GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES:

PAPER 1

Questions.................................................. 1

Answers .................................................... 7

We trust that working through these

questions and answers from Paper 1 will help
you master this subject and to prepare thoroughly
for your final exam.

The Answer Series Life Sciences study guides

offer a key to exam success.
 HUMAN REPRODUCTION
1.6.1 Identify the structure numbered 8.
1.6.2 Which type of cell division has ensured that the structure mentioned in
Q
Question 1.6.1 develops from structure 7?

QUESTIONS
1.6.3 Identify the structure numbered 9.
QUESTION 1
Study the representation below of part of sexual reproduction in humans and answer the 1.6.4 Describe the development and structure of the stage labelled 9, until it is ready
questions that follow. for implantation.
8
1.7.1 Identify the part numbered 10.
1.7.2 Which changes occurred in the part mentioned in Question 1.7.1 to
prepare it for implantation?
7
9 1.7.3 Which hormones were responsible for these changes mentioned in Question 1.7.2?
A
B 1.7.4 Identify the process represented by C.
6 1.7.5 Identify the structure numbered 11.
3
1 1.7.6 These structures, mentioned in Question 1.7.5, later form part of the ......
2 5
C 1.8 What will happen to each of the following should fertilisation not occur?
1.8.1 progesterone level 1.8.2 corpus luteum
10 4 1.8.3 menstrual cycle 1.8.4 follicle development
11
1.9 What happens to each of the following if fertilisation does occur?
1.9.1 progesterone level 1.9.2 corpus luteum
1.1 Identify the cycle represented by A. 1.9.3 menstrual cycle 1.9.4 follicle development

1.2 Identify the structures that are numbered from 1 to 4.

1.3 Which hormone:

1.3.1 was involved in the development of structure 1?
1.3.2 is secreted by structure 1?

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

1.3.3 ensures the development of structure 3?
1.3.4 is secreted by structure 3? We trust that working through these
1.4.1 Identify the part that is numbered 5.
questions and answers from Paper 1 will help
you master this subject and to prepare thoroughly
1.4.2 How is the part numbered 5 structurally adapted to ensure that the structure
numbered 2 will move towards the uterus?
for your final exam.

1.5.1 Identify the structure numbered 6. The Answer Series Life Sciences study guides
offer a key to exam success.
1.5.2 Which process is represented by B?
1.5.3 Identify the structure numbered 7.
1.5.4 What is the chromosome number of the parts that are numbered 2, 4, 5, 6,
and 7 respectively?

1 Copyright © The Answer

Q QUESTION 2
Study the diagram illustrating a menstrual cycle below and answer the questions RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT:
that follow.
QUESTIONS

HUMANS
Hypophysis LH QUESTION 3
hormone levels FSH
Study the drawing below of a section through a part of the human central nervous system
and answer the questions that follow.
1 2
Development 3
of follicle 13

progesterone 4
oestrogen
Ovarian 5
hormone levels 12
11
6
Thickness of
endometrium 10

7
0 7 14 21 28 8
Days
9
Hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle

2.1 On which day does ovulation take place? 3.1 Identify the parts numbered 1 to 13.

2.2 Between which days does menstruation take place? 3.2 What are the functions of the parts numbered 1 and 5 respectively?
3.3 Write down the NUMBER of the part responsible for:
2.3 State ONE function of FSH during the menstrual cycle.
3.3.1 the control of the permeability of the renal collecting ducts
2.4 Describe the functional relationship between progesterone and FSH. 3.3.2 the connection between the two cerebral hemispheres
3.3.3 serving as a pathway for nerve impulses to and from the brain
GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

