NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES P1

PREPARATORY EXAMINATION

SEPTEMBER 2020

MARKS: 150

TIME: 21/2 hours

N.B. This question paper consists of 15 pages including this page.

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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK.

3. Start the answers to EACH question at the top of a NEW page.

4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

6. Make ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

7. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to do so.

8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

9. Do NOT use graph paper.

10. You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass,

where necessary.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

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SECTION A

QUESTION 1

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 to 1.1.10) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example
1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following hormones is responsible for the

development of secondary sexual male characteristics?

A FSH
B Testosterone
C Oestrogen
D Progesterone

1.1.2 The site for fertilisation in a human female is the …

A vagina
B cervix
C oviduct
D uterus

1.1.3 The diagram below shows a cell in a phase of meiosis.

Which ONE of the following is a gamete formed from the cell above.

A B C D
C

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1.1.4 The following relates to meiosis:

(i) Prophase I
(ii) Metaphase I
(iii) Prophase II
(iv) Telophase II

Which ONE of the following combinations is most likely to contribute

to genetic variation amongst offspring?

A (ii) and (iv) only

B (i), (iii) and (iv) only
C (i) and (ii) only
D (i), (ii) and (iv) only

1.1.5 The advantage of the testes located in the scrotum, outside the body
cavity:

A More sperm can be stored in the scrotum.

B Sperm development is more successful at temperatures below
body temperature.
C Allows time for secretion of testestorone.
D Allows time for secretions of accessory glands.

1.1.6 The part of the brain that is responsible for higher thought processes
is the …

A cerebellum.
B medulla oblongata.
C hypothalamus.
D cerebrum.

1.1.7 The autonomic nervous system is made up of the …

A cranial and sympathetic nerves.

B sympathetic nerves and spinal cord.
C sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
D parasympathetic and peripheral nerves.

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QUESTION 1.1.8 AND 1.1.9 ARE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAM.

1.1.8 Which ONE of the following is the correct label and function?

PART FUNCTION
A – Placenta Keeps the foetus hydrated
B - Cervix Absorbs mechanical shock
C – Umbilical cord Allows free foetal movements
D – Vagina Serves as birth canal

1.1.9 Below is a list of possible consequences.

(i) Nutrients will not be sent to the baby

(ii) Toxic substances will accumulate around the baby
(iii) The baby will be dehydrated
(iv) FSH levels will start to increase

Which of the following combinations will result if part C was

completely blocked?

A (i) and (ii)

B (iv), (ii) and (i)
C (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D (iv) and (v)

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1.1.10 In an investigation that was conducted among peach plants it was

found that the fruit size was affected by errors that occurred during
meiosis.

The graph below shows the results obtained.

Percentage increase in fruit size as a result

of errors during meiosis.
100
90
Size increase (%)

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Meiosis I Meiosis II
Cell division

The conclusion from the graph is that …

A Errors in meiosis I are more beneficial to farmers than errors in

meiosis II.
B Errors in meiosis I and II have the same effect on the size of
peaches.
C Errors in meiosis II have more advantage to consumers than
errors in meiosis I.
D Errors in meiosis I have more disadvantage to farmers than
errors in meiosis II.

(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 1.2.9) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.1 Part of the human ear that directs sound waves into the auditory
canal

1.2.2 The outermost extra-embryonic membrane surrounding the foetus

1.2.3 The hormone that regulates the salt concentration in the human
body

1.2.4 Structure in the animal cell that form spindle fibres during cell
division

1.2.5 The hormone that stimulates milk production

1.2.6 The period of development of an embryo in the uterus, between

fertilisation and birth

1.2.7 The structure in the head of a sperm cell that contains enzymes
which break down the membrane surrounding the ovum

1.2.8 Muscular organ in males used to deposit sperms into the female

1.2.9 The duct leading from the testis to the urethra in human males
(9 x 1) (9)

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 1.3.4) in
the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 DNA replication takes place A: Prophase I
B: Anaphase II
1.3.2 Random arrangement occurs A: Metaphase I
B: Metaphase II
1.3.3 Carries nutrients from placenta A: Umbilical vein
to the foetus B: Umbilical artery
1.3.4 Division of the cytoplasm A: Cytokinesis
B: Karyokinesis
(4 x 2) (8)

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1.4 Study the diagram below, which shows a reflex arc.

1.4.1 Identify parts:

(a) A (1)

(b) B (1)

(c) C (1)

(d) D (1)

1.4.2 Explain ONE significance of a reflex action. (2)

(6)

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1.5 Study the following diagrams showing one day old hatchlings.

