education
Department:
Education
North West Provincial Government
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
LIFE SCIENCES
SEPTEMBER 2025
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
These marking guidelines consists of 12 pages.
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Life Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 North West Mock 2025 Memo
Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 memorandum from the North West Mock Exam 2025, 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · North West Mock Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2025
- Exam period
- North West Mock Exam
- Paper
- 2
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 3.2 MB
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This exam
North West Mock Exam 2025
- Paper 1Question paperMemo
- Paper 2Question paperMemo
Questions in this paper
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NW/September 2025
PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES
a.
10.
11.
12;
13.
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 but 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 are
incorrect, do not credit. If sequence and links become correct again, resume
credit.
Non-recognised abbreviations
Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the unrecognised
abbreviation, but credit the rest of answer if correct.
Wrong numbering
lf 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 recognisable, accept the answer, 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 provincial memo discussion meeting.
Copyright reserved Please turn over
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
NW/September 2025
If only fetter is asked for and only name is given (and vice versa)
Do not credit.
If units are not given in measurements
Candidates will lose marks. The marking guideline 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 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.
Changes to the marking guideline
No changes must be made to the marking guideline without consulting the
Provincial Internal Moderator who in turn will consult with the Provincial Internal
Moderator (and the External moderators where necessary)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1
Sfog cae oe ceree shy
pauper ber per ber es ner Ge GE
COONAN WNH =
12
NNNNNNNNNN
SH OANDOAARWN—=
1.3
ied
@ & &
wro
14
a
fe
Dvv
cv
ByyY
Dvv
By
AVY
Cvv
AVY
Dvv
NucleolusY¥
GenomevY
CytokinesisY
Centriole ¥/Centrosome
Australopithecus ~
Stem cells¥
ContinuousY variation
Species ¥
Homologous” structures
PeptideY bond
None ¥¥
A only V¥
B only VY
(a) AlleleY
(b) MonohybridY cross
1.4.2 OvaryY/Ovule
1.4.3 (a) Violet ¥
(b) Wrinkledv
1.4.4 Law of dominance vv
14.5 (a) 9:3:3:1v¥v
(b) RrPpyv
Copyright reserved
NW/September 2025
(9x2) (18)
(10x1) (10)
(3x 2) (6)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(10)
Please turn over
1.5 1.5.1 Bone fragmentY
1.5.2 Yesv
NW/September 2025
1.5.3. There are bands on the profile of B which correspond with those of
the mother and those of son AVY
1.5.4 to:
- identify suspects of crimesY
- prove paternityY
- determine probability of causes of genetic disorder v
- to establish compatibility of tissues for organ transplantsY
(Mark first TWO only)
Copyright reserved
Any
TOTAL SECTION A:
Please turn over
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(6)
50
NW/September 2025
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 Ribosomev
2.1.2 AspartateY SerineY
2.1.3. - GAC and GAU code for the same amino acid” /aspartate
- therefore there will no effect on the formation of proteinv/same protein is
formed.
2.1.4 - Each tRNA carries a specific amino acidY
- When the anticodon on the t(RNAY
- matches the codon on the mRNAY
- then tRNA brings the required amino acid to the ribosome.
- Amino acids become attached by peptide bondsY
- to form the required protein” Any
2.1.5 TY
DNA Replication Transcription
Two identical DNA molecules are One mRNA molecule is formedY
formedv
Two strands act as templates“ One strand act as a templatev
Base pairs are formedv No base pairs formedY
DNA nucleotides are used¥ RNA nucleotides are usedv
(Mark first TWO only) Table 1 + Any (2 x 2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
(1)
(2)
(2)
(5)
(5)
(15)
NW/September 2025
2.2 2.2.1 Biogeography ¥
2.2.2 - Genetic evidence V
- Modification by descentY/Homologous structures
- Fossil evidenceY
2.2.3 Speciation is formation of new species from the existing ones” while
Extinction is the complete disappearance of species from the Earth’
224 -
Copyright reserved
A population of baobab tree species (in Madagascar) becomes
separated by a geographical barrier, the seav¥
then the population splits into two sub-populations”, in Africa and in
Australia
There is now no gene flow between the two populations”.
Since each population may be exposed to different environmental
conditionsv /the selection pressure may be different
natural selection occurs independently in each of the two populations”
such that the individuals of the two populations become very different
from each otherY
genotypically and phenotypically”.
Even if the two populations were to mix againv they will not be able to
interbreedv.
