# Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 November Mock 2026 QP (Eng) > Grade 11 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the November Mock Exam 2026 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2026-november-mock-exam-question-paper-paper-1/38991a23-f272-4b05-8c57-08d47069b155 - Updated: 2026-10-29 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 11 - Language: English - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2026 - Exam period: November Mock Exam - Paper: 1 - Publisher: Hlayiso - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 16 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 November Mock 2026 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-life-sciences-2026-november-mock-exam-question-paper-paper-1/38991a23-f272-4b05-8c57-08d47069b155) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 11 · November Mock Exam · 2026 · English. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### 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 16 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 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 ### Page 3 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 The products of the light phase of photosynthesis that are used in the dark phase are … A oxygen and ATP. B ATP and hydrogen atoms. C oxygen and glucose. D carbon dioxide and water. 1.1.2 Which ONE of the following is a characteristic of the dentition of a herbivore? A Long, pointed canines B Carnassial teeth C A diastema between the incisors and the premolars D Molars with sharp, pointed cusps 1.1.3 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY matches a digestive enzyme with its substrate and product? ENZYME SUBSTRATE PRODUCT A Pepsin Fats Fatty acids and glycerol B Lipase Proteins Amino acids C Trypsin Starch Glucose D Amylase Starch Maltose 1.1.4 Glycolysis takes place in the … A cytoplasm. B matrix of the mitochondrion. C cristae of the mitochondrion. D stroma of the chloroplast. 1.1.5 The products of anaerobic respiration in yeast cells are … A lactic acid and carbon dioxide. B lactic acid only. C ethanol and oxygen. D ethanol and carbon dioxide. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Life Sciences/P1 4 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.1.6 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY describes the events during inhalation? EXTERNAL DIAPHRAGM VOLUME OF INTERCOSTAL THORACIC MUSCLES CAVITY A Relax Contracts and Increases flattens B Relax Relaxes and Decreases becomes dome-shaped C Contract Contracts and Increases flattens D Contract Relaxes and Decreases becomes dome-shaped 1.1.7 Consider the following features: (i) A large surface area (ii) Thin walls (iii) Moist surface (iv) Dry surface (v) A good blood supply Which ONE of the following combinations are requirements of an efficient gaseous exchange surface in a mammal? A (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) only B (i), (ii) and (iv) only C (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) only D (i), (iv) and (v) only 1.1.8 The breathing centre that regulates the rate and depth of breathing is found in the … A cerebellum. B medulla oblongata. C hypothalamus. D cerebrum. 1.1.9 Which ONE of the following substances is present in the glomerular filtrate, but is normally ABSENT in the urine of a healthy person? A Urea B Water C Mineral salts D Glucose Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Life Sciences/P1 5 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.1.10 A two-year-old child who eats mainly maize porridge has a swollen abdomen, thin arms and legs and discoloured hair. This child most likely suffers from … A marasmus. B anorexia nervosa. C kwashiorkor. D obesity. (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 numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.8) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 The green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy 1.2.2 The process in which absorbed food molecules are taken up and used by the cells of the body 1.2.3 The lymph vessel in a villus that absorbs fatty acids and glycerol 1.2.4 The organelle in which the Krebs cycle takes place 1.2.5 The flap of cartilage that closes the opening to the larynx during swallowing 1.2.6 The cup-shaped part of the nephron that surrounds the glomerulus 1.2.7 The removal of the amino group from excess amino acids in the liver 1.2.8 The physical breakdown of large pieces of food into smaller pieces by the teeth and by the churning action of the stomach (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 Takes place in the stroma of the A: Light phase chloroplast B: Dark phase 1.3.2 Produces ATP A: Glycolysis B: Krebs cycle 1.3.3 Hormone(s) secreted when the A: Insulin blood glucose level is too low B: ADH (3 x 2) (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Life Sciences/P1 6 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.4 The diagram below represents the structure of a chloroplast as seen under an electron microscope. B A C D 1.4.1 Identify part: (a) A (1) (b) B (1) (c) C (1) 1.4.2 Give the LETTER of the part where: (a) Light energy is absorbed (1) (b) Carbon dioxide is used to form glucose (1) 1.4.3 Name the carbohydrate stored in part D. (1) 1.4.4 Explain why a chloroplast has many structures like part B. (2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Life Sciences/P1 7 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 1.5 The diagram below shows a model that is used to demonstrate the mechanism of breathing in humans. A D B C E pulled down 1.5.1 Name the structure in the human body that is represented by: (a) C (1) (b) D (1) (c) E (1) 1.5.2 Describe what will happen to part C when part E is pulled down as shown in the diagram. (3) 1.5.3 State TWO ways in which this model does NOT correctly represent the human breathing system. (2) (8) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Life Sciences/P1 8 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 Learners investigated the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in an aquatic plant, Elodea. The procedure was as follows: • A piece of Elodea was placed upside down in a test tube filled with water to which a small amount of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added. • The test tube was placed in a beaker of water kept at 25 °C. • A lamp was placed 10 cm from the test tube, in an otherwise dark room. • After 5 minutes, the number of gas bubbles released from the cut stem was counted for one minute. • The procedure was repeated with the lamp at 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm and 50 cm from the test tube. gas bubbles lamp Elodea water at 25 °C distance (cm) The results are shown in the table below. DISTANCE OF LAMP FROM NUMBER OF BUBBLES THE PLANT (cm) PER MINUTE 10 48 20 40 30 26 40 15 50 9 [Data: examiner’s own] 2.1.1 Identify the: (a) Independent variable (1) (b) Dependent variable (1) 2.1.2 State TWO variables that were kept constant in this investigation. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Life Sciences/P1 9 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.1.3 Explain why sodium hydrogen carbonate was added to the water. (1) 2.1.4 Name the gas that was released in the bubbles. (1) 2.1.5 Draw a line graph to show the results of this investigation. (6) 2.1.6 State a conclusion for this investigation. (2) (14) 2.2 The graph below shows the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis at two different carbon dioxide concentrations. The temperature was kept at 25 °C. The effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis Rate of photosynthesis (arbitrary units) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 0,10% carbon dioxide 5 0,04% carbon dioxide 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Light intensity (kilolux) [Data: examiner’s own] 2.2.1 State the maximum rate of photosynthesis at 0,10% carbon dioxide. (1) 2.2.2 Name the factor that limits the rate of photosynthesis at both carbon dioxide concentrations between 0 and 2 kilolux. (1) 2.2.3 Explain why the rate of photosynthesis at 0,04% carbon dioxide remains constant above 4 kilolux. (2) 2.2.4 Explain how a farmer could use the information in the graph to increase the yield of tomatoes grown in a greenhouse. (2) 2.2.5 Explain why the rate of photosynthesis will decrease if the temperature in the greenhouse rises far above the optimum temperature. (2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Life Sciences/P1 10 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.3 The flow diagram below represents the phases of aerobic respiration in a cell. oxygen cytoplasm Gas Y A 2 molecules Krebs hydrogen Oxidative Glucose of X cycle phosphorylation water + a large 2 ATP Organelle B amount of ATP 2.3.1 Identify: (a) Process A (1) (b) Molecule X (1) (c) Gas Y (1) 2.3.2 Name organelle B. (1) 2.3.3 Describe the events of oxidative phosphorylation. (3) 2.3.4 During a 400 m race, the leg muscles of an athlete produce lactic acid. Explain why this happens. (3) 2.3.5 State TWO uses of anaerobic respiration in the food industry. (2) (12) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Life Sciences/P1 11 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.4 An investigation was done to show that germinating seeds release heat energy during respiration. The procedure was as follows: • 200 bean seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours. • 100 of the soaked seeds were boiled for 10 minutes and allowed to cool. • Both groups of seeds were rinsed in a mild disinfectant. • The living seeds were placed in vacuum flask A and the boiled seeds in vacuum flask B. • A thermometer was placed in each flask and the opening was closed with cotton wool. • The temperature in each flask was recorded at the same time every day for 4 days. thermometer cotton wool vacuum flask Flask A Flask B (germinating seeds) (boiled seeds) The results are shown in the table below. DAY 0 1 2 3 4 Temperature in flask A (°C) 20 22 25 28 30 Temperature in flask B (°C) 20 20 20 20 20 [Data: examiner’s own] 2.4.1 State the aim of this investigation. (2) 