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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
NOVEMBER 2017
LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I
Time: 3 hours 200 marks
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
1. This question paper consists of 13 pages and a yellow Answer Booklet of 11 pages
(i–xi). Please check that your question paper is complete. Detach the yellow
Answer Booklet from the middle of the question paper. Remember to write your
examination number in the blocks provided.
2. This question paper consists of four questions.
3. Question 1 must be answered in the yellow Answer Booklet provided. Questions 2,
3 and 4 must be answered in your Answer Book.
4. Start each question on a new page.
5. Read the questions carefully.
6. Number the answers exactly as the questions are numbered.
7. Use the total marks that can be awarded for each of Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 as an
indication of the detail required.
8. It is in your own interest to write legibly and to present your work neatly.
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Life Sciences P1 2017 hlayiso.com
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · 2017. Question paper, 13 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2017
- Paper
- 1
- Publisher
- IEB
- Pages
- 13
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 2 of 13
QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
DNA is exceedingly simple. Think of it like a language, but with only four letters —
A, C, G, T. The complex ways in which these letters can be combined gives rise to
life. These four letters build words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters and books —
one for each living organism on Earth. It is a living code — the "biocode".
[Adapted from: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com>]
The "biocode" as it is referred to above translates to "chapters and books"
through a complex mechanism known as protein synthesis.
2.1.1 Describe how the DNA code is transcribed into a molecule known as
messenger RNA. (4)
2.1.2 Explain how the transcribed code on mRNA provides a template for
the synthesis of a protein. (4)
2.1.3 Using the mRNA-amino acid chart provided, list the sequence of
amino acids coded for by the mRNA sequence UAUCCUGAC. (You
may use the amino acid abbreviations from the chart). (3)
mRNA – amino acids chart
[Source: <https://za.pinterest.com>]
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 3 of 13
2.2 Recombinant DNA Technology has revolutionised the biomedical world.
Study the diagram below, which shows how biotechnology has been used to
produce a vaccine that is given to all babies.
Production of recombinant HB Vaccine
[Source: <www.ied.edu.hk/biotech>]
2.2.1 Name the enzyme used to join the gene from the HB virus into the
bacterial plasmid. (1)
2.2.2 Why was a unicellular yeast cell used to insert the plasmid into? (2)
2.2.3 What is meant by the term "Recombinant DNA"? (2)
2.2.4 Identify six critical steps in this biotechnological process. (6)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 4 of 13
2.3 Study the graph below that shows the success rates in criminal cases. Answer the
questions that follow:
[Source: <https://prezi.com/blykaa5mlxk1/case-3-dna-fingerprinting>]
2.3.1 Explain how DNA can be used to identify a suspect. (3)
2.3.2 If a total of 3 000 crimes were committed in a year, how many
successful arrests were made using traditional methods? Show your
working. (3)
2.3.3 Formulate a hypothesis for this investigation. (2)
2.3.4 Calculate the increase in success rate (%) of suspects convicted
using DNA evidence instead of using traditional methods. Show your
working. (2)
2.3.5 The government wants to establish a national DNA database.
Discuss TWO supporting arguments and TWO opposing arguments
for this plan. (4)
2.3.6 In one sentence, sum up the message that is conveyed to you by the
diagram below.
[<http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org>]
(2)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 5 of 13
2.4 Read the following extract and answer the question that follows:
Scientists have long sought a strategy for curing genetic diseases, but have
succeeded only in their dreams. Now, though, researchers in China and Texas have
taken a step toward making the fantasies a reality for all inherited diseases.
Using the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9, the researchers have
successfully edited disease-causing mutations out of viable human embryos – this
is the first report involving viable embryos.
[Adapted from: <https://www.sciencenews.org>]
Which of the statements regarding CRISPR-Cas9 are correct? (There may
be more than one correct statement.) Write only the letter(s) of your choice.
(a) The CRISPR-Cas9 system is only effective in bacteria.
(b) CRISPR-Cas9 can cut out sections of DNA in a host cell.
(c) There are many ethical concerns with regard to gene editing in
human embryos.
