# Life Sciences Grade 12 KZN March Test 2024 Paper & Memo

> Grade 12 Life Sciences question paper and memo from the KZN March Test 2024, 15 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/kzn-life-sciences-grade-12-march-2024-qp-and-memo/d9b1daeb-e172-4cab-8335-269ec4c8fccd
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper and memo
- Year: 2024
- Exam period: KZN March Test
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 15

Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Life Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/life-sciences) › [Life Sciences Grade 12 KZN March Test 2024 Paper & Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/kzn-life-sciences-grade-12-march-2024-qp-and-memo/d9b1daeb-e172-4cab-8335-269ec4c8fccd)

## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · KZN March Test · 2024. Question paper and memorandum, 15 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

Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com

KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

EDUCATION
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

MARKS: 50

TIME: 1 hour

This question paper consists of 9 pages.

### Page 2

Lite Rewealoaded from Stanmorepiaysics.com March Common Test 2024
2

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.

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 paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
Do NOT use graph paper.

You may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass.

Write neatly and legibly.

Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

### Page 3

Lite Reweoaded from Stanmorepiysics.com March Common Test 2024
3

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
number (1.1.1 to 1.1.4) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.5 D.

1.1.1. Which ONE of the following chromosomes would be found in a normal
human cell during metaphase I?

Single thread chromosomes showing variation
Double thread chromosomes showing no variation
Double thread chromosomes showing variation
Single thread chromosomes showing no variation

VONDD

1.1.2 The following is a list of some functions that occur during gestation:

<ygen from the mother to the foetus
progesterone

retory wastes from the mother to the Foetus
ients from the mother to the foetus

llowing is a correct combination of the functions of

(ii) only

(i), (ii) and (iv) only
(i), (iii) and (iv) only
(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

G0QNWD>

1.1.3. The Red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) reproduces sexually and has a
gestation period of 33 days. It then gives birth to an offspring.

Which ONE of the following is correct with regard to the Red kangaroo

species?

A ___ Internal fertilisation and viviparous

B Internal fertilisation and ovoviviparous
C_ External fertilisation and oviparous

D External fertilisation and viviparous

Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

### Page 4

Lite Beweloaded from Stanmorepiaysics.com
4

March Common Test 2024

1.1.4 The diagrams below show an animal cell in the various stages of meiosis

in the incorrect order.

Which ONE of the following represents CORRECT diagram and phase?

DIAGRAM PHASE
A Ww Anaphase |
B Xx Metaphase II
c Y Prophase II
D Zz Telophase |

(4 x 2) (8)

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 1.2.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.1 The type of bond found between nitrogenous bases of a DNA molecule

1.2.2 | The organelle in the cell that forms spindle fibres during meiosis

1.2.3 Anextra embryonic membrane of the amniotic egg that is responsible for
gaseous exchange and waste storage

Copyright reserved

(3x1) = (3)

Please Turn Over

### Page 5

Lite Beweloaded from Stanmorepiaysics.com March Common Test 2024
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 1.3.2) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN | COLUMN II
1.3.1 | A reproductive strategy where the} A: Altricial
young is independent of their |B: Precocial
parents
1.3.2 | The importance of DNA replication | A: Doubles genetic material
B:_ Formation of mRNA

(2 x 2) (4)

1.4 A short piece of the complimentary mRNA and DNA molecule that are 18
nitrogenous bases long each were analysed to determine the number of
nitrogenous bases.

The results are shown in the table below.

BASES DNA STRAND | mRNA STRAND

Adenine : :
| _Cytosine. - :
= it 2 .
oe ne 4
1.4.1 Name the:
(a) Monomers of the DNA strand (1)
(b) Type of sugar in the mRNA strand (1)
1.4.2 How many:
(a) Adenine bases are present in the DNA strand (1)
(b) Cytosine bases are present in the mRNA strand (1)
1.4.3. Give the percentage of uracil in the DNA strand from the table above. (1)

(5)
TOTAL SECTION A: 20

Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

### Page 6

Lite Reweloaded from Stanmorephysics.com

SECTION B

QUESTION

2

March Common Test 2024

2.1 The diagram below shows part of the process of protein synthesis.

once n--- Show base pairing:

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.1.3

2.1.4

2.1.5

Identify molecule:
(a) R

(b) P

Write down the sequence of the DNA base triplet complimentary to the

codon Q.

State ONE significance of the nitrogenous base sequence on the MRNA

molecule.

Explain the effect if there was a change in the sequence of the DNA base

triplet in QUESTION 2.1.2.