2.5 Account for the change in the thickness of the endometrium between day 14
and day 21. 3.3.4 control of heart rate
3.3.5 the ability to play chess
2.6 Did fertilisation take place within the 28-day cycle illustrated in the graph?
3.3.6 peristaltic control
2.7 Give FOUR reasons for your answer in Question 2.6. 3.3.7 maintenance of muscle tone and balance
3.3.8 protective reflexes
3.4 In a lumbar puncture, fluid is extracted from the central canal of the spinal cord
(e.g. when a doctor confirms meningitis in a patient). What is this fluid called?
Life Sciences is easier than you thought !
3.5 Apart from the central canal, name TWO other locations in the nervous system
The Answer Series offers excellent material where the fluid mentioned in Question 3.4 may occur.
in several subjects for Gr 10 - 12.
3.6 List FIVE functions of the fluid mentioned in Question 3.4.
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3.7 Write down the NUMBERS of two parts where grey matter appears on the outside
and white matter on the inside.
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QUESTION 4
Study the representation of a reflex arc below and answer the questions that follow.
QUESTION 5
Study the representation of a section through the human eye and answer the questions
Q
that follow.

QUESTIONS
15 1
1 2
7 2
5 13 3
4
12
3 14 4
X 11
12
6
10
8 9 5

9
11 10 Y 6
8
7

5.1 Write down the NUMBERS only of the respective parts comprising the:
4.1 Define the concept reflex arc.
5.1.1 outer fibrous layer 5.1.2 middle vascular layer
4.2 What is meant by the term reflex reaction?
5.1.3 inner retina
4.3 In the reflex arc above, name the: 5.2 Identify the parts numbered 1 to 15.
4.3.1 stimulus
5.3 List the function(s) AND the adaptation(s) of the following parts:
4.3.2 receptor
5.3.1 sclera 5.3.2 cornea
4.3.3 effector
5.3.3 choroid 5.3.4 ciliary body
4.4 Describe AND give an example of 5.3.5 lens 5.3.6 iris
4.4.1 natural/unconditioned reflexes 5.3.7 pigment layer of retina 5.3.8 nervous tissue layer of retina
4.4.2 learnt/conditioned reflexes 5.3.9 optic nerve 5.3.10 vitreous humour
4.5 Identify the parts numbered 1 to 12. 5.4 Distinguish between the:
5.4.1 yellow spot and blind spot 5.4.2 aqueous humour and
4.6 An injury occurs. Explain which neuron is damaged and what the effect will be if the vitreous humour

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

injury takes place at
4.6.1 X 4.6.2 Y 5.5 Study the accompanying representations of a rod (A) and
a cone (B) and answer the questions that follow.
4.7 The diagrams labelled A to D below show what happens in a reflex action. 5.5.1 In which layer of the eye do you find rods and cones?
5.5.2 What is the collective name for rods and cones?
5.5.3 What is the collective function of rods and cones?
5.5.4 State the specific function of:
(a) rods (b) cones A B
A B C D 5.5.5 Which part of the retina:
4.7.1 Arrange the drawings in the correct sequence to represent what happens (a) contains no rods?
during the reflex action. (b) contains neither rods nor cones?
4.7.2 Fully describe this reflex action. (c) contains only cones?
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Q QUESTION 6
Study the drawings below and answer the questions that follow.
6.6 Study the diagrams below that show changes in the shape of the lens and answer
the questions that follow.
Write down the LETTER only of the diagram that illustrates the adaptation in each
QUESTIONS

A B of the following cases. Explain your answer in each case.

Shape of lens
Shape of lens
6.1 Which phenomenon is illustrated in these drawings?

6.2 Explain this phenomenon mentioned in Question 6.1. A B

6.3 In which drawing, A or B, is the eye:

Shape of lens

Shape of lens
6.3.1 in the accommodated state where the curvature of the lens changes to
focus incoming light rays on the retina to form a clear image?

6.3.2 in the normal unaccommodated state where objects can be observed

without any adaptations and form a clear image on the retina?

6.4 Study the following drawings of the parts of the eye that play a role in eye
accommodation and answer the questions that follow.
1 1 6.6.1
2 2 6.6.2
3 3 6.6.3
C
D
A teacher checking a learner’s homework in his book.
A cricket player watching a ball being bowled towards him.
A person watching a violinist from the back of a hall.

