# Life Sciences Grade 12 Eastern Cape June 2025 Memo (English)

> Grade 12 Life Sciences memorandum from the Eastern Cape June Exam 2025 (English), 11 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-memo-gr12-june-2025-eng-watermark/38341338-3df8-4e69-b66c-73fca7164728
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Memorandum
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: Eastern Cape June Exam
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 11

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape June Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 11 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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## Document text

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### Page 1

NATIONAL
                  SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                           GRADE 12

                           JUNE 2025

                 LIFE SCIENCES
               MARKING GUIDELINE

MARKS:   150

               This marking guideline consists of 11 pages.

### Page 2

2                                LIFE SCIENCES                                     (EC/JUNE 2025)

PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES

1.   If more information than marks allocated is given
                                                                                       .
     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.

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 national standardisation meeting.

14. If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa)
    Do not credit.

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### Page 3

(EC/JUNE2025)                                  LIFE SCIENCES                                         3

 15.    If units are not given in measurements
        Candidates will lose marks. Marking guideline 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.

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### Page 4

4                                LIFE SCIENCES      (EC/JUNE 2025)

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

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

1.2 1.2.1       Peripheral nervous system
    1.2.2       Multiple sclerosis
    1.2.3       Interphase
    1.2.4       Precocial development
    1.2.5       Convex lenses
    1.2.6       Centriole /centrosome
    1.2.7       Retina
    1.2.8       Synapse                          (8 x 1)     (8)

1.3 1.3.1       Both A and B
    1.3.2       A only
    1.3.3       B only                           (3 x 2)     (6)

     1.4.1      (a)   Menstruation                           (1)
                (b)   Ovulation                              (1)

     1.4.2      (a)   LH /Luteinising hormone                (1)
                (b)   Progesterone                           (1)

     1.4.3      (a)   Ovarian cycle                          (1)
                (b)   Uterine cycle                          (1)

     1.4.4      Ovary                                        (1)

     1.4.5      (a)   Ovum                                   (1)
                (b)   Endometrium                            (1)

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### Page 5

(EC/JUNE2025)                                  LIFE SCIENCES                            5

 1.5    1.5.1        Cytoplasm                                                         (1)

        1.5.2        (a)    Peptide                                                    (1)
                     (b)    mRNA / messenger RNA/ messenger Ribonucleic acid           (1)

        1.5.3        (a)    Anticodon                                                  (1)
                     (b)    tRNA / transfer Ribonucleic acid                           (1)
                     (c)    Ribosome                                                   (1)

        1.5.4        ACC                                                               (1)

        1.5.5        2     Amino acid                                                  (2)

                                                               TOTAL SECTION A:        50

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### Page 6

6                                    LIFE SCIENCES                                     (EC/JUNE 2025)

QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1     -      An arrangement of black bars/lines/stripes representing DNA
                     fragments of a person
                                                       OR
              -      The pattern of the bars that indicate the sequence of bases on a
                     DNA strand.

                                                       OR
              -      A set of genetic characteristics that results from forensic DNA
                     analysis of several DNA markers.                                             (2)

     2.1.2    B                                                                                   (1)

     2.1.3    -      A child received DNA from both parents
              -      The DNA profiles of the mother, child and the possible father are
                     determined
              -      A comparison of the DNA bands of the mother and the child is
                     made
              -
                     DNA bands
              -
                                                   then the possible father is the biological
                     father
              -
                                                       then the possible father is not the
                     biological father                                                            (6)

     2.1.4    -      To identify individuals from their remains
              -      To identify family relationships other than paternity, e.g. siblings
                     or cousins
              -      To test for the presence of specific alleles/ genes that cause a
                     genetic disorder
              -      To establish matching tissues for organ transplants           (Any 2 x 1)    (2)

2.2 2.2.1     45                                                                                  (1)

     2.2.2    Gonosomes          /sex chromosomes                                                 (1)

     2.2.3    -      Edwards syndrome have three copies of chromosome 18 instead
                     of the usual two
              -      Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of
                     the usual two                                                                (2)

