KZN Life Sciences Grade 10 March 2026 QP and Memo

KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA MSTANDARDISED PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT ‘ LIFE a We 7 : PROVINCIAL STANDARDISED ASSESSMENT 5 : MARCH 2026 " Tree) (asti(té‘(iwR On ee MARKS: 75 TIME: 1% Hours NB: This question paper consists of 11 pages

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions. ‘ts 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. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink. f Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to 8 The diagrams in this question paper are NO n to scale. 9. Do NOT use graph paper. 10. You may use a non-programmable calculi or anda compass. 143 Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics. com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - cradle 10 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 1.1.5) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.6 D. 1.1.1. The structure that splits into two centrioles during cell division is a... A Spindle fibres. B_ centromere. C_ centriole. D_ centrosome. 1.1.2 Which of the following is a function of a ribosome? A Responsible for photosynthesi g , B_ Serves as a site of protein synthesis C_ Formation of lipids D_ Forms spindle fibres 1.1.3. The following is a list of importances of (i) Repair and replaces damaged or dead tissues (ii) Responsible for growth and development (iii) introduces genetic variation (iv) Plays role in asexual reproduction Which of the following combinations are the importances of mitosis? A (i), (ii), (iii) (iv) B (ii),(iii) only C (i), (ii), (iv) only D_ (i); (ili)-(iv) only 1.1.4 Identify the phase in which the DNA makes exact copies of itself A Metaphase B_ Telophase C_ Anaphase D_ Interphase Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences 12) 1.3 Copyright reserved Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com PSA - Grade 10 1.1.5 Which of the following is CORRECT about osmosis? A_ Water moves from high water potential area to low water potential area through a selectively permeable membrane B. Water moves from low water potential area to high water potential area stanmorephysics.com C Water moves from high water potential area to low water potential area D Water moves from low water potential area to low water potential through an impermeable cell membrane 2x5 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.5) in your ANSWER BOOK. 1.24 Structure that connects two chromatids together a 1.2.2 Plastid that contains colourless pigment F 1.2.3. Aphase in mitosis where chromosomes 1.2.4 Part of the microscope that supports the 5 ind is used to carry the microscope - 12:5 Membrane surrounding a vacuole 1x5 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN | 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 1.3.2) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN | COLUMN II 1.3.1 Contain digestive enzymes A: Chromoplast B: Lysosomes 1.3.2 Provide support and rigidity to | A: Cell wall the cell B: Cell membrane March 2026 (10) (5) 2x2 (4) Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 1.4 A learner carried out three food tests on samples of peanuts, apple and potato. The following table shows the results of the tests that were carried out. On the table, a tick (v) shows a POSITIVE result and a cross (x) shows a NEGATIVE results. stanmorephysics.com TEST | CHEMICAL PEANUT APPLE POTATO REAGENT P lodine solution v v v Q_ | Fehlings A and BOR xX v xX Benedicts solution R__| Ether OR alcohol v xX x 1.4.1 Identify Which food test was carried out at: (a) P (1) (b) Q (1) (c) R (1) 1.4.2 State the colour change at the end of test (a) An apple sample in test Q (1) (b) A potato sample in test P (1) 1.4.3. Name the chemical reagent that is used to test for proteins (1) (6) TOTAL SECTION A 25 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 Read the extract below CANCER- MITOSIS GONE WRONG Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or large bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum. stanmorephysics.com With 655 000 deaths worldwide per year, it is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world. These mushroom-shaped growths are usually benign, but some.may develop into cancer over time. 4 Most of the time, the diagnosis of localized cali cer IS through a colonoscopy. Therapy is usually through surgery, which in many ca: lowed by chemotherapy. 