DIAGRAM A DIAGRAM B

1.5.1 Which diagram (A or B) shows precocial development? (1)

1.5.2 Give ONE visible reasons from the diagram to support your answer
to QUESTION 1.5.1 (1)

1.5.3 Which animal (A or B) needs greater degree of parental care? (1)

1.5.4 Give ONE reason for your answer to QUESTION 1.5.3. (1)

1.5.5 State whether animal A is oviparous or ovoviviparous. (1)

1.5.6 Explain why hatchling in diagram B would have had smaller yolk
than the hatchling in diagram A. (2)
(7)

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

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SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1 In an investigation to determine the effect of light on the growth of a potted

plant, the following steps were followed:

 Two potted plants of the same species were used

 One was placed on top of the cupboard exposed to light from all directions
 Another was placed inside a box with light coming from one side only
 Both the plants were left for one week.

The diagrams below show results after 1 week.

Plant A Plant B

2.1.1 State the:

(a) dependent variable (1)

(b) independent variable (1)

2.1.2 Name the plant hormone responsible for the growth response
being investigated. (1)

2.1.3 State TWO factors that were kept constant during the investigation. (2)

2.1.4 Suggest TWO ways to improve reliability of the results. (2)

2.1.5 Which plant (A or B) was placed on top of the cupboard? (1)

2.1.6 Explain your answer to QUESTION 2.1.5. (2)

2.1.7 Explain the plant response observed in plant B. (5)

(15)

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2.2 An ear has two main functions namely: hearing and maintaining balance.

2.2.1 Name the part of an ear that converts pressure waves into an (1)
impulse.
2.2.2 (3)
Explain the consequence if the ossicles could not vibrate.
2.2.3 (6)
Describe the role of the different parts of an ear in maintaining (10)
balance.

2.3 Read the following passage.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to

waste away (degenerate) and die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common
cause of dementia which is a continuous decline in thinking, behavioural
and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently.

The early signs of the disease may be forgetting recent events or

conversations. As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer's
disease will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to
carry out everyday tasks.

The table below shows the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a country.

Alzheimer’s disease
Age(years)
cases/1000 people.
65-69 5
70-74 8
75-79 20
80-84 80
85-89 170
90-94 310
≥95 500

2.3.1 State TWO types of skills, mentioned in the passage, that decline
due to Alzheimer’s disease. (2)

2.3.2 Which age group has the lowest cases of Alzheimer’s disease? (1)

2.3.3 Describe the relationship between the age and the incidence of
Alzheimer’s disease. (2)

2.3.4 Explain the academic impact on a Grade 12 learner who suffers

from a severe Alzheimer’s disease. (2)

2.3.5 Draw a labelled diagram of a sensory neuron. (4)

(11)

2.4 Describe how adrenalin maintains high energy levels in the body during an
emergency. (4)
[40]
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QUESTION 3
3.1 Study the following diagram.

C
B

D
A
Below is a diagram showing the development of the follicle that produced
structure A.
E F

1 7 14 21 28
Time (days)

3.1.1 Identify:

(a) Structure A (1)

(b) Hormone responsible for process E. (1)

(c) Process D
(1)

3.1.2 Name the hormone produced by the follicle before process E. (1)

3.1.3 How many chromosomes does structure B have? (1)

3.1.4 On which day was structure A released? (1)

3.1.5 Describe the development from B until it forms structure C. (4)

3.1.6 Explain the consequence in a 25 year old female with regard to the
ovarian cycle if her pituitary gland does not secrete hormones. (4)

3.1.7 Explain the importance of structure F remaining constant after process (3)
E. (17)

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3.2 The diagrams below show two responses of the human eye.

Diagram 1

B C

Diagram 2

X Y

3.2.1 Write down the LETTER and the NAME of the part:

(a) That controls the amount of light entering the eye (2)

(b) Is affected when a person has cataracts (2)

3.2.2 Name the process responsible for the changes that took place in
diagram 1. (1)

3.2.3 Name the stimulus that brought about the changes shown in
diagram 2. (1)

3.2.4 Explain the changes that occurred from X to Y. (3)

3.2.5 Describe TWO ways in which part D is adapted for its function. (4)
(13)

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3.3 Study the following diagram on water regulation in two people. The thickness
of an arrow indicates the amount of hormone B. Thick line indicates large
amount of secretion.

Gland A

Hormone B

Person 1 Person 2

3.3.1 Identify:

(a) Gland A. (1)

(b) Hormone B. (1)

3.3.2 Which person (1 or 2) will produce a dilute urine? (1)

3.3.3 Explain the consequence with regards to the volume of water in the
blood if gland A had a prolonged over secretion of hormone B. (3)

3.3.4 Explain why a large volume of urine will be formed in person 1 than in
person 2. (4)
(10)
[40]

TOTAL SECTION B: 80

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SECTION C

QUESTION 4

Describe the effect of low insulin secretion in the body and describe how the body
regulates temperature on a hot day. Also describe the negative feedback involving
thyroxin and TSH during and after exercise.
Content: (17)
Synthesis: (3)
(20)

NOTE: NO marks will be awarded for answers in the form of flow charts, tables or
diagrams.

TOTAL SECTION C: 20
GRAND TOTAL: 150

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