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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES P1
NOVEMBER 2013
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
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Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2013 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2013 (English), 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2013. Question paper, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2013
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
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- CAPS
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- 15
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This exam
NSC November Exam 2013
Questions in this paper
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Life Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2013
NSC
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.
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 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. Write neatly and legibly.
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Life Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2013
NSC
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example
1.1.11 D.
1.1.1 The distribution of organisms is known as …
A biochemistry.
B biogeography.
C archaeology.
D palaeontology.
1.1.2 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY describes the cells
produced by meiosis?
CELLS PRODUCED BY MEIOSIS
Chromosome complement Genetic composition
A Haploid Different
B Diploid Identical
C Diploid Different
D Haploid Identical
1.1.3 Study the following statements:
(i) Organisms in a population show a great deal of variation.
(ii) Characteristics are passed on from parents to offspring.
(iii) If an organism uses an organ frequently it becomes more
developed.
(iv) A large number of offspring are produced, but only few
survive.
Which ONE of the following combinations refers to observations
upon which Darwin based his theory?
A (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
B (i), (ii) and (iii) only
C (i), (ii) and (iv) only
D (i), (iii) and (iv) only
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Life Sciences/P1 4 DBE/November 2013
NSC
1.1.4 Study the following list of molecules:
(i) Sugar
(ii) Phosphate
(iii) Nitrogenous base
(iv) Amino acid
Which ONE of the following combinations represents components
of a nucleotide?
A (i), (ii) and (iv) only
B (i), (ii) and (iii) only
C (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
1.1.5 Four different phenotypes are possible in the F 1 -generation if the
parents' blood types are …
A B and B.
B A and B.
C O and AB.
D AB and AB.
1.1.6 In humans, brown eye colour is dominant over blue eye colour.
A mother with blue eyes had two children, a boy with brown eyes
and a girl with blue eyes. The eye colour of the father is ...
A brown, because the allele for brown eye colour is sex-linked.
B brown, because at least one of the parents must have brown
eyes.
C blue, because at least two other members of the family have
blue eyes.
D blue, because at least one of the parents must be
heterozygous for eye colour.
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Life Sciences/P1 5 DBE/November 2013
NSC
QUESTIONS 1.1.7 TO 1.1.9 ARE BASED ON THE INFORMATION AND
GRAPH BELOW.
One way to measure the resistance of an insect population to an insecticide is
to determine the time taken for the insecticide to kill 90% of the population.
This is called the resistance factor (RF).
The graph below shows the results from a resistance investigation in a single
population. The same amount of each of three insecticides was used.
100
A
80 B
Mortality %
KEY
60 C
Insecticide A
40 Insecticide B
20 Insecticide C
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Time (min.)
1.1.7 What is the approximate RF value for insecticide B?
A 0,5
B 1
C 2
D 24
1.1.8 Which ONE of the insecticides has the fastest killing action given
that the same quantity of each insecticide was used?
A Insecticide A
B Insecticide B
C Insecticide C
D All the insecticides were equally fast
1.1.9 A general conclusion from the data shown in the graph above, at
30 minutes, is that …
A both insecticide B and insecticide C have been 100% effective.
B both insecticide A and insecticide B have been 100% effective.
C both insecticide A and insecticide C have been 100% effective.
D all the insecticides have been 100% effective.
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Life Sciences/P1 6 DBE/November 2013
NSC
1.1.10 Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 below refer to four populations of frogs.
These populations are represented diagrammatically by circles.
Overlapping circles show populations that are capable of
interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.
1 2 1 3 4
It would be reasonable to conclude that ...
A if populations 2 and 4 were to die out, two different species
would remain.
B populations 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent four different species.
C if population 2 were to die out, two different species would
remain.
D if population 3 were to die out, only one species would remain.
(10 x 2) (20)
1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.8) in the ANSWER
BOOK.