6.6.4 A mother watching a toddler riding a tricycle down the road.

QUESTION 7
6.4.1 Identify the parts numbered 1 to 3. Study the representation of the human ear below and answer the questions that follow.
6.4.2 Explain, with reference to the parts identified in Question 6.4.1, how eye
A B C
GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

accommodation takes place to obtain a sharp, focused image on the retina

for objects closer than 6 m.

6.5 Why would a person who has had no specific eye defects, probably need glasses 3 4 5 9 10
12
with convex lenses after the age of 40? 1 14
13

11
2 6
7
8 15

7.1 Identify the three parts of the ear, labelled A, B and C respectively.

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7.2 What are the receptors responsible for hearing and balance in the ear called? 8.4.1 Identify the mechanoreceptor numbered 3.
Q
7.3 Identify AND give the function of the parts numbered 1 and 2 respectively. 8.4.2 Describe the structure of the receptors mentioned in Question 8.4.1.

QUESTIONS
7.4 Identify the ossicles numbered 3, 4 and 5 respectively. 8.4.3 State the function of the receptors mentioned in Question 8.4.1.

7.5 Give the function of the ossicles. 8.4.4 Explain how the receptors perform the function mentioned in Question 8.4.3.

7.6 Identify AND give the function of the membrane-covered openings to the middle
ear, numbered 6, 7 and 8 respectively.
HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
7.7 Identify AND give the function of the part numbered 15.

7.8.1 The vestibular apparatus consists of the parts numbered 9 and 10 respectively. QUESTION 9
Identify these two parts. Study the diagram of the endocrine glands in the human body below and answer the
questions that follow.
7.8.2 Name the mechanoreceptors that are found in the part numbered 9 AND give
its function.
1
7.8.3 Name the two membranous sacs that are included in the part numbered 10.
7.8.4 Name the mechanoreceptors found in the part numbered 10 AND give their
function. 2

7.9.1 Identify the part numbered 11.

7.9.2 Identify the functional unit of hearing situated inside part numbered 11.
7.10.1 Identify the parts numbered 12 and 13 respectively. 3
4
7.10.2 Identify AND give the functions of the part numbered 14.

QUESTION 8
Study the diagram of a part of the human inner ear 5
and answer the questions that follow.
6

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

8.1 Identify the membranous sacs of the 2
3
vestibular apparatus labelled A and B 9.1 Identify the glands numbered 1 to 6 respectively.
respectively. B
A 9.2 Answer the following questions about the gland numbered 1:
8.2 Identify the part of the semicircular canals 9.2.1 Describe the location of this gland.
that is numbered 1. 1
9.2.2 Which part of the brain controls the hormone secretions of this gland?
8.3.1 Identify the mechanoreceptors numbered 2.
9.2.3 Describe the relationship between the hypothalamus and the hypophysis.
8.3.2 Describe the structure of the receptors mentioned in Question 8.3.1.
9.2.4 Draw a table to show the FIVE hormones secreted by the anterior
lobe of this gland, AND the function(s) of each.
8.3.3 State the function of the receptors mentioned in Question 8.3.1.

8.3.4 Explain how the receptors perform the function mentioned in Question 8.3.3.

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Q 9.2.5 Which growth disorder is caused by:
(a) hyposecretion of growth hormone (STH) in children?
10.6 Study the representation below and answer the questions that follow.
QUESTIONS

(b) hypersecretion of growth hormone (STH) in children?

(c) hypersecretion of growth hormone (STH) in adults?
1
9.2.6 Name the hormone released by the posterior lobe of this gland AND give 2 (between backpack and body)
the function of the hormone. 3 6 5

9.3 Answer the following questions about the gland numbered 2:

9.3.1 Describe the location of this gland.

9.3.2 Which hormone is secreted by this gland? 4

9.3.3 What are the functions of the hormone mentioned in Question 9.3.2?

9.3.4 Which element is essential for the production of the hormone mentioned in
Question 9.3.2?

9.3.5 What is meant by basal metabolic rate? 10.6.1 List AND explain the four physical processes, numbered 1 to 4 respectively,
of heat loss by the human body.
9.3.6 Which disorder/condition is caused by hypothyroidism in:
(a) children? (b) adults? 10.6.2 Name the phenomenon AND describe the role of the blood vessels
numbered 5 and 6 respectively.