2.1.1 Define the colorectal cancer (1) 2.1.2 Explain the statement that cancer is ‘mitosis gone wrong’ (2) 2.1.3 State TWO ways of treating cancer mentioned in the extract above. (2) (5) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 2.2 The diagram below shows an anaphase of mitosis 2.2 2.2.1 Identify part: (1) (a) A s (1) (b) B (2) 2.2.2 Explain the results if part C is not present in this cell 2.2.3 State how many chromosomes will be present in each cell at the end of this (1) cell division 2.2.4 Describe the events that occurred in the phase before the phase shown (2) above. (7) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences PSA - Grade 10 2.3 The diagrams below show two types of cells 44. ¢@ a — DIAGRAM A 2.3.1 Give: (a) ONLY the LETTER and NAME of the part that carries genetic material (b)TWO organic compounds that are found inside part B 2.3.2 Tabulate TWO differences between DIAGRAM A and DIAGRAM B 2.3.3 Explain the effect a decrease of organelle C will have on animals TOTAL QUESTION 2 March 2026 (2) (2) (5) (4) (13) 25 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 QUESTION 3 3.1 The diagram below shows the process of diffusion between a weak sugar solution and raddish (vegetable) cut in a cross section. Weak sugar solution inside the beaker = + Raddish 3.1.1 Identify the type of diffusion shown above (1) 3.1.2 Will the mass of the raddish vegetable decrease or increase after two (1) hours? 3.1.3 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.1.2 (4) 3.1.4 It has been observed that the cell membranes of the raddish plant became impermeable. Explain how this will affect the plant (2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmore Life Sciences PSA - Grade 1 physics. com 0 March 2026 3.2 Rennin-is an enzyme found in the stomach of mammals, and its function is to solidify. milk. An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on enzyme activity of rennin stanmorephysics.com The procedure was as follows: 3.test tubes, each with a volume of 10 cm°, were numbered 1 to 3 A visible mark was made 2 cm from the bottom of each test tube, and each tube was filled with milk up to the 2 cm mark. e 3mlof rennin was added to each test tube, and the tubes were kept for 15 minutes at different temperatures Test tube 1: 10°C e Test tube 2: 37°C e Test tube 3: 50°C The results are shown in the table below (1) (1) (2) (3) TEST TUBES | TEMPERATURE (°C) | ENZYMB*ACTIVITY/S 2 37 3 50 4 - 3.2.1 — Identify: (a) Independent variable (b) Dependent variable 3.2.2 37°C is an optimum for the enzyme activity, define the term optimum (1) 3.2.3 Give TWO ways in which the validity of the investigation was ensured 3.2.4 Explain why enzyme activity decreased after 37°C 3.2.5 Draw a line graph to represent the enzyme activity at different temperatures . Copyright reserved (6) (14) Please turn over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences March 2026 PSA - Grade 10 3.3. The diagram below shows a specimen of early telophase viewed under electron microscope. 0.1mm Use the scale line provided to find the width of the specimen along the plane indicated by the solid line. Show ALL your workings. Use the formula: Actual size = measured size of the specimen x scale line given + length of the scale line (3) TOTAL QUESTION 3 [25] TOTAL SECTION B 50 GRAND TOTAL 75 Copyright reserved

KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA UBLI U FINAL STANDARDISED PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT GRADE 10 Marks: 75 N.B This marking guideline consist of 7 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences Gra Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com le 10 — Marking guidelines March 2026 2 PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES 10 11. 12. 13. If more information than marks allocated is given Stop marking when maximum marks is reached and put a wavy line and ‘max’ in the right-hand margin. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given Mark the first three irrespective of whether all or some are correct/incorrect. If whole process is given when only a part of it is required Read all and credit the relevant part. If comparisons are asked for but descriptions are given Accept if the differences/similarities are clear. If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given Candidates will lose marks for not tabulating. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required Candidates will lose marks. x ¢ If flow charts are given instead of descriptions ; Candidates will lose marks. If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense Where sequence and links are correct, credit. Where sequence and links are incorrect, do not credit. If sequence and links become correct again, resume credit. Non-recognised abbreviations Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the unrecognised abbreviation but credit the rest of the answer if correct. Wrong numbering If answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong number is given, it is acceptable. If language used changes the intended meaning Do not accept. Spelling errors If recognisable, accept the answer, provided it does not mean something else in Life Sciences or if it is out of context. If common names are given in terminology Accept, provided it was accepted at the national memo discussion meeting.

Life Sciences Gra 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Downloaded from Stanmore wa ett Marking guidelines March 2026 If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa), DO NOT credit. If units are not given in measurements Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum will allocate marks for units separately. Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated ina different way. Caption All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts) A single word or two that appear(s) in any official language other than the learners' assessment language used to the greatest extentin his/her answers should be credited if it is correct. A marker that is proficient in the relevant official language should be consulted. This.i is. wt i to all official languages.

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Grade 10 — Marking guidelines March 2026 4 j SECTIONA 2X5 (10) 1x5 (5) 1.3. 1.3.1 Bonlyvv 1.3.2 Aonlyvv 2x2 (4) Bahimorephysics.com 1.4 1.4.1 (a) Starch v (1) (b) Glucosev (1) (c) Lipids Vv (1) 1.4.2 (a) Bright orangev /yellow/ orange (1) (b) Blue-black/ purplish black/ black (1) 1.4.3. Millon’s reagentv Burette solution (1) (6) TOTAL SECTIONA = 25

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Grade 10 — Marking guidelines March 2026 5 SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 2.1.1. Cancer that affects the colon and rectum ¥ (1) 2.1.2 Refers to the large growth of cellsv due to uncontrolled abnormal cell division. v (2) 2.1.3 - Surgeryy - ChemotherapyY Mark the first TWO (2) (5) 2.2.1 (a) Spindle fibresv (1) (b) Chromatidv 4 (1) 2.2.2 - Spindle fibres will not form” | — 1 2 ‘| - chromosomes will not be able to attachy/Centfomere will not be able to attach. (2) - and will not move to opposite poles v Any - 6vi/six rephi 2.2.3 : (1) 2.2.4 -Chromosomes are arranged along the equatorY -Attaching to spindle fibres by centromeresY (2) (7) 2.3 2.3.1 (a) AV- Chromatin networky (2) (b) Carbohydrates” /sugar, proteinsv/ amino acids (2) Mark the first TWO 2.3.2 | Diagram A/ plant cell Diagram B/ animal cell Have cell wallv” No cell wall presentY Has large vacuole v Has small vacuolesY Chloroplast present ¥ No chloroplast presentyY Mark the first TWO Any (2x 2)+(1)tablev (5) 2.3.3 - Rate of photosynthesis will be low” - Leading to low production of starchy - Thus less food available for animalsv - Leading to starvation and death of some animalsv tn TOTAL QUESTION 2 = [25]

Life Sciences Gra Marking guidelines March 2026 Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com le 10 — 6 QUESTION 3 3.1 3.1.14 Osmosisy/ endosmosis 3.1.2 Increase v 3.1.3..- Solution in beaker has less solutes than the raddishv /vegetable - Therefore, it has high water potentialv - The water will diffuse from the weak solution in the beaker into the raddish vegetablev - Through a selectively permeable cell membrane of the vegetablev Any 3.1.4 - Water will not enter or leave the cells of the raddish plantv’ 3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 - And other important essential nutrients will not be taken inv - Waste will also not be taken out of the cellv - Leading to death of the plant ¥ Any (a) Temperature Vv (b) Enzyme activityY /Enzyme activity of | The highest level of activity an enzyme can reach “/work at its best - Avolume of 10cm? was used in each test tube” - 2cmmark in each test tubev - Equal amount of milkv - 3ml of rennin was added in each test tube” - 15 minutes was given in each test tubev Mark the first TWO only - Enzymes denatures at high temperaturev - They lose their shapev - Substrate no longer fit into an enzyme active sitev - Resulting in low activity v Any (1) (4) (2) (8) (2) (3)

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Sf T Life Sciences Gra Marking guidelines March 2026 3:25 Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity 30. 25 - ry > 20 bs} < 15 £ Fy c 10 wi 5 0 0 60 Temperatil Marking Rubric: Criteria : a Correct type of graph (T) 1 Caption of the graphincludes | 1 both variables( C) Correct labels for X-and Y- axis | 1 and correct units (L) Scale in both X and Y and axis | 1 (S) Correct plotting (P) 1- 2 points plotted 1 All 3 points plotted 2 (6) (14) a Actual size = S01 mmv = 0.3¥ mmv (3) [25] TOTAL SECTION B 50 GRAND TOTAL 75