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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
JUNE 2023
LIFE SCIENCES
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
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Life Sciences Grade 12 Eastern Cape June 2023 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Life Sciences question paper from the Eastern Cape June Exam 2023 (English), 18 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape June Exam · 2023 · English. Question paper, 18 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Language
- English
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2023
- Exam period
- Eastern Cape June Exam
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 18
- File size
- 845.0 KB
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Eastern Cape June Exam 2023
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2 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write ALL the answers in your ANSWER BOOK.
3. Start the answer 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. Write neatly and legibly.
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 3
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers
(1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.
1.1.1 Which word/term describes the process shown in the diagram?
A Fertilisation
B Mitosis
C Morula
D Meiosis
1.1.2 The diagram shows a human 28-day menstrual cycle divided into four
parts P, Q, R and S. The ovum is released on day 14.
In which part of the cycle does menstruation occur?
A P
B Q
C R
D S
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4 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
1.1.3 The diagram shows a section of the human brain.
Which part is responsible for intelligence?
A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4
1.1.4 Which ONE of the following represents a single RNA nucleotide?
A Deoxyribose-adenine-thymine
B Adenine-ribose-phosphate
C Deoxyribose-thymine-phosphate
D Uracil-deoxyribose-phosphate
1.1.5 What percentage of thymine bases is present in a DNA molecule
with 2 000 bases if 600 bases are guanine?
A 20
B 40
C 30
D 60
1.1.6 The central nervous system is made up of the …
A cranial and spinal nerves.
B autonomic and peripheral nervous systems.
C cranial nerves and the brain.
D brain and the spinal cord.
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 5
1.1.7 The following table shows the events of mitosis and meiosis I.
MITOSIS MEIOSIS I
(i) The number of chromosomes The number of chromosomes is
remains the same halved
(ii) Daughter cells formed are Daughter cells formed are
genetically different from genetically identical to each
each other other
(iii) Single chromosomes are Homologous chromosomes
arranged at the equator pairs are arranged at the
during metaphase equator during metaphase
(iv) Two daughter cells are Four daughter cells are formed
formed
Which ONE of the following is the correct difference between mitosis
and meiosis 1?
A (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
B (ii) and (iv) only
C (i) and (iii) only
D (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
QUESTIONS 1.1.8 AND 1.1.9 REFER TO THE DIAGRAMS
SHOWING SOME PHASES OF MEIOSIS BELOW.
(The diagrams are not necessarily in the correct order.)
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6 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
1.1.8 Which ONE of the following is CORRECT regarding labels A, B and C
in the diagrams?
A B C
A Centrosome Cell wall Chromatid
B Centromere Cell membrane Chromosome
C Centromere Cell membrane Chromatid
D Centrosome Cell membrane Chromatid
1.1.9 Which ONE of the following shows the correct sequence of the phases
in meiosis?
A 3, 1, 2, 4
B 2, 1, 3, 4
C 1, 3, 2, 4
D 1, 2, 3, 4
1.1.10 A pair of homologous chromosomes involved in normal meiosis in an
ovary carries the alleles shown below.
Possible chromosomes produced in the ova would include:
(10 x 2) (20)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 7
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 1.2.7) in the ANSWER
BOOK.
1.2.1 The type of dominance resulting in an intermediate phenotype in the
heterozygous condition
1.2.2 The name of the process when homologous chromosome pairs fail
to separate during meiosis
1.2.3 The number, shape and arrangement of all the chromosomes in the
nucleus of a somatic cell
1.2.4 A genetic disorder caused by the absence of a blood clotting agent
1.2.5 Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
1.2.6 Eggs are retained/hatch in the female body and the young are born
live
1.2.7 It includes the building of nests, protection, teaching of young and
feeding – the care, or lack thereof, directly influences the survival of
the young (7 x 1) (7)
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 Phase during which cytokinesis takes A: Telophase I
place B: Telophase II
1.3.2 Development in birds that is complete A: Precocial development
such that the young are born B: Altricial development
independent, with eyes open, with
down feathers and able to move or
feed independently
1.3.3 Collects nitrogenous waste and A: Chorion
assists in the exchange of gases B: Allantois
(3 x 2) (6)
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8 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
1.4 In watermelons, there are two alleles for taste, bitter fruit and sweet fruit. The
allele for bitter fruit (B) is dominant over the allele for sweet fruit (b). There are
two alleles for skin appearance, yellow spots and no spots. The allele for
yellow spots (N) is dominant over the allele for no spots (n).