10.6.3 Which environmental temperature would probably result in an increase in

metabolic activity, respiration rate and muscle tone, and consequently make
THERMOREGULATION a person shiver?

QUESTION 10
Answer the following questions about the body temperature of humans.
10.1 What is the normal body temperature (in ºC) of humans?
10.2 Describe the effect of each of the following temperatures on enzyme action:
GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

10.2.1 approximately 60ºC

10.2.2 approximately 4ºC
10.2.3 37ºC
10.3 Why is the maintenance of the temperature in the body fluid seen as such an
important aspect of homeostasis?
10.4 What is the main source of heat generation in the human body?
10.5 How does an increase in adrenalin and thyroxin secretions influence heat
generation?

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 HUMAN REPRODUCTION
QUESTION 2
2.1 day 14 2.2 day 0 - 6
3.4
3.5
cerebrospinal fluid
 between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater
A
 in the cerebral ventricles

ANSWERS
2.3 Stimulates the development of primary follicles to
Graafian follicles in the ovary.  in the central canal of the medulla oblongata and
QUESTION 1 the spinal cord
2.4 An increase in the progesterone levels inhibits the
1.1 ovarian cycle release of FSH so that only one follicle develops at 3.6  serves as a shock absorber
a time.  supplies nerve cells with nutrients and O2
1.2 1 - Graafian follicle 2 - secondary oocyte  removes waste
2.5 The corpus luteum starts to secrete progesterone
3 - corpus luteum 4 - fimbriae that continues to thicken the endometrium.  prevents dehydration of nerve cells
2.6 no  maintains constant pressure around the CNS
1.3.1 FSH 1.3.2 oestrogen
2.7  corpus luteum degenerated 3.7 4 and 6
1.3.3 LH 1.3.4 progesterone
 progesterone levels decreased
1.4.1 Fallopian tube  FSH levels start to increase QUESTION 4
1.4.2 Lined with ciliated epithelium - cilia make sweeping  LH levels decrease 4.1 The functional unit of the nervous system.
movements. Smooth involuntary muscles in the The pathway along which the nerve impulses are
uterine walls produce peristaltic movements. carried from a receptor to an effector to bring about
a reflex action.
1.5.1 sperm cell 1.5.2 fertilisation
RESPONDING TO THE 4.2 It is a quick, automatic response of an effector to a
1.5.3 zygote stimulus received by a receptor.
1.5.4 2 - haploid / (n) / 23 4 - diploid / (2n) / 46 ENVIRONMENT: HUMANS
4.3.1 heat of a candle flame
5 - diploid / (2n) / 46 6 - haploid / (n) / 23
7 - diploid / (2n) / 46 4.3.2 sensory organs in the skin
QUESTION 3
4.3.3 muscle
1.6.1 morula 1.6.2 mitosis 1.6.3 blastocyst 3.1 1 - groove/sulcus
1.6.4  The morula continues to divide mitotically and 2 - skull/cranium 4.4.1 These are natural, inborn reflexes that occur
forms a mass of cells that are arranged around a 3 - meninges 4 - cerebrum automatically in response to a stimulus, for example
fluid-filled cavity. coughing, sneezing, blinking or jerking away from a
5 - corpus callosum 6 - cerebellum
painful stimulus.
 This hollow sphere is known as the blastocyst, 7 - foramen magnum 8 - cervical vertebrae
with an external layer known as the trophoblast, 9 - spinal cord 10 - medulla oblongata 4.4.2 These are reflexes learnt through repetition until it

