# Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 NSC June 2023 Question Paper (Eng) > Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the NSC June Exam 2023 (English), 14 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-may-june-2023-eng/de026ce5-57ae-4f14-8b72-59bfae9b406d - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2023 - Exam period: NSC June Exam - Paper: 2 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 14 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Life Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/life-sciences) › [Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 NSC June 2023 Question Paper (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-may-june-2023-eng/de026ce5-57ae-4f14-8b72-59bfae9b406d) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC June Exam · 2023. Question paper, 14 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Downloaded from hlayiso.com GRAAD 12 SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS/ NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS LIFE SCIENCES P2 2023 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2½ hours This question paper consists of 14 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 2 DBE/2023 SC/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 answers 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. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 3 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 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, e.g. 1.1.10 D. 1.1.1 According to Lamarck's theory for evolution, … A acquired characteristics are not inherited. B organisms evolve because they adapt to their environment. C there is variation amongst offspring. D environmental changes have no influence on species diversity. 1.1.2 The genotype for a specific characteristic … A contains two chromosomes. B is the physical appearance of an individual. C is the composition of a gene pair. D is represented by one allele. 1.1.3 After the discovery of a fossil, scientists classified it as an African ape because it had a … A large cranium, a prognathous jaw and large canines. B small cranium, a non-prognathous jaw and large canines. C small cranium, a prognathous jaw and large canines. D large cranium, a prognathous jaw and small canines. 1.1.4 The statements below describe the steps in the process of cloning an animal. (i) The embryo is implanted into the uterus of an adult female for development. (ii) The nucleus from a somatic cell of the donor is extracted. (iii) The nucleus from the somatic cell is inserted into the ovum. (iv) The nucleus from the ovum of another individual is removed. (v) The ovum with the new nucleus is given an electric shock to stimulate cell division and the formation of the embryo. Which combination shows the CORRECT order of the steps? A (ii) (iv) (iii) (v) (i) B (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (i) C (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) D (ii) (iv) (v) (iii) (i) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 4 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 1.1.5 Shrubs of the family Proteaceae (e.g. Waratahs and proteas) can be found in Australia, South America, Indo-China and parts of Africa as shown on the map below. South America Africa Australia It is hypothesised that all continents were once one large continent called Pangaea and that they separated due to continental drift. This is evidence that the family Proteaceae … A all belong to the same species. B are equally distributed on all continents. C became extinct when Pangaea separated. D arose from a common ancestor when Pangaea separated. 1.1.6 The diagram below shows the DNA profiles of a girl, her mother and four males. Males Girl Mother 1 2 3 4 Which male is the girl's biological father? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 5 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 1.1.7 The following are characteristics of a group of animals: (i) Able to interbreed (ii) Occupy the same habitat (iii) Produce infertile offspring (iv) Belong to the same species Which combination CORRECTLY represents a population? A (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) B Only (i), (ii) and (iv) C Only (i), (ii) and (iii) D Only (i) and (iv) 1.1.8 During Anaphase II of meiosis, the two chromatids of a chromosome are pulled apart, each moving towards opposite poles at a rate of 1 micrometre per second. The distance, in micrometres, between the chromatids after 20 seconds is … A 10. B 20. C 30. D 40. 1.1.9 Which ONE of the following indicates the type of variation for each of the human characteristics given? Height Skin colour Ear lobe types A discontinuous continuous discontinuous B continuous continuous discontinuous C discontinuous discontinuous continuous D discontinuous continuous continuous (9 x 2) (18) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 6 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 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 1.2.7) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 The type of inheritance which produces an intermediate phenotype 1.2.2 The point where adjacent chromatids overlap during crossing over 1.2.3 The process whereby information is copied from DNA to RNA in the nucleus of a cell 1.2.4 The sugar found in a DNA molecule 1.2.5 The bond that occurs between nitrogenous bases in a DNA molecule 1.2.6 The manipulation of an organism's genes to obtain a desired characteristic 1.2.7 The representation showing the arrangement of a diploid set of chromosomes (7 x 1) (7) 1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I apply 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 numbers (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN I COLUMN II 1.3.1 Source of variation in a A: random mating species B: random fertilisation 1.3.2 An organism possesses two A: law of dominance factors which separate so B: principle of independent that each gamete contains assortment only one of these factors 1.3.3 Reproductive isolating A: breeding in the same season of mechanism in species the year B: infertile offspring (3 x 2) (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 7 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 1.4 The diagram below represents a cell in an early stage of meiosis. R S T 1.4.1 Give the: (a) Phase of meiosis represented (1) (b) Number of chromatids shown (1) (c) Number of homologous chromosome pairs (1) 1.4.2 Identify structure: (a) R (1) (b) S (1) (c) T (1) 1.4.3 Name TWO organs in an animal where meiosis occurs. (2) (8) 1.5 The brinjal plant carries edible fruit. Scientists have been studying the inheritance of two genes, one for stem texture and the other for fruit shape. The stems can be smooth (N) or prickly (n), while the fruit shape can be round (R) or elongated (r). 