# Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 Eastern Cape November 2025 QP > Grade 11 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the Eastern Cape November Exam 2025 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-gr11-qp-nov2025-english-watermark/ce6a8c77-5b50-4fd8-b1a0-5c63584095a1 - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 11 - Language: English - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2025 - Exam period: Eastern Cape November Exam - Paper: 1 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 16 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 11](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11) › [Life Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11/life-sciences) › [Life Sciences Grade 11 P1 Eastern Cape November 2025 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-gr11-qp-nov2025-english-watermark/ce6a8c77-5b50-4fd8-b1a0-5c63584095a1) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 11 · Eastern Cape November Exam · 2025 · English. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Matching paper and memo - [LIFE SCIENCES P1 GR11 MEMO NOV2025 English watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-gr11-memo-nov2025-english-watermark/595fffde-81ad-4f4d-be06-d944b73bcfd5) — Memo · 2025 · Eng ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 LIFE SCIENCES P1 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2½ hours This question paper consists of 16 pages. ### Page 2 2 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions. 1. Answer ALL the questions. 2. Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK provided. 3. Start the answer to EACH question at the top of a NEW page. 4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question. 6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink. 7. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts ONLY when asked to do so. 8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale. 9. Do NOT use graph paper. 10. You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass, where necessary. 11. All calculations to be rounded off to TWO decimal spaces. 12. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 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, for example 1.1.11 D. 1.1.1 The structure which prevents the food bolus from entering the trachea when swallowing: A Epiglottis B Tongue C Glottis D Teeth 1.1.2 A function of the kidney: A CO2 homeostasis B Breakdown of bile pigments C Blood pH homeostasis D Deamination 1.1.3 The part of the alimentary canal in which the villus is found: A Oesophagus B Large intestine C Stomach D Small intestine 1.1.4 Factor(s) which facilitate oxygen absorption into the human body: A Air breathed in has less oxygen than air breathed out B Alveoli having thick walls for oxygen storage and a large surface area C There are few alveoli in each lung D The concentration of oxygen in the blood is lower than in the alveoli Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 4 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 1.1.5 A cross-section of a dicot leaf is shown below. Epidermis X Which type of cell is expected to be found at layer X? A B C D 1.1.6 The table below shows the composition of four air samples. AIR SAMPLE O2 % CO2% N2 % P 21 0,04 78 Q 16 4,04 78 R 4 0,40 39 S 20 4,00 39 Which air sample represents inspired air and which air sample represents expired air? INSPIRED AIR EXPIRED AIR A S R B P S C P Q D Q S Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 5 1.1.7 Substances which are removed from the blood during tubular secretion. A Water, sodium ions and hormones B Glucose and sodium ions C Undigested food and creatine D Hormones, urea and creatine 1.1.8 The correct path that urine takes through the excretory system A Kidney → urethra → bladder → ureter B Kidney → ureter → bladder → urethra C Bladder → kidney → ureter → urethra D Ureter → kidney → urethra → bladder 1.1.9 Osmoregulation is the way the body controls the amount of water and salts it contains. Consider the table below. What is most likely to happen in the body on a cold day when a person drinks a lot of water? UREA RENAL TUBULE URINE VOLUME CONCENTRATION PERMEABILITY A Low Permeable High B High Impermeable Low C Low Impermeable Low D High Permeable High 1.1.10 The inside of the trachea (windpipe) is lined with a special tissue called ciliated columnar epithelium. This tissue has tiny hair-like structures called cilia. What is the main function of the cilia in the trachea (windpipe)? A Increase surface area for gaseous exchange B Help gases move quickly because they are close to blood vessels C Trap dirt and pathogenic (harmful) microbes (germs) D Excrete metabolic