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

that plays a role in the feeding of the embryo. becomes automatic, for example walking, cycling,
11 - hypophysis 12 - hypothalamus writing or reading.
 The inner mass of cells develops into the embryo.
13 - cerebral ventricles filled with cerebrospinal
fluid 4.5 1 - white matter 2 - grey matter
1.7.1 endometrium
3.2 1 - It enlarges the total surface area of the brain so 3 - ganglion 4 - cell body
1.7.2 It developed more blood vessels and glands.
that many neurons can fit into the limited space 5 - sensory neuron
1.7.3 progesterone and oestrogen
of the cranium. 6 - interneuron
1.7.4 implantation 1.7.5 villi 1.7.6 placenta 5 -  Conducts impulses between the two 7 - receptor 8 - effector/muscle
hemispheres of the cerebrum.
1.8.1 decreases dramatically 1.8.2 degenerates 9 - mixed nerve
 Forms a bridge for communication between
1.8.3 continues 1.8.4 starts again 10 - motor neuron/axon
the hemispheres to coordinate processes.
11 - spinal cord 12 - central canal
1.9.1 stays high 3.3.1 11 3.3.2 5 3.3.3 9
1.9.2 continues to function 3.3.4 10/12 3.3.5 4 3.3.6 10 4.6.1 sensory neuron - the person will not feel that he is
burning and consequently sustain a serious injury.
1.9.3 does not continue 1.9.4 stops 3.3.7 6 3.3.8 9
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A 4.6.2 motor neuron - the person will feel pain but will be
unable to move his finger because the nerve
QUESTION 5
5.1.1 1, 12 5.1.2 2, 8, 9
5.3.5 Function:
 changes shape to refract light rays coming from
impulse does not reach the effector; the muscle near and far objects to form a clear image on
ANSWERS

cannot contract and the limb is paralysed. 5.1.3 3, 4, 6

the retina
5.2 1 - sclera 2 - choroid Adaptations:
4.7.1 C - D - A - B
3 - retina 4 - yellow spot  elastic
4.7.2  The heat stimulus (flame) is detected by the (fovea centralis)  transparent
receptors in the skin of the hand and converted 5 - optic nerve 6 - blind spot  biconvex
into a nerve impulse. 7 - suspensory ligament  able to change shape
 The nerve impulse is conducted along a sensory 8 - ciliary body/muscle
neuron through the dorsal root of the spinal nerve 5.3.6 Function:
9 - iris 10 - lens
to the grey matter of the spinal cord. 11 - pupil 12 - cornea  controls the amount of light that enters the eye by
controlling the size of the pupil
 The sensory neuron is in synaptic contact with the 13 - eyelid
interneuron in the grey matter of the spinal cord. 14 - anterior cavity with aqueous humour Adaptations:
15 - posterior cavity with vitreous humour  a round, coloured structure suspended towards
 The nerve impulse is conducted to the
the centre of the eye like a circular curtain
interneuron, which serves as the reflex centre.
5.3.1 Functions:  situated in front of the lens
 The interneuron is in synaptic contact with the  has two sets of involuntary muscles, the radial
 protects the internal parts of the eye
motor neuron in the grey matter of the spinal and circular muscles
cord.  helps to maintain the spherical shape of the eyeball
 serves as a muscle attachment  has an opening in the middle, the pupil, through
 The nerve impulse is conducted to the motor which light rays enter the eye
neuron. Adaptations:
 contains pigments that give colour to the eye and
 strong, inelastic layer of connective tissue absorbs light rays
 The nerve impulse exits the spinal cord through
the ventral root of the spinal nerve and is 5.3.2 Functions: 5.3.7 Function:
conducted along the axon of the motor neuron to  allows light rays through to the inner eye
the effector.  absorbs light rays and prevents internal reflection
 causes the refraction of incoming light rays
 In this case the effector organ is the muscle of the Adaptation:
Adaptations:
upper arm, the biceps muscle.  darkly pigmented
 transparent
 The biceps contracts very quickly, causing the  more convex than the rest of the eyeball 5.3.8 Function:
hand to pull away from the flame.  detects light stimuli and converts it to nerve
 Nerve impulses are also conducted from the 5.3.3 Functions: impulses
GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

