# Life Sciences Grade 11 NW June 2024 Question Paper (English)

> Grade 11 Life Sciences question paper from the NW June Exam 2024 (English), 16 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2024-nw-june-exam-question-paper-english/b6af62ff-ccff-4b40-8cdb-9ed0cd02c76f
- Updated: 2026-09-28
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 11
- Language: English
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2024
- Exam period: NW June Exam
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 16

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 11 · NW June Exam · 2024 · English. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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### Page 1

PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT

                                  GRADE 11

                                LIFE SCIENCES

                                   JUNE 2024

                                                                 MARKS:        150

                                                                 TIME: 21/2 hours

                     This question paper consists of 16 pages.

Copyright reserved                                                Please turn over

### Page 2

Life Sciences                             2                             NW/June 2024
                                            Grade 11

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1.        Answer ALL the questions.

2.        Write ALL the answers in your ANSWER BOOK.

3.        Start the answer 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 for each question.

6.        Do 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 all drawn to scale.

9.        Do NOT use graph paper.

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

11.       Write neatly and legibly.

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### Page 3

Life Sciences                                  3                               NW/June 2024
                                             Grade 11

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 to 1.1.9) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.10 D.

       1.1.1     During which cellular process is carbon dioxide consumed and oxygen
                 released?

                 A    Cellular respiration
                 B    Photosynthesis
                 C    DNA replication
                 D    Protein synthesis

       1.1.2     What is the primary role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

                 A    Oxygen production
                 B    Nitrate absorption
                 C    Nitrogen fixation
                 D    Photosynthesis

       1.1.3     An adaptation of the chloroplast to improve the process of photosynthesis
                 is:

                 A    The protective single membrane that assists in active transport
                 B    The stacks of thylakoids
                 C    The liquid part of the stroma
                 D    The membranes that contain chlorophyll

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### Page 4

Life Sciences                               4                                NW/June 2024
                                         Grade 11

      1.1.4     What is the primary purpose of vaccination in disease management?

                A    Killing pathogens in the body
                B    Preventing the spread of diseases to vectors
                C    Providing immediate immunity
                D    Boosting the immune system

      1.1.5     In which way do stomata contribute to the process of photosynthesis in
                plants?

                A    Stomata regulate water loss and gaseous exchange
                B    Stomata release nitrogen
                C    Stomata absorb sunlight
                D    Stomata synthesize glucose

      1.1.6     In which way could knowledge of the differences between innate and
                adaptive immune responses inform the development of vaccines?

                A    Accelerating natural selection
                B    Enhancing genetic diversity
                C    Designing targeted immune responses
                D    Increasing environmental sustainability

      1.1.7     In which way do environmental conditions, such as light intensity and
                temperature, impact crop management?

                A    Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
                B    Optimizing irrigation techniques
                C    Reducing chlorophyll production
                D    Enhancing crop yield through light manipulation

      1.1.8 How do pathogenic bacteria typically cause harm to their host organisms?

                A    By providing essential nutrients to the host organism
                B    By secreting toxins or enzymes that damage host tissues
                C    By forming symbiotic relationships with the host organism
                D    By competing with other bacteria in the environment

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### Page 5

Life Sciences                                5                      NW/June 2024
                                          Grade 11

1.1.9 The diagram below shows a single-celled organism called Paramecium

        Which structures will also be found in all animal cells?

        A            Cell membrane, vacuole, nucleus
        B            Vacuole, cytoplasm, nucleus
        C            Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus
        D            Cell membrane, cytoplasm, cilia
                                                                   (9 x 2)      (18)

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### Page 6

Life Sciences                              6                                  NW/June 2024
                                        Grade 11

1.2   Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions.
      Write only the term next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.9) in the ANSWER
      BOOK.

      1.2.1     A protein coat surrounding the nucleic material of a virus

      1.2.2     The tissue responsible for the transport of water and minerals in
                plants

      1.2.3     A whip-like, protruding filament that help cells or microorganisms
                move

      1.2.4     An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another

      1.2.5     The cells responsible for the production of antibodies in the immune
                system

      1.2.6     The stage of cellular respiration that produces the majority of ATP
                (adenosine triphosphate)

      1.2.7     Splitting of water molecules into oxygen atoms and hydrogen atoms.

      1.2.8     Organising plants into hierarchical groups based on their shared
                characteristics.

      1.2.9     The haploid phase in the life cycle of mosses
                                                                                   (9 x 1)      (9)

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 number (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.