Plant A, which is heterozygous for bitter fruit and yellow spots, was crossed
with plant B, which has sweet fruit and no spots.
1.4.1 Give the term that describes a genetic cross involving two
characteristics. (1)
1.4.2 Give:
(a) The genotype of plant B (2)
(b) The dominant phenotype for taste in watermelons (1)
(c) All possible genotypes of the gametes of plant A (2)
1.4.3 List TWO ways in which the phenotype of a watermelon with genotype
bbNn differs from the phenotype of a watermelon with genotype Bbnn. (2)
1.4.4 State Mendel’s principle of independent assortment. (2)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 9
1.5 The diagram below shows a genetic engineering process. A donor cell was
taken from the skin cell of a male pig to create a new offspring.
1.5.1 Name the genetic engineering process shown in the diagram above. (1)
1.5.2 State TWO advantages of the process mentioned in QUESTION 1.5.1
in agriculture. (2)
1.5.3 Name the type of cell division through which:
(a) Cell D divides (1)
(b) Ovum B is produced (1)
1.5.4 A somatic cell in a pig contains 38 chromosomes.
How many chromosomes would there be in:
(a) Structure A (1)
(b) A skin cell in organism E (1)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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10 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 The diagram below represents part of a DNA molecule.
C G
T A
G C
A T
2.1.1 Name the structures inside the nucleus that contain DNA. (1)
2.1.2 Besides the nucleus, name ONE other place in a cell where DNA is
found. (1)
2.1.3 What type of substances are labelled A, G, C and T in the DNA
molecule shown above? (1)
2.1.4 The coded message in DNA is used in the process of protein synthesis.
Name and describe the stage during protein synthesis responsible for
the copying of the coded message from DNA.
(*1 compulsory mark + Any 5) (6)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 11
2.2 Syndrome H is an inherited condition. People with syndrome H do not
produce the enzyme IDUA. All enzymes are proteins.
The diagram below shows part of a gene coding for the enzyme IDUA.
Strand X from
C T C A T A C A G C T C a person
without
syndrome H
Strand Y from
C T C A T A T A G C T C a person
with
syndrome H
The table below shows mRNA anticodons and the amino acids they code for.
mRNA codons Amino acid
AUA Methionine
AUC Isoleucine
CAG Glutamine
CUC Leucine
GAG Glutamic acid
GUC Valine
UAU Tyrosine
2.2.1 For strand X, state the number of:
(a) Codons for the corresponding mRNA molecule (1)
(b) Different amino acids coded for (1)
2.2.2 Give the DNA triplet on strand Y that codes for the amino acid glutamic
acid. (1)
2.2.3 Strand Y shows a mutation in the DNA which has caused syndrome
H.
The enzyme IDUA helps to break down a carbohydrate in the human
body. The enzyme IDUA produced from Strand Y will not work.
Explain how the mutation could cause the enzyme not to work. (5)
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12 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
2.3 The diagram below is a representation of chromosomes during and after a
certain process during meiosis.
A
B
2.3.1 Name the process represented above. (1)
2.3.2 Identify part A. (1)
2.3.3 Give ONE function of part B. (1)
2.3.4 Describe the behaviour of chromosomes during the process mentioned
in QUESTION 2.3.1. (3)
2.3.5 Explain ONE significance of the process shown. (2)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 13
2.4 The graphs below show the blood hormone concentration of two ovarian
hormones and changes that occur in the uterus lining during a 28-day cycle of
a woman.
Hormone Y
Blood hormone
Hormone X
concentration
0 7 14 21 28
Time / days
Thickness of uterus
lining hormone
concentration
0 7 14 21 28
Time / days
2.4.1 Identify hormone Y. (1)
2.4.2 Explain the reason for your answer to QUESTION 2.4.1 by referring to
both graphs. (2)
2.4.3 State the biological term used for the uterus lining. (1)
2.4.4 Explain whether fertilisation occurred during the cycle of this woman. (3)
2.4.5 Name and describe how the two hormones secreted from the pituitary
gland control the menstrual cycle. (4)
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14 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
2.5 Cadasil is an inherited disorder which leads to the weakening of blood vessels
in the brain. It is caused by a dominant allele (D).
