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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES P2
NOVEMBER 2015
MEMORANDUM 2015
MARKS: 150
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Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 NSC Supplementary 2015 Memo (Eng)
Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 memorandum from the NSC Supplementary Exam 2015 (English), 12 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC Supplementary Exam · 2015. Memorandum, 12 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2015
- Exam period
- NSC Supplementary Exam
- Paper
- 2
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 12
- File size
- 415.8 KB
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1 of 12
This exam
NSC Supplementary Exam 2015
Questions in this paper
- Question 1.1GENETICS AND INHERITANCE
- Question 1.2GENETICS AND INHERITANCE9 marks
- Question 1.3GENETICS AND INHERITANCE8 marks
- Question 1.4EVOLUTION8 marks
- Question 1.5EVOLUTION7 marks
- Question 2.1EVOLUTION8 marks
Show all 14 questions
- Question 2.2GENETICS AND INHERITANCE11 marks
- Question 2.3MEIOSIS8 marks
- Question 2.4RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (PLANTS)7 marks
- Question 2.5GENETICS AND INHERITANCE6 marks
- Question 3.1EVOLUTION4 marks
- Question 3.2DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE11 marks
- Question 3.3GENETICS AND INHERITANCE9 marks
- Question 3.4GENETICS AND INHERITANCE16 marks
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Life Sciences/P2 2 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
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 or diagrams are given instead of descriptions
Candidates will lose marks.
8. If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense
Where the 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 national memo discussion meeting.
14. If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa)
Do not credit.
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Life Sciences/P2 3 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
15. If units are not given in measurements
Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum 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.
19. Changes to the memorandum
No changes must be made to the memoranda without consulting the provincial
internal moderator who in turn will consult with the national internal moderator (and
the Umalusi moderators where necessary).
20. Official memoranda
Only memoranda bearing the signatures of the national internal moderator and the
Umalusi moderators and distributed by the national Department of Basic Education
via the provinces must be used.
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Life Sciences/P2 4 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 C
1.1.2 D
1.1.3 B
1.1.4 C
1.1.5 A
1.1.6 A
1.1.7 B
1.1.8 D
1.1.9 B (9 x 2) (18)
1.2 1.2.1 Homologous/homologues/bivalent
1.2.2 Alleles/Multiple alleles
1.2.3 Spindle fibres/spindle threads/spindle apparatus
1.2.4 Interphase
1.2.5 Phylogenetic tree/cladogram
1.2.6 Binocular/stereoscopic
1.2.7 Dihybridcross
1.2.8 Haemophilia
1.2.9 Biogeography (9 x 1) (9)
1.3 1.3.1 B only
1.3.2 Both A and B
1.3.3 B only
1.3.4 A only (4 x 2) (8)
1.4 1.4.1 (a) B (1)
(b) B (1)
(c) A (1)
(d) A (1)
1.4.2 Mrs Ples
A. africanus
Taung Child
Little Foot/ A. prometheus
Karabo/ A. sediba
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
1.4.3 Site 4 (1)
1.4.4 Mitochondrial DNA/mtDNA/genetic evidence/
Y-chromosome/cultural evidence
(Mark first ONE only) (1)
(8)
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Life Sciences/P2 5 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
1.5 1.5.1 (a) 3,1 mya (Accept 3,05 to 3,15 mya) (2)
(b) Homo sapiens/H. sapiens (1)
1.5.2 (a) 500 cm3 (Accept 495 to 505 cm3 ) (1)
(b) 850 cm3 (Accept 845 to 855 cm3 ) (1)
1.5.3 Genetic evidence/mitochondrial DNA/mtDNA
Cultural evidence/tool making
Comparative anatomy between living hominids
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
(7)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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Life Sciences/P2 6 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 - Conditions/example on the island probably remained the same
- so they experienced the same selection pressure
- species A was already suited to those conditions Any 2 (2)
2.1.2 - The original species was separated into three/different
populations
- by the sea*
- which acted as a geographical barrier
- There was no gene flow between the populations
- Each population was exposed to different environmental
conditions
- Natural selection occurred independently in each population
- and the individuals of each population became different from
each other over time
- genotypically/phenotypically
- Even if the three populations were to mix again
- they would not be able to reproduce with each
other/interbreed 1 *Compulsory mark + Any 5 (6)
(8)
2.2 2.2.1 - The blood groups of the mother, possible father and the child
must be compared.
