# Life Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 Eastern Cape Mock 2025 Memo

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 memorandum from the Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2025, 11 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-memo-gr12-sept-2025-watermark/c40a235e-06be-4acf-91fc-730fc43bc6b7
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Memorandum
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: Eastern Cape Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 11

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Mock 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

                    SEPTEMBER 2025

                  LIFE SCIENCES P1
                 MARKING GUIDELINE

MARKS:   150

               This marking guideline consists of 11 pages.

### Page 2

2                               LIFE SCIENCES P2                              (EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)

PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES

1.     If more information than marks allocated is given
       Stop marking when maximum marks is reached and put a wavy line and ‘max’ 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 provincial memo discussion meeting.

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### Page 3

(EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)                            LIFE SCIENCES P1                                     3

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

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 P2                               (EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)

 SECTION A

 QUESTION 1

 1.1.1     B 
 1.1.2     A 
 1.1.3     B 
 1.1.4     D 
 1.1.5     C 
 1.1.6     C 
 1.1.7     B 
 1.1.8     D 
 1.1.9     A 
 1.1.10    B                                                                     (10 x 2)      (20)

 1.2.1     Puberty 
 1.2.2     Thorns 
 1.2.3     (Reproductive) strategy 
 1.2.4     Binocular vision 
 1.2.5     Testes 
 1.2.6     Kidney 
 1.2.7     Stimulus 
 1.2.8     Chorion 
 1.2.9     Multiple Sclerosis                                                       (9 x 1)        (9)

 1.3.1     Both A and B 
 1.3.2     Both A and B 
 1.3.3     None                                                                    (3 x 2)        (6)

 1.4.1     (a)     A  – Prostate gland                                                            (2)

           (b)     B  – Epididymis                                                                (2)

 1.4.2     -     Penis/D deposits sperm directly into the female reproductive tract 
                 during ejaculation,
           -     ensuring that sperm are closer to the egg cell  for potential fertilisation.
                 (Mark first ONE only)                                              (1 x 2)         (2)

 1.5.1     (a)     Oviparous                                                                       (1)

           (b)     Allantois                                                                       (1)

 1.5.2     -     The foetus obtains nutrients directly from the mothers’ body 
           -     The foetus is protected by the mother’s body from the environment 
                 (Mark first TWO only)                                                              (2)

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### Page 5

(EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)                        LIFE SCIENCES P1                              5

 1.6.1     (a)   TSH/Thyroid stimulating hormone                                    (1)

           (b)   Thyroid gland                                                      (1)

           (c)   Negative feedback  mechanism                                       (1)

 1.6.2     (a)   Goitre                                                             (1)

           (b)   Thyroxin                                                           (1)
                                                                                    [50]

                                                              TOTAL SECTION A:       50

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### Page 6

6                                  LIFE SCIENCES P2                           (EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1 2.1.1     (a) A – Pinna                                                                      (1)

              (b) D – Auditory nerve                                                             (1)

     2.1.2    -      The buildup of fluid in the middle ear increases pressure which
                     reduces the ability of the tympanic membrane (structure E) to vibrate
                     effectively 
                     As a result, fewer sound vibrations are transmitted to the ossicles
                     (structure B) 
              -      The fluid also restricts the movement of the ossicles, reducing the
                     ability to amplify sound 
                     This leads to less mechanical vibrations being passed on to the inner
                     ear resulting in the hearing loss.                                          (4)

     2.1.3    -      Insert grommet (into structure E)                                           (1)

     2.1.4    -      The use of earplugs to prevent water entry to the middle ear                (1)

     2.1.5    The semi-circular canals / structure C:
              - Are arranged at (right) angles of each other 
                 To detect movement in three different planes/ as endolymph is
                 displaced in each receptor(s) are stimulated 
              - Contain cristae and ampullae 
                 Detecting the speed of change in rotational movement of the head 
              - Contain endolymph 
                 That is displaced with head movement/rotation causing the cupula to
                 bend 
                 (Mark first TWO only)                                        (2 x 2)             (4)

2.2 2.2.1            Accommodation                                                               (1)