1.2.1 The triplet of bases found in a tRNA molecule
1.2.2 The condition where an organism has more than two complete sets
of chromosomes in a cell
1.2.3 A genetic disorder characterised by the absence of a blood clotting
factor
1.2.4 Organisms that have different alleles at a given locus
1.2.5 The physical and/or functional expression of a gene
1.2.6 An arrangement of black bars representing DNA fragments that
can be used to determine whether people are related
1.2.7 All the chromosomes found in a cell except the sex chromosomes
1.2.8 The biotechnological production of genetically identical offspring (8)
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Life Sciences/P1 7 DBE/November 2013
NSC
1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I 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 number (1.3.1 to 1.3.8) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 A trait such as height in A: Polygenic inheritance
humans that has a range of B: Codominance
intermediate phenotypes
1.3.2 Alternative forms of the same A: Alleles
gene in a population B: Chromosomes
1.3.3 A type of gene mutation in A: Frame-shift mutation
which adenine is lost/deleted B: Point mutation
from a DNA base triplet
1.3.4 The structure that moves A: Centromere
chromosomes/chromatids to B: Spindle
the poles during cell division
1.3.5 Inheritance of acquired A: Lamarck
characteristics B: Darwin
1.3.6 Influence(s) the inheritance of A: Multiple alleles
blood groups B: Codominance
1.3.7 A characteristic that humans A: Opposable thumb
share with other primates B: Binocular vision
1.3.8 A characteristic that is only A: Recessive
expressed when in the B: Dominant
homozygous state
(8 x 2) (16)
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Life Sciences/P1 8 DBE/November 2013
NSC
1.4 A scientist gathered information about the affected and unaffected individuals
for a certain genetic disorder. The genetic disorder is caused by a dominant
allele. The findings of the scientist are represented in the pedigree diagram
below.
A B
C
D X
Key
Affected male Affected female
Unaffected male Unaffected female
1.4.1 Using the letters R and r to represent the dominant and recessive
alleles respectively, state the genotype of individual:
(a) A (1)
(b) D (1)
1.4.2 What is the percentage chance of individual X having a genetic
disorder? (2)
1.4.3 If individual C marries an unaffected male, state the possible
genotype(s) of their offspring. (2)
(6)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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Life Sciences/P1 9 DBE/November 2013
NSC
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 Study the diagram below, which shows a section of a DNA molecule during
a process taking place in a cell.
A
A – Adenine
T G – Guanine
T – Thymine
G C – Cytosine
C
2 1
T T
G
2.1.1 Name the process represented in the diagram. (1)
2.1.2 When exactly will this process take place in a cell? (1)
2.1.3 Give labels for 1 and 2. (2)
2.1.4 State TWO ways in which the structure of RNA differs from the
DNA structure shown in the diagram. (2)
(6)
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Life Sciences/P1 10 DBE/November 2013
NSC
2.2 The diagram below shows a part of the process of protein synthesis.
1 2 3
C AU G G G AU G Molecule X
Molecule Y
Ribosome
2.2.1 Name the stage of protein synthesis represented in the diagram
above. (1)
2.2.2 Identify:
(a) Molecule X (1)
(b) Molecule Y (1)
(c) Structure 1 (1)
2.2.3 The table below shows the DNA base triplets that code for different
amino acids found in human proteins.
AMINO ACID BASE TRIPLET IN DNA
Leucine GAA
Proline GGG
Lycine TTT
Histidine GTA
Serine TCA
Methionine TAC
Glycine CCC
Glutamine GTC
Using the information in the table and the diagram above, write
down the sequence of the amino acids that correspond with
structures 1, 2 and 3. (3)
(7)
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Life Sciences/P1 11 DBE/November 2013
NSC
2.3 The diagrams below show chromosome pair 21 in the nucleus of a cell of the
ovary of a woman. The chromosomes are involved in a process that takes
place in a phase of meiosis.
Diagram X Diagram Y Diagram Z
B
A
2.3.1 Give labels for A and B. (2)
2.3.2 Rearrange the letters X, Y and Z to show the correct sequence in
which the events take place in this phase. (1)
2.3.3 Explain why the chromosomes in Diagram X and Diagram Y are
different in appearance. (3)
2.3.4 The diagram below shows the nuclei of the four cells that resulted
from meiosis involving the chromosomes in Diagram X above.
Nuclei of the cells formed at the end of meiosis II
M N O P
Daughter chromosomes
(a) Explain why nuclei O and P do NOT have chromosomes. (2)
(b) Name and explain the disorder that will result if diagram M
represents an egg cell that fuses with a normal sperm cell. (3)
(11)
2.4 When flies with grey bodies were crossed with flies with black bodies, all the
offspring in the F 1 had grey bodies.
Use the letters G and g to represent a genetic cross to show the F 2 genotypes
and phenotypes if the F 1 were interbred. (6)
[30]
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Life Sciences/P1 12 DBE/November 2013
NSC
QUESTION 3
3.1 Read the extract below.
Genetic engineering involves a process whereby a gene is isolated from one
organism and transferred into another organism. This gene can become part
of the new host's genome. Usually the gene transfer takes place between
organisms from different kingdoms.
For example, a gene from a certain bacterium codes for an enzyme that
deactivates a herbicide (a weedkiller). This gene is isolated from the
bacterium and inserted into the chromosome of a crop plant. The resulting
plant will now be herbicide-resistant.
Before the products of genetic engineering can be sold, many tests must
be done.
Some seed companies have exclusive rights to sell the seeds that they have
genetically engineered. Farmers cannot use seeds harvested from the crops
that they have grown. Farmers must buy the seeds from the seed companies
every time they want to plant the crop.