(d) CRISPR-Cas9 is currently being used to remove mutated genes in
human adults. (2)
[40]
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 6 of 13
QUESTION 3
3.1 Read the article below and answer the questions that follow:
South Africa's great white shark population is heading for extinction
That's the bleak assessment of a team of researchers from Stellenbosch
University. Their findings are based on six years of fieldwork in the waters around
Gansbaai – the largest great white research study undertaken in South Africa.
"The numbers in South Africa are extremely low‚" confirmed Sara Andreotti of
Stellenbosch University. "If the situation stays the same‚ South Africa's great
white sharks are heading for possible extinction." Using mark-recapture
techniques‚ the study indicates a population estimate of between 353 and 522
individuals. According to Andreotti‚ this is 52% fewer than what was estimated in
previous mark-recapture studies.
Andreotti thinks a number of factors are behind the species's rapid decline. These
include the shark nets and baited hooks used to protect bathers and surfers along
South Africa’s eastern seaboard. Between 1978 and 2008, these culling
mechanisms killed 1,063 great white sharks.
Poaching for trophies like shark jaws is another issue, the study says. This is
despite the fact that in 1991, South Africa became the first country to make
great-white-shark fishing illegal. Also overfishing is adding to the problem. As fish
stocks continue to dwindle, it is possible that there are fewer Cape fur seals.
These make up the bulk of the sharks' diet.
A key reason for the decline of South African great whites in particular, is their
limited genetic diversity. Results from the analysis of Andreotti's biopsy samples
show that South African great whites have the lowest genetic diversity of any
white shark population.
Andreotti believes that urgent management measures are the South African
population's only hope — and the only hope that future generations have of
experiencing their magic.
[Adapted from: <http://scubadiverlife.com/south-african-great-whites-verge-extinction>]
3.1.1 Define the term "population". (3)
3.1.2 Using information from the article above, identify FOUR factors that
have led to the declining numbers of great white sharks in South
African waters. (4)
3.1.3 Explain the indirect link between overfishing and declining numbers
of great white sharks. (3)
3.1.4 Explain how "limited genetic diversity" could be seen as a threat to
population survival. (3)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 7 of 13
3.1.5 The mark-recapture method of population measurement is an indirect
method. Explain why this method is a better method than a census to
establish the size of the great white shark population. (3)
3.1.6 Suggest TWO "urgent management measures" that could be put in
place to protect the great white shark from possible extinction. (2)
3.2 The following graph shows the relationship between numbers of great white
sharks and numbers of sardines (type of fish):
Graph showing the number of sardines and
great white sharks over time
Number of organisms
Time (months)
3.2.1 What type of relationship exists between the great white shark and
the sardine? (1)
3.2.2 (a) Which line represents the great white shark population? (1)
(b) Explain how you arrived at your answer to Question 3.2.2 (a)
above. (TWO reasons) (2)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 8 of 13
3.3 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow:
[<http://motherlode.population-sierraclub-calif.org/images>]
3.3.1 According to the graph, what:
(a) was the approximate human population in the year 1900? (1)
(b) will the approximate predicted human population in 2050 be? (1)
3.3.2 The human population keeps raising its carrying capacity. Explain
how we have achieved this. (THREE ways) (3)
3.3.3 In your own words, explain the warning expressed in this diagram. (2)
3.4 r-Strategists and K-strategists exist throughout the animal and plant kingdoms,
ensuring the survival of the species from generation to generation.
Study the image below and answer the questions that follow:
[Adapted from: <http://images.slideplayer.com>]
3.4.1 Is the fish illustrated in the image above an r-strategist or a
K-strategist? (1)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 9 of 13
3.4.2 Discuss the effectiveness of this strategy by highlighting TWO
advantages of this strategy. (2)
3.5 Read the article below and answer the questions that follow:
[Source: <http://d1roc322tckjdp.cloudfront.net>]
One of the exciting applications of DNA analysis is that it can be used to
combat wildlife crime. It works by targeting areas of DNA that are highly
variable within species, making them likely to show a difference between
individual animals.
By separating out these markers from physical samples (such as a rhino
horn or a piece of rosewood), forensic scientists are often able to determine
where the animal or plant came from, what its parentage might be, the age
of the sample, and how this relates to other seized shipments. Occasionally,
it’s possible to uncover more information about the criminal networks behind
the trade by detailing where the animals were killed and which ports were
used to transport them.
