# Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 National Exemplar November 2020 QP > Grade 11 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the National Exemplar November Exam 2020 (English), 14 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2020-national-exemplar-november-exam-question-paper-paper-1-english/b1d579dc-dd11-4e23-8ae9-284297c3f278 - Updated: 2026-09-28 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 11 - Language: English - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2020 - Exam period: National Exemplar November Exam - Paper: 1 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 14 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 11](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11) › [Life Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11/life-sciences) › [Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 National Exemplar November 2020 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2020-national-exemplar-november-exam-question-paper-paper-1-english/b1d579dc-dd11-4e23-8ae9-284297c3f278) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 11 · National Exemplar November Exam · 2020 · English. Question paper, 14 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Matching paper and memo - [LIFE SCIENCES P1 MEMO GR11 NOV 2020 ENG](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2020-national-exemplar-november-exam-memorandum-paper-1-english/4be80ba9-620e-4bb0-a164-32a8e4a490f6) — Memo · 2020 · Eng - [LIFE SCIENCES P1 MEMO GR11 NOV 2020 ENG D](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2020-national-exemplar-november-exam-memorandum-paper-1-english/6cd43276-28e4-442a-b653-a59c059738ca) — Memo · 2020 · Eng ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 11 NOVEMBER 2020 LIFE SCIENCES P1 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2½ hours This question paper consists of 14 pages. ### Page 2 2 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 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. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink. 7. Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables 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. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 3 SECTION A QUESTION 1 1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1.1–1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D. 1.1.1 Energy is released during … A photosynthesis. B cellular respiration. C transpiration. D digestion. 1.1.2 Which ONE of the following pathways shows the correct sequence of air movement during exhalation? A Bronchiole→bronchus→alveolus→trachea B Alveolus→bronchiole→bronchus→trachea C Trachea→bronchus→bronchiole→alveolus D Alveolus→bronchus→bronchiole→trachea 1.1.3 The part of the brain that will be activated when a person begins to dehydrate is the … A cerebrum. B cerebellum. C pons D hypothalamus. 1.1.4 Which ONE of the following substances is formed during anaerobic respiration by yeast cells? A Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) B Oxygen C Glucose D Carbonic acid 1.1.5 The carbon dioxide is transported in the blood mainly in the form of … A urea. B carboxylic acid C bicarbonate ions. D lactic acid 1.1.6 Which of the following factors will determine the rate of breathing in humans? A Carbon dioxide level in the blood B Level of oxygen in the exhaled air C Amount of water in the blood D Concentration of insulin in the blood Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 4 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 1.1.7 If the pH of the blood becomes (drops) too low, which substance will the cells of the renal tubule excrete from the blood and pass into the filtrate to correct this imbalance? A Potassium ions. B Carbonate ions. C Sodium ions. D Hydrogen ions. 1.1.8 The blood tissue that transports oxygen is/are the … A white blood cells B red blood cells C platelets D haemoglobin 1.1.9 Which ONE of the following blood vessels carries oxygen from the lung to the heart? A Pulmonary artery B Renal artery C Hepatic vein D Pulmonary vein 1.1.10 Which region of the kidney contains renal pyramids? A medulla B cortex C hilum D pelvis (10 x 2) (20) 1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.8) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 The process by which the body eliminates metabolic waste products 1.2.2 The structure that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing 1.2.3 The part of the alimentary canal that serves as a passage for both food and air 1.2.4 The regulation of the water content in the body fluids by the kidneys 1.2.5 The region of the brain that controls the rate of breathing in humans 1.2.6 The general energy carrier in the cells of living organisms 1.2.7 The process by which food is