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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
SEPTEMBER 2024
LIFE SCIENCES P2
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
This question paper consists of 16 pages.
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Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 Eastern Cape Prelim 2024 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the Eastern Cape Prelim Exam 2024 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Prelim Exam · 2024 · English. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Language
- English
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2024
- Exam period
- Eastern Cape Prelim Exam
- Paper
- 2
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 1.3 MB
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This exam
Questions in this paper
- Question 1.1GENETICS AND INHERITANCE18 marks
- Question 1.2MEIOSIS6 marks
- Question 1.3GENETICS AND INHERITANCE
- Question 1.4GENETICS AND INHERITANCE9 marks
- Question 1.5EVOLUTION9 marks
- Question 2.1MEIOSIS13 marks
Show all 15 questions
- Question 2.2DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE5 marks
- Question 2.3GENETICS AND INHERITANCE13 marks
- Question 2.4GENETICS AND INHERITANCE9 marks
- Question 2.5GENETICS AND INHERITANCE11 marks
- Question 3.1GENETICS AND INHERITANCE9 marks
- Question 3.2EVOLUTION9 marks
- Question 3.3EVOLUTION7 marks
- Question 3.4EVOLUTION11 marks
- Question 3.5EVOLUTION14 marks
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2 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
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. ALL drawings MUST be done in pencil and labelled 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 nonprogrammable calculator, protractor and a compass,
where necessary.
11. All calculations to be rounded off to TWO decimal spaces.
12. Write neatly and legibly.
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 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 1.1.9) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.10 D.
1.1.1 The various factors controlling the different characteristics are separate
entities, not influencing each other in any way, and sorting themselves
out independently during gamete formation.
This refers to …
A Mendel’s principle of segregation.
B Mendel’s principle of independent assortment.
C Lamarck’s ‘law’ of the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
D Chance fertilisation.
1.1.2 Multiple alleles exists when …
A one allele controls the inheritance of a gene.
B two alleles control the inheritance of a gene.
C alleles are inherited from two parents.
D more than two alleles control the inheritance of a gene.
1.1.3 How many nitrogenous bases are found in a protein made up of 66 amino
acids?
A 198
B 22
C 132
D 66
1.1.4 A structural difference between nucleic acids is.
DNA RNA
A Double-stranded molecule Single-stranded
B Contains the nitrogenous base, Contains the nitrogenous base,
uracil thymine
C Straight-stranded structure Helical structure
D Shorter molecule Longer molecule
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4 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
1.1.5 The diagram below shows a phase in cell division.
The phase in the diagram above is …
A prophase II.
B telophase II.
C telophase I.
D telophase.
QUESTIONS 1.1.6 AND 1.1.7 ARE BASED ON DNA PROFILING BELOW.
A B C D E F
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 5
1.1.6 The parents of individual B are …
A A and F.
B C and E.
C A and E.
D D and F.
1.1.7 Which ONE of the following options is NOT used for DNA profiling?
A Matching tissues for organ transplants.
B Diagnosis of inherited disorders.
C Developing cures for inherited disorders.
D Biological evidence in criminal cases.
1.1.8 The diploid chromosomes composition in normal human males is …
A 44 autosomes + XX gonosomes.
B 22 autosomes + Y gonosomes.
C 22 autosomes + XY gonosomes.
D 44 autosomes + XY gonosomes.
1.1.9 A mutation can have the following effects:
(i) Code for the same amino acid
(ii) Change the protein formed
(iii) Cause diseases in an organism
(iv) Not be expressed in the organism’s phenotype
(v) Increases chances of survival
Which ONE of the above combinations is ONLY due to harmful
mutations?
A (i), (ii) and (iv)
B (ii) and (v)
C (iii) only
D (ii) and (iii)
(9 x 2) (18)
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6 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
1.2 Give the biological term for EACH of the following descriptions. Write only
the term next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.9) in the ANSWER BOOK.
1.2.1 Representation of the number, shape and arrangement of
chromosomes in the nucleus of a somatic cell
1.2.2 Location of extra-nuclear DNA in plant cells only
1.2.3 The point of contact as non-sister chromatids overlaps each other in
crossing over
1.2.4 A blood type that has two recessive alleles
1.2.5 Position of a gene in a chromosome
1.2.6 A strand of DNA where nucleotides attach to build a new DNA strand
1.2.7 A condition characterised by an extra chromosome at position 21
1.2.8 The type of bonds that hold nitrogenous bases in a DNA molecule
1.2.9 A condition of the cell where there is only one set of chromosomes
(9 x 1) (9)
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 1.3.3)
in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN Ι COLUMN ΙΙ
1.3.1 Type of variation that exists in A: Co-dominance
blood groups B: Discontinuous variation
1.3.2 Cytokinesis occurs twice A: Meiosis
B: Mitosis
1.3.3 Absence of blood-clotting factors A: Haemophilia
B: Colour-blindness
(3 x 2) (6)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 7
1.4 Growth hormone is important in promoting skeletal and muscular growth. It
can be produced for people who do not secrete, or under secrete this
hormone using recombinant DNA technology.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE PRODUCTION USING RECOMBINANT
DNA TECHNOLOGY
1.4.1 Name the biotechnological process that is shown above. (1)
1.4.2 Identify structure X found in a bacterial cell which is used in the
above process. (1)
1.4.3 Name the organic catalysts used to cut structure X. (1)
1.4.4 Give ONE benefit of:
(a) Using growth hormone by sports athletes (1)
(b) The process named in QUESTION 1.4.1 for diabetics (1)
1.4.5 State TWO characteristics of bacteria that make them suitable to
be used in the above process. (2)
1.4.6 Describe ONE observable function of the sticky ends as illustrated
in the process above. (1)
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8 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
