# Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 Gauteng Mock 2025 Question Paper

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the Gauteng Mock Exam 2025, 19 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-qp-september-2025-gauteng/7b8ca0a7-f570-4eae-b462-b8f901f690f3
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: Gauteng Mock Exam
- Paper: 2
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 19

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Gauteng Mock Exam · 2025. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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### Page 1

ESS GAUTENG PROVINCE

\ DUCATION
: REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

PREPARATORY EXAMINATION

2025

10832
LIFE SCIENCES

(PAPER 2)

LIFE SCIENCES: Paper 2

MTA A

10832E

TIME: 2% hours

MM MARKS: 150

19 pages

X05

MTN

P.T.O.

### Page 2

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.

2.

10.

Tt.

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, flow charts or tables only when asked to do so.

The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
Do NOT use graph paper.

You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass, where
necessary.

Write neatly and legibly.

P.T.O.

### Page 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 — D) next to the question numbers
(1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1. Achange in the characteristics of species over time is known as ...

A a biological species.
B a population.

Cc a natural selection.
D biological evolution.

1.1.2 Which of the following options is the correct combination of sources of
variation?

A Crossing over, random arrangement of chromosomes, mutations
and mitosis.

B Crossing over, random arrangement of chromosomes, continuous
variation and random fertilisation.

Cc Random mating, random fertilisation, mutations and meiosis.

D Meiosis, mutations, discontinuous variation and continuous
variation.

1.1.3. Evolution involving long periods of time during which species undergo little
or no change, followed by short periods of time where species undergo
rapid change through natural selection, is called ...

Lamarckism.
punctuated equilibrium.
artificial selection.
gradualism.

when: 2

P.T.O.

### Page 4

1.1.4. Which of the following fossils does not belong to the Australophithecus

africanus?

A Mrs Ples
B Lucy

Cc Little Foot

D Taung Child
1.1.5. Which of the following is only found in an RNA nucleotide?

Adenine nitrogenous base
Uracil nitrogenous base
Deoxyribose sugar
Phosphate

0VUNOUF

QUESTIONS 1.1.6 AND 1.1.7 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW.

Grey

[Source: Nagwa.com]

1.1.6 What type of dominance results in an intermediate phenotype as shown
in the diagram above?

A Co-dominance

B Complete dominance
Cc Incomplete dominance
D Law of dominance

P.T.O.

### Page 5

The genotype of the grey chicken is:

A Bb
B BW
Cc ww
D Bw

The diagram below shows the formation of the sperm cells of a fruit fly.

After mitosis

After meiosis
and
gametogenesis

20 Chromosomes in
a nucleus

(@) — W

4 SS

oa

——

[Source: GP 2014 Prep P2]

How many chromosomes are present in the nucleus of cells W and X,

respectively?

Ww xX
A 10 20
B 10 10
c 20 20
D 20 10

P.T.O.

### Page 6

1.1.9 The diagrams below represent different phases of meiosis.

Phases of meiosis
[Adapted from DBE Mind the Gap]

Which of the following represents the correct sequence of
phases?

A X, Y andZ

B Y, Zand X
(6; Z, X and Y
D Y,XandZ

1.1.10 The diagram below shows a DNA molecule on the left and a pool of new

nucleotides on the right.
4>*
Original DNA New

molecule Ky A nucleotides

If replication of the original DNA molecule takes place using the new
nucleotides, what would the product of replication look like?

Write down the letter representing the correct product.

H

[Source: Coursehero.com]

(10x2) (20)

B

HHH E

c

P.T.O.

### Page 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.

1.3

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.2.3

1.2.4

1.2.5

1.2.6

12.7

A diagram used to show the evolutionary relationships between species
The ability of a chimpanzee to walk on all four limbs
The part of the skull that houses the brain

The structure in an animal cell that gives rise to spindle fibres during cell
division

A sex-linked genetic disorder whereby blood does not clot

The genetic state of having two identical alleles for a particular
characteristic

An organelle containing DNA, found in plant cells and not in animal cells
(7 x 1)

Indicate whether each of the statements 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 numbers (1.3.1 to1.3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Law of use and disuse A: Eldredge and Gould
B: _ Lamarck
1.3.2 Chromosome complement ofawoman |A: 44+ XX
with Down syndrome. B: 44+ XXX
1.3.3. Father of genetics A: Mendel
B: _ Watson
(3 x 2)

(7)

(6)

P.T.O.