moved along in the alimentary canal of humans 1.2.8 The stage of cellular respiration in which glucose is converted to pyruvic acid (8 x 1) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 5 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 numbers (1.3.1–1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN I COLUMN II 1.3.1 Site of cellular respiration A: Chloroplast B: Mitochondrion 1.3.2 Transport of digested A: Renal vein nutrients from the small intestine to the liver B: Hepatic vein 1.3.3 Hormone involved in the A: ADH reabsorption of water B: Glucagon (3 x 2) (6) 1.4 The diagram below represents the human urinary system. A B C G D E F 1.4.1 Label parts: (a) G (1) (b) F (1) 1.4.2 Name the main blood vessel that: (a) Transports deoxygenated blood back to the heart (1) (b) Is under highest blood pressure (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 6 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 1.4.3 Give the LETTER and NAME of the: (a) Part that collects and stores urine temporarily (2) (b) Blood vessel that transports oxygenated blood directly into the kidney (2) (c) Tube that transports urine from the kidney to part E (2) 1.5 The diagram below represents a structure found in the small intestine of a human. C D B A 1.5.1 Identify the structure shown in the diagram above. (1) 1.5.2 Name the labelled part which is responsible for the absorption of: (a) Fatty acids and glycerol (1) (b) Glucose and amino acids (1) 1.5.3 Which ONE of the blood vessels (A or B) transports the highest amount of digested nutrients? (1) 1.5.4 State TWO processes responsible for the absorption of digested nutrients. (2) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 7 SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 The diagram below represents the structure of a nephron. B C A D Blood Blood Urine Filtrate 2.1.1 Identify the parts labelled: (a) A (1) (b) B (1) 2.1.2 Name the process that takes place at C. (1) 2.1.3 The concentration of various substances in the blood, filtrate and urine are given below. Location Urea Glucose Proteins Salts g/100 cm3 g/100 cm3 g/100 cm3 g/100 cm3 Blood at part A 0,03 0,10 8,00 0,72 Filtrate 003 0,10 0,00 0,72 Urine 2,00 0,00 0,00 1,50 Which of the substances shown in the table … (a) did not move from the part labelled A to B? (1) (b) is present in the filtrate, but is completely reabsorbed at the part D? (1) (c) reaches the highest concentration in the urine? (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 8 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 2.1.4 Explain TWO structural adaptations of part the labelled D. (4) 2.1.5 List ONE way in which the information in the table would differ if it were applicable to a patient suffering from diabetes mellitus before any treatment was given. (2) 2.2 An investigation was conducted to determine which gas was released during cellular respiration. The procedure was as follows: • 120 seeds of the same species were germinated • 60 of them were separated and placed in boiling water for 30 minutes • The other germinating seeds were placed in test tube A, while the seeds from the hot water were placed in test tube B after cooling • Both sets of apparatus were rinsed with formalin to remove any micro-organisms which might have been present • Both sets of apparatus were set up as shown in the diagram below test tube A test tube B stopper stopper germinating dead seeds seeds cotton wool plug cotton wool plug clear lime clear lime water water experiment control cardboard box 2.2.1 Write a hypothesis for the investigation. (2) 2.2.2 Name the gas released during cellular respiration. (1) 2.2.3 How was the test for the gas mentioned in QUESTION 2.2.2 carried out? (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 9 2.2.4 Why were germinating seeds used in the experiment? (2) 2.2.5 Explain why the result was different in the control part as compared to the experiment (2) 2.2.6 Why was a cotton wool plug used as a barrier instead of using a rubber block? (2) 2.2.7 The size of the seeds and the rate of metabolism in the seeds vary and, therefore, the result obtained in this experiment may not be reliable. How would you improve the reliability of this experiment? (1) 2.2.8 Give a reason for keeping both sets of apparatus in a cardboard box (1) 2.2.9 Which TWO environmental factors must be kept constant during this experiment? (2) 2.3 Read the following extract. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to absorb and use glucose. It regulates the amount of glucose that circulates in the blood stream. It also instructs the liver to store excess glucose. In people with insulin resistance, the cells are unable to use insulin effectively. When the cells cannot absorb glucose, levels of glucose build up in the blood. Therefore, the pancreas makes extra insulin to overcome the low rate of glucose absorption and diabetes is less likely to develop. This means that the blood glucose levels will stay within the healthy range. Over time, the pancreas’s ability to release insulin begins to decrease which leads to the development of type 2 diabetes. 