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### Page 7

(EC/JUNE2025)                                     LIFE SCIENCES                                                7

      2.2.4     -        During Anaphase I / II
                -        Non-disjunction occurs
                -        in chromosome pair 18 /chromatids of chromosome 18 which
                -        will lead to the formation of a gamete with an extra chromosome
                         number 18 /2 chromosomes number 18
                -        If this gamete fuses with a normal gamete
                -        a zygote with 3 chromosomes number 18 will form
                -        The fusion between an abnormal gamete (24 chromosomes) and a
                         normal gamete (23 chromosomes) may lead to Edwards syndrome
                                                                                (Any 6 x 1)                   (6)

2.3 2.3.1       Co-dominance                                                                                  (1)

      2.3.2     -        The alleles are equally dominant
                -        both are expressed in the phenotype                                                  (2)

      2.3.3         P1              Phenotype    Speckled feathersx Speckled feathers
                                    Genotype         BW           x   BW
                    Meiosis
                                    G/gametes    B      W             x         B            W

                    Fertilisation

                    F1              Genotype:    BB ;         BW ;            BW;        WW      *

                                    Phenotype:       1 black : 2 speckled : 1 white          *
                    P1 and F1
                    Meiosis and fertilisation    *two compulsory marks and Any 4

                                                         OR
                    P1              Phenotype Speckled feathers x Speckled feathers
                                    Genotype      BW            x   BW
                    Meiosis
                                    G/gametes B ,       W                 x         B,       W

                    Fertilisation                 Gametes B        W
                    F1                            B          BB BW
                                                  W          BW WW
                                                  Correct gametes
                                                  Correct genotypes *

                                    Phenotype 1 black : 2 speckled : 1 white             *

                    P1 and F1
                    Meiosis and fertilisation    *two compulsory marks and Any 4                              (6)

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### Page 8

8                                    LIFE SCIENCES                                   (EC/JUNE 2025)

2.4 2.4.1     (a)       Medulla oblongata                                                       (1)
              (b)       Corpus callosum                                                         (1)

     2.4.2    A                                                                                 (1)

     2.4.3    Behind and below the cerebrum                                                     (2)

     2.4.4    (a)       -   Part A/ cerebrum which receives and interprets sensations
                            from sense organs
                        -   Part A/ cerebrum was not injured                                    (2)

              (b)       -   The learner (occasionally) experience difficulty balancing
                            when kicking
                        -   due to no coordination of voluntary movements by
                            cerebellum / decreased muscle tone                                  (2)

     2.5.1    (a)       Semi-circular canals                                                    (1)
              (b)       Tympanic membrane       / eardrum                                       (1)

     2.5.2    (a)       F                                                                       (1)
              (b)       B                                                                       (1)

     2.5.3    Part C/ Oval window transfers pressure wave to the inner ear. /
              Receives vibrations from the ossicle/ middle ear
              Part E/ Round window receives pressure waves from the inner ear            /
              transfers pressure waves to the middle ear / eustachian tube                      (2)

     2.5.4    Organ of Corti      /hair cells                                                   (1)

     2.5.5    -      Air will not be move in /out of middle ear
              -      to equalise pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
              -      Tympanic membrane/ossicles may not vibrate freely
              -      This may lead to the tympanic membrane bursting
              -      and therefore, could lead to hearing loss /deafness    (Any 4 x 1)        (4)
                                                                                              [50]

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### Page 9

(EC/JUNE2025)                                  LIFE SCIENCES                                  9

QUESTION 3

3.1    3.1.1    -    Amniotic    fluid                                                        (1)

       3.1.2    -  Shock absorber, protects the foetus from mechanical damage
                -  Thermoregulation prevents extreme temperature changes
                -  Moist environment to prevent desiccation
                -  Free movement within the womb, promoting muscular and skeletal
                   development
                - Environment provides the medium in which the foetus moves
                   /breathes / swallows                                  (Any 1 x 2)          (2)
                (Mark first ONE only)

       3.1.3    -    After implantation the chorion develops many finger-like outgrowths
                -    called chorionic villi
                -    The endometrium
                -    together with the chorionic villi forms the placenta
                -    The umbilical artery
                     and the umbilical vein develops
                     inside a hollow tube
                     to form the umbilical cord between the foetus and the placenta
                                                                               (Any 6 x 1)    (6)