### Page 8

1.4

Mrs Forbes had baked a graduation cake for her sister and then left it in a tin container
in the cupboard. When she returned from work, all that remained in the tin container
were crumbs from the cake and traces of blood droplets, where the thief had grazed
his/her finger on the sharp part of the container.

Below are the DNA samples of her two children, along with the DNA sample from
the blood found on the tin container.

DNA sample from child A DNA sample from child B
Ler Arm By
DNA az Y |
samples |
from the tin — a
container —
|) | ee ee
SS ae
=
Ne et |
ai
= ===

[Adapted from toppr.com/ask/]

1.4.1 Name the technique used to compare the DNA bars to identify the suspect.
1.4.2 Give the letter of the child who most likely ate the cake.

1.4.3. From the list below, write down the LETTERS of the TWO correct uses of
the technique named in QUESTION 1.4.1.

A Cloning

B_ Identifying genetic disorders
C To establish family relations
D Genetic engineering

(2)
(4)

P.T.O.

### Page 9

1.5 Diagrams A and B show the skulls of two hominids.

15.1

1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.4

1.5.5

1.5.6

Diagram A Diagram B

[Source: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image]
Which diagram (A or B) shows ...
(a) a larger cranium?
(b) a skull of a chimpanzee?
Name the opening to which the arrows are pointing.

State the shape of the jaw in diagram A.

Give the letter of the diagram (A or B) representing a bipedal hominid.

Which skull in the diagram (A or B) is better adapted to eating raw,
uncooked food?

Give the scientific name of the modern human.

(1)

(1)
(7)

P.T.O.

### Page 10

10

In humans, one gene controls hairline and another controls freckles. The hairline
can be curved, forming a point down the forehead (called a widow's peak) (H) or
straight (h). Freckles, which are tiny brown spots on the face, can be present (F)
or absent (f). The diagram below shows a cross between a male and female who
are both heterozygous for both genes.

HF Hf hF Hf

HF | HHFF | HHFf | HhFF | X

Hf | HHFf | HHff | HhFf | Hhff

hF | HhFF | HhFf | hhFF | hhFf

hf | HhFf | Hhff | hhFf Y

[Adapted from Shiken.ai]
1.6.1. Name the type of genetic cross represented above. (1)

1.6.2 State the dominant characteristic of the hair line. (1)

1.6.3 Name the process in reproduction indicated by the:

(a) Arrows (1)

(b) Punnett square (1)
1.6.4 Give the:

(a) Genotype of offspring X (1)

(b) Phenotype of offspring Y io

TOTAL SECTION A: 50
P.T.O.

### Page 11

11

SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1. The diagrams below represent a chromosome pair in a male human cell. The cells
(A, B and C) show different events in a phase of meiosis.

A B c

[Adapted from DBE National Textbook]

2.1.1 Provide labels for the following structures:

(a) Y (1)
(b) 2 (1)

2.1.2 Name and describe the process that caused the chromosomes in cell C to
look different from the original chromosomes in cell A. (4)

2.1.3. Explain the impact of the process named in QUESTION 2.1.2 for the survival
of a species. (3)

2.1.4 Draw a labelled diagram showing how the chromosomes would appear in
cell B during the process named in QUESTION 2.1.2.
(Do NOT include labels for Y and Z.) (5)
(14)

P.T.O.

### Page 12

2.2

12

The diagram below represents processes that occur during protein synthesis.

=

Molecule B

22v/\

2.2.2

220

2.2.4

[Source: https://biotech.gsu.edu/2107/lecture24.html]
Identify:

(a) Molecule A
(b) Molecule B

<i s

Describe THREE structural features of molecule A. (3)
State the function of organelle Y. (1)
Name and describe the stage of protein synthesis that takes place at

organelle Y. (5)
(11)

P.T.O.