spinal cord, in ascending nerve tracts, to the brain  pigment absorbs excess light rays and so Adaptation:
(cerebrum), where the sensation of pain is prevents internal reflection and the formation of  contains two types of photoreceptors, i.e. rods
interpreted. blurry images and cones
 blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to cells
5.3.9 Function:
Adaptations:
 conducts nerve impulses to the cerebral cortex of
 thin the brain where they are interpreted and the
 darkly pigmented sensation of sight originates.
 vascular
Adaptation:
5.3.4 Function:  nerve fibres from the photoreceptors form a
synapse with sensory bipolar neurons, which in
 contracts and relaxes to change the curvature
turn form a synapse with optic neurons. The optic
of the lens during eye accommodation
neurons join together to form the optic nerve.
Adaptations:
 consists of involuntary, ciliary muscles
 is attached to the lens by suspensory ligaments
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5.3.10 Functions:
 helps to keep the shape of the eyeball.
QUESTION 6
6.1 accommodation
6.6.4 B - the lens is more convex to focus on the child
on the tricycle, who is closer than 6 m from his A
 keeps the retina in position against the choroid. mother, but as the toddler travels down the

 refracts the light rays to form a sharp image.
Adaptations:
 jelly-like
 transparent
5.4.1 The yellow spot is an area on the retina, in the
direct line of vision which contains mainly cones
and very few rods. In the middle of the yellow spot
is the fovea centralis which contains cones only.
The brightest, most accurate image is formed here.
The blind spot is the place where the optical nerve
leaves the eyeball and no rods or cones occur. If
light rays were to fall on the blind spot, no nerve
impulses will be conducted to the brain and no
images will form.
5.4.2 The aqueous humour is a watery fluid that fills the
anterior cavity, situated between the lens and the
cornea. It helps the cornea to keep its shape,
supplies nutrients to the eye and protects the eye
from pathogens.
The vitreous humour is a jelly-like fluid that fills the
posterior cavity, situated behind the lens. It helps to
maintain the shape of the eyeball, prevents the
retina from detaching from the choroid and helps
with light refraction.
5.5.1 retina 5.5.2 photoreceptors
5.5.3 detect light stimuli and convert them to
nerve impulses
6.2 The process during which the eye adapts for the
observation of nearby or distant objects by changing
the shape of the lens.
QUESTION 7
6.3.1 B 6.3.2 A 7.1
6.4.1 1 - ciliary muscles 2 - suspensory ligament
3 - lens 7.2
6.4.2 For nearby objects (closer than 6 m), the curvature
7.3
of the lens has to change to focus the incoming light
rays on the retina. The following changes take place
during eye accommodation:
 ciliary muscles (circular muscles) contract
 ciliary body moves closer to the lens 7.4
 the suspensory ligaments slacken (less tension)
 elastic lens becomes more convex
7.5
 more refraction of light rays by the thicker lens
 a sharply focused image falls on the retina
7.6
6.5 The lens loses its elasticity after the age of forty.
Consequently, the lens can no longer change its
curvature effectively. Light rays from nearby objects
can no longer be refracted enough to form a sharp,
focused image on the retina. Therefore, the light
rays need to be refracted by the convex lenses of
glasses to provide a focused image on the retina.
6.6.1 D - the learner’s book is closer than 6 m from the 7.7
eye and therefore the lens needs to
ANSWERS
road, the lens becomes flatter and returns to
the unaccommodated state
A - outer ear B - middle ear
C - inner ear
mechanoreceptors
1 - pinna - collects and directs sound waves
towards the external auditory opening
2 - external auditory canal - transmits sound waves
from the pinna to the tympanic membrane
3 - hammer (malleus) 4 - anvil (incus)
5 - stirrup (stapes)
They amplify and transmit vibrations to the
membrane of the oval window.
6 - tympanic membrane/eardrum - converts sound
waves to vibrations that are transmitted to the
hammer
7 - oval window - transmits vibrations from the air-
filled middle ear to the fluid-filled inner ear
(perilymph)
8 - round window - absorbs the pressure waves
from the perilymph of the scala tympani
Eustachian tube - ensures that the pressure remains
the same on both sides of the tympanic membrane.

