# Life Sciences Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2023 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-nov-2023-eng/8c1006d6-6537-4c41-9177-c11391343a36 - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2023 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 2 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 15 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 November 2023 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-nov-2023-eng/8c1006d6-6537-4c41-9177-c11391343a36) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. Question paper, 15 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 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 LIFE SCIENCES P2 NOVEMBER 2023 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2½ hours This question paper consists of 15 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 2 DBE/November 2023 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/November 2023 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. 1.1.11 D. 1.1.1 The base pairing in DNA was discovered by … A Watson and Wilkins. B Franklin and Wilkins. C Franklin and Crick. D Crick and Watson. 1.1.2 A gene codes for the production of … A a chromosome. B an allele. C DNA. D a protein. 1.1.3 Which ONE of the following is a characteristic of stem cells? A They are easily obtained from any organ. B They divide by meiosis. C They are haploid. D They can be stimulated to form any type of cell needed. 1.1.4 The chances of having a female child in humans is … A 25% B 50% C 75% D 100% 1.1.5 Which ONE of the following is part of the reason why colour- blindness is more common in males than in females? A The allele for colour-blindness is recessive and located on the X-chromosome. B Colour-blind males have two copies of the allele for colour- blindness. C The allele for colour-blindness is recessive and located on the Y-chromosome. D Fathers pass the allele of colour-blindness to their sons only. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 4 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.1.6 The DNA profile of four individuals are given below. W X Y Z Which individuals are possible members of the same family? A X and Z only B X, Y and Z only C W, Y and Z only D W, X and Y only 1.1.7 When two plants heterozygous for a characteristic are crossed, the expected ratio is: Dominant Recessive phenotype phenotype A 3 : 1 B 1 : 3 C 1 : 2 D 1 : 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 5 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.1.8 The diagram below represents the structure of chromosomes at different stages of meiotic cell division. Q R S T Which ONE of the following chromosomes would be found in a cell during late Anaphase II? A Q B R C S D T 1.1.9 The scientist who discovered Little Foot is … A Lee Berger. B Raymond Dart. C Ron Clarke. D Robert Broom. (9 x 2) (18) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 6 DBE/November 2023 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 1.2.10) in the ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1 The position of a gene on a chromosome 1.2.2 The type of evolution characterised by long periods of little or no change followed by short periods of rapid change 1.2.3 The natural shape of a DNA molecule 1.2.4 The type of bond found between two amino acids 1.2.5 The type of vision shared in primates that allows for depth perception 1.2.6 The type of dominance which results in an intermediate phenotype in the heterozygous condition 1.2.7 The fluid of the nucleus where free nucleotides are found 1.2.8 A tangled mass of chromosomes located within the nucleus 1.2.9 The division of the cytoplasm after a nuclear division 1.2.10 The name for the X and Y sex chromosomes in humans (10 x 1) (10) 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 A genetic disorder caused by a A: Haemophilia chromosomal mutation B: Colour-blindness 1.3.2 The importance of meiosis A: Formation of gametes B: Halving of the chromosome number 1.3.3 The organelle where DNA is A: Mitochondria found in plants B: Chloroplast (3 x 2) (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 7 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.4 The diagram below shows the inheritance of blood groups in a family. blood blood group O group O Athi Chris Bob Ann Lina Vusi blood blood blood blood group B group A group A group O 1.4.1 Name the type of diagram shown. (1) 1.4.2 Give the number of alleles that control blood groups. (1) 1.4.3 How many generations are represented in the diagram? (1) 1.4.4 Lina's genotype is IA i. State ALL the possible genotypes of Vusi. (2) 1.4.5 Give the genotype of Bob. (1) 1.4.6 Give the name of the individual which displays co-dominance. (2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 8 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.5 The diagram below is a schematic representation of protein synthesis. 3 4 O Process Z 5 1.5.1 Identify: (a) Process Z (1) (b) Molecule R (1) (c) Organelle Q (1) 1.5.2 Give the collective name of nitrogenous bases O. (1) 1.5.3 Determine the sequence of the nitrogenous bases at area S. (1) 1.5.4 Which strand (1 or 2) was used as a template for the formation of molecule R? (1) 1.5.5 Which amino acid (3, 4 or 5) will be brought to area P? (1) 1.5.6 Name the type of sugar that forms part of the structure of molecule R. (1) (8) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 9 DBE/November 2023 NSC SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 The diagrams below represent two stages of meiotic cell division. A B A C A D Diagram 1 Diagram 2 2.1.1 Name structure: (a) B (1) (b) C (1) 2.1.2 Identify the phase represented in Diagram 1. (1) 2.1.3 Give THREE reasons for your answer to QUESTION 2.1.2. (3) 2.1.4 Describe the process taking place at A. (3) 2.1.5 (a) Identify the phase represented in Diagram 2. (1) (b) Describe the difference in the events that take place in the phase mentioned in (a) and the same phase during mitosis. (2) 2.1.6 Describe the results at the end of meiosis if the chromosomes at D failed to separate. (3) (15) 2.2 Describe the process of DNA replication. (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 10 DBE/November 2023 NSC 2.3 Read the information below. A gene, VKORC1, codes for a blood-clotting factor in humans. This gene is made up of 163 amino acids. A mutation occurred that affected amino acid 128 and 139, the sequence CTG changed to CAG and the TAT became TCT. This mutation has been transmitted