- If this shows that it is not possible that these parents can
produce a child with his/her blood group
- then this man is not the father
- If this shows that it is possible that these parents can produce a
child with his/her blood group
- then he may/may not be the father
- because other males have the same blood group
Any 5 (5)
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Life Sciences/P2 7 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
2.2.2
P1 Phenotype Blood group B x Blood group B
Genotype IBi x IBi
Meiosis
G/gametes IB , i x IB , i
Fertilisation
F1 Genotype IBIB; IBi; IBi; ii
Phenotype 3 blood group B : 1 blood group O
P 1 and F 1
Meiosis and fertilisation
Any 6
OR
P1 Phenotype Blood group B x Blood group B
Genotype IBi x IBi
Meiosis
Gametes IB i
Fertilisation IB B B
I I B
I i
i IBi ii
1 mark for correct gametes
1 mark for correct genotypes
F1 Phenotype 3 blood group B : 1 blood group O
P 1 and
F1
Meiosis and fertilisation (6)
Any 6 (11)
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Life Sciences/P2 8 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
2.3 2.3.1 Prophase I (1)
2.3.2 - Homologous chromosomes lie next to each other
- Chromatids overlap/touch
- at points called chiasmata
- and genetic information is exchanged/swapped
Any 3 (3)
2.3.3 - Crossing over introduces genetic variation in gametes
- It may lead to new characteristics which are favourable
- or new characteristics which are unfavourable
- therefore affecting the chances of survival of the organism/
natural selection. Any 2 (2)
2.3.4
Chromatid Y
D
r
b
ASSESSING THE DIAGRAM
CRITERIA MARKS
Chromatid Y represented 1
(must be labelled if a whole
chromosome is represented)
Alleles indicated correctly 1
(2)
(8)
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Life Sciences/P2 9 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
2.4 2.4.1 - Coat is light brown on the upper side
- Dark brown belly
- White stripes on the back and mane
- Black and white patches on the rest of the body
- The tip of the tail is black
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
2.4.2 - There is variation amongst the Bongo population
- Some have horns that can be laid on their backs
- while others do not have horns that can be laid on their backs
- The antelope must move through dense vegetation without
their horns getting entangled in the vegetation
- Those with horns that cannot be laid on their backs become
entangled/ die
- Those with horns that can be laid on their backs do not become
entangled and escape predators/survive
- Those with horns that can be laid back will reproduce
- and pass the gene for horns that can be laid on their backs to
the next generation
- Over many years the proportion of animals that are able to lay
their horns on their backs, increases
Any 5 (5)
(7)
2.5
2.5.1 - Characteristics that are desirable/beneficial to humans are
being selected
- The characteristics are chosen by humans/It is an artificial
process
- It is not necessarily beneficial for the organism
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
2.5.2 - The long-term effects on health are unknown which could lead
to health problems in the future
- The long-term effects on the environment are unknown
leading to environmental damage/loss of biodiversity/
damaging ecosystems/nature
- People are morally opposed as humans are interfering with
nature/playing God/interfering with the rights of every species
- Initially it is an expensive process and many people/countries
may not be able to afford it
(Mark first TWO only) (Any 2 x 2) (4)
(6)
[40]
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Life Sciences/P2 10 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
QUESTION 3
3.1 3.1.1 - More mistakes are made/high rates of mutation
- when RNA is copied/than when DNA is copied (2)
3.1.2 - A mutation could allow the virus to be transmitted through
the air
- This would allow the virus to be spread more easily (2)
(4)
3.2 3.2.1 DNA RNA
1. Double stranded 1. Single stranded
molecule molecule
2. Has a helix shape 2. Is a straight molecule
3. One of the nitrogen 3. The nitrogen base uracil in
bases is thymine place of thymine
4. Contains deoxyribose 4. Contains ribose sugars
sugars
5. A longer molecule 5. A shorter molecule
6. Paired bases 6. Unpaired bases
(Mark first THREE only) (Any 3 x 2)
table +1 (7)
3.2.2 Helps to:
- Solve crimes/criminal investigations