The two populations are now two different species, in Africa and in
Australia¥ Any
Please turn over
(1)
(3)
(2)
(6)
(12)
2.3 2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
24 2.4.1
2.4.2
24.3
2.4.4
NW/September 2025
(a) A Homologous chromosomevY
(b) B Spindle fibrev
Metaphase Iv
- Double stranded chromosomes become visible ~
- the centrosome duplicates/divides into centrioles which will move to
opposite polesY
- spindle fibres are formedv
- and attach to the centromerev/holds chromosomes
- Crossing over occur Any
- The exchange of genetic material” in crossing over
- Results formation of genetically different gametesY
- leading to increase in genetic variation among the offspringY
- where some will have favourable characteristics,
- and others to have unfavourable characteristicsY
- When the environmental conditions change” /when there is
- competition/selection pressures
- those with favourable characteristics will surviveY
- and those with unfavourable characteristics will die ¥ Any
23v chromosomes
- Non disjunction occurredv at pair 21/chromosomes/chromatids at pair
21 failed to separatev
- during anaphasev Any
(a) Woman/female with X-linked Alport syndromev ¥
(b) XAYvv
3v
HeterozygousY
- She and Abe, a male with X*Y genotypev/ with X-linked Alport
syndrome,
- have sons with X4Y genotypev/without the condition
- anda daughter with XX? genotypev /with the condition Any
Copyright reserved Please turn over
(1)
(1)
(1)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(15)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(8)
[50]
QUESTION 3
3.1
3.2
3.1.4
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
NW/September 2025
To determine the effect of Bt-gene on the yield of cotton plants Vv
(a) (Varieties/type) of cotton plantsY
(b) Yieldv of cotton plants
- Equal number of the two varieties of cotton plants were planted in each
plotY
- The environmental conditions for the two plots were exactly the samev¥
- Insects of the same type were introduced in each plotv
- Equal number of/500 insects were introduced in each plotv Any
To increase the reliability of the results. ~
The cotton plants with the Bt-gene have more yield. vv
(a) (Skull) AY
(b) (Pelvis) lv
The pelvis is shortv and widev
- Large craniumyv
- houses a large brainv
- leading to more intelligencev Any
the foramen magnum move from a backward positionY in quadrapedalism
to a more forward positionv in bipedalism
Species D have small/short caninesv, since they feed on soft/cooked
foody
Species E have large/long and pointed/sharp canines- to it to be able to
tearY raw/uncooked foodv Any
C-shaped ¥
Copyright reserved Please turn over
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(8)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(4)
(1)
(13)
NW/September 2025
3.3. 3.3.1 Phylogenetic treev
3.3.2 Australopethicus anamensis¥
3.3.3 (a) 3v
(b) 6Y
3.3.4 3¥ million years agoY/mya
3.3.5 They share the most recent common ancestor, Paranthropus
aethiopicusv V
3.3.6 (a) Australopethicus afarensisY
(b) Homo erectusY
3.3.7 - Fossils of Homo habilis are found in Africa onlyY
- The oldest fossils of Homo erectus are found in AfricaY while younger
fossils are found in other parts of the worldv
- The oldest fossils of Homo sapien are found in AfricaY while younger
fossils are found in other parts of the worldv Any
Copyright reserved Please turn over
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(3)
(13)
NW/September 2025
3.4 3.4.1 (12+9+6+12) : (0+3+6+4) v =39 13 /3:1v
3.4.2 - The parents in the P1 generation, one with black skin and another with
brown skin “/homozygous with contrasting characteristics
- butall the offspring they produced in the F1 generation have black skinY (2)
3.4.3
12
=
o
Number of lizards
bh Oo
ND
3rd breeding pair
Breeeding pairs
The number of black and brown lizards for the 3 and
4" breeding pair in the F, generation
= Black lizards
= Brown lizards
4th breeding pair
Guideline for assessing the graph
CRITERIA ELABORATION MARK
Correct type of graph (T) | Bar graph drawn 1
Caption of graph (C) | Both variables, skin colour and 1
breeding pairs
Axes labels (L) | X-and Y axis correctly labelled 4]
with units
Scale for X- and Y-axis (S) }- Equal width and spaces of
bars 1
-__ Correct scale for Y-axis
Plotting of co-ordinates (P) |- 1 to 3 bars plotted correctly 1
-__All4 bars plotted correctly 2
Copyright reserved
Please turn over
(2)
(6)
(10)
NW/September 2025