2.3.1 Name the gland that secretes insulin. (1) 2.3.2 Why is glucose required in the cells? (1) 2.3.3 Describe how insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes. (4) 2.3.4 Explain how normal glucose levels are maintained when a healthy non- diabetic person consumes food containing a high percentage of glucose. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 10 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 2.4 An investigation was conducted to determine whether light is necessary for photosynthesis. The investigation was conducted as follows: • A potted geranium plant was kept in a dark room for 2–3 days • One of the leaves was tested for starch • The potted geranium plant was placed in the sun for about 4–5 hours • One of the leaves was partially covered with a cardboard strip as shown in the diagram below • A starch test was conducted on the same leaf at the end of the investigation clip stencil 2.4.1 Why was the plant placed in a dark room? (1) 2.4.2 Why was the starch test conducted after 3 days? (1) 2.4.3 Name the chemical (reagent) used in testing for the presence of starch. (1) 2.4.4 Why is only part of the leaf covered with stencil? (2) 2.4.5 Draw a labelled diagram of the leaf to show the results after the starch test at the end of the investigation. (3) 2.5 Explain any THREE structural requirements of an efficient gaseous exchange system. (6) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 11 QUESTION 3 3.1 The graph below shows the relationship between light intensity and the release and uptake of carbon dioxide by the leaves of a plant. The relationship between light intensity and the release and uptake of carbon dioxide 8 Carbon dioxide taken up 7 6 (mg/50 cm3) 5 4 3 2 1 0 Carbon dioxide 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 -1 -2 released (mg/50 cm3) Light intensity (arbitrary units) 3.1.1 At what range of light intensities is carbon dioxide released? (2) 3.1.2 Name the process, taking place in the leaves, which uses carbon dioxide. (1) 3.1.3 Why is most carbon dioxide released when the light intensity is zero units? (2) 3.1.4 How much carbon dioxide is taken up by the leaves at a light intensity of 20 units? (2) 3.1.5 When the light intensity is approximately 2 units, there is no net change in the concentration of carbon dioxide surrounding the plant. Give an explanation for this. (2) 3.1.6 At light intensities above 30 units, the amount of carbon dioxide taken up remains the same. Suggest an explanation for this observation. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 12 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 3.2 The diagram below represents the human lungs. B C D E A 3.2.1 Identify parts: (a) D (1) (b) E (1) 3.2.2 Name the epithelial tissue that lines the inside of part C. (1) 3.2.3 State the function of the part labelled B (1) 3.2.4 Describe the process of inhalation. (5) 3.2.5 The corona virus, responsible for Covid-19, infects the lower respiratory passages. This causes the accumulation of fluids in the pulmonary tubes and in the parts labelled A. Furthermore, the tissues that line part A become scarred and thickened. This may lead to the death of a patient. (a) Name the part labelled A (1) (b) Explain why the infection of lower respiratory pathways leads to possible death. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) LIFE SCIENCES P1 13 3.3 The diagram below represents a certain section of the human alimentary canal (digestive canal). C D B A E 3.3.1 Identify parts: (a) A (1) (b) C (1) 3.3.2 State THREE functions of the part labelled B. (3) 3.3.3 Explain how fat digestion would be affected if the duct labelled D were blocked. (3) 3.3.4 Explain TWO ways in which the part labelled E is structurally suited for the efficient absorption of digested nutrients. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 14 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2020) 3.4 The diagram below represents an organelle found in a plant cell. A B 3.4.1 Identify the organelle. (1) 3.4.2 Name the part labelled B. (1) 3.4.3 Name the TWO stages of an important biological process which takes place within this organelle. (2) 3.4.4 Describe the process that takes place in the part labelled A during daylight. (5) 3.4.5 Explain whether environmental temperatures could either slow down or stop the process that takes place in the organelle represented in the diagram. 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