1.5 The diagram below shows two models used to explain the theory of evolution.
B
A
1.5.1 Identify the evolutionary theory in MODEL 2. (1)
1.5.2 Name the TWO scientists who proposed the theory of evolution in
MODEL 2. (2)
1.5.3 Which evolutionary MODEL 1 or 2 is:
(a) Showing small gradual changes in organisms from one
generation to another? (1)
(b) Supported by the absence of transitional fossils? (1)
(c) Supported by a scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by
natural selection? (1)
1.5.4 State what happens respectively to species at points A and B in
MODEL 2. (2)
1.5.5 Name the type of evolution where there is a change in characteristic of
a species over time. (1)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 9
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 The diagrams below show a DNA molecule and a phase in meiosis.
B
A
E
C
D
DIAGRAM 1 DIAGRAM 2
2.1.1 Which phase of meiosis is represented in DIAGRAM 2? (1)
2.1.2 Identify:
(a) Part C (1)
(b) The collective name for chromosomes B and E (1)
(c) The phase in meiosis where part A splits (1)
2.1.3 How many chromatids have identical DNA from the black-shaded
chromosomes in DIAGRAM 2? (1)
2.1.4 Describe the composition of a nucleotide in DIAGRAM 1. (2)
2.1.5 Name and explain the significance of the process occurring in DNA during
interphase that will lead to the chromosome appearance in DIAGRAM 2. (3)
2.1.6 Explain the role of part D in metaphase I of meiosis. (3)
2.2 Name and describe the process where tRNA plays a role in the formation of a
protein. (5)
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10 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
2.3 Read the extract below.
Gene therapy is a medical technique that uses genetic material to prevent and
targets to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and macular
degeneration. In macular degeneration the retina cells become damaged. These
genetic diseases are caused by gene mutations on DNA molecule leading to the
formation of defective proteins. In gene therapy, parts of the mutant gene
sequence are removed in DNA and replaced with the correct gene sequence.
Stem cells are used to transfer the correct gene sequence to produce the
functional protein.
2.3.1 State TWO sources where stem cells can be obtained from. (2)
2.3.2 Name ONE visual disease that gene therapy targets to treat. (1)
2.3.3 A gene mutation has occurred on a section of a DNA molecule as shown
below.
Original sequence TTT TCA GGT ACG CAC
Mutated sequence TTT TCA GGT ACC CAC
Base triplet 1 2 3 4 5
Write down the base triplet number that shows the gene mutation. (1)
2.3.4 The table below shows some codons and the amino acids that they code
for.
CODONS AMINO ACIDS
AAA Lysine
GAG Glutamic acid
CAC Histidine
UGC Cysteine
ACU Threonine
AGU Serine
GAU Aspartate
UGG Tryptophan
UUU Phenylalanine
CCA Proline
GUG Valine
(a) Give the amino acid for base triplet 5 in QUESTION 2.3.3. (1)
(b) Explain how gene therapy would correct the mutated sequence to
form the functional protein. (3)
(c) Draw a stick diagram of a molecule that carries the coded message
for protein synthesis with the correct complementary codon for
base triplet 2. (4)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 11
2.4 Leigh syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the
central nervous system in young children. This condition can also affect adults
and in most cases leads to death in children at an early age.
The pedigree diagram below shows the inheritance of this disorder in a family.
The allele b is used for affected individuals.
A B
C D E G F
H I J K L M
KEY
Unaffected male
Unaffected female
Affected male
2.4.1 What is meant by the term autosomal recessive? (2)
2.4.2 Write down the LETTER of the child who is likely to die in the F2
generation. (1)
2.4.3 Describe how the child mentioned in QUESTION 2.4.2 became
affected with Leigh syndrome. (2)
2.4.4 Name Mendel’s Law of Dominance that exists in the phenotypes of
individuals K, L and M. (1)
2.4.5 Explain your answer to QUESTION 2.4.4. (3)
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12 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
2.5 Fragile X syndrome is a sex-linked dominant inheritance. The allele that
causes this condition is dominant XR, while people without fragile X syndrome
have the recessive allele Xr.