The University of Pretoria has created "rhODIS" – a genetic database of
DNA samples from black and white rhinos throughout South Africa. This
database will be used to help match recovered rhino horn to individual and
poached rhinos by comparing the genetics of the seized horn to those in the
database.
[Adapted from: <http://www.ishinews.com>]
3.5.1 Would the "highly variable" sections of DNA be found in the genes or
in the non-coding DNA? Explain. (3)
3.5.2 Using the information provided in the text, explain by means of a flow
diagram the procedure that would take place from the point at which
the SA Police find smuggled rhino horn in the boot of a vehicle
stopped at a road block, through to the point of conviction of the
criminals in possession of the rhino horn. (5)
[40]
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 10 of 13
QUESTION 4
4.1 The diagrams below show a flower of a pear tree and a fruit of a pear tree.
H
A
B
E
F
D C
G
[Adapted from <http://fruitandnuteducation.ucdavis.edu>]
4.1.1 Name structures A, C and D on the flower and match them with
structures on the pear that develops from this flower. Draw a table
similar to the one below in your Answer Book.
Letter of Name of flower Letter of
flower part part pear part
A
C
D
(6)
4.1.2 Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:
The genetically engineered Arctic Apple (which does not brown
when cut) was approved by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to be sold in grocery stores. According to an
article by Food Democracy Now!, the same company that created
two varieties of GMO apples with a new "gene-silencing technique"
are working on developing new varieties of peaches, pears, cherries
and bananas.
[Adapted from: <http://www.inquisitr.com>]
(a) What is meant by the acronym GMO? (1)
(b) In terms of the enzyme-catalysed browning process that
happens when fruit is cut and exposed to air, explain how a
"gene-silencing technique" could be used to develop the new
variety of pear that does not brown when cut. (3)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 11 of 13
4.2 Ultrasound scans can be used to measure the size of follicles in the human
ovary. Once a follicle is located, the screen is frozen while a measurement
is taken. The diameter of a follicle gives us an idea of the stage of
development of the follicle. In an investigation, the follicle size of 50 women
was investigated over a period of 25 days, beginning when menstruation
started in each woman. The changes in diameter of the follicles were
measured and recorded. The average diameter on each day was recorded
in the table below:
Table showing average follicle sizes during 25 days
DAYS WHEN FOLLICLES AVERAGE FOLLICLE
WERE MEASURED DIAMETERS OF THE
50 WOMEN (mm)
5 6,9
10 13,3
13 18,8
14 22,0
20 3,4
25 2,6
[Adapted from: Journal of Reproduction and Fertilisation, 1983]
4.2.1 Name the hormone responsible for the increase in follicle size from
Day 5 to Day 14. (1)
4.2.2 Explain the sudden drop in follicle size from Day 14 to Day 20. (2)
4.2.3 (a) A follicle not only responds to hormone messages, it also
sends hormone messages. Name TWO hormones that are
secreted by the follicles, relating your answer to the data in the
left column in the table. (4)
(b) Explain ONE function of each of the hormones named in
Question 4.2.3 (a) above. (2)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 12 of 13
4.3 Below is a diagram of a cross section of the penis.
Diagram of c.s. Penis
Artery
Skin
Vein
Nerve
Artery
Blood sinuses
Urethra
[Adapted from: <emedicine.medscape.com>]
4.3.1 What is the significance of the presence of blood sinuses in the
penis? (4)
4.3.2 Draw a table in which you record:
THREE components of the semen that is released through the
urethra. (3)
the importance of the component in the reproductive process. (3)
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NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 13 of 13
4.4 Glucose in the diet is vital for our health and its levels in the blood need to
remain constant. Study the information below and answer the questions that
follow:
Flow diagram showing hormonal control of blood sugar levels
[Adapted from: <http://www.patana.ac.th/Secondary/Science/IBtopics>]
4.4.1 Identify hormones 1 and 2. (2)
4.4.2 In the flow chart above, an endocrine gland is mentioned. Identify the
endocrine gland as well as the organ in which it is found. (2)
4.4.3 Explain the response that is carried out if Hormone 2 is activated. (3)
4.4.4 Type 2 Diabetes is described as a lifestyle disease.
(a) Explain how Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 diabetes. (2)
(b) Why is Type 2 diabetes described as a lifestyle disease? (2)
[40]
Total: 200 marks
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