Life Sciences Grade 12 KZN March Test 2026 Paper & Memo

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com fe i) ‘a i . } MARKS: 100 TIME: 2 hours KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 LIFE 2... PROVINCIAL STANDARDISED ASSESSMENT MARCH 2026 Pee e CCE COCO CC eee Cee Pee er eer eer 2 ha This question paper consists of 13 pages. SSCP RTRE STS RRR RRR RRR ile! ola = PY ”

Life Sciences Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Grade12 March 2026 INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions. ‘ds 2 10. 11. Answer ALL the questions. Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK. Start the answers to each question at the top of a NEW page. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to do so. The diagrams in this question ecessarily drawn to scale. Do NOT use graph paper. You may use a non-program drotractor and a compass. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences 3 March 2026 Grade12 SECTIONA 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 number (1.1.1 to 1.1.6) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.7 D. 1.1.1. Which ONE of the following is found only in RNA molecules? A Guanine B Uracil Cc Thymine D_ Adenine 1.1.2 Meiosis is significant for the ... A __ production of haploid gametes. B__ production of four diploid gametes. C production of genetically ical gametes. D doubling of tr i 1.1.3. The following is a list a ia reproductive system: (i) | Seminal vesicle | (ii) Vas deferens (iii) Prostate gland (iv) Urethra Which ONE of the following combinations is responsible for producing alkaline fluids and nutrients? (i), (ii) and (iv) only (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) (ii) and (iv) only (i) and (iii) only loom: iP Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com 4 Grade12 Life Sciences March 2026 1.1.4 The table below shows amino acids coded for by different mRNA codons. mRNA CODONS AMINO ACIDS GCG Alanine AUG Methionine AUA Isoleucine AGG Arginine Which amino acid is coded by the DNA base triplet TAC? Arginine Alanine Methionine Isoleucine 0QgW>Y QUESTION 1.1.5 AND 1.1.6 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM SHOWING A DEVELOPING FOETUS. nnn 1.1.5 Which ONE of the following combinations is the CORRECT s re for each function? ul f) ALLOWS DIFFUSION OF ALLOWS FREE FOETAL NUTRIENTS TO THE FOETUS MOVEMENT A x Ww B Vv Y Cc Vv x D xX Vv Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences 5 March 2026 Grade12 1.1.6 — Which ONE of the following structures produces the hormone that thickens the endometrium? A Vv BW Cc xX D Y (6x2) = (12) 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 to 1.2.5) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1. The natural shape of the DNA molecule 1.2.2 The point where adjacent chromatids of homologous chromosomes overlap during crossing over 1.2.3 The release of an ovum from the ovary 1.2.4 Division of the cytoplasm 1.2.5 A blood vessel that transports deoxygenated blood from the foetus to the mother : is (5x1) (5) 1.3. Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN | 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 number (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN | COLUMN II 1.3.1 | The structure where testosterone is | A: Epididymis produced B: Cowper's gland 1.3.2 | A hollow ball of cells that implants in | A: Blastocyst the endometrium B:_ Morula 1.3.3 | Location of a DNA molecule in the | A: Mitochondria plant cell B: Chloroplast (3x2) (6) Copyright reserved Please Turn Over EW

Life Sciences Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Grade12 1.4 The diagram below shows a sperm cell. 1.4.1 Identify part: (a) (b) c D March 2026 1.4.2 Give the LETTER and NAME of the part that contains the: (a) (b) (c) Copyright reserved Genetic material Enzymes to penetrate the egg layers Organelle that provides energy for sperm motility Please Turn Over (1) (1) (2) (2) (2) (8)

Life Sciences 1.5 Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com ie March 2026 Grade12 The diagram below represents a cell in a phase of meiosis. 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.5.5 Identify part: (a) W (b) Y (c) 2 Give the LETTER and chromatids together. part responsible for joining two Name the part in a flower where meiosis occurs to produce male gametes. How many chromosomes: (a) Were there in this cell at the beginning of meiosis (b) Will be found in this cell at the end of meiosis Identify the phase of cell division represented in the diagram. TOTAL SECTION A: Copyright reserved Please Turn Over (1) (1) (1) (2) (1) (1) (1) (1) (9) 40