     2.2.2    -      Ciliary muscle relax 
              -      Suspensory ligaments are pulled taught 
              -      Tension on lens increases 
              -      Making the lens become flatter/less convex 
                     Light rays are refracted (bent) less                   (Any 4 x 1)          (4)

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### Page 7

(EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)                           LIFE SCIENCES P1                                 7

       2.2.3

                 Marking guideline for drawing
                 Correct lens shape (concave) - S         1 Mark
                 Incoming light rays - L                  1 Mark
                 How the light rays are adjusted (bended)
                 to focus correctly on the retina - B     1 Mark                         (3)

2.3    2.3.1     -    The path an impulse takes  from
                 -    receptor to effector                                              (2)

       2.3.2     -    Transmits impulses  from receptors to the brain 
                 -    Transmits impulses  from the brain to effectors 
                 -    It helps coordinate muscle movements and balance  by
                      transmitting impulses between the brain and body. 
                      (Mark first ONE only) (Max 2)                       (Any 1 x 2)    (2)

       2.3.3     B/ Sensory neuron D/ Motor neuron
                 Unipolar            Multipolar 
                 Enter the spinal     Exit spinal cord via
                 cord via the dorsal  ventral root 
                 root 
                 (Mark first TWO only)
                                                                 Table + (2 x 2)         (5)

       2.3.4     Synapse *
                 - It ensures that the impulse moves in one direction only 
                 - It prevents continuous stimulation of the neurons 
                 - It ensures that the impulse is transmitted from the sensory neuron
                    to the motor neuron
                    (Mark first TWO only and *)                                      (3)

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### Page 8

8                                    LIFE SCIENCES P2                           (EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)

2.4    2.4.1     Autonomic nervous system                                                    (1)

       2.4.2     -        Sympathetic nerve
                          Increase cardiac rhythm  increasing blood flow around the
                          body
                 -        Parasympathetic
                          Returning  cardiac rhythm back to normal  operating conditions (4)

2.5    2.5.1     Aldosterone                                                                 (1)

       2.5.2         83
                           x 2 600  = 599,44  cm3
                 360                                                                          (3)

       2.5.3     -        ADH will travel in the blood to the kidneys/nephron 
                 -        Causing an increase in permeability 
                 -        Within the collecting ducts/nephron 
                 -        More water is absorbed from the filtrate 
                 -        Less water is expelled through the urine             (Any 4 x 1) (4)

       2.5.4     (a) Cold day                                                                (1)

                 (b) - High volume of urine produced *
                        During a cold day, the body sweats less and produces more,
                        urine to remove extra water 
                      - Little sweat is being produced *
                        During a cold day, the body does not need to cool down, so less
                        sweat is produced 
                        (Mark FIRST TWO only)                                   (2 x 2) (4)
                                                                                        [50]

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### Page 9

(EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)                               LIFE SCIENCES P1                                   9

QUESTION 3

3.1    3.1.1    (a) Implantation                                                                (1)

                (b) Morula                                                                      (1)

       3.1.2    -     Facilitate the movement of sperm cells, egg cells and the zygote to the
                      uterus/produce peristaltic movements to facilitate movements of
                      sperm, egg and zygote/ to catch and usher ovum into Fallopian tube
                -     Site of fertilisation 
                -     To keep sperm cells, egg cells and the zygote hydrated / provides a
                      suitable environment/nourishment for the fertilized ovum (zygote)
                      before it moves to the uterus.                                 (Any 2)

                                                        OR

                -     Helps sperm reach the ovum  for fertilisation 
                -     To keep sperm cells, egg cells and the zygote hydrated / provides a
                      suitable environment/nourishment for the fertilized ovum (zygote)
                      before it moves to the uterus.                               (Any 2) (2)

       3.1.3    -     The hormones, estrogen and progesterone * cause the endometrium
                      to become
                -     more vascular 
                -     more glandular
                      increasing the endometrium lining size – more glandular 
                                                                   (Mark * + Any 1 only) (2)

