Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 November Mock Exam 2 2026 QP (Eng)

Mock hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 11 Exam Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 11 LIFE SCIENCES P1 NOVEMBER EXAMINATION 2026 (MOCK) MARKS: 150 TIME: 2½ hours This question paper consists of 15 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 2 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 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, 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 may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass, where necessary. 11. Round off ALL calculations to TWO decimal places, where necessary. 12. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 3 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 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 to D) next to the question numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.11 D. 1.1.1 During the light phase of photosynthesis, water molecules are split into … A oxygen and carbon dioxide. B hydrogen atoms and oxygen. C glucose and oxygen. D ATP and hydrogen atoms. 1.1.2 A potted plant is placed in a dark cupboard for 48 hours before it is used in an investigation on photosynthesis. This is done to … A remove the chlorophyll from the leaves. B soften the leaves for the iodine test. C remove the starch already present in the leaves. D kill the cells of the leaves. 1.1.3 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY describes the enzyme lipase? PRODUCED SUBSTRATE END PRODUCT(S) BY A Pancreas Fats Fatty acids and glycerol B Liver Fats Fatty acids and glycerol C Pancreas Proteins Amino acids D Salivary glands Starch Maltose 1.1.4 The blood vessel that transports absorbed glucose and amino acids from the small intestine to the liver is the … A hepatic artery. B hepatic vein. C hepatic portal vein. D renal vein. 1.1.5 The final hydrogen acceptor during aerobic respiration is … A carbon dioxide. B water. C glucose. D oxygen. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 4 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.1.6 Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported … A as carbaminohaemoglobin in the red blood cells. B as bicarbonate ions in the blood plasma. C as oxyhaemoglobin in the red blood cells. D as a dissolved gas in the white blood cells. 1.1.7 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY shows the pathway of inhaled air? A Nasal cavity → larynx → pharynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli B Nasal cavity → pharynx → trachea → larynx → bronchioles → bronchi → alveoli C Pharynx → nasal cavity → larynx → trachea → bronchioles → bronchi → alveoli D Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli 1.1.8 When the pH of the blood becomes too low, the kidneys will … A secrete more hydrogen ions into the filtrate and reabsorb more bicarbonate ions. B secrete fewer hydrogen ions into the filtrate and reabsorb fewer bicarbonate ions. C reabsorb more hydrogen ions into the blood. D excrete more bicarbonate ions in the urine. 1.1.9 Consider the following statements about anaerobic respiration in human muscle cells: (i) It produces lactic acid. (ii) It releases less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration. (iii) It requires oxygen. (iv) It can cause muscle fatigue and cramps. Which ONE of the following combinations is CORRECT? A (i) and (ii) only B (ii) and (iv) only C (i), (ii) and (iv) only D (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) 1.1.10 The product of glycolysis that enters the mitochondrion during aerobic respiration is … A glucose. B lactic acid. C ethanol. D pyruvic acid. (10 x 2) (20) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 5 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 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 1.2.8) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 The splitting of water molecules by light energy in the grana of the chloroplast 1.2.2 The wave-like muscular contractions that push food along the alimentary canal 1.2.3 The ring of muscle that controls the movement of food from the stomach into the duodenum 1.2.4 The iron-containing pigment in red blood cells that combines with oxygen 1.2.5 The region of the kidney that contains the renal pyramids 1.2.6 The type of anaerobic respiration in yeast cells that produces ethanol and carbon dioxide 1.2.7 The molecule that stores and carries energy in all living cells 1.2.8 The tiny air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles where gaseous exchange takes place (8 x 1) (8) 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 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN I COLUMN II 1.3.1 Absorbed into the blood A: Glucose capillaries