1.5.1 Name the type of cross that studies two characteristics. (1) 1.5.2 State the: (a) Dominant characteristic for stem texture (1) (b) Recessive characteristic for fruit shape (1) 1.5.3 Give the: (a) Genotype of a plant with a prickly stem and elongated fruit (2) (b) Phenotype of a plant with the genotype NnRR (2) (7) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 8 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 1.6 The table below shows information on selected hominid fossils. Scientists Common name Species Fossil site responsible for of the fossil discovery Malapa Cave Australopithecus P in the Cradle of Q sediba Humankind Sterkfontein Taung Child R S Caves 1.6.1 Name fossil P. (1) 1.6.2 Identify the species at R. (1) 1.6.3 Give the name of the scientist at: (a) Q (1) (b) S (1) (4) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 9 DBE/2023 SC/NSC SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 The diagram below represents a process that occurs during protein synthesis. X Y Z C A U A U G G A C 2.1.1 Identify molecule: (a) X (1) (b) Z (1) 2.1.2 Give the nitrogenous base sequence of: (a) The DNA base triplet complementary to the middle codon on molecule Z (2) (b) Y (1) 2.1.3 Name and describe the process shown in the diagram during the formation of a protein. (7) (12) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 10 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 2.2 The table below shows the codons that code for some amino acids. mRNA codon Amino acid AUG methionine CAU histidine CUA leucine GUA valine GAC aspartic acid GAG glutamic acid GAU aspartic acid A mutation caused a DNA base triplet to change from CTG to CTA. Describe the effect of this mutation on the protein formed. (4) 2.3 Tabulate TWO differences between DNA and RNA nucleotides. (5) 2.4 Down syndrome is the result of an individual having an extra copy of chromosome 21. Two genetic variations that can cause Down syndrome are:  Trisomy 21 All the somatic cells in an individual have three copies of chromosome 21 due to an abnormal process that occurs during gamete production.  Mosaic Down syndrome The individual has only some cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21 which is caused by an abnormal process during cell division after fertilisation. 2.4.1 Name the: (a) Type of mutation that leads to Trisomy 21 (1) (b) Abnormal process during gamete production that leads to three copies of chromosome 21 (1) (c) Type of cell division that occurs after fertilisation (1) 2.4.2 Describe how the process in QUESTION 2.4.1(b) leads to Trisomy 21. (5) 2.4.3 Describe TWO differences between Trisomy 21 and Mosaic Down syndrome. (4) (12) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 11 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 2.5 The diagram below shows the inheritance of Tay-Sachs, a rare disease which leads to the destruction of neurons. It is inherited as an autosomal disorder, controlled by two alleles, (T) and (t). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Key: Male without Tay-Sachs Male with Tay-Sachs Female without Tay-Sachs Female with Tay-Sachs 2.5.1 Describe what is meant by an autosomal disorder. (2) 2.5.2 How many sons do individuals 1 and 2 have? (1) 2.5.3 Using individuals 3, 4 and 7, explain why it can be concluded that Tay-Sachs disease is controlled by a recessive allele. (5) 2.5.4 Individuals 1 and 2 can produce children with three possible genotypes. List ALL the genotypes that have a 25% chance of being produced. (2) (10) 2.6 In humans, haemophilia is caused by a recessive allele on the X-chromosome (Xh). A woman, who is heterozygous for haemophilia, marries a man with haemophilia. Use a genetic cross to show the percentage chance of the couple having a daughter who is homozygous for normal blood clotting. (7) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 12 DBE/2023 SC/NSC QUESTION 3 3.1 Learners conducted an investigation to determine which blood group was the most common in their community. They collected information about the blood groups of 200 blood donors in each of the three blood donor clinics in their community. They did not include first-time donors in the investigation. The pie chart below shows the results of the investigation. Percentage of each blood group in the sample Blood group A 25% Blood group O 55% Blood group B 15% Blood group AB 5% 3.1.1 State the aim of the investigation. (2) 3.1.2 Answer the following questions: (a) State THREE planning steps to consider when conducting this investigation. (3) (b) State ONE way in which the learners ensured the reliability of the results. (1) (c) Give ONE reason why they did not include first-time donors. (1) 3.1.3 Calculate the number of participants that had blood group B. Show ALL workings. (3) 3.1.4 Name the blood group which: (a) Has only recessive alleles in the genotype (1) (b) Is a result of co-dominance (1) 3.1.5 Give ALL the possible genotypes of the blood group represented by 25% of the donors. (2) (14) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 13 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 3.2 Dogs have been selected and bred over many years to produce approximately 340 different dog breeds. They have been bred for certain characteristics desirable to humans. An analysis of 736 base pairs of the cytochrome-b gene showed that grey wolves are the only direct ancestor to present-day dog breeds. All dog breeds belong to the species Canis familiaris. The table below shows some dog breeds and their desirable characteristics. Grey wolf Dog breeds Characteristics Intelligent Poodle Loving, affectionate and playful Pug Outgoing and adventurous Saint Bernard Strong, athletic and fast Rhodesian ridgeback 3.2.1 Name the process whereby the different breeds of dogs were produced. (1) 3.2.2 Describe how humans carried out the process named in QUESTION 3.2.1. (3) 3.2.3 Explain how it can be confirmed that all these dog breeds belong to the same species. (2) 3.2.4 Explain which of the dog breeds shown would best be used for hunting. (2) 3.2.5 Explain how present-day dog breeds may be disadvantaged in relation to their common ancestor. (3) (11) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 14 DBE/2023 SC/NSC 3.3 Describe the process of speciation through geographic isolation. (7) 3.4 The diagram below represents the evolution of the family Hominidae. Orang-utan P Gorilla Q Bonobo S R Chimpanzee Human 3.4.1 Name the type of diagram represented above. (1) 3.4.2 Give the LETTER of the organism which: (a) Is the common ancestor of all hominids (1) (b) Shares the most recent common ancestor with the gorilla (1) 3.4.3 Name TWO organisms that: (a) Have S as a common ancestor (2) (b) Are quadrupedal (2) 3.4.4 Describe THREE anatomical features of the skeleton of a quadrupedal hominid. (3) (10) 3.5 Fossil evidence is used to support the 'Out-of-Africa' hypothesis. 3.5.1 State the 'Out-of-Africa' hypothesis. (2) 3.5.2 Describe how fossil evidence is used to support the 'Out-of-Africa' hypothesis. 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