as an autosomal dominant characteristic through the generations. The mutation has resulted in resistance to Warfarin drugs in humans. Warfarin is used in the treatment of thrombosis. Thrombosis results in the formation of a blood clot in the artery. Warfarin causes the thinning of blood to break down the blood clot. 2.3.1 Give ONE piece of evidence from the information that shows that the mutation for this gene occurred in the DNA molecule. (1) 2.3.2 How many nitrogenous bases code for the VKORC1 gene? (2) 2.3.3 Describe what is meant by an autosomal dominant allele. (3) 2.3.4 The table below shows the amino acids and their corresponding codons. CODONS AMINO ACID GAC Leu UCU Ser AUA Try GUC Gln AGA Arg ACA Trp CAG Gln UAU Phe Explain: (a) How the mutation on the VKORC1 gene resulted in resistance to Warfarin in humans (5) (b) The effect of this mutation on humans with thrombosis (3) (14) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 11 DBE/November 2023 NSC 2.4 Polydactyly is a condition that leads to extra fingers or toes. It is caused by a dominant allele. A man who is heterozygous for polydactyly has a wife who is not polydactyl. Using the letters R and r, do a genetic cross to show the percentage chance that their children will have polydactyly. (6) 2.5 In summer squash plants, white fruit colour (B) is dominant over yellow fruit colour (b), and round fruit (D) is dominant over oval fruit (d). A summer squash plant that is homozygous for white and round fruit is crossed with a plant that is homozygous for yellow and oval fruit. 2.5.1 State the: (a) Genotypes of the P1-parents (2) (b) Phenotypes of the F1-generation (2) 2.5.2 Two plants that are heterozygous for both characteristics were crossed. (a) Give ALL the possible genotypes in the gametes that will be formed. (2) (b) How many plants in the next generation are likely to have yellow and oval fruit? (1) 2.5.3 Give the possible genotypes of both parents that must be crossed if a farmer wants summer squash that are white with oval fruit only. (2) (9) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 12 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 3 3.1 The graph below shows the results of artificial selection for protein content in mealie plants over 50 generations. 21 20 Average percentage protein content in 19 18 17 16 15 mealie grains (kernels) 14 13 12 11 10 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Generations of mealie plants 3.1.1 Describe how this farmer did artificial selection of the mealie plant. (3) 3.1.2 What was the average percentage of the protein content in the mealie grains (kernels) at the 15th generation? (1) 3.1.3 By how many times did the average percentage of the protein content in the mealie grains (kernels) increase between the 40th and 50th generation? Show ALL working. (2) 3.1.4 Describe ONE way in which the process of artificial selection is different from genetic engineering. (2) (8) 3.2 Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. (7) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 13 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.3 An investigation was done to determine the relationship between the height of the head and bite force in lizards. The procedure was as follows:  The scientists collected 120 lizards with similar characteristics that were around the same reproductive age in different habitats.  Their body characteristics and DNA were analysed to determine if they belonged to the same species.  40 lizards belonged to species A, 36 to species B and 44 to species C.  Each species was kept in its cage with environmental conditions similar to their habitats.  The height of the head was measured for each lizard and averages calculated for each species.  Using a Kistler force, the bite force of each lizard in each species was measured five times and the average calculated for each lizard and each species. The results are shown in the table below. Height of the head Bite force Species (mm) (N) A 10,3 12,4 B 10,7 14,3 C 13,2 20,4 3.3.1 Identify the: (a) Independent variable (1) (b) Dependent variable (1) 3.3.2 State TWO factors that were kept constant for this investigation. (2) 3.3.3 Apart from the sample size, state ONE way in which the reliability of the results was ensured for this investigation. (1) 3.3.4 The height of the head was different in each species of lizard. Name the type of variation displayed by this characteristic. (1) 3.3.5 Describe the relationship between the height of the head of the lizards and the bite force. (2) 3.3.6 Which species (A, B or C) would be expected to be feeding mainly on tough fibrous plants? (1) 3.3.7 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.3.6. (2) 3.3.8 Which species (A, B or C) would be most suited to live in narrow areas between the rocks? (1) (12) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 14 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.4 The diagram below shows a timeline of different hominid species and the development of tools. Present 4 mya 3 mya 2 mya 1 mya A. afarensis A. africanus H. habilis H. erectus H. neanderthalensis H. sapiens Development of tools For scraping, Bigger, cutting Complex, pounding and surfaces, arrows tied to chopping digging hand axe sticks and fishing tools 3.4.1 Which species in the diagram above existed/survived for the longest period of time? (1) 3.4.2 Calculate the period (million years) in which the A. afarensis and A. africanus coexisted. Show ALL working. (2) 3.4.3 Name the species that was also known as the handyman. (1) 3.4.4 State TWO uses of the tool that was developed 2,6 mya. (2) 3.4.5 Identify TWO species that used the most complex tools. (2) 3.4.6 Explain how the changes in brain size over time relates to the development of tools. (3) (11) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Sciences/P2 15 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.5 The diagrams below show the skulls and pelvises of different hominids. H. sapiens A. sediba A B C 3.5.1 State the genus name of A. sediba. (1) 3.5.2 Describe the shape of the spine of H. sapiens. (1) 3.5.3 A. sediba is thought to be a transitional species. State what is meant by a transitional species. (2) 3.5.4 Give the LETTER of the pelvis that would be representative of A. sediba. (1) 3.5.5 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.5.4. (2) 3.5.6 Explain the significance of the change in prognathism from A. sediba to H. sapiens. 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