Name the organelle where proteins are synthesised in a plant cell.

Copyright reserved

Please Turn Over

(1)
(1)

(1)

(1)

(3)

(1)
(8)

### Page 7

Lite Rewealoaded from Stanmorepiaysics.com March Common Test 2024
7

2.2 Read the information below.

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. It occurs as a
result of mutation during meiosis. Individuals with Down syndrome suffer from
learning delays, distinct physical features and poor muscle development. The
maternal age has an impact on the risk of Down syndrome.

The table below shows the relationship between the maternal age and risk of
Down syndrome.

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

2.2.4

MATERNAL AGE | DOWN SYNDROME
RISK
25 1 in 1250
31 1 in 1000
35 1 in 400
40 1 in 100

State TWO symptoms of Down syndrome from the information above.

Identify the maternal age (25, 31, 35 or 40), which is expected to have
the greatest risk of having a child with Down syndrome?

Calculate, how many times did the risk of Down syndrome in females
increase between the age 35 and 40? Show ALL working.

Describe the events of the phase of meiosis II that results in an abnormal
gamete that leads to Down syndrome.

Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

(2)

(1)

(2)

(2)
(7)
[15]

### Page 8

Lite Reweoaded from Stanmorepiysics.com March Common Test 2024
8

QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagram below shows the gland X and its influence within the ovary.

3.1.1

3:12

3.1.3

3.1.4

Gland X

Identify:

(a) Gland X

(b) PartA

Apart from process B, state ONE function of Luteinizing hormone.

Explain the effect that the corpus luteum defect (unable to produce enough
progesterone) will have on the developing embryo.

Central hypogonadism is a condition that happens when a pituitary gland
does not release enough LH and FSH.

Explain the effect that the central hypogonadism may have on the uterus.

Copyright reserved Please Turn Over

(1)
(1)
(1)

(3)

(3)
(9)

### Page 9

Lite Reweloaded from Stanmorephysics.com

3.2 Anastrozole medicine is used to treat subfertility in men with low testosterone
level.in the blood. Subfertility refers to the low number of sperm cells present in
the semen.

An investigation was done to determine the effect of anastrozole medicine on the
level of testosterone in men with subfertility.

Methods:

Thirty men between 25 and 30 years affected by subfertility participated in
the investigation.

Thirty men were divided into two equal groups (A and B).

Group A was not given any medicine.

Group B was given 1 mg anastrozole medicine daily for five months.
Testosterone level of each group was measured at the beginning and after
the investigation.

The average testosterone level was calculated in each group.

The results are shown in the table below.

AVERAGE TESTOSTERONE LEVEL
GROUP ng/dL)
At the beginning After five months
A 271.3 271.1
B 270.6 412

3.2.1 Identify the independent variable in the investigation.

3.2.2 | State ONE way in which the reliability of the results was ensured for this

investigation.

3.2.3. Group A was the control.

Explain the importance of group A in this investigation.

3.2.4 State a conclusion for this investigation.

TOTAL SECTION B:

GRAND TOTAL:

Copyright reserved

March Common Test 2024

(1)

(1)

(2)
(2)
(6)
[15]
30

50

### Page 10

Downloaded from Stanmornapiaysics.com

KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

EDUCATION
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

MARKS: 50

This memorandum consists of 6 pages

PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES MARCH 2024

### Page 11

Lite Reweoaded From Staraereypdayrgnmeman March 2024
2

Be

10.

11.

42)

13.

14.

15.

16.

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

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.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

### Page 12

Lite Reweoaded From Staraereydayrgnmeman March 2024
3

17. Caption
Altillustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption

18. 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

### Page 13

Desvatoaded from Stanmonephysiosoeonrs

SECTION.A

QUESTION 1

1.1 111 Cv¥v
1.1.2 BvYv
1.1.3 AVvv
1.1.4 Dvv

1.2 1.2.1 Hydrogen’ bond
1.2.2 Centrosomev/centriole
1.2.3 AllantoisY

1.3 1.3.1 BonlyYv
1.3.2 Aonlyvv

1.4 141 (a)

14.2 (a)

1.4.3 Ov

Copyright reserved

NucleotidesY
Ribose” sugar

3v
5vY

March 2024

(4 x 2)

(3 x 1)

(2 x 2)

TOTAL SECTION A:

Please turn over

(8)

(3)

(4)

(1)
(1)

(1)
(1)

(1)
(5)

20

### Page 14

Deosvaleaded from Stanmonrephysiosveonrs March 2024

SECTION. B
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 (a) Amino acidY
(b) mRNAY
2.1.2 TCAY