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com eines 2 Life Sciences March 2026 QUESTION 2 2.1. The diagram below represents a process in a cell. (a) Bond X (1) (b) Nitrogenous base 1 (1) 2.1.2 | Name the process shown in the diagram. (1) 2.1.3. State ONE importance of the process named in QUESTION 2.1.2. (1) 2.1.4 Tabulate TWO differences between transcription and the process named in QUESTION 2.1.2. (5) (9) Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences 9 March 2026 Grade12 2.2 Thegraph below shows the percentage success rate in solving criminal cases using traditional method and DNA profiling. 60 50 40 Key: : oO Traditional method DNA +O profiling Sentenced 2.2.1 Give TWO other filing other than the one shown in the graph. (2) 2.2.2 State the percentag (a) Sentenced using DNA profiling (1) (b) Prosecuted using traditional method (1) 2.2.3 Explain how the DNA profiling is used in identifying criminals. (3) (7) Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Life Sciences Downloaded from Stanmorephysics. com March 2026 ites 2.3 The diagram-below represents a part of protein synthesis. ey ae + 6 ss east 2.3.1 2.82 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 Identify: (a) The stage of protein sy ited by W (b) The amino acid coded by DNA base triplet CAG State ONE structural difference between molecule X and molecule Z. Give the sequence of nitrogenous bases at triplet: (a) 1 (b) 2 Cytosine (C) in point Y is replaced by thymine (T) as a result of a mutation. Explain how this mutation affected the protein formed. Describe the process of translation. Copyright reserved Please Turn Over (1) (1) (2) (1) (3) (5) (14) [30]

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences 11 March 2026 Grade12 QUESTION 3 3.1. Down syndrome is a condition caused by non-disjunction in humans during cell division. The table below shows the effect of maternal age on the incidence of Down syndrome babies per 1 000 mothers. MATERNAL AGE (YEARS) INCIDENCE OF DOWN SYNDROME BABIES PER 1 000 MOTHERS 25 0.8 30 1 35 2.5 40 10 45 25 3.1.1. Name the phase of meiosis where non-disjunction occurs. (1) fe | maternal age and incidence of Down otha (2) rease in the incidence of Down syndrome | ages 35 and 45. Show ALL working. (3) 3.1.2 Describe the relationship syndrome babies per 1 { 3.1.3. Calculate the percent babies between the rr ATE 3.1.4 Drawa bar graph to show the results in the table. (6) (12) Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

Life Sciences Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Grade12 March 2026 3.2 Frogs, birds and other fish have different survival rate of offspring. The survival rate of offspring per eggs produced in some fish, chicken and frog was determined. The table below shows the survival rate in different organisms. ORGANISM SURVIVAL RATE IN DIFFERENT ORGANISMS Fish 1-5 per 1000 eggs Chicken 100-150 per 250 eggs Frog 6-10 per 1 000 eggs 3.2.1 Define the term Ovipary. 3.2.2 Using the table, name the organism that has the: (a) Lowest survival (b) Highest survival ‘ 3.2.3 Explain: . =| (a) Why frogs are expect oduce a large number of gametes (b) The advantage of internal fertilisation in chickens Copyright reserved Please Turn Over (2) (1) (1) (2) (2) (8)

Life Sciences 1 Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com 3 March 2026 Grade12 3.3 Clomid (a certain type of drug that stimulates ovulation) is a treatment for women struggling with infertility. Scientists investigated the effect of clomid treatment on the FSH level in women with infertility. The procedure was as follows: 16 females of the same age who were struggling with the same form of infertility were asked to participate in the investigation. _ The females were divided into two groups of 8 each. The FSH level of participants was measured before the use of clomid treatment. The participants in Group A received clomid treatment at a daily dosage of 50 mg for 5 consecutive days from day 5 — 9 of the menstrual cycle. The participants in Group B did not receive the clomid treatment. The level of FSH was measured and recorded daily. This procedure was done over a period of 5 months. The average level of FSH was ed for each group at the end of the The average FSH level in Grou miU/mL more than that in Group B. a. 3. 3. 3. 3.1 State the independe ' this investigation. 3.2 List TWO variables that were kept constant and which contributed to the validity of the investigation. 3.3. Give ONE reason why the FSH level of participants was measured before the use of clomid treatment. 3.4 State TWO ways in which the scientists ensured the reliability of the investigation. 3.3.5 Explain the: (a) Purpose of Group B in this investigation (b) Effect of clomid treatment in females struggling with infertility TOTAL SECTION B: GRAND TOTAL: Copyright reserved (1) (2) (2) (2) (10) [30] 60 100