2.4.2 Explain why the seeds in flask B were boiled. (2) 2.4.3 Explain why the seeds were rinsed in a disinfectant. (1) 2.4.4 Explain why vacuum flasks were used in this investigation. (1) 2.4.5 Calculate the percentage increase in the temperature in flask A from day 0 to day 4. Show ALL your working. (3) 2.4.6 Explain the results obtained for flask A. (2) (11) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Life Sciences/P1 12 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 2.5 Tabulate TWO differences between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration in animal cells. (5) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Life Sciences/P1 13 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock QUESTION 3 3.1 The diagram below represents a villus from the wall of the small intestine. B A C 3.1.1 Identify part: (a) A (1) (b) C (1) 3.1.2 Give the LETTER of the part that absorbs: (a) Glucose and amino acids (1) (b) Fatty acids and glycerol (1) 3.1.3 Explain TWO ways in which the villus is structurally suited for absorption. (4) (8) 3.2 A glucose tolerance test was done on two people, P and Q. After fasting overnight, each person drank a solution containing 75 g of glucose. Their blood glucose levels were then measured every 30 minutes for 2½ hours. Blood glucose levels of person P and person Q 250 Blood glucose level (mg/dℓ) 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 Person P 25 Person Q 0 0 30 60 90 120 150 Time after drinking the glucose solution (minutes) [Data: examiner’s own] 3.2.1 State the blood glucose level of person Q at 60 minutes. (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Life Sciences/P1 14 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 3.2.2 Which person (P or Q) most likely has diabetes mellitus? (1) 3.2.3 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.2.2. (2) 3.2.4 Describe how the blood glucose level of person P returned to normal after 30 minutes. (4) 3.2.5 State TWO lifestyle changes that person Q could make to help control the condition. (2) (10) 3.3 Read the extract below. MALNUTRITION IN YOUNG CHILDREN A clinic sister in a rural village noticed that several toddlers who had recently stopped breastfeeding were not growing well. Their families could only afford maize meal, which the children ate three times a day. The children had swollen bellies and feet, thin arms and legs, dry, flaky skin and hair that had turned pale. They were tired and often became ill. The clinic sister advised the families to add affordable protein-rich foods to the children’s meals. [Summary compiled by the examiner from various sources] 3.3.1 Name the deficiency disease described in the extract. (1) 3.3.2 Name the nutrient that is lacking in the diet of these children. (1) 3.3.3 List TWO symptoms of the disease, other than a swollen belly, from the extract. (2) 3.3.4 Suggest TWO affordable foods that the families could add to the children’s meals. (2) 3.3.5 Explain why the nutrient named in QUESTION 3.3.2 is important for growing children. (2) (8) 3.4 The diagram below shows gaseous exchange between an alveolus and a blood capillary in the lungs. air alveolus red blood cell X Y blood from the blood to the pulmonary artery pulmonary vein Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Life Sciences/P1 15 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock 3.4.1 Identify gas: (a) X (1) (b) Y (1) 3.4.2 Name the process by which gases X and Y move between the alveolus and the capillary. (1) 3.4.3 State ONE way in which gas X is transported in the blood. (1) 3.4.4 During exercise the rate and depth of breathing increase. Describe how this is brought about when the carbon dioxide level in the blood increases. (4) 3.4.5 Smoking can cause emphysema, a disease in which the walls of the alveoli break down. Explain why a person with emphysema is often short of breath. (2) (10) 3.5 The diagram below represents a nephron and its blood supply. C E afferent arteriole A B D F to renal pelvis Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Life Sciences/P1 16 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC Mock The table below shows the concentration of some substances in the blood plasma, the glomerular filtrate and the urine of a healthy person. SUBSTANCE PLASMA FILTRATE URINE (g/100 mℓ) (g/100 mℓ) (g/100 mℓ) Water 90 90 96 Proteins 8,0 0 0 Glucose 0,1 0,1 0 Urea 0,03 0,03 2,0 Mineral salts 0,72 0,72 1,5 [Adapted from various biology textbooks] 3.5.1 Identify part: (a) B (1) (b) D (1) 3.5.2 Give the LETTER of the part: (a) Where all the glucose is reabsorbed (1) (b) That carries urine to the renal pelvis (1) 3.5.3 Explain why proteins are absent from the glomerular filtrate. (2) 3.5.4 Calculate how many times more concentrated urea is in the urine than in the glomerular filtrate. Show ALL your working. (2) 3.5.5 Explain why glucose is present in the glomerular filtrate but absent from the urine. (2) 3.5.6 Describe how the body responds when the water level of the blood decreases on a hot day. 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