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

5.5.4 (a) react when the light intensity is low (poor light) accommodate and become more convex, 7.8.1 9 - semicircular canals
and give rise to black and white vision maintaining that shape until all the homework
has been checked 10 - vestibular apparatus/sacculus and utriculus
(b) react when the light intensity is high (daylight)
and give rise to intense, bright, colour vision 6.6.2 C - the lens needs to adapt to the cricket ball 7.8.2 cristae - detect changes in the speed and
moving closer to the eye; the lens is movement of the head
5.5.5 (a) fovea centralis of yellow spot unaccommodated when the ball is far away,
7.8.3 sacculus, utriculus
(b) blind spot but as it moves closer, it becomes more and
(c) fovea centralis of yellow spot more convex 7.8.4 maculae - respond to gravity and detect the
6.6.3 A - the lens does not have to adapt, because the position of the head in space
stage is probably more than 6 m away from the
person sitting still and watching the violinist; 7.9.1 11 - cochlea
the lens remains flat as the distance remains 7.9.2 organ of Corti
constant

9 Copyright © The Answer

A 7.10.1 12 - vestibular nerve
13 - cochlear nerve
8.4.4 The otoliths (CaCO3-crystals) in the jelly-like layer of
the maculae move in response to gravity. When the
9.2.4
Hormone Function
position of the head changes, the otoliths exert more
ANSWERS

7.10.2 14 - auditory nerve pressure on some hair cells than others. The hair TSH (thyroid stimulating stimulates the thyroid to secrete the
- conducts nerve impulses to the cerebral cells convert mechanical stimuli into nerve impulses. hormone) hormone thyroxin
cortex where the sensation of hearing arises Growth hormone promotes the growth of the skeleton
(STH/somatotropic and muscles by stimulating the
- conducts nerve impulses to the cerebellum
hormone) synthesis of proteins
where balance is coordinated
HUMAN ENDOCRINE
FSH (follicle stimulating stimulates the development of primary
hormone) follicles into Graafian follicles in the
QUESTION 8 ovary of the female, and it activates the
8.1 A - sacculus B - utriculus SYSTEM germinal epithelial cells that produce
sperm in the male.
8.2 1 - ampulla LH (luteinising stimulates ovulation (release of the egg
hormone) cell) and the development of the corpus
8.3.1 cristae QUESTION 9 luteum in the ovary of the female
9.1 1 - hypophysis/pituitary gland 2 - thyroid Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to
8.3.2 The cristae occur in the ampullae of the semicircular produce milk after the birth of a baby
canals. A crista consists of sensitive hair cells 3 - adrenal glands
imbedded in a jelly-like cap, the cupula. Nerve 4 - pancreas/islets of Langerhans
9.2.5 (a) dwarfism
fibres, forming part of the vestibular nerve, conduct 5 - ovary 6 - testis
nerve impulses from the cristae to the cerebellum. (b) giantism
9.2.1 The hypophysis is located at the base of the brain,
8.3.3 Cristae detect changes in the speed or movement of (c) acromegaly
attached to the hypothalamus by a short stalk. It fits
the head. into a small bony cavity in the cranium. 9.2.6 ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - ADH controls the
8.3.4 As soon as the head turns in a particular direction, reabsorption of water by making the walls of the
the endolymph in the corresponding canal will move. 9.2.2 hypothalamus renal tubules and collecting ducts more permeable
The moving endolymph displaces the cupula of the to water. More water is reabsorbed from the filtrate
cristae and causes it to move. The moving cupula 9.2.3  The hypothalamus is connected to the and less water excreted with the urine. Therefore,
bends the sensory hair cells. These mechanical hypophysis in two ways: ADH helps to conserve water in the body.
stimuli are converted into nerve impulses by the - by blood vessels to the anterior lobe
bent hair cells. The nerve impulses are conducted - by neurons to the posterior lobe 9.3.1 It is located on either side of the trachea, just
by nerve fibres forming part of the vestibular nerve, below the larynx.
from the cristae to the cerebellum of the brain,  The hypothalamus produces hormones (e.g.
where balance is coordinated. ADH) which are transported via the neurons to 9.3.2 thyroxin
the posterior lobe of the hypophysis for storage.
9.3.3  It increases the basal metabolic rate.
GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