                     COLUMN I                                  COLUMN II
       1.3.1     The organelle involved in         A:   Mitochondria
                 glycolysis                        B:   Chloroplast
       1.3.2     A vector-borne disease            A:   Malaria
                                                   B:   Bilharzia
       1.3.3     Stored form of glucose in         A:   Starch
                 animal                            B:   Glycogen
                                                                                  (3 x 2)       (6)

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### Page 7

Life Sciences                              7                             NW/June 2024
                                         Grade 11

1.4    The diagram below illustrates the cladistic relationship among the major groups of
       land plants. Using the cladogram below, answer the following questions:

       1.4.1     Identify the common ancestor:

                 a)    of gymnosperms and angiosperms                                       (1)

                 b)    of ferns and flowering plants                                        (1)

       1.4.2     Based on the cladogram above, what difference can you infer between
                 moss and ferns?                                                     (1)

       1.4.3     Identify a clade that could represent plants adapted to tropical
                 rainforests.                                                     (1)

       1.4.4     Name ONE characteristic that supports your answer to QUESTION
                 1.4.3.                                                        (1)

       1.4.5     Explain why seedless vascular plants can grow taller than nonvascular
                 plants.                                                               (2)
                                                                                       [7]

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### Page 8

Life Sciences                                8                     NW/June 2024
                                           Grade 11

1.5 The diagram below represents the digestive system of humans.

         1.5.1    Identify the part labelled:

                  (a) G                                                         (1)

                  (b) D                                                         (1)

         1.5.2    Give the LETTER of the part that:

                  (a) Stores glycogen                                           (1)

                  (b) Contains the villi                                        (1)

         1.5.3    Give the LETTER and NAME of the part that:

                  (a) Starts protein digestion                                  (2)

                  (b) Stores bile                                               (2)

         1.5.4    Give ONE function of:

                  (a) The pancreas                                              (1)

                  (b) The colon                                             (1)
                                                                            (10)
                                                           TOTAL SECTION A: 50

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### Page 9

Life Sciences                                9                                 NW/June 2024
                                          Grade 11

SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1   The diagram below shows mould growing on bread.

      2.1.1     Name the Kingdom of organisms to which bread mould belongs.             (1)

      2.1.2     Label the structures:

                (a)   A                                                                 (1)

                (b)   D                                                                 (1)

      2.1.3     Briefly describe the ecological role of mycorrhiza in ecosystems.       (4)

      2.1.4     Explain the role of the mycelium in bread mould's nutrition.            (2)

      2.1.5     Describe the process of asexual reproduction using sporangia in
                bread mould.                                                    (3)
                                                                                (12)

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### Page 10

Life Sciences                               10                                NW/June 2024
                                         Grade 11

2.2   The diagram below shows the structure of a flower.

                                                                      [Source: freepik]

      2.2.1     Identify:

                (a)    Structure A                                                        (1)

                (b)    The process taking place in structure C                            (1)

      2.2.2     Describe the process of cross-pollination.                                (4)

      2.2.3     Explain TWO adaptations of a flower for insect pollination.               (4)
                                                                                          (10)

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### Page 11

Life Sciences                               11                            NW/June 2024
                                          Grade 11

2.3   The diagrams below represent various animals and a cross-section of the body
      plans.

         Flatworm (Treponema)         Cnidaria (Anemone)          Porifera (Sponges)

      2.3.1      Name A and D.                                                           (2)

      2.3.2      Which diagram, A or B, represents a triploblastic organism?             (1)

      2.3.3      Which organism, Flatworms, Cnidaria or Porifera, shows bilateral
                 symmetry?                                                        (1)

      2.3.4      Describe THREE roles of arthropods in the environment.                  (3)

      2.3.5      Explain TWO advantages of a through-gut system in animals.              (4)
                                                                                         (11)

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### Page 12

Life Sciences                               12                               NW/June 2024
                                         Grade 11

2.4    Exploring the intricate relationship between dentition and nutrition unveils the
       fascinating adaptations in the structure of teeth, shedding light on how
       different animals have evolved to meet their dietary needs.

       2.4.1    What is a herbivore?                                                      (1)

       2.4.2    Compare and contrast the dental adaptations of herbivores and
                carnivores.                                                   (4)

       2.4.3    Predict the potential changes in the dental structure of an omnivore
                if its diet changes from raw uncooked food to soft cooked food.      (4)

       2.4.4    Explain how the changes named in QUESTION 2.4.3 would be
                advantageous.                                            (2)

       2.4.5    Identify the organelle and describe the structures involved in cellular
                respiration.                                                            (3)

       2.4.6    Explain how these structures named in QUESTION 2.4.5 contribute
                to the production of ATP and the release of energy during cellular
                respiration.                                                       (3)
                                                                                   (17)
                                                                                   [50]

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### Page 13

Life Sciences                                 13                                NW/June 2024
                                            Grade 11

QUESTION 3

 3.1   A fusiform body plan is a streamlined, spindle-shaped body tapered at both ends. An
       example of a fish with a fusiform body plan is the tuna. This type of body plan is well-
       suited for fast and efficient movement through water

       On the other hand, a non-fusiform flatfish body plan is characterised by a flattened
       and laterally compressed shape. Flatfish, such as the Flounder, are a notable
       example. These fish are adapted to life on the seafloor, and their bodies are flattened
       from side to side. Flatfish exhibit a unique adaptation, where one eye migrates to the
       other side of the head during development, allowing them to lie flat on the substrate.