of a villus B: Amino acids 1.3.2 Takes place in the matrix of the A: Glycolysis mitochondrion B: Krebs cycle 1.3.3 Site(s) of the chemical digestion A: Stomach of proteins B: Duodenum (3 x 2) (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 6 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.4 The diagram below represents the human urinary system and its blood supply. G F A kidney B C D direction of blood flow E 1.4.1 Identify part: (a) C (1) (b) D (1) (c) G (1) 1.4.2 Give the LETTER of the blood vessel that: (a) Carries blood with the lowest concentration of urea (1) (b) Is under the highest blood pressure (1) 1.4.3 State TWO functions of the kidneys, other than the removal of urea. (2) 1.4.4 Name the hormone that controls the amount of water reabsorbed in the kidneys. (1) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 7 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.5 The diagram below represents part of the human gaseous exchange system. nasal cavity A B C D E 1.5.1 Identify part: (a) A (1) (b) B (1) (c) C (1) 1.5.2 Give the LETTER of the part that contracts and flattens during inhalation. (1) 1.5.3 Explain the importance of the C-shaped rings of cartilage in part B. (2) 1.5.4 Explain why it is better for the lungs if air is breathed in through the nasal cavity rather than through the mouth. (2) (8) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 8 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 Learners investigated the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis in the water plant Cabomba. The procedure was as follows: • Five identical pieces of Cabomba were each placed under an inverted funnel in a beaker containing 500 mℓ of water and 1 g of sodium hydrogen carbonate. • Each beaker was kept in a water bath at a different temperature: 10 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C. • A lamp of the same power was placed 15 cm from each beaker. • The gas released was collected in a graduated tube for 10 minutes. • The investigation was done three times and the average volume of gas was calculated. gas graduated tube thermometer lamp funnel Cabomba water bath 15 cm The results are shown in the table below. TEMPERATURE VOLUME OF GAS COLLECTED IN 10 MINUTES (cm3 ) (°C) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average 10 1,2 1,4 1,3 1,3 20 2,6 2,8 2,7 2,7 30 4,3 4,6 4,6 X 40 3,0 3,4 3,2 3,2 50 0,4 0,6 0,5 0,5 [Data: examiner’s own] 2.1.1 State a hypothesis for this investigation. (2) 2.1.2 Identify the dependent variable. (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 9 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.1.3 State TWO variables that were kept constant in this investigation. (2) 2.1.4 Explain why the investigation was done three times. (1) 2.1.5 Calculate the average volume of gas collected at 30 °C (X). Show ALL your working. (2) 2.1.6 Calculate the percentage increase in the average volume of gas collected when the temperature increased from 20 °C to 30 °C. Show ALL your working. (3) 2.1.7 Explain the result obtained at 50 °C. (2) (13) 2.2 The flow diagram below summarises the two phases of photosynthesis. light energy carbon dioxide Phase A ATP and hydrogen Phase B water (in the grana) (in part Z) gas X substance Y starch 2.2.1 Identify: (a) Phase A (1) (b) Gas X (1) (c) Substance Y (1) 2.2.2 Name part Z of the chloroplast. (1) 2.2.3 Describe the events of phase A. (3) 2.2.4 Explain why phase B stops shortly after a plant is placed in the dark. (2) (9) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 10 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.3 The diagram below represents the organelle in which aerobic respiration is completed. A B C 2.3.1 Identify part: (a) A (1) (b) B (1) 2.3.2 Give the LETTER of the part in which the Krebs cycle takes place. (1) 2.3.3 Describe the events of the Krebs cycle. (4) 2.3.4 Name the phase of cellular respiration that takes place in the cytoplasm, outside this organelle. (1) 2.3.5 Explain why muscle cells contain many of these organelles. (2) (10) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 11 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.4 An investigation was done to determine the effect of the amount of sugar on fermentation by yeast. The procedure was as follows: • Four flasks, P, Q, R and S, each received 100 mℓ of boiled and cooled water and 5 g of dried yeast. • 0 g, 5 g, 10 g and 15 g of sugar were added to flasks P, Q, R and S respectively. • A thin layer of oil was poured onto the surface of the mixture in each flask. • Each flask was connected to a gas syringe and kept at 30 °C. • The volume of gas collected in each syringe after 30 minutes was recorded. stopper gas syringe layer of oil yeast and sugar solution The results are shown in the table below. FLASK P Q R S Mass of sugar added (g) 0 5 10 15 Volume of gas collected in 30 minutes (cm3 ) 0 18 34 46 [Data: examiner’s own] 2.4.1 Name the gas that was collected in the gas syringes. (1) 2.4.2 Describe how the learners could test that the gas named in QUESTION 2.4.1 was produced. (2) 2.4.3 Explain why a layer of oil was poured onto the surface of the mixtures. (2) 2.4.4 State the purpose of flask P. (1) 2.4.5 Calculate the rate of gas production in flask S in cm3 per minute. Show ALL your working. (2) 2.4.6 State a conclusion for this investigation. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 12 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.4.7 Flask S received three times as much sugar as flask Q, but the volume of gas collected in flask S was NOT three times as large. Explain why. (2) (12) 2.5 Read the extract below. SPINACH FROM A WAREHOUSE A company in Johannesburg grows spinach hydroponically (with the roots in a nutrient solution instead of soil) on shelves inside a warehouse that has no windows. LED grow-lights above each shelf are switched on for 18 hours a day, including several hours during the night. Carbon dioxide from gas cylinders is released into the warehouse to keep its concentration at about three times that of normal air, and fans keep the temperature at about 22 °C. Last year the manager doubled the amount of carbon dioxide released from the cylinders, but the yield of spinach did not increase. [Examiner’s own] 2.5.1 Name TWO environmental factors that the company controls in the warehouse, according to the extract. (2) 2.5.2 Explain how switching the grow-lights on during the night increases the yield of spinach. (2) 2.5.3 Explain why doubling the amount of carbon dioxide released did NOT increase the yield of spinach. (2) (6) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 13 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock QUESTION 3 3.1 The diagram below represents part of the human digestive system. A C B D F E G H 3.1.1 Identify part: (a) C (1) (b) F (1) (c) H (1) 3.1.2 Give the LETTER of the part where: (a) Bile is stored (1) (b) Most of the digested food is absorbed (1) 3.1.3 State TWO functions of part C, other than the production of bile. (2) 3.1.4 Explain how a blockage of part E by a gallstone will affect the digestion of fats. (3) 3.1.5 A patient had a large section of part G removed during an operation. Explain why this patient may lose body mass even though she eats normal meals. (4) (14) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 14 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 3.2 The flow diagram below shows how the body responds when the blood glucose level drops below normal. Gland X secretes Blood glucose level Detected by hormone Y drops below normal cells in gland X into the blood Blood glucose level Glycogen is converted Hormone Y returns to normal into glucose stimulates organ Z 3.2.1 Identify: (a) Gland X (1) (b) Hormone Y (1) (c) Organ Z (1) 3.2.2 Explain why this is an example of a negative feedback mechanism. (2) 3.2.3 A learner with diabetes mellitus injected his usual dose of insulin before school but did not eat breakfast. Later that morning he felt weak and dizzy. Explain why. (3) (8) 3.3 Researchers measured the vital capacity (the maximum volume of air that can be breathed out after taking the deepest possible breath) of adult men of the same age and similar body size. The results are shown in the table below. GROUP AVERAGE VITAL CAPACITY (dm3 ) Non-smokers 4,8 Smoked for less than 5 years 4,4 Smoked for 5 to 15 years 3,9 Smoked for more than 15 years 3,2 [Data: examiner’s own] 3.3.1 Draw a bar graph to show the results of this investigation. (6) 3.3.2 Calculate the percentage decrease in the average vital capacity of men who smoked for more than 15 years compared to non-smokers. Show ALL your working. (3) 3.3.3 Chemicals in cigarette smoke paralyse the cilia in the air passages. Explain how this makes smokers more likely to develop chest infections. (3) (12) 3.4 Describe the process of exhalation. (4) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P1 15 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 3.5 The diagram below represents part of a nephron. C A D B E 3.5.1 Identify part: (a) A (1) (b) D (1) 3.5.2 Name the process by which substances move from D into C. (1) 3.5.3 Explain TWO ways in which the structures shown are suited for the process named in QUESTION 3.5.2. (4) 3.5.4 Name ONE component of the blood in A that is normally NOT found in the fluid in C. (1) 3.5.5 Describe how the body restores the normal level of sodium ions when the sodium ion level in the blood is low. (4) (12) [50] TOTAL SECTION B: 100 GRAND TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved