# Life Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 KZN Mock 2025 Question Paper

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the KZN Mock Exam 2025, 15 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p1-qp-september-2025-kzn/b0d3378e-4155-4eac-96cf-7b0c1157a55a
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: KZN Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 15

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Life Sciences · Grade 12 · KZN Mock Exam · 2025. Question paper, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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### Page 1

} KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

EDUCATION
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

CORR RRR ERE RR RRE ERR RRR R EERE RRR RESET

LIFE SCIENCES P1

PREPARATORY EXAMINATION
SEPTEMBER 2025

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MARKS: 150

TIME: 21/2 hours

This question paper consists of 15 pages.

Copyright Reserved : Please Turn Over

### Page 2

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.

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.

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### Page 3

Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025
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 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

By | The myelin sheath on a sensory neuron ...

A conduct impulses away from the cell body.

B carry impulses towards the cell body.

C provides electrical insulation.

D_ ensure one directional transmission of the impulses.

1.1.2 The blind spot in the eye has ...

A rods only.

B both rods and cones.
C norods or cones.

D cones only.

1.1.3. A boy was looking at a distant kite flying up in the sky.

his
Which ONE of the following changes occurred in her eyes?
Suspensory ligaments slacken and the lens became less convex
Suspensory ligaments slacken and the lens became more convex
Suspensory ligaments were taut and the lens became less convex

Suspensory ligaments were taut and the lens became more
convex

0aQawDyY

1.1.4. Which ONE of the following statements is an INCORRECT response of the
human body to an increase in the carbon dioxide levels in the blood?

Heart-beat and breathing rate are increased

Carotid arteries in the neck are stimulated

Message is sent to the hypothalamus

Increased flow of blood with carbon dioxide to the lungs

G0QONUDd

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### Page 4

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12
4

Preparatory Examination 2025

1.1.5 Which ONE of the following combinations is CORRECT for a visual defect,
nature and treatment of the eye?

VISUAL DEFECT NATURE TREATMENT
A | Cataracts Lens is clouded over Surgery
B | Long-sightedness | Eyeball is longer than Corrective lenses
normal
C | Short-sightedness | Eyeballis shorterthan | Corrective lenses
normal
D | Astigmatism Irregular shaped cornea | Surgery

1.1.6 Below is a list of events in regulation of salts.

(i)

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Less salt is reabsorbed into the blood
Less aldosterone is secreted

More salt excreted with urine

The adrenal gland is stimulated

Which ONE of the following combinations is the CORRECT sequence in
regulating high salt levels in the blood?

0owD

(iv) > (ii) > Gi) > @
(ii) > (iv) > @) > Gili)
(vi) > (i) > @) > (iii)
(iv) > () > (iii) > Gi)

QUESTIONS 1.1.7 AND 1.1.8 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW

WHICH

REPRESENTS PART OF THE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

RESPONSE THAT OCCURS WHEN A PERSON HAS LOST TOO MUCH
WATER AND IS DETECTED BY THE BRAIN.

E>. Hormone A map Kidney map Response

1.1.7. The hormone A is identified as ...

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A
B
Cc
D

TSH.
ADH.
LH.

FSH.

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### Page 5

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

1.1.8 The response referred to in the diagram is ...

00OW>

less water is re-absorbed by osmosis.

urine becoming less concentrated.

the increased permeability of the collecting duct of the kidney.
the increased amount of water lost with the urine.

1.1.9 Which ONE of the following combinations are involved in maintaining
balance when there is a change in the direction of movement of the body?

o0OoOWDDyY

Cristae and cerebrum
Maculae and cerebrum
Cristae and cerebellum
Maculae and cerebellum

1.1.10 The diagrams below represent the male and female reproductive
systems.

c

Which ONE of the following combinations represents the correct labels
with their functions?

A

B
c
D

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B transports sperm cells to the vagina and D is responsible for
implantation
C stores sperm cells and E serves as passage during child birth
A provides nutrients for sperm cells and D is the site for fertilisation
B transports the semen and A produces testosterone
(10 x 2) (20)

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### Page 6

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025
6

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 1.2.9) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.2.3

1.2.4

1.2.5

1.2.6

U27

1.2.8

1.2.9

Part of the male reproductive system that stores sperm cells
A growth response of the plant part in response to an external stimulus
The membranes that protect the brain

The ductless glands that release their secretions directly into the
bloodstream to be transported to the target organs

A structure in the eye that absorbs light to prevent internal reflection
A plant growth pattern where lateral branch growth is inhibited by the auxins

The ability of the eye to adjust the curvature of the lens to allow for near
and distant vision