### Page 13

2.3 The information below shows the sequences of a protein's first six amino acids found
in the saliva of Angela and Brian. A mutation caused a change in Brian's sequence of

amino acids. The amino acids are sequenced from left to right.

13

Sequence of amino acids

Angela

Glycine

Valine

Histidine

Proline

Isoleucine

Tyrosine

Brian

Glycine

Valine

Histidine

Valine

Isoleucine

Tyrosine

2.3.1. Describe how a mutation caused the change to Brian's amino acid sequence.

2.3.2

protein shown for Angela in the table above?

2.3.3. Asection of mRNA has the following base sequence and is read from left to

right:

Write down the DNA base triplet sequence (from left to right) for the mRNA

sequence above.

CUG ACG

How many mRNA nucleotides would be involved in forming the portion of the

(4)

(1)

(2)
(7)

P.T.O.

### Page 14

14

2.4 The graph below shows the percentage distribution of the world's population
according to blood groups A, B, AB and O, and whether they have the positive or
negative forms.

Percentage distribution of the world's population by

blood group
45 42

40
30
25
20 15 Positive
15
10 5
: 1

" | | 0,5

A B AB
Blood group

m= Negative

Percentage of the world's population

[Source: Worldatlas.com]

2.4.1. According to the data, what is the total percentage of the world's population

with blood group O? (1)
2.4.2 Tabulate TWO differences between the type of dominance shown by the
inheritance of blood group A compared to blood group AB. (5)
2.4.3 Use a genetic cross to show how parents with the two least common blood
groups in the world could have a child with blood group A. (6)
(12)

P.T.O.

### Page 15

2.5

15

The CCR5 gene in humans is located on chromosome number 3. This gene is
responsible for producing a protein on white blood cells. The HI virus normally uses
this protein to attach to and infect white blood cells.

A mutation in the CCR5 gene appears to offer some protection against the HI virus by
changing the shape of the protein on the white blood cells.

Scientists have discovered that long-term reduction of the HI virus in patients is
possible through stem cell transplants from individuals with this mutation. Bone
marrow is a rich source of adult stem cells. These stem cells can develop into new
white blood cells.

[Adapted from link.springer.com]

254 Name the type of chromosome on which the CCR85 gene is found. (1)
2.5.2 Define a stem cell. (2)
2.5.3. Using the information provided, explain how stem cells from a person

with the mutation could reduce the HI virus in patients. (3)

P.T.O.

### Page 16

16

QUESTION 3

3.1

Aarskog-Scott syndrome (AAS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a recessive
allele (X#) located on the X chromosome. The dominant allele (X4) results in normal
physical features.

People with AAS often have the following physical features:

Widely spaced eyes

A small nose

A long area between the nose and mouth

A widow's peak hairline

A shawl scrotum (in which the scrotum surrounds the penis instead of hanging
below)

Undescended testes (Less often)

The pedigree diagram below shows the inheritance of AAS in a family.

© HS © O76
1 OETOMEE

Male without AAS

CL]
| Male with AAS
O

Female without AAS
Female with AAS

[Source: Medlineplus.gov]

1.1. Using the information provided, state TWO characteristics of AAS that are

unique to males. (2)
.1.2 Define a recessive allele. (2)
.1.3. How many offspring do individuals 8 and 9 have? (1)

P.T.O.

### Page 17

3.2

3.3

17

3.1.4 State the:
(a) Phenotype of individual 11
(b) Genotype of individual 4

3.1.5 Explain why females are less likely to inherit AAS.

Cloning is a type of biotechnology used by people who want to keep their beloved
dog in their lives. It allows them to produce a genetically identical dog to their
previous one; however, it is a very expensive process and reduces genetic
variation. During this process, the nucleus from the skin cell of the dog being
cloned is removed and placed into the ovum of another female dog (from which
the nucleus has been removed). Once the embryo of the cloned dog has formed,
it gets implanted into the uterus of a surrogate female dog, where it will develop

further until the cloned dog is born.