Downloaded from Stanmoggniypics.com ‘i KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE MARKS: 100 This marking guideline consists of 9 pages.

Lite Sieweloaded from Stanmorephysics.com March 2026 NSC- Marking guidelines PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES MARCH 2026 1: 10. 14s 12: 13. 14. If more information than marks allocated is given Stop marking when maximum marks are reached and put a wavy line and ‘max’ in the right-hand margin. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given Mark the first three irrespective of whether all or some are correct/incorrect. If whole process is given when only part of it is required Read all and credit relevant part. If comparisons are asked for and descriptions are given Accept if differences / similarities are clear. If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given Candidates will lose marks for not tabulating. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required Candidates will lose marks If flow charts are given instead of descriptions Candidates will lose marks. If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense Where sequence and links are correct, credit. Where sequence and links is incorrect, do not credit. If sequence and links becomes correct again, resume credit. Non-recognised abbreviations Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the unrecognized abbreviation but credit the rest of answer if correct. Wrong numbering If answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong number is given, it is acceptable. If language used changes the intended meaning Do not accept. Spelling errors If recognizable accept provided it does not mean something else in Life Sciences or if it is out of context. If common names given in terminology Accept provided it was accepted at the National memo discussion meeting. If only letter is asked for and only name is given (and vice versa) No credit Copyright reserved Please turn over

Lite Seweloaded from Stanmorephysics.com March 2026 15. 16. 17 18. NSC- Marking guidelines If units are not given in measurements Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum will allocate marks for units separately Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way. Caption All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts) A single word or two that appears in any official language other than the learners’ assessment language used to the greatest extent in his/her answers should be credited, if it is correct. A marker that is proficient in the relevant official language should be consulted. This is applicable to all official languages. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Bowsleaded from Stanmorept ysics.com SECTIONA QUESTION 4 1.4.2 (a) 15 1.5.1 (a) (b) (c) NSC- ing guidelines By Nucleusv AY AcrosomeY Cv Middle piecev/ neck Chromosomev Spindle fibrev Cell membranev 1.5.2 Xv CentromereY Copyright reserved March 2026 (5 x 2) (5 x 1) (3x2) Please turn over (12) (5) (6) (1) (1) (2) (2) (2) (8) (1) (1) (1) (2)

Bowsleaded from Stanmoreph ysics.com March 2026 - Marking guidelines 1.5.3 Anthery 1.5.4 (a) 6” (b) 3v 1.5.5 Metaphase IIv TOTAL SECTION A: SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1. 2.1.1 (a) HydrogenY bond (b) 2.1.2 DNA replication 2.1.3 - Doubles g ¢ materialv/ DNA - Ensures ghter cells are genetically identicalv Any (Mark the | FONE only] 2.1.4 Transcription DNA Replication One strand is used as a templatev Both strands are used as templatesY mRNA is formedv Identical DNA molecules are formedv RNA nucleotides are usedv DNA nucleotides are usedv Adenine pairs with uracilv Adenine pairs with thyminev Short section of DNA molecule is usedv / unzips The whole DNA m le is usedv / unzips Lanett (Mark the first TWO only) Copyright reserved Any (2x 2) + (1) tablev Please turn over (1) (1) (1) (1) (9) (5) (9)

