# Life Sciences Grade 12 EC June 2016 Memo (English)

> Grade 12 Life Sciences memorandum from the EC June 2016 (English), 11 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, question paper linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/lfsc-memo-eng-jun2016/2c8d65c6-f546-40a9-a710-986b0ea44646
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Memorandum
- Year: 2016
- Exam period: EC June
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 11

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · EC June · 2016. Memorandum, 11 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there.

## Document text

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\

                         NATIONAL
                    SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                            GRADE 12

                 JUNE EXAMINATION 2016

                       LIFE SCIENCES
                       MEMORANDUM

MARKS:   150

                   This memorandum consists of 11 pages.

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2                                   LIFE SCIENCES                       (EC/ JUNE 2016)

PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES

1.    If more information than marks allocated is given

      Stop marking when maximum marks is reached and put a wavy line
      and write 'max' in the right-hand margin.

2.    If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given

      Mark the first three irrespective of whether all or some are
      correct/incorrect.

3.    If whole process is given when only a part of it is required

      Read all and credit the relevant part.

4.    If comparisons are asked for but descriptions are given

      Accept if the differences/similarities are clear.

5.    If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given

      Candidates will lose marks for not tabulating.

6.    If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are
      required

      Candidates will lose marks.

7.    If flow charts are given instead of descriptions

      Candidates will lose marks.

8.    If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense

      Where sequence and links are correct, credit. Where sequence and links
      are incorrect, do not credit. If sequence and links become correct again,
      resume credit.

9.    Non-recognised abbreviations

      Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the
      unrecognised abbreviation but credit the rest of the answer if correct.

10.   Wrong numbering

      If answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong
      number is given, it is acceptable.

11.   If language used changes the intended meaning

      Do not accept.

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(EC/JUNE 2016)                         LIFE SCIENCES                                          3

 12.     Spelling errors

         If recognisable, accept the answer, provided it does not mean something
         else in Life Sciences or if it is out of context.

 13.     If common names are given in terminology

         Accept, provided it was accepted at the provincial memo discussion meeting.

 14.     If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa)

         Do not credit.

 15.     If units are not given in measurements

         Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum will allocate marks for units
         separately.

 16.     Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a
         different way.

 17.     Caption

         All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption.

 18.     Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts)

         A single word or two that appear(s) 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.

 19.     Changes to the memorandum

         No changes must be made to the memoranda without consulting the
         provincial internal moderator.

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4                                  LIFE SCIENCES              (EC/ JUNE 2016)

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 1.1.1   A 
    1.1.2   D 
    1.1.3   C 
    1.1.4   B 
    1.1.5   C 
    1.1.6   C 
    1.1.7   D 
    1.1.8   B 
    1.1.9   B                                              (9 x 2)    (18)

1.2 1.2.1   Cataract 
    1.2.2   Cristae 
    1.2.3   Alleles 
    1.2.4   Stem cells 
    1.2.5   Auxin 
    1.2.6   Pituitary gland / Hypophysis 
    1.2.7   Leydig cells  / Interstitial cells              (7 x 1)      (7)

1.3 1.3.1   A only 
    1.3.2   A only 
    1.3.3   None 
    1.3.4   A only 
    1.3.5   B only 
    1.3.6   A only                                         (6 x 2)    (12)

1.4 1.4.1   (a)   Grey hair with red eyes 
            (b)   White hair with black eyes 
            (c)   White hair with red eyes 
            (d)   Grey hair with black eyes                              (4)

    1.4.2   (a)    8
            (b)    8
            (c)    0
            (d)    0                                                     (4)

1.5 1.5.1   (a)    Increases 
            (b)    Pituitary gland/Hypophysis 
            (c)    Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) 
            (d)    The collecting duct 
            (e)    More                                                  (5)

                                                   TOTAL SECTION A:       50

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(EC/JUNE 2016)                         LIFE SCIENCES                                   5

 SECTION B

 QUESTION 2

 2.1 2.1.1       Figure 1 ‒ DNA replication 
                 Figure 2 ‒ Transcription                                             (2)

       2.1.2     DNA replication                                                      (1)

       2.1.3        The genetic material in the mother cell 
                    will not be equally distributed between daughter cells 
                    this will lead to the formation of abnormal cells 
                    causing physiological disorders such as cancer 
                                                                         (Any 2 x 1)   (2)

       2.1.4     Mutation                                                             (1)

       2.1.5      Continuous exposure to X-rays / Cosmic rays  /UV rays 
                  Consumption of carcinogenic food 
                  Exposure to radio-active materials            (Any 2 x 1)          (2)

       2.1.6     1 ‒ GTC 
                 2 ‒ GTG 
                 3 ‒ CAC 
                 4 ‒ CAG 
                 5 ‒ CAC 
                 6 ‒ GUG                                                              (6)