[Adapted from Microbiology and Biotechnology, 1994]
3.1.1 What is meant by the term genome referred to in the extract? (1)
3.1.2 State ONE way in which the genetic engineering described in the
extract differs from selective breeding. (2)
3.1.3 Give ONE reason why the products of genetic engineering must
undergo many tests before they can be sold. (1)
3.1.4 Explain the value of growing herbicide-resistant crops. (3)
3.1.5 State THREE advantages of genetic engineering in crop production
other than those mentioned in the extract above. (3)
3.1.6 Give a reason why seed companies insist that they must have the
exclusive rights to the selling of seeds. (2)
(12)
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Life Sciences/P1 13 DBE/November 2013
NSC
3.2 Gregor Mendel conducted breeding experiments with pea plants to study the
inheritance patterns of four different traits (plant height, seed shape, seed
colour and seed coat colour).
For each trait, for example plant height, he crossed homozygous tall plants
with homozygous dwarf plants. The offspring obtained in the F 1 -generation
were then interbred to form the F 2 -generation. He did the same for each of
the other traits.
The results obtained for the F 2 -generation are shown in the table below.
TRAIT RESULTS OF RATIO
F 2 -CROSSING
Plant height Tall: 787 2,84 : 1
(Tall or dwarf) Dwarf: 277
Seed shape Round: 5 474 X
(Round or wrinkled) Wrinkled: 1 850
Seed colour Yellow: 6 022 Y
(Yellow or green) Green: 2 001
Seed coat colour Grey: 705 3,15 : 1
(Grey or white) White: 224
rd
[Adapted from Basic Concepts in Biology, 3 edition., C Starr, 1997]
3.2.1 What is the expected phenotypic ratio for a trait involving two
heterozygous parents? (1)
3.2.2 From the results, calculate X and Y. Also state which trait provided
a ratio closest to the expected phenotypic ratio mentioned in
QUESTION 3.2.1. Show ALL working. (3)
3.2.3 Give a possible reason why the ratio selected in QUESTION 3.2.2
was closest to the theoretical ratio. (2)
3.2.4 Using the results, state whether the allele for round seeds or for
wrinkled seeds is dominant. (1)
3.2.5 State TWO factors that Mendel controlled during these breeding
experiments. (2)
3.2.6 Write down Mendel's law of segregation. (2)
(11)
3.3 Describe how allopatric speciation occurs. (7)
[30]
TOTAL SECTION B: 60
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Life Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2013
NSC
SECTION C
QUESTION 4
4.1 Although copper is an essential nutrient for the growth of plants, it is toxic and
may kill the plants if present in very high amounts.
High amounts of copper in the soil may be a result of ore deposits from old
copper mines. Some grass species are tolerant to high levels of copper.
An investigation was carried out to determine the effect of copper on the
growth of a species of grass, Eragrostis sp., found near an old copper mine.
• Seeds were collected from plants growing in five sample areas that were
10 metres apart, starting from an old copper mine.
• Forty seeds from each sample area were planted under laboratory
conditions in soil containing nutrients for normal growth.
• The seeds were allowed to germinate into seedlings.
• The 40 seedlings from each sample area were divided into two groups
(Group 1 and Group 2).
• A dilute copper solution was added to the soil of the Group 1 seedlings.
• Distilled water was added to the soil of the Group 2 seedlings.
After two weeks, the number of seedlings surviving was counted and the
average height of the surviving seedlings was measured.
The results are shown in the table below.
Sample Distance Number of Average height of
area from the old seedlings surviving surviving seedlings
copper mine (cm)
where the Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2
seeds were
collected
(m)
1 10 20 20 3,9 4,0
2 20 20 20 3,8 4,1
3 30 12 20 4,0 4,9
4 40 4 20 3,7 4,8
5 50 2 20 3,8 4,9
[Adapted from Tropical Grasslands, Journal Volume 24, 1990]
4.1.1 Draw a line graph to represent the results obtained for the number
of seedlings surviving in Group 1. (7)
4.1.2 Identify the dependent variable(s) in the investigation. (2)
4.1.3 Identify TWO independent variables in this investigation. (2)
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Life Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2013
NSC
4.1.4 In terms of natural selection, explain why seedlings from seeds
collected closer to the mine for Group 1 had a high survival rate. (6)
(17)
4.2 Describe how a study of the Y-chromosome provides evidence for the 'Out of
Africa' hypothesis. (3)
4.3 Describe the structural changes to the skull that characterise the evolution of
modern humans from their ape-like ancestors, and explain the significance of
these changes.
Content: (17)
Synthesis: (3)
(20)
NOTE: NO marks will be awarded for answers in the form of flow charts or
diagrams.
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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