurs in this cell organelle. (1)
2.3.4 Calculate the actual length of the organelle in millimeters (mm).
Show all your calculations. (2)
(6)
2.4 The diagrams below show two types of cells.

2.4.1 Which structure (X or Y), represents a plant cell? (1)

2.4.2 Provide TWO possible reasons for your answer in QUESTION 2.4.1 (2)

2.4.3 Name the type of nucleic acid found at A. (1)

2.4.4 Write ONLY the letter of the part that is the site for cellular
respiration. (1)

2.4.5 Explain what will happen to the cell if part B becomes

impermeable (4)

2.4.6 Describe the events that will result in a cell if part D loses too
much water. (2)
(11)

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2.5 The diagram below illustrates the process through a differentially
permeable membrane.

2.5.1 What is meant by a differentially/selectively permeable membrane?

(2)
2.5.2 In figure 1, where is the water potential of the water the highest?
Inside the cell or in the beaker? (1)

2.5.3 Describe what happens in figure 2, and explain your answer by

indicating in which direction the water moves and why? (4)

2.5.4 Name the physiological process represented in figure 2. (1)

(8)

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