8.4.1 macula
 The hypothalamus controls the hypophysis by  It increases the breathing rate and heart rate.
8.4.2 Inside the utriculus and sacculus are areas with hair secreting releasing factors via the neurons
 It is essential for normal growth and development
cells embedded in a jelly-like layer. There are (to the posterior lobe) or via the blood (to the
of organs.
calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals, called otoliths anterior lobe). The releasing factors stimulate the
in the jelly. The hair cells, jelly-like layer and otoliths, hypophysis to produce and/or release hormones  It is essential for normal functioning of the
form a receptor called a macula. Nerve fibres, that into the blood. nervous system
are part of the vestibular nerve, conduct nerve
9.3.4 iodine
impulses from the maculae to the cerebellum.
9.3.5 It is the amount of energy the body needs to
8.4.3 The maculae respond to gravity and detect the Life Sciences is easier than you thought ! function when it is at rest.
position of the head in space.
The Answer Series offers excellent material 9.3.6 (a) cretinism
in several subjects for Gr 10 - 12.
(b) myxoedema
Visit our website www.theanswer.co.za

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 THERMOREGULATION
10.6.2 5 - Vasodilation
- More blood flows to the skin surface, resulting
A
in more heat loss through radiation, convection

ANSWERS
or conduction. More blood also flows to the
sweat glands, resulting in increased sweat
QUESTION 10 secretion. More sweat evaporates from the skin
surface leading to increased heat loss.
10.1 37ºC
6 - Vasoconstriction
10.2.1 The enzyme(s) will denature. They will therefore - Blood is redirected to blood vessels in the
lose their shape permanently and cannot fulfil their deeper skin layers. Less blood flows to the skin
vital function, meaning that enzyme action stops surface with the result that less heat is lost
permanently. through radiation, convection or conduction.
Less blood also flows to the sweat glands,
10.2.2 The enzyme(s) will be temporarily inactive or resulting in decreased sweat production. Less
enzyme action will be very slow. If optimum sweat evaporates from the skin surface and
temperature is reached once more, they will function therefore heat loss is reduced.
at maximum capacity.
10.6.3 decreased/low environmental temperature
10.2.3 The enzyme(s) will be able to function optimally so
enzyme action will therefore be at a maximum.

10.3 Enzymes are biological catalysts that control and

regulate all bodily functions. It is thus necessary that
body temperature is kept constant for the optimal
functioning of enzymes.
We trust that working through these
10.4 cellular respiration
questions and answers from Paper 1 will help
10.5 It leads to an increased metabolic rate, resulting in you master this subject and to prepare thoroughly
an increased respiratory rate and release of heat. for your final exam.
10.6.1 1 - Radiation
- It is the loss of heat energy from a warm body to
The Answer Series Life Sciences study guides
a cold environment by means of rays or waves. offer a key to exam success.
2 - Conduction

GR 12 LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1

- It is the transfer of heat energy from warm to
cold objects in contact with each other.
3 - Evaporation
- Occurs when a fluid absorbs heat energy and
changes into a gas. When sweat evaporates
from the surface of the body, heat energy is
released from the body and the body cools.
4 - Convection
- It is the distribution of heat in fluids or gases.
Air in direct contact with the body is
warmed by body heat and rises. Cold air
replaces the warm air.

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