waste products (10 x 2) (20) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 6 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 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 1.2.8) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 Process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs 1.2.2 The hormone which assists in the regulation of sodium ions 1.2.3 Large flat and uneven teeth used for grinding and crushing food 1.2.4 Region which connects the nasal cavity with larynx and leads into the trachea and the oesophagus 1.2.5 Release of a useful substance (enzymes, saliva) from cells or glands 1.2.6 Semi-liquid mass of partially digested food which has gone through mechanical and chemical digestive processes of the stomach 1.2.7 Folded portion of the nephron between the loop of Henle and the collecting tubule 1.2.8 Process which requires no energy to move water from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential (8) 1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN Ι, applies to A ONLY, B ONLY, BOTH A and B, or NONE of the items in COLUMN ΙΙ. Write A only, B only, both A and B, or NONE next to the question numbers (1.3.1. to 1.3.4) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN I COLUMN II 1.3.1 Part(s) of the chloroplast in which A: Thylakoid chlorophyll is located B: Lamellae 1.3.2 Cell(s) which make up the surface of A: Compound columnar the villus B: Goblet 1.3.3 Structure(s) which assist in keeping A: Circular muscle the trachea open B: Epiglottis 1.3.4 A part of the blood circulatory A: Convoluted tubules system of the kidney B: Renal calyxes (4 x 2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 7 1.4 A macroscopic diagram of the kidney is shown below. F A B C E D 1.4.1 Identify the label and state the name of the … (a) cup-shaped structure which surrounds the renal papillae and funnels urine. (2) (b) part that has layers of fat (adipose tissue) to protect the kidney from mechanical injury. (2) (c) part that collects urine from the calyces and channels it into the ureter. (2) 1.4.2 Explain why part D appears darker red or brown compared to part A. (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 8 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 1.5 Negative feedback mechanisms are essential processes which ensure homeostasis. A simple negative feedback loop with its components is shown below. Stimulus Restore Homeostasis Receptor / Imbalance Control Effector Center 1.5.1 Define the term homeostasis. (2) 1.5.2 Carbon dioxide regulation is an important example of a negative feedback mechanism. When the level of carbon dioxide in the human body becomes too high which part of the body acts as the: (a) Receptor (1) (b) Effector (2) 1.5.3 Give TWO reasons why it is important for carbon dioxide levels in the blood not to remain high. (2) [50] TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 9 SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 Study the organelle below that is found in a cell. A B 2.1.1 Identify the organelle shown above. (1) 2.1.2 State TWO visible reasons for the answer given to QUESTION 2.1.1. (2) 2.1.3 Beside their locations, tabulate TWO differences between the processes which occur at A and B. (5) 2.1.4 List TWO biological importances of the process which occurs within the given organelle. (2) 2.1.5 Describe ONE visible structural feature within the organelle that makes it suitable for its primary function. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 10 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 2.2 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. GREENHOUSES HELP GROW FOOD EVEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS UNFAVOURABLE In Russia, winters are very cold and the time for growing food is short. Greenhouses give a safe and warm space for growing vegetables all year round, even when it is −25 °C outside. In places like Siberia, people can now grow local vegetables instead of buying them from other countries. Russian greenhouses use clean energy from the sun (solar) and the earth (geothermal). Greenhouses also help people get jobs and support local businesses. 2.2.1 List ONE benefit of greenhouse systems on the local community. (1) 2.2.2 Explain how Russian greenhouses are energy efficient. (2) 2.2.3 The best temperature for growing plants in a greenhouse is 28 °C. Outside, the temperature is −25 °C. (a) Give TWO ways to keep the temperature warm inside the greenhouse when it is very cold outside. (2) (b) Calculate the percentage difference in temperature between outside (−25 °C) and inside (28 °C) the greenhouse. (3) 2.2.4 Greenhouses use UV-A and UV-B light bulbs when there is not enough sunlight. (a) Briefly discuss the relationship between light intensity and the photosynthetic rate of plants. (3) (b) Explain ONE limiting factor of light intensity in plants. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 11 2.3 Cellular respiration is a 3-phase process in which ATP is formed. A schematic representation of this process is given below. Electrons carried via NADH X Process A Process A Process B Y ATP ATP ATP 2.3.1 Identify: (a) Process A (1) (b) Reactant X (1) (c) Product Y (1) 2.3.2 Is process A an anabolic or catabolic process? Give ONE reason for the answer. (2) 2.3.3 Between A and B, which process produces more ATP? Give a reason for the answer. (2) 2.3.4 Describe the events of the Krebs cycle. (4) 2.3.5 An athlete complained about muscle cramps after running a marathon for four and a half hours. Using your understanding of cellular respiration, explain why this has occurred. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 12 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 2.4 A scientist investigated how photosynthesis and respiration affect carbon dioxide levels in water. The experiment used pondweed (a plant) and a pond snail (an animal). Experimental design: • The apparatus was left in a well-lit room for 5 days. • After 5 days, the scientist completely covered the boiling tube with black paper. • A data logger was used to record carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels every day for 15 days. • The results are shown in the table below. CARBON DIOXIDE TIME IN CONCENTRATION DAYS IN ARBITRARY UNITS 0 5 1 5 Data logger 2 5 3 5 Rubber plug 4 5 5 5 6 5,3 7 5,4 8 5,5 Pondweed 9 6,4 10 6,5 Pond snail 11 6,5 12 6,6 13 6,8 14 7,1 15 7,4 2.4.1 Identify the dependent variable of the investigation. (1) 2.4.2 State a suitable control for the investigation. (2) 2.4.3 Account for the carbon dioxide concentration between day 0 and day 5. (2) 2.4.4 Suggest a reason why carbon dioxide concentration increased after day 5. (2) 2.4.5 The snail died on day 10. Explain why this happened. (2) 2.4.6 State a suitable conclusion for the investigation. (2) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 13 QUESTION 3 3.1 Below is a diagram of some parts of the digestive system. A B F C D E 3.1.1 Provide suitable labels for: (a) Tube A (1) (b) Vein C (1) 3.1.2 Explain THREE ways structure E is adapted for its function. (6) 3.1.3 Distinguish between the physical and chemical digestion which occur simultaneously in structure B. (4) 3.1.4 Explain why fat absorption is still possible, despite structure F being surgically removed. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 14 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 3.2 The diagram below shows one of the five phases of human nutrition. 3.2.1 Based on the diagram above, name the phase of human nutrition shown. Also, name the enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins during this phase. (2) 3.2.2 Where in the human body will the enzyme mentioned in QUESTION 3.2.1 be produced? (1) 3.2.3 During which phase of human nutrition will proteins be formed in the human body? (1) 3.2.4 Identify and discuss the final phase of human nutrition. Mention the structure(s) involved and their biological importance. (3) 3.3 Bread is masticated in the human mouth. 3.3.1 Explain the importance of mastication in human nutrition. (2) 3.3.2 Explain why bread tastes sweeter after a short period of time in the mouth. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) LIFE SCIENCES P1 15 3.4 The diagram below shows an alveolus, a small, hollow, air-filled sac located in the lungs. A 3.4.1 Identify the type of movement represented by A. (1) 3.4.2 Identify and describe TWO visible features of the alveolus that make it an effective gaseous exchange surface. (4) 3.4.3 List TWO ways in which oxygen is transported in the body. (2) 3.4.4 Describe how a bullet wound to the chest could affect effective ventilation of the lungs. (5) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 16 LIFE SCIENCES P1 (EC/NOVEMBER 2025) 3.5 The diagram below shows a nephron. B A C D E F 3.5.1 List TWO letters from the nephron diagram that are located in the renal cortex. (2) 3.5.2 Identify and discuss TWO significant processes which occur between the renal tubule and network F. (4) 3.5.3 Bartter syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which causes ineffective reabsorption of sodium ions, despite aldosterone’s secretion. Sodium pumps are also unable to actively pump sodium out. (a) Identify and write down the name of the part Bartter syndrome will most likely affect. (2) (b) Discuss how Bartter syndrome will negatively affect osmoregulation. 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