       3.1.4    Increased progesterone and oestrogen concentrations:
                - inhibits the pituitary gland from
                - secreting FSH and
                - secreting LH
                - therefore, no Graafian follicle will develop
                - No ovulation will take place / No ovum will be present for
                   fertilisation                                           (Any 4 x 1)        (4)

       3.1.5    -    The Fallopian tube is unable to provide the space
                -    and there is no endometrium /blood supply
                -    to provide nutrients /oxygen OR remove waste products
                -    in order for the embryo to develop                                       (4)

3.2    3.2.1    - Breast development
                - Start of menstruation
                - Widening of the hips
                - Growth of pubic hair
                - Growth of underarm hair                                      (Any 2 x 1)    (2)
                (Mark first TWO only)

       3.2.2    -    Under the influence of testosterone
                -    diploid cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
                -    undergo meiosis
                -    to form haploid sperm cells                                              (4)

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### Page 10

10                                   LIFE SCIENCES                                     (EC/JUNE 2025)

3.3    3.3.1    - sperm and ova are in close contact to increase the chance of
                   fertilisation taking place
                - gametes not exposed to predators / water currents / desiccation
                   to increase chance of fertilisation
                - does not rely on water for gamete transport
                   increase possibility of fertilisation taking place
                - reduces the risk of gametes being lost or wasted,
                   increasing chance of fertilisation                   (Any 2 x 2)               (4)
       3.3.2    parental care increases       the chances of offspring survival                   (1)
3.4    - Less light would enter the eye / pupil
       - Less light would fall on the retina / receptors would be stimulated less
       - The image would not be clear                                                             (3)
3.5    3.5.1    Wheat without insect poison gene that was grown in the field                      (1)
       3.5.2    Ensuring that any differences in yield are due to genetic modification
                ONLY       /and not external factors                                              (1)
       3.5.3    (70    50)    = 20    (arbitrary units)                                           (2)
       3.5.4    -     Non-GM plants may be better suited            to the local environment
                      (specific climates, soil, or farming practices),
                      while GM plants may not            always be as well-suited to local
                      conditions.
                -     Non-GM plants may be better equipped to handle stresses (like
                      drought, competition with weeds, nutrient limitations)
                      while GM plants may not            always be as well-suited to local
                      conditions.
                -     Non-GM plants may maintain more natural or symbiotic relationships
                      with beneficial soil organisms,
                      giving them an advantage in nutrient uptake and overall health.
                -     Non-GM plants contributes to biodiversity and help maintain a
                      balanced ecosystem
                -    GM plants, especially, can disrupt local ecosystems by affecting non-
                     target insects and other organisms
                -     GM crops can lead to the rise of weeds             that are resistant to
                      pesticides (insect poison)
                -    decreasing their effectiveness.                               (Any 1 x 2)    (2)
       3.5.5    Insect poison reduces        insect populations numbers and biodiversity.         (1)
3.6    3.6.1    To determine the relationship between different blood groups and risk to
                specific diseases.                                                                (2)
       3.6.2    - Determine the sample size
                - Decide on the age-group of the participants
                - Decide on diseases to be tested for                             (Any 2 x 1)     (2)
                (Mark first TWO only)
       3.6.3    500 individuals      participated                                                 (1)

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### Page 11

(EC/JUNE2025)                                  LIFE SCIENCES                                    11

      3.6.4

                Guideline for assessing graph:

                                        CRITERIA                             MARK
                    Bar graph is drawn (T)                                     1
                    Caption of the graph includes both variables (C)           1
                    Correct labels on the X-axis and Y-axis with correct
                    unit on the Y-axis (L)                                     1
                    Correct scale for Y-axis and bars of equal width
                    and spaces for X-axis (S)                                  1
                    Plotting (P) correctly done for:
                    1 3 blood types                                            1
                    All 4 required blood types                                 1                 (6)

                -    Bar graph or line graph drawn Lose marks for type of graph and
                     scale
                -    Transposed axes: Can get full credit, if axes labels are also
                     swapped and bars are horizontal. If labels are not corresponding,
                     then lose marks for labels and scale
                -    Check that the plotting is correct for the given labels                   [50]

                                                                       TOTAL SECTION B:         100
                                                                          GRAND TOTAL:          150

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