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

> Grade 11 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the November Mock Exam 2 2026 (English), 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2026-november-mock-exam-2-question-paper-paper-1/510f3803-f02f-45cb-8fcd-2ef92e08c486
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 11
- Language: English
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2026
- Exam period: November Mock Exam 2
- Paper: 1
- Publisher: Hlayiso
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 15

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 11 · November Mock Exam 2 · 2026 · English. Question paper, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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## Document text

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### Page 1

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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]

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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)

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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)

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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

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