       3.1.4    -     Nutrition 
                      It allows for diffusion of nutrients from the mother to the foetus 
                -     Gaseous exchange 
                      Diffusion of oxygen from the mother to the foetus and for the diffusion
                      of carbon dioxide from the foetus to the mother 
                -     diffusion of waste products and nutrients 
                      from the foetus to the mother 
                -     Endocrine function 
                      After 12 weeks, the placenta secretes progesterone to maintain the
                      pregnancy 
                -     Acts as a microfilter 
                      Preventing pathogenic microbes and certain toxins from entering into
                      foetal blood.
                      (Mark first THREE only)                                            (3 x 2) (6)

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10                                 LIFE SCIENCES P2                             (EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)

     3.1.5    -      Limited nutrition,  the developing foetus will not be able to receive
                     enough nutrients and oxygen 
              -      Toxicity  might build up in the foetus as there will be limited removal of
                     metabolic waste products 
                     (Mark first TWO only)                                               (2 x 2) (4)

3.2 3.2.1     Pituitary/hypophysis  gland                                                         (1)

     3.2.2    Clomiphene treatment                                                                (1)

     3.2.3    - Day 10/11                                                                         (1)

     3.2.4    - FSH cause the development of mature Graafian follicle. 
              - As a Graafian follicle grows, it secretes more oestrogen. 
              - Therefore, rising oestrogen levels indicate that FSH is active and
                functioning.                                                                      (2)

     3.2.5    - Acquiring research tools/instruments  to collect data with
              - Deciding on how data will be recorded                                             (2)

     3.2.6    - Allowing researchers to identify trends 
              - Reduces effects of random errors  /outliers
              - Improves accuracy of results                                    (Any TWO)         (2)

     3.2.7    (a) The release of a (mature) ovum  from the ovary/mature Graafian
                  follicle                                                                        (2)

              (b) -    Oestrogen levels peaked/drastically increased twice, 
                  -    Once at day 10 and the other at day 20 
                  -    Oestrogen is secreted from developing follicles  and
                  -    the greater the size of the Graafian follicle, the greater amount of
                       oestrogen secreted 
                     - Oestrogen levels usually spike the day before ovulation, it spiked
                       twice within 27 days.                                  (Any FOUR) (4)

3.3 3.3.1     -      Decreased water availability/drought 
              -      Parasitism 
              -      Decreased light intensity 
              -      Coldness 
              -      Increased transpiration                                     (Any ONE)        (1)

     3.3.2    -      Inhibits plant growth in unfavourable conditions 
              -      Preventing the plant from expending energy where it might not be able to
                     photosynthesise efficiently.                                            (2)

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### Page 11

(EC/SEPTEMBER 2025)                              LIFE SCIENCES P1                              11

     3.3.3    Spring / Summer                                                                  (1)

     3.3.4    -      Higher UV radiation will be available, plants will be able to
                     photosynthesise better 
              -      GA stimulates cell elongation/plant growth/flowering to harness
                     increased environmental energy                                            (2)

3.4 In seedling A
    - Auxins produced in the apical meristem
    - Could not detect light direction 
    - And remained evenly distributed 
    - Causing the seedling to grow upwards                                     (Any TWO)       (2)

     In seedling C
     - Auxins produced in the apical meristem
     - Where unevenly distributed 
     - Accumulating on the left-hand side, causing cell elongation 
     - Causing the seedling to bend towards the right                          (Any TWO)       (2)

3.5 3.5.1     When insulin doesn’t work properly, brain cells struggle to communicate,
              leading to memory problems.                                            (2)

     3.5.2    -      amyloid plaques 
              -      tau tangles                                                               (2)

     3.5.3    -      Insulin will stimulate liver / hepatic / muscle cells 
              -      To convert excess glucose to glycogen  which is stored in them            (2)

     3.5.4    -      Insulin Resistance 

                                                     OR

              -      The body being unable to convert glucose to glycogen  despite the
                     secretion of insulin into the blood                                (1)

     3.5.5    -      Adrenalin 
              -      Could cause an increase in cellular respiration within cells, thus uptake
                     of glucose                                                               (2)
                                                                                               [50]

                                                                       TOTAL SECTION B: 100
                                                                          GRAND TOTAL: 150

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