2.5.1 State the phenotype of an individual with genotype XRXr. (2)
2.5.2 Explain why both males and females have equal chances of suffering
from fragile X syndrome. (2)
2.5.3 A man with genotype XRY marries a woman with genotype XrXr.
Use a genetic cross to explain the probability of this couple having a
son with fragile X syndrome. (7)
[50]
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 13
QUESTION 3
3.1 In horses, baby hair coat colour (B) is dominant over black hair coat colour (b),
and smooth hair (H) is dominant over curly hair (h).
A farmer has bred black hair coated horses with curly hair all his life and all the
foals (offspring) have always looked like their parents with the same black hair
coat with curly hair.
3.1.1 Give ONE reason why this is an example of a dihybrid cross. (1)
3.1.2 Name the type of selection that allowed the farmer to breed black hair
coated horses with curly hair all his life. (1)
3.1.3 Suggest ONE reason the farmer bred black hair coated horses with curly
hair for many generations. (1)
3.1.4 State the genotype of the:
(a) Parent with black hair coat with curly hair (2)
(b) Gametes of a horse heterozygous for both hair colour and hair type (2)
3.1.5 Determine the phenotypic ratio of the offspring that will be produced if
two heterozygous horses for both characteristics were crossed. (2)
3.2 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) population have declined in South
Africa and could be non-existent by 2035. This is due to habitat loss and the
overfishing of their main food, sardines (pilchards). The African penguins
compete with commercial fisheries in Cape Town for sardines. The commercial
fisheries are worth billions of rand and employ many people.
Sardines are a cheap source of protein rich food and are harvested in large
numbers in the months of March to May in South Africa which is also the mating
season of the African penguin. During mating both sexes of the African penguin
make loud sounds to call their mates. Nature conservationists want government
to limit the number of sardines harvested by commercial fisheries.
African penguin
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14 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
3.2.1 Give evidence from the extract that states the African penguin will be
extinct in the future. (1)
3.2.2 According to the extract:
(a) Name TWO causes of the decrease in the African penguin
population. (2)
(b) Identify TWO reproductive isolating mechanisms that exist in the
African penguins. (2)
3.2.3 Explain how limiting the number of sardines harvested could:
(a) Cause a decrease in the economy (2)
(b) Positively benefit the African penguins (2)
3.3 Describe how a new species forms from a geographic barrier. (7)
3.4 Little Foot is a hominid fossil that was discovered at the Sterkfontein caves by
Professor Ron Clarke. The bones of Little Foot showed that this fossil had many
characteristics similar to those found in humans.
ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES OF THE GENUS THAT LITTLE FOOT
BELONGS TO
Cranium
Little Foot skull
C
A B D
3.4.1 What is the scientific name of Little Foot? (1)
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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2024) LIFE SCIENCES P2 15
3.4.2 Write down the LETTER of the structure suggesting this genus:
(a) Had smaller canines (1)
(b) Spinal column entered the skull vertically for bipedalism (1)
(c) Had similar forelimbs to humans (1)
3.4.3 Describe how the shape of structure B shows this genus is more evolved
than primitive apes but less evolved than humans. (2)
3.4.4 Explain the significance of the change in the cranium size of Little Foot
to modern humans. (2)
3.4.5 Little Foot is used as fossil evidence in the ‘Out-of-Africa’ hypothesis.
(a) Name ONE other line of evidence for the ‘Out-of-Africa’ hypothesis. (1)
(b) Explain how the fossils of Little Foot’s genus are used in the ‘Out-
of-Africa’-hypothesis. (2)
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16 LIFE SCIENCES P2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2024)
3.5 Laetoli footprints are a 3,6 million old fossil that was discovered by
palaeontologist, Mary Leakey in Tanzania. The shape of the feet and toe along
with feet length suggests these footprints were made by a bipedal hominid
ancestor who was able to stand upright.
An investigation was conducted to determine if the individuals who made the
Laetoli footprints walked using a human-like bipedalism or a more ape-like
movement (bent-knee, bent-hip).
The procedure was as follows:
• The depth that the toes pressed into the ash of the preserved Laetoli
footprints was measured and recorded.
• Eight human participants were asked to walk through sand and the toe depth
of their footprints was measured and recorded.
• The human participants were then asked to mimic (copy) the walk of the
apes by using a “bent-knee, bent-hip” ape-like movement through the sand.
• The toe depth of their footprints was measured and recorded.
The results of the investigation are recorded in the graph below.
3.5.1 State the aim for this investigation. (1)
3.5.2 Identify how the dependent variable was measured for this investigation. (1)
3.5.3 State THREE planning steps considered for this investigation. (3)
3.5.4 Give TWO reasons why this investigation may be considered
unreliable. (2)
3.5.5 Name the type of footprint that has the longest toe depth. (1)
3.5.6 By how many times greater is the toe depth of human-like bipedalism
compared to the Laetoli footprint? Show ALL calculations. (2)
3.5.7 Draw a table to represent the information on the graph. (4)
[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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