The pedigree diagram shows the inheritance of Cadasil in a family.
2.5.1 (a) State what a dominant allele is. (1)
(b) Give evidence from the pedigree diagram that Cadasil is caused
by a dominant allele. (1)
2.5.2 (a) Is Sam homozygous or heterozygous for the Cadasil allele? (1)
(b) Give evidence from the diagram for your answer to
QUESTION 2.5.2 (a). (1)
2.5.3 Sam and Ash are planning to have another baby.
Use a genetic cross to find the percentage chance that the new baby
will develop into a person with Cadasil. (6)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 15
2.6 Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Scientists are trying to develop treatment for Cadasil by using stem cells.
Specially treated stem cells would be injected into the damaged part of the
brain. Embryonic stem cells can be obtained by removing a few cells from a
human embryo. Scientists have discovered how to change adult skin cells into
stem cells.
2.6.1 Why would scientists use stem cells in the treatment of Cadasil? (3)
2.6.2 Suggest ONE advantage of using stem cells from adult skin cells than
from embryos. (1)
[50]
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16 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
QUESTION 3
3.1 The diagram shows sperm cells, viewed using a microscope, from two different
men.
3.1.1 Use the information in the diagram to give TWO reasons why man A is
more fertile than man B. (2)
3.1.2 Discuss TWO structural adaptations of the sperm cells to reach the
ovum in the Fallopian tube of the female. (4)
3.1.3 “The father determines the gender of a baby.” Explain why this
statement can be regarded as true. (3)
3.1.4 Tabulate TWO differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis. (5)
3.2 The diagram shows part of the human ear.
3.2.1 Name the part of the ear that contains structures B, C and D. (1)
3.2.2 Give the collective name for structures B, C and D. (1)
3.2.3 Explain the consequence if part B and C are fused. (2)
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(EC/JUNE2023) LIFE SCIENCES 17
3.2.4 Tube A may be blocked when a person has a throat infection. Name
tube A and explain why it would be dangerous for such a person to go
skydiving. (4)
3.2.5 Explain how the eardrum and the oval window contribute to the
amplification of sound. (2)
3.3 The diagram below shows a bee flying towards a man’s eye.
Eyelid
As the bee approaches the man’s eye, light from the bee reaches the light
sensitive cells in the eye. The muscles in the eyelid shut the man’s eye before
the bee hits his eye.
3.3.1 Name the type of response that results in the shutting of the man’s
eye before the bee hits his eye. (1)
3.3.2 Describe the pathway taken by the nerve impulse to cause the
response mentioned in QUESTION 3.3.1. (5)
3.3.3 The population of the USA is 322 million, of which 151,34 million are
over 40 years of age. 17,2% of the people over the age of 40 develop
a cataract.
(a) Explain how a cataract would affect the ability to see. (2)
(b) Calculate the number of people in the USA over the age of 40
who develop a cataract. (3)
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18 LIFE SCIENCES (EC/JUNE2023)
3.4 Scientists conducted an investigation to determine the effect of caffeine on an
individual’s reaction time.
The procedure was as follows:
(i) Individual A held a 30 cm ruler just above the hand of individual B.
(ii) Individual A let go of the ruler.
(iii) Individual B caught the ruler as soon as possible.
(iv) The experiment was repeated seven more times
(v) Individual B (catcher) drank a cup of strong coffee.
(vi) Coffee contains caffeine
(vii) Fifteen (15) minutes after individual B drank the coffee, steps (i)–(iv) were
repeated.
The results of the experiment are presented in the table below:
Distance the ruler fell before it was caught (cm)
Experiment
Before drinking coffee After drinking coffee
1 18 8
2 21 13
3 25 11
4 15 17
5 19 10
6 16 14
7 12 13
8 21 13
Average 18,4 X
3.4.1 Identify the:
(a) Independent variable (1)
(b) Dependent variable (1)
3.4.2 Calculate the average distance indicated as X in the table above. (2)
3.4.3 State ONE way in which the reliability of the investigation was ensured. (1)
3.4.4 Suggest TWO ways in which the reliability of this investigation can be
improved. (2)
3.4.5 Plot a bar graph showing the average distance the ruler fell before it was
caught before and after drinking coffee. (6)
3.4.6 The scientists used the reading on the ruler as a measure of the reaction
time.
By looking at the results what can you conclude about the effect of
caffeine on reaction time. (2)
[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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