- Identify organisms from their tissues
- Identify family relationship
- Test for specific alleles that can cause a genetic disorder
- Establish matching tissues for organ transplants
- Used in research into variation in populations
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
3.2.3 - Samples containing DNA can be planted/person was framed
- Human error during DNA profiling process
- Costly procedure
- Invasion of privacy
(Mark first TWO only) Any 2 (2)
(11)
3.3 3.3.1 (a) XAY (2)
(b) XAXa (2)
3.3.2 3
× 100 = 42,86/42,9/43% (2)
7
3.3.3 - An affected female carries two/only recessive alleles/XaXa
- Sons/males inherit one X chromosome from their mothers
- Sons/males need only one recessive allele to be affected
- And therefore must inherit Xa from their mother
Any 3 (3)
(9)
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Life Sciences/P2 11 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
3.4 3.4.1 - The meat/egg chickens will grow faster/slower than the
egg/meat chickens
OR
- There will be no difference in the rate of growth of the two types
of chicken (2)
3.4.2 The type/age of chicken. (1)
3.4.3
2500 - 500 100 = 400%
x
500 (2)
3.4.4 Increase the reliability (2)
3.4.5 - The same person must weigh the chicks to get accurate
results
- The same scale must be used to weigh the chicks
- The chicks must be weighed at the same time of day
- Same environmental conditions/example
- Same type of food
- The same amount of food
- The same feeding time
- Cages must be the same size
- Chickens must be female
- Age of the chickens
- Same number of chickens in each sample group
- (Mark first THREE only) Any 3 (3)
3.4.6 The chickens that underwent selective breeding for meat
production grow faster than chickens bred for egg laying
OR
The chickens that underwent selective breeding for egg laying
grow slower than chickens bred for meat production
OR
The weight of the chickens increases with age/time (2)
3.4.7 - Products produced more quickly
- Increased resistance to diseases
- Improved quality of (chicken) products
- Improved yield of (chicken) products Any 2 (2)
3.4.8 - The chickens are larger/heavier so they cannot run away from
predators
- The chickens are larger and is more visible to predators
- Decreased variation therefore more susceptible to diseases
(Mark first ONE only) Any 1 x 2 (2)
(16)
[40]
TOTAL SECTION B: 80
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Life Sciences/P2 12 DBE/November 2015
NSC – Memorandum
SECTION C
QUESTION 4
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Transcription (T)
- Double stranded DNA unwinds
- and unzips when
- the hydrogen bonds break
- and this is controlled by enzymes
- One strand is used as a template
- to form mRNA
- using free RNA nucleotides from the nucleoplasm
- The mRNA is complementary to the DNA
- mRNA now has the coded message for protein synthesis
Translation (S)
- mRNA moves from the nucleus/to the ribosome
- Each tRNA carries an amino acid
- tRNA carries the amino acid to the ribosome
- When the anticodon on the tRNA
- matches the codon on the mRNA
- Amino acids become attached in the sequence determined by the mRNA
- by peptide bonds
- to form the required protein Max 13
EFFECTS OF A MUTATION (M)
- A gene mutation affects arrangement/type of the nitrogen bases/nucleotides
- This changes the code on the DNA
- which changes the code on the RNA
- A different amino acid may be coded for
- which causes a change in the amino acid sequence in the protein
- leading to the formation of a different/alternate/no protein Max 4 (17)
Content: (3)
Synthesis: (20)
ASSESSING THE PRESENTATION OF THE ESSAY
Criterion Relevance (R) Logical sequence (L) Comprehensive (C)
Generally All information provided is Ideas are arranged in a All aspects required by the
relevant to the question logical/cause-effect essay have been
sequence sufficiently addressed
In this Only information relevant The description of protein At least 5 correct points in
essay in to the description of synthesis and the effects the description of
Q4 protein synthesis and the of mutation on the transcription and 5 correct
effects of mutation on the process given are logical points in the description of
process is given and sequential translation and 2 correct
points on the effects of
mutation
Mark 1 1 1
TOTAL SECTION C: 20
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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