       2.1.7      Since only a small piece of DNA is analysed, a DNA profile
                   may not be unique to an individual 
                  DNA profiling performed in private laboratories may not
                   follow uniform testing standards and quality controls 
                  Since human beings must interpret the test, human error
                   could lead to false results                       (Any 2 x 1)      (2)

       2.1.8     Human hair,  nail, blood,  semen,  skin or human flesh 
                                                                    (Any 2 x 1)        (2)

 2.2 2.2.1       Cloning                                                               (1)

       2.2.2      Remove an ovum from sheep B 
                  Remove the haploid  nucleus  of this ovum in the
                   laboratory using micro-surgery
                  Remove an actively dividing somatic  cell from sheep A of
                   the same species 
                  Extract the diploid  nucleus from the somatic cell using
                   micro-surgery
                  The diploid nucleus of sheep A is inserted into the ovum of
                   sheep B 
                  The ovum behaves like a fertilised egg 
                  The manipulated or ‘fertilised ovum’ is then placed in the
                   uterus of sheep C for further development 
                  A new individual is born (x) and is called a clone of
                   sheep A                                            (Any 5 x 1)     (5)

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6                                   LIFE SCIENCES                          (EC/ JUNE 2016)

    2.2.3   Sheep A                                                                   (1)

    2.2.4        This technique involves no natural fusion of male and female
                  gametes 
                 Therefore there is no variation in the offspring 
                 The offspring X receives its genetic material only from sheep
                  A
                 Therefore, the new offspring (X) will be phenotypically and
                  genotypically identical to sheep A                 (Any 2 x 1)      (2)

2.3 2.3.1   Blood alcohol concentration / alcohol level                               (1)

    2.3.2   Reaction time of a person measured when the blood has no
            alcohol content.                                                          (1)

    2.3.3   (a)        Use same type/same strength/brand of alcohol 
                       Same type of food consumed before the test 
                       Same amount of food/no food consumed before the
                        test 
                       Same age group 
                       People with the same body mass/size 
                       Same gender (any other relevant answers)  (Any 2 x 1)         (2)

            (b)      Repeat the experiment several times and take the
                      average 
                     Use larger sample size                                          (2)

    2.3.4   A – Cerebrum 
            B – Cerebellum                                                            (2)

    2.3.5    Consumption of alcohol slows down one’s reflexes  and ability
              in decision making 
             The more you drink, the higher your alcohol level in the blood
              and the stronger the effect of alcohol, hence:
               Slowing down the transmission of impulses from the eye
                  to the cerebrum  therefore, the ability to see fine details
                  in object is hampered
               Slowing down the transmission of impulses from the vision
                  centre to the decision making centre of the cerebrum 
                  resulting in a delay in the decision making process 
               Slowing down the transmission of impulses from the
                  decision making centre to the effector  causing a delay
                  in the application of the braking system 
               The proper functioning of cerebellum is also affected 
                  and therefore, the ability to balance the body is adversely
                  affected                                                           (5)
                                                                                     [40]

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(EC/JUNE 2016)                         LIFE SCIENCES                                 7

 QUESTION 3

 3.1 3.1.1       (a)   Graaffian follicle 
                 (b)   Corpus luteum                                                (2)

       3.1.2     (a) As the level of oestrogen rises the endometrium of the
                     uterus becomes more vascular  and thicker                     (2)
                 (b) A drop in the level of progesterone leads to the
                     degeneration  of the endometrium and eventually causes
                     menstruation                                                   (2)

       3.1.3     Confirmation of pregnancy or conception  (implantation of
                 fertilised egg)                                                     (1)

       3.1.4      The insertion of IUD in the uterus only prevents the
                   implantation and further development of fertilised egg. (it is
                   used as a contraceptive device) 
                  It does not prevent the secretion and functioning of female
                   hormones and subsequent processes                                (2)

 3.2 3.2.1       (a)    Placenta 
                 (b)    Umbilical cord 
                 (c)    Amniotic fluid                                              (3)

       3.2.2      The premature breaking of amnion causes drainage of
                   amniotic fluid causing:
                    Quicker dehydration of the foetus 
                    Temperature variations 
                    No free foetal movement 
                    No protection from mechanical injury due to shock or
                      turbulence                                  (Any 3 x 1)       (3)

       3.2.3     Placenta  / A                                                      (1)

       3.2.4      As the foetus develops, blood filled spaces called maternal
                   sinuses develop 
                  The chorionic villi extend into these sinuses 
                  The blood of foetus and that of the mother are very close to
                   each other but do not mix because they are separated by the
                   walls of the chorionic villi 
                  The umbilical cord attaches the foetus to the placenta and it
                   contains the umbilical artery and umbilical vein 
                  The umbilical artery carries deoxygenated blood with
                   nitrogenous waste from the embryo to the placenta 
                  The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood with nutrients
                   from the placenta to the foetus                    (Any 4 x 1)   (4)

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8                                LIFE SCIENCES                        (EC/ JUNE 2016)

3.3 3.3.1   Anaphase 2                                                           (1)