2.1.3 Determines the sequence of amino acids that form a protein’
(Mark the first ONE only)
2.1.4 There will be a change in the sequence of bases on the MRNAY
which may lead to the different tRNAY
bringing different amino acid
resulting to the formation of different protein’
OR
- There will be a change in the sequence of bases on the mMRNAY
- which may lead to the different t(RNAY
- bringing same amino acidY
- resulting to the formation of same proteinY Any

2.1.5 RibosomeY

2.2 2.2.1 - Learning delaysY
- Distinct physical featuresY
- Poor muscle developmentY Any
(Mark the first TWO only)

at position 21V
- fail to separate /non-disjunction of chromatids
- leading to an extra chromosome 21v in the gametes Any

Copyright reserved Please turn over

(1)
(1)

(1)
(1)

(3)

(1)
(8)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(2)

(7)
[15]

### Page 15

Dosvaeloaded from Stanmonrephysiosveonrs March 2024

QUESTION 3

3.1 641

3.1.2

3:1:3

3.1.4

3.2 3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.2.4

(a) PituitaryY gland
(b) Corpus luteumv

It converts the ruptured follicle into corpus luteumv
(Mark the first ONE only)

- Endometrium will not be further thickenedyY
- no implantation may occurY
- Miscarriage will occurY /no pregnancy
OR
- Endometrium will not be maintainedv
- and no maintenance of pregnancyY
- Miscarriage may occurY

- It decreases the FSH level in the bloodv

- and no follicle developmentY

- leading decreased oestrogenv in the blood

- Therefore, no thickening of the endometriumY Any

Anastrozole medicinev

- Thirty men participatedv in the investigation

- Average testosterone level was calculatedY Any
(Mark the first ONE only)

- To show that testosterone level increases in group BY
- is due to the anastrozole medicinev

Anastrozole medicine increases the average testosterone levelv v in sub
fertile men

TOTAL SECTION B:

GRAND TOTAL:

Copyright reserved

(1)
(1)

(1)

(3)

(3)
(9)

(1)

(1)

(2)

(2)
(6)
[15]
30

50

## Related documents

- [LIFE SCIENCES P1 MEMO GR12 SEPT2024 English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-memo-gr12-sept2024-english/fa4befb2-edb6-4abd-ab23-dadee10f33fc) — Life Sciences · Memo · 2024 · Eng
- [LIFE SCIENCES P1 QP GR12 SEPT2024 ISIXHOSA](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-qp-gr12-sept2024-isixhosa/bb797fac-0132-4eef-bdb5-8f799aaa6a5d) — Life Sciences · QP · 2024 · isiXhosa
- [Life Sciences MEMO May June 2024 Free State](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-memo-may-june-2024-free-state/f64294e8-cf5e-4480-84f9-3737ae031041) — Life Sciences · Memo · 2024
- [Gr 12 Life Sciences (English) June 2024 Question Paper](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-12-life-sciences-english-june-2024-question-paper/bcc5f9b8-cec0-4ce9-b98f-a2f48f66b8c4) — Life Sciences · QP · 2024 · Eng
- [Gr 12 Life Sciences P1 (English) 2024 Possible Answers](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-12-life-sciences-p1-english-2024-possible-answers/f92ba3f0-2aa9-4a93-8230-8fa1e37eb2c9) — Life Sciences · Memo · 2024 · Eng
- [Gr 12 Life Sciences P2 (English) 2024 Possible Answers](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-12-life-sciences-p2-english-2024-possible-answers/056e47d6-2126-48a7-b13d-b4af9641a5a9) — Life Sciences · Memo · 2024 · Eng

## More from Grade 12 Life Sciences

- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 Free State](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-free-state/470ae841-15a4-4ab3-a87b-abd2294edc20) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 Gauteng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-gauteng/bbdf9d27-c483-4cd4-af9f-287e699f482e) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC QP March 2025 KZN](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-qp-march-2025-kzn/b1598f8e-58e0-4c09-b513-b9f61ae73c47) — QP · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 KZN](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-kzn/f412416e-57d1-473d-886a-87c9fbb8823c) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 Mpumalanga](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-mpumalanga/17b4cc42-641c-4d7d-9c53-6bac113ce83c) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P1 QP September 2025 Mpumalanga](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p1-qp-september-2025-mpumalanga/be917127-6071-4190-b900-3c475d5bfdd4) — QP · 2025

## Collection

- [Grade 12 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-12/past-papers)

---

Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. When citing, link the page URL above, not a PDF or /api/ URL.