       A group of ichthyologists (fish specialists) wanted to investigate the effect of body
       shape in aquatic organisms on hydrodynamic efficiency.

       The following protocols were followed:

                They chose two species, one with a fusiform body plan (tuna) and another
                 with a non-fusiform body plan (flatfish). They selected healthy organisms,
                 representative of their species, and accustomed to captivity.
                They used the same water tunnel to simulate hydrodynamic conditions
                They used the same water flow rates for the tuna and flatfish
                They conducted five trials for each type of fish, varying parameters such as
                 water flow rate and direction.
                They recorded swimming performances using high-speed cameras placed
                 strategically around the tank.
                Results of speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability were recorded in a table.

       3.1.1      Identify the dependent variable for this investigation.                     (1)

       3.1.2      Explain why the flatfish was included in the investigation.                 (2)

       3.1.3      List TWO conditions that made this investigation valid.                     (2)

       3.1.4      Identify ONE way in which the investigation was made reliable.              (2)

       3.1.5      List THREE planning steps for this investigation.                           (3)

       3.1.6      Explain why the fish needed to be accustomed to captivity.                  (2)

       3.1.7      Explain how the migration of the eye of the flatfish is a beneficial
                  adaptation.                                                          (2)
                                                                                       (14)

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### Page 14

Life Sciences                                  14                             NW/June 2024
                                            Grade 11

3.2    A variegated leaf is characterised by irregular patterns of colouration, ranging from
       shades of green to white. This variation results in areas of the leaf having reduced
       or no chlorophyll content, leading to lighter-coloured patches on the leaf surface.

       A variegated geranium plant was destarched for 24 hours. Then a strip of cardboard
       was placed over a leaf section on the plant and exposed to light for 24 hours.

                       DIAGRAM A                                  DIAGRAM B

                       DIAGRAM C                                  DIAGRAM D

      3.2.1     Identify:

                (a)    Indicator A                                                         (1)

                (b)    The chemical in solution B                                          (1)

      3.2.2     Give the LETTER/s of the part/s n DIAGRAM C:

                (a)    that will test positive for starch                                  (1)

                (b)    that will test negative for starch                                  (3)

      3.2.3     Arrange the diagrams in the correct sequence for a Starch test.            (2)

      3.2.4     Explain why solution B was used in the procedure.                          (2)

      3.2.5     Explain why a variegated leaf was used in this investigation.              (2)

      3.2.6     Describe the effect of increasing light intensity on photosynthesis.       (2)
                                                                                           (14)
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### Page 15

Life Sciences                                  15                                NW/June 2024
                                            Grade 11

3.3 Flies lay eggs which hatch into larvae.

     An investigation was carried out on the respiration rate of larvae.

     The setup shows some living larvae in a large test tube.

               The apparatus was left to settle with the clip open.
               The clip was then closed, and a drop of coloured liquid was introduced
                into the open end of the capillary tube.

     During the investigation, the drop of coloured liquid moved along the capillary
     tube towards the test tube.

                                                         [Source: Cambridge 2012, Practical]

     3.3.1       What is meant by respiration rate?                                            (2)

     3.3.2       Describe a suitable control for this investigation.                           (1)

     3.3.3       What is the function of the soda lime in this investigation?                  (1)

     3.3.4       Explain how the movement of the coloured liquid in the capillary tube
                 relates to the metabolic activity of the larvae.                      (2)

     3.3.5       Tabulate TWO differences between photosynthesis and aerobic
                 respiration.                                                (5)

     3.3.6       Describe the importance of lactic acid fermentation in muscle cells
                 during strenuous physical activity.                                 (3)
                                                                                     (14)

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### Page 16

Life Sciences                                 16                            NW/June 2024
                                             Grade 11

  3.4    Read the following extract on fermentation.

         Fermentation is a metabolic process in which microorganisms convert nutrients,
         typically carbohydrates, into alcohol and acids such as lactic acid and acetic acid.
         Humans have been using fermentation to change the nature of food products for
         centuries. Many foods you eat every day are formed through the process of
         fermentation. Some you may know and eat regularly include cheese, yoghurt, beer,
         and bread. Other products that are less common to many people include
         Kombucha, Miso, Kefir, Kimchi, Tofu, and Salami.

         3.4.1       What is fermentation?                                                (2)

         3.4.2       Name the primary end products of fermentation mentioned in the text. (2)

         3.4.3       Explain how humans use fermentation in the food industry.            (2)

         3.4.4       Give TWO examples of human-useable nonfood products that are
                     produced by fermentation.                                     (2)
                                                                                   (8)
                                                                                  [50]

                                                                 TOTAL SECTION B:        100
                                                                    GRAND TOTAL:         150

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