3.5 Pi Phenotype Man with blood x Woman with blood
group A group BY
Genotype \Aj x [Bi v
Meiosis
Gametes ie i x 18 iv
Fertilization Pe —
Fi
Genotype iA Ai 15) iiv
Phenotype Blood Group Blood Group Blood group Blood Group
AB A B Ov
All blood groupsv* were possible in F1 generation
Pi and Fiv
Meiosis and fertilisationv
“4 compulsory mark + Any 5
OR
Pi Phenotype Man with blood x Woman with blood
group A group BY
Genotype Vi x [Biv
Meiosis
Fertilization Gametes |A i
18 le Bj
i Ai ii
1 mark for correct gametes
1 mark for correct genotypes
Fi Phenotype Blood Group Blood Group Blood group Blood Group
AB A B Ov
All blood groupY* were possible in F1 generation
P1 and Fi¥
Meiosis and fertilisationv
“4 compulsory mark + Any 5 (6)
[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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education
Department P rivate Bag X2044
Eaucaton Mmabatho 2735
North West Provincial Governmen * et. (O18) 383-5805
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA o-mait: Kiamologonwra gov 2a
hief Directorate: Examinations and Assessment
Directorate: Assessment
- the nucleolusY and nuclear membrane disappearsY
ae a ee eee eee ee | ee rT oe
SUBJECT LIFE SCIENCES | PAPER 2
DATE 22 September 2025 TIME OF ERRATA
QUESTION MARKS
QUESTION MARKS
QUESTION MARKS
QUESTION MARKS
TOTAL MARKS AFFECTED
TOTAL MARKS FOR THE PAPER AFTER
ADJUSTMENT 0
“| 6 2)
g g 5 CORRECTIONS/ADDITIONS/ADJUSTMENT 4
2|°3 .
1_| 1.1.8 | Correct Answer is C not A (2)
2 | 1.3.2 | Correct Answer is B only not A only (2)
1.5.3 | Rephrase: There are DNA bands/pattern on the profile of B which correspond (2)
with those of the mother and those of son Av (split ticks)
2:15 DNA Replication Transcription
The whole molecule unwind and A small portion of molecule unwinds
unzipY and unzipv
Thymine pairs with adeninev Adenine pairs with uracil¥ (5)
2.2.2|- Geneticv evidence
- Modification by descent’ /Homologous structures
-__Fossilv evidence/records (3)
2.2.3 | Speciation is formation of new species from the existing/original ( move tick) (1)
2.2.4 - A population of baobab tree species (in Madagascar) becomes separated by
a geographical barrier, the seaw/ ocean/continental drift
- then the population splits into two” sub-populations/population, in Africa and
in Australia
- There is now no gene flow between the two populations”.
- Since each population may be exposed to different environmental
conditions” /the selection pressure may be different
- natural selection occurred independently in each of the two populationsY
- such that the individuals of the two populations become very differentY from
each other
- genotypically and phenotypicallyv.
- Even if the two populations were to mix againY/cross pollinate they will not be
able to interbreedv. (don’t accept reproduce)
- The two populations are now two different species”, in Africa and in
Australia. Any (6)
2.3.3 |- Double stranded chromosomes become visible v
spindle fibres are formedv
and attach to the centromerew/holds chromosomes
Crossing over occur” Any
(4)
| 2.3.6
Non disjunction occurredv at pair 21
at position 21 failed to separatev
during anaphasev/ Any
(2)
24.4
She and Abe, a male with XY genotypev/ with X-linked Alport syndrome,
have sons with X4Y genotypev/without X-linked Alport syndrome
and a daughter with X®X* genotypev/ with X-linked Alport syndrome Any
(2)
(a) Presence and absence of Bt-geneY NOT Varieties of cotton plants
(1)
Equal number of the two varieties of cotton plants“ were planted in each plot
Equal number of /500 insectsv were introduced in each plot
Equal planting fieldsY
Same type of insectsY¥
Same environmental conditions for the two plotsY Any
(1)
3.4.3
The number of black and brown Lizards for 3" and 4*
breeding pairs in F, generation
my
&
nn
is}
w
°
Cy
@ Black Lizards
a
™ Brown Lizards
Number of Lizards
S
N
3rd Breeding Pairs 4th Breeding Pairs
Breeding Pairs
(6)
Note:
If a histogram or line graph is drawn instead of a bar graph, marks will be lost
for:
e Type of graph (T)
e Scale (S)
If axes are transposed:
e learner can get all marks if labels are also swapped and bars are of
equal width and spaces are equal
e Learner will loose marks for label and scale : if labels are swapped or
not corresponding.
e But bars can be credited if 1 to 3 or ALL are correct
Bars may not attched together but must be close to each other per breeding
pair.
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