A brain disorder characterised by the body's immune system attacking and
destroying the myelin sheath that covers the axons

The division of the autonomic nervous system that slows down reactions in
the body

(9 x 1) (9)

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 | Membrane that allows gaseous exchange | A: Allantois
in the amniotic egg B: Chorion
1.3.2 | Arapid, involuntary response to a stimulus | A: Reflex arc
B: Reflex action
1.3.3 | Hormone that promotes stem elongation at | A: Abscisic acid
the internodes B: Gibberellins

(3x2) (6)

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Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

1.4 The diagram below represents the structure of the human ear.

1.4.1. Write down the LETTER and NAME of the part that:

(a) | Equalises pressure on either side of part A (2)
(b) | Agrommet is surgically inserted to treat middle ear infections (2)
(c) Contains receptors to maintain balance when there is a change in
direction of the body (2)
(4) Absorbs pressure from the inner ear (2)
1.4.2 Name the receptors that are found in part D. "

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Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

8

1.5 The diagram below represents the structure of the human brain.

1.5.1 Identify part:
(a) A
(b) B
(c) ©
1.5.3 A person suffered a brain injury after severe encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain tissue). The heartbeat was normal, but
experienced occasional loss of hearing and co-ordination of skeletal
muscles.
Write down the LETTER of the part that:
(a) Is affected as the skeletal muscles lost co-ordination
(b) Is affected as hearing is lost

(c) Ensures the normal heartbeat of the person

TOTAL SECTION A:

(1)
(1)
(1)

(1)
(1)
(1)

(6)
[50]

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### Page 9

Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

9

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1

2.2

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Read the passage below:

During the mating ritual of seahorses, the female deposits her eggs in the male’s
pouch. Then the male releases his sperms into the same pouch. Fertilisation
occurs inside the pouch. Male seahorse cares for the developing eggs and
protects them inside the pouch.

When the seahorses are ready to be born, the male contracts, muscles in his
abdomen to expel the fully developed offspring into the water. The parent
seahorses do not look after their offspring.

2.1.1 Name the type of:

(a) Fertilization displayed by seahorses

(b) Development as a reproductive strategy shown by seahorses
212 Give ONE reason for your answer in QUESTION 2.1.1 (a)

2.1.3 From the passage, state ONE way in which seahorses increase the
chances of fertilisation.

2.1.4 The seahorse species is ovoviviparous.

Explain ONE possible advantage in the development of the offspring in
ovoviviparous when compared to oviparous.

The diagram below represents the eye under different light conditions.
<-D>--<fep>
x Y

2.2.1 Name the mechanism in which the eye adjusts in response to the stimulus
of light.

2.2.2 Identify the diagram (X or Y) which represents the eye in bright light
conditions.

2.2.3 Describe the changes that occurs in part A from diagram X to Y.

(1)
(1)
(1)

(1)

(2)
(6)

(1)
(1)

(3)
(5)

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Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025
10

2.3 The diagram below represents a developing foetus in a female reproductive system.

2.3.1 Identify part:

(a) ¢ (1)

(b) D (1)
2.3.2 State TWO functions of the part identified in QUESTION 2.3.1 (a). (2)
2.3.3 Explain:

(a) | TWO ways in which part A protects the developing foetus. (4)

(b) | Why structure B does not need to be blocked during the development

of the foetus. (4)
(12)

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### Page 11

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12
11

Preparatory Examination 2025

2.4 Aninvestigation was conducted to determine the change in the ovarian hormone
levels in the blood during the menstrual cycle.

The results are shown in the table below.

2.4.1

2.4.2

2.4.3

2.4.4

2.4.5

CONCENTRATION OF OVARIAN
HORMONES IN THE BLOOD (ng/mL)
TIME (DAYS) | HORMONE X HORMONE Y
3 0.7 2
6 0.8 8
9 1.2 18
12 2 24
15 18 16
18 25 14
21 18 10
24 12 6
27 6 5
30 2 4

Identify hormone:
(a) X
(b) Y

Ovulation took place soon after day 12.

Use the evidence in the table above to explain this statement.

(1)
(1)

(2)

Based on the information in the table, describe what will happen in the lining
of the uterus from day 3 to 9.

(2)

Explain why the level of hormone X should remain high if fertilization occurs. (3)

Draw two-line graphs showing the first fifteen days and the two hormones
(X and Y) on the same set of axes.