    3.3.2   Single chromatids (daughter chromosomes) are pulled towards
            the opposite poles by spindle fibres                                (2)

    3.3.3   Chromosomal non-disjunction                                         (1)

    3.3.4

            Mark allocation:
            C – Shows 3 homologous chromosome pairs/
                 6 chromosomes (not chromatids) 
            P – Shows alignment at the equatorial plate 
            V – Correct variation shown in the chromosomes.  (shading
                on the chromosomes must be complementary)
            (Use the letters for marking process.)                               (4)

3.4 3.4.1         To generate additional funds towards improving the
                   quality of health care 
                  To reduce the consumption of sugars per day through
                   price increase 
                  To generate funds to support programs and research
                   designed to reduce the human and economic costs of
                   diabetics                                    (Any 2 x 1)     (2)

    3.4.2   Productivity of labour is significantly reduced because:
                Employers do not assign risky tasks to diabetes sufferers
                  due to possible hypoglycemia 
                A general slowness and impaired vision caused by the
                  condition 
                Loss of working hours due to sick leave 
                Shortage of skilled workers due to early retirement,
                  disability and mortality                      (Any 1 x 1)
            The impact on the economy:
                Increasing medical costs 
                Loss of wages and benefits due to extended sick leave 
                                                                  (Any 1 x 1)    (1)

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(EC/JUNE 2016)                        LIFE SCIENCES                                     9

 3.5 3.5.1       A                                                                   (1)

       3.5.2     2                                                                   (1)

       3.5.3     Retina / cornea / lens                             (Any 1 x 1)    (1)

       3.5.4        The ciliary muscle contracts and moves closer to the lens 
                    the ciliary body moves forward 
                    the tension on the suspensory ligament decreases  and
                    the tension on the lens is released 
                    the elastic lens now bulges and becomes more convex 
                    the refractive power of the lens is increased 
                    a clear image of the object is now formed on the retina 
                                                                        (Any 5 x 1)    (5)
                                                                                      [40]

                                                             TOTAL SECTION B:         80

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10                               LIFE SCIENCES                         (EC/ JUNE 2016)

SECTION C

QUESTION 4

4.1 Hearing (process)
     Sound waves are directed by the pinna 
     through the auditory canal 
     to the tympanic membrane 
     causing the eardrum to vibrate 
     The vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transferred to the
      ossicles  of the middle ear
     The footplate of the stirrup causes the membrane of the oval window
      to vibrate 
     This sets up pressure waves in the perilymph of the vestibular canal 
     The pressure waves are transferred to the endolymph of the cochlea
      canal 
     The pressure waves stimulate the hair cells in the organ of corti 
     The hair cells convert the stimulus to an impulse 
     The impulse is transmitted along the auditory nerve  to the
      cerebrum  of the brain where the sound is interpreted
     The pressure waves pass into the tympanic canal where they are
      finally absorbed by the round window                          (Max. 7)      (7)

     Turing of head to inspect the source of sound (response)
      The interpretation of sound leads to an investigative reaction 
      The cerebrum send impulses  (instruction)
      to the neck muscles (effector) 
      through the motor nerves 
      resulting in an antagonistic action  of neck muscles
      enabling the head to turn towards the source of sound 
      so that eyes can gather further information regarding the nature and
       source of sound                                                (Max. 4)     (4)

     Plant response to unilateral light stimulus
      The tip of the plant stem 
      has the ability to respond to unilateral light stimulus
      by growth movements 
      This is called phototropism 
      When stems are exposed to unilateral light
      the plant hormone called auxins  are produced at the growing tip
        of the stem
      the brightly-lit side suffers from a shortage of auxins 
      because auxins move to the darker sides of the stem / are destroyed
        by the light 
      A high concentration of auxins promotes elongation of plant cells 
      thus uneven distribution of auxins 
      causes uneven growth of the stem with the darker side growing
        faster
      The stem thus bends towards the light                       (Max. 6)       (6)

                                                                     Content:      17
                                                                   Synthesis:       3

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(EC/JUNE 2016)                           LIFE SCIENCES                                   11

 ASSESSING THE PRESENTATION OF ESSAY

 Criterion       Relevance (R)           Logical sequence (L) Comprehensive (C)
 In this         All information         Ideas arranged in a      Answered all
 essay           provided is relevant    logical/cause-effect     aspects required by
                 to the topic.           sequence                 the essay.
                 Only information        Logical sequence of      Includes sufficient
                 relating to the         events in hearing,       information on all
                 hearing, subsequent     subsequent               processes. i.e.,
                 response and plant      response as well as      hearing (4),
                 response to             the plant response       subsequent
                 unilateral light        to unilateral stimulus   response (2) and
                 stimulus is included.   provided.                plant response to
                 (There is no                                     unilateral light
                 irrelevant                                       stimulus (4).
                 information.)
 Mark                     1                        1                       1

                                                                            Synthesis   (3)

                                                                  TOTAL SECTION C:       20
                                                                     GRAND TOTAL:       150

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