Dowsleaded from Stanmoreph Ssics.com March 2026 2.2 2.3 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 NSC- Marking guidelines - Identifying relativesY - Paternity testingv - Identifying genetic disordersY - Identifying dead personsY - Trace missing personsY - Matching tissues for organ transplants” Any (Mark the first TWO only) (a) 35v% (b) 10%% - DNAsamples from the crime scene and suspect are usedv - to form a DNA profileY - If the DNA profile of the suspect matches the one found at the crime scene, then the suspect was at the crime scenev OR - DNA samples from the.crime scene and suspect are usedv - to forma DNA profiley - Ifthe IA profil of the suspect does not match the one found at the crime scene, he suspect was not at the crime scenev (a) Transcripti (b) Valv Molecule X has thyminev Molecule Z has uracilv - Molecule X is double strandedv - Molecule Z is single strandedv - Molecule X is longv - Molecule Z is shortv - Molecule X is double strandedv - Molecule Z is single strandedv Molecule X has deoxyribose sugarY Molecule Z has ribose sugarY Any (Mark the first ONE only) (a) CTGY (b) CUGY Copyright reserved Please turn over (2) (1)

Goweleaded from Stanmorephysics.com March 2026 NSC- Marking guidelines a different amino acidv Any (3) pecific amino acidY n the t(RNAY he mRNAY equired amino acid to the rilbosomev wd “ tached to each other by peptide bondsY - rotein’ Any (5) (12) [30] QUESTION 3 3.1. 3.1.1 Anaphase Iv / II (1) ia 3.1.2 As the mate s, the incidence of down syndrome babies per 1 000 mothers easesv (2) 3.1.3 (25-25 25; = 900V % (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Bowslaaded from Stanmoreph NSC- Mar! 3.1.4 sics.com March 2026 ing guidelines 30 25 20 15 10 Incidence of Down syndrome babies per 1 000 mothers Incidence of Down Syndrome babies per 1 000 mothers of different maternal ages 25 30 35 40 45 Maternal age (years) Guideline for assessing the graph CRITERIA __| ELABORATION | MARK Correct type of graphy (T) | Bar graph drawn 1 Caption of graph (C) | Both variables included 1 Axes labels _ (L) | Xand Y-axis correctly labelled with orenh units 1 Scale for X and Y axes (S) |- Equal space and width of bars for 1 X-axis and - Correct scale for Y-axis Plotting of co-ordinates (P) - 1 to 4 co-ordinates plotted correctly 1 - ALL 5 co-ordinates plotted correctly 2 Histogram or line graph drawn - Lose marks for type of graph and for scale Transposed axes: - Can get full credit, if axes labels are swapped and bars are horizontal - If labels are not corresponding, then lose marks for labels and scale - Check that the plotting is correct for the given labels Copyright reserved Please turn over (6) (12)

Dowsleaded from Stanmorephysics.com March 2026 NSC- Marking guidelines 3.2 3.2.1 Fertilised eggs develop outside the mother’s body until birthy v OR Eggs are fertilised internally and develop outside the mother’s body until birthy v (2) (a) Fish¥ (1) (b) ChickenY (1) 3.2.3 (a) - Increases the chances of fertilisation’ - to compensate for the loss of gametesv/ protection of gametes (2) (b) - Ova are fertilised inside the mother’s body” to ensure that - gametes are protected from predatorsv / harsh environmental conditions - and allows high survival rate Any (2) ‘| (8) 3.3 3.3.1 Clomid“treatment ~~ (1) 3.3.2 - Agev d - Female with the same form of infertility” - Dosage of 50 mg in group AY - Measurements taken from days 5 - 9 of the menstrual cycleY Any (2) (Mark the first TWO only) 3.3.3. To obtain a baseline measurementY (1) 3.3.4 - 8 females in each group participatedY - Procedure was done over a period of 5 monthsv/ 5 consecutive days from day 5 — 9 of the menstrual cycle (2) (Mark the first TWO only) 3.3.5 (a) Toshow that the changes in FSH levels are due to clomid treatment only¥ ¥ (2) (b) Clomid treatment increases the level of FSH in women with infertilityy Vv (2) (10) [30] TOTAL SECTION B: 60 GRAND TOTAL: 100 Copyright reserved