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(6)
(15)

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### Page 12

Life Sciences/P1

Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

12

2.5 The graph below shows the blood glucose concentration in a normal and diabetic

person. Both persons were injected with the glucose solution at 30 minutes
during the investigation.
Blood glucose concentration (mg/ 100 ml) over 150
minutes
450
— 400
a
3 350
= 300 4
2 250
H 200 —@Normal person
3B 1500 -t Diabetic person
o
3 100
m 50
OF 7
) 30 60 90 120 150 180
Time (minutes)

2.5.1

2.5.2

2.5.3

2.5.4

2.5.5

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How many minutes after the injection of glucose solution did the glucose
concentration reach its highest level in the normal person?

By how many mg/ 100 mL did the glucose concentration of the diabetic
person increased between 60 and 150 minutes? Show ALL working.

Explain the reason for the higher levels of glucose concentration in a
diabetic person.

Describe the relationship between the blood glucose concentration and
normal person from 90 to 150 minutes.

Explain how a normal person responded to high levels of blood sugar
after the ingestion of the glucose solution.

(1)

(2)

(2)

(3)

(4)
(12)
[50]

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### Page 13

Life Sciénces/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025
13

QUESTION 3

3.1. Some people are allergic to certain foods, insect bites or medication. The best
treatment for an allergic reaction is an intravenous (into the bloodstream) injection
of adrenalin (the hormone of “fight or flight’).
3.1.1. Name the gland that secretes adrenalin. (1)
3.1.2 Explain why adrenalin is administered intravenously instead of orally. (2)
3.1.3 Explain why the blood vessels of the muscles dilates during the “fight or flight

“response. (2)

(5)

3.2 The diagram below shows a germinated seed with the root in a horizontal position.

Stationary
Clinostat

3.2.1 Name the type of tropism that will be displayed by the stem. (1)

3.2.2 Describe what will be the effect of the hormone produced at the tip of the
root in this investigation. (8)

3.2.3 A rotating clinostat overcomes the effect of gravity.
Explain the difference in the results if this investigation was set up on a

rotating clinostat. (3)
(9)

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### Page 14

Life Sciences/P1 Grade12
14

Preparatory Examination 2025

3.3 A group of boys were walking barefooted across a grassy field. One of the boys
heard a hissing sound coming from ahead of him and instinctively stepped
backwards, onto a sharp stone. An impulse was transmitted to the boy’s brain,
allowing him to respond to the stimulus of pain experienced by him when he stepped

onto the stone.
3.3.1 Describe how the boy was able to hear the hissing sound. (7)
3.3.2 Draw a labelled diagram of the neuron that transmits the impulse from the
central nervous system to the boy's foot. (4)
3.3.3 Describe the pathway of the impulse that brings about the response in a
boy's foot after stepping onto the stone. om
3.4 The diagrams below represent a section of the internal structure of the skin under
the different environmental conditions.
Oe
A
S
x
3.4.1. What is meant by homeostasis. (2)
3.4.2 Identify the diagram (X or Y) that shows the body's response to a high
temperature. (1)
3.4.3. Give TWO observable reasons for your answer in QUESTION 3.4.2. (2)
3.4.4 Explain the role of part A, in maintaining the body's temperature, under the
condition as seen in diagram X. (3)
(8)

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### Page 15

Life Sciences/P1 Grade12 Preparatory Examination 2025

15

3.5 A male contraceptive pill containing a chemical substance that inhibits the
production of testosterone has been produced for a number of years.

An investigation was conducted to determine the influence of the contraceptive pill
on male fertility.

The procedure of the investigation was as follows:

600 healthy, male volunteers were chosen.

A sperm count was determined for each volunteer.

Each volunteer was given 500 mg of the contraceptive pill monthly over a period
of 12 months.

During the period of investigation, all volunteers were asked to wear loose-fitting
trousers and underwear made of the same light fabric

The number of healthy sperms per ml of semen was measured weekly over a
period of 24 months

The average sperm count per volunteer was calculated

3.5.1 Identify the dependent variable in this investigation.

3.5.2 State how the dependent variable in QUESTION 3.5.1 was measured.

3.5.3. Identify TWO:

(a) Factors that were kept constant during the investigation

(b) Ways in which the reliability was increased

3.5.4 Explain what would be the effect of using the contraceptive pill that inhibits

testosterone production in males.

3.5.5 State ONE reason for monitoring the sperm count 12 months after the

contraceptive pill have been stopped.

3.5.6 Below 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered low known as

oligospermia.

Explain how will a sperm count of 1.2 million sperm per milliliter of semen
affect the fertility of a male.

TOTAL SECTION B:
GRAND TOTAL:

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(1)
(1)

(2)

(2)

(3)

(1)

(12)
[50]

100
150

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