[Source: Shutterstock.com]

3.2.1. Based on the information above, state TWO disadvantages of cloning.

3.2.2 Explain why the nucleus of the ovum was replaced with the nucleus of a
skin cell.

Frogs produce different sounds to attract females of the same species to the
breeding site. The calls signal the start of a breeding season. H. ornate breeds in
summer, and the males make strong chorus’ sounds. However,
P. adspersus breeds in spring, and the males make deep, low-pitched whoops.

3.3.1 List THREE requirements that organisms must satisfy before they can be
called a species.

3.3.2 Use the text above to identify and describe TWO reproductive isolation
mechanisms between these frog species.

333.3 Frogs become reproductively isolated because they are different species.
This may have happened due to geographic isolation.

Describe speciation through geographic isolation.

(1)
(1)
(3)

(10)

(2)

(4)
(6)

(3)

(4)

(6)
(13)

P.T.O.

### Page 18

18

3.4. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. TB can be life-threatening. Resistant strains of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis have evolved because some patients do not complete their antibiotic
treatment. Isoniazid is one of the antibiotics used as a first-line treatment for TB and
to prevent TB from becoming active.

A survey conducted by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases from
2013 — 2014 compared the percentage of patients in whom TB has developed
resistance to Isoniazid antibiotics with that of a 2001 — 2002 survey.

The 2013 — 2014 survey was conducted as follows:

e 349 patients with TB receiving treatment with Isoniazid were selected. They were
from different South African hospitals or clinics in all nine provinces.

e All the patients were over 18 years of age.

e All the patients' medical records were reviewed.

The table below shows the percentage of patients in which TB has developed
resistant to Isoniazid antibiotic in each of the 9 provinces for both surveys.

Province The percentage of patients in whom TB has
developed resistance to Isoniazid antibiotic over
the years
2001 — 2002 2013 - 2014

Eastern Cape 3,5 5,0
Free State 3,7 5,6
Gauteng 1,3 4,7
KwaZulu-Natal 3,4 4,3
Limpopo 29 4,2
Mpumalanga 27. 6,3
North West 1,4 5,0
Northern Cape 4,2 7,0
Western Cape 2,4 6,1

[Source: https:/www.nicd.ac.za/assets/files/K-12750%20NICD%20National%20Survey%20

3.4.1

3.4.2

3.4.3

3.4.4

3.4.5

Report_Dev_V11-LR.pdf]

Name the theory that Charles Darwin proposed to explain how

Mycobacterium tuberculosis evolved to become antibiotic-resistant. (1)
Identify the dependent variable. (1)
Which province had the highest percentage of TB patients with resistance to
Isoniazid in the 2013 — 2014 survey? (1)
State ONE way in which the reliability of this survey was ensured. (1)
Give TWO factors that were kept constant during this investigation. (2)

P.T.O.

### Page 19

19

3.4.6 Calculate the average percentage of patients who had drug resistance to
!soniazid in South Africa during the 2013 — 2014 survey.

Show ALL calculations. Round-off your answer to two decimal places. (3)

3.4.7 Use the information in the table to formulate a conclusion for this survey. (2)
3.4.8 Draw a bar graph representing the 2013 — 2014 survey results for the

Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and Northern Cape only. (6)

(17)

3.5 The map below represents a hypothesis used in evolution to describe the origin of
modern humans based on the ages of fossils discovered worldwide.

aT ers
cx range
go 35,000 - 25,

f years ago
nas

0

‘, years ago Pies

aan r * 60,000 - 50,000
4 N < hears ago, 3,000 \

SS,

oat
f

ago f 1,500 }

4

years ago.
1,000 \

Pyears ago

a“ 11,000

years ago ‘w
[Source: https://factsanddetails.com/archives/003/201810/5bd26afc8eef2. png]

3.5.1. Identify the hypothesis represented by the map above. (1)
3.5.2 Describe how genetic evidence can support the hypothesis identified in
QUESTION 3.5.1. (2)
3.5.3 Name ONE type of evidence used to support the hypothesis identified in
QUESTION 3.5.1 other than genetic evidence. (1)
(4)
[50]

TOTAL SECTION B: 100

TOTAL: 150

END

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