# Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 North West Mock 2019 QP

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the North West Mock Exam 2019, 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/nw-lfsc-p1-sept-2019/9552d98e-92ae-44b4-be73-edc959763cec
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2019
- Exam period: North West Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- 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 P1 North West Mock 2019 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/nw-lfsc-p1-sept-2019/9552d98e-92ae-44b4-be73-edc959763cec)

## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · North West Mock Exam · 2019. 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

                                NATIONAL
                           SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                                 GRADE 12

                              LIFE SCIENCES P1

                              SEPTEMBER 2019

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/P1                          2                                 NW/September 2019
                                         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.        Make ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

7.        Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables 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/P1                             3                              NW/September 2019
                                            NSC

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1       Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.
          Choose the answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
          numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.11 D.

          1.1.1      In altricial development, young hatchlings are …

                     A    able to feed themselves soon after hatching.
                     B    unable to move around freely soon after hatching.
                     C    completely independent of their parents after hatching.
                     D    well-developed when they hatch.

          1.1.2      Which of the following would be affected by a disease that damages
                     the autonomic nervous system?

                     A    The ability to move the arms and legs
                     B    The heart rate and breathing rate
                     C    Hearing and sight
                     D    Higher thought processes

          1.1.3      After an accident a person can no longer interpret sensations such as
                     smell and taste. Which part of their brain was most probably
                     damaged in the accident?

                     A    Cerebellum
                     B    Corpus callosum
                     C    Medulla oblongata
                     D    Cerebrum

          1.1.4      Which ONE of the following is controlled by a negative feedback
                     mechanism in the human body?

                     A    Changes in the speed and direction of the body
                     B    Colour vision
                     C    Water concentration
                     D    The activities of the right side of the body being controlled by
                          the left hemisphere

          1.1.5      Which plant hormone is involved in bringing on flowering in plants?

                     A     Auxins
                     B     Ethylene
                     C     Gibberellins
                     D     Abscicic acid

Copyright reserved                                                         Please turn over

### Page 4

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                                    4                       NW/September 2019
                                                   NSC

          1.1.6      Which ONE of the following is a reproductive strategy that involves
                     the hatching of eggs in the female reproductive system?

                     A        Ovipary
                     B        Ovovivipary
                     C        Vivipary
                     D        Hatching

          1.1.7      How many chromatids are found in a pair of homologous
                     chromosomes?

                     A        One
                     B        Two
                     C        Four
                     D        Eight

         QUESTIONS 1.1.8 AND 1.1.9 REFER TO AN INVESTIGATION WHICH
         WAS CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE THE EFFECT OF A DRUG ON REACTION
         TIME IN HUMANS

          1.1.8      What was the independent variable in the investigation?

                     A       The drug in the body
                     B       Time after taking the drug
                     C       Reaction time
                     D       Number of volunteers

          1.1.9      The following factors were considered during the investigation:

                     (i)     Number of volunteers
                     (ii)    Time of day
                     (iii)   Age of volunteers
                     (iv)    Tools used to measure reaction time

                     Which ONE of the following combinations of factors will affect the
                     validity of the investigation?

                     A       (i) and (ii) only
                     B       (i), (iii) and (iv) only
                     C       (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
                     D       (ii), (iii) and (iv) only

          1.1.10 Which part of the central nervous system protects the human body
                 from serious injuries when a person steps barefoot on a thorn?

                     A       Medulla oblongata
                     B       Cerebrum
                     C       Spinal cord
                     D       Cerebellum                                            (10 x 2)     (20)

Copyright reserved                                                         Please turn over

### Page 5

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                              5                              NW/September 2019
                                             NSC

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 1.2.10) in the
          ANSWER BOOK.

          1.2.1      The hormone responsible for regulating the level of salt in the blood

          1.2.2      The structural unit of the nervous system

          1.2.3      A hormone that stimulates the maturation of sperm

          1.2.4      The outermost extra-embryonic membrane surrounding the embryo

          1.2.5      The hormone secreted by the pancreas, that increases blood glucose
                     levels in humans

          1.2.6      A disease characterised by a loss of the myelin sheaths of neurons,
                     affecting their ability to transmit impulses to the central nervous
                     system

          1.2.7      The structure in the amniotic egg used for gaseous exchange and the
                     storage of waste products

          1.2.8      The transparent membrane that protects the cornea

          1.2.9      The gland that secretes prolactin

          1.2.10 The system in the human body that secretes hormones responsible
                 for chemical co-ordination                                                      (10)

1.3       Indicate whether each of the descriptions 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 1.3.3) in
          the ANSWER BOOK.

                             COLUMN I                              COLUMN II
          1.3.1      A part of the ear where sound       A:   Semi-circular canals
                     stimuli are converted to nerve      B:   Oval window
                     impulses
          1.3.2      Planting the same crop type each    A: Crop rotation
                     year on the same piece of land      B: Monoculture
          1.3.3      Receptors for hearing               A: Rods
                                                         B: Cones
                                                                                      (3 x 2)    (6)

Copyright reserved                                                          Please turn over

### Page 6

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                             6                             NW/September 2019
                                            NSC

1.4       The diagrams below represent phases of meiosis in a cell.

                                                     A

                                                     B

                                                     C

                                                     D

                           DIAGRAM 1                             DIAGRAM 2

          1.4.1      Name the parts labelled B, C and D respectively.                          (3)

          1.4.2      Identify the phase represented in:

                     (a)    DIAGRAM 1                                                          (1)

                     (b)    DIAGRAM 2                                                          (1)

          1.4.3      Give ONE visible reason for your answer in QUESTION 1.4.2 (b).            (1)

          1.4.4      What evidence suggests that crossing over has occurred in this cell?      (1)

          1.4.5      How many chromosomes will be present in the gametes formed from
                     the cell in DIAGRAM 2?                                                    (1)

          1.4.6      Write the LETTER only of the structure that pulls each chromosome
                     towards opposite ends of the dividing cell.                               (1)
                                                                                               (9)

Copyright reserved                                                        Please turn over

### Page 7

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                           7                            NW/September 2019
                                          NSC

1.5       The diagram below represents a reaction that takes place in the human body
          when touching an inch nail.

          1.5.1      What process is represented by the diagram?                            (1)

          1.5.2      Identify neuron B.                                                     (1)

          1.5.3      Name the:

                     (a)   Microscopic gap encircled and marked as A                        (1)

                     (b)   TWO types of neurons present at A                                (2)
                                                                                            (5)

                                                               TOTAL SECTION A:             50

Copyright reserved                                                     Please turn over

### Page 8

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                                 8                        NW/September 2019
                                                NSC

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1     The diagram below represents a sperm.

                                                            A              B

         2.1.1       Give a label for part A.                                                 (1)

         2.1.2       Explain TWO ways in which the sperm is adapted to ensure effective
                     movement towards the Fallopian tubes.                                    (4)

          2.1.3      Name part B and explain the consequences for reproduction if a
                     sperm does not have it.                                                  (4)
                                                                                              (9)

2.2       Thyroid disorders are caused by the abnormal secretion of thyroxin.

          2.2.1      Which hormone controls the level of thyroxin secretion in the human
                     body?                                                                    (1)

          2.2.2      Describe the interaction between thyroxin and the hormone
                     mentioned in QUESTION 2.2.1 if the concentration of thyroxin rises
                     above the normal level.                                                  (4)

          2.2.3      Explain ONE way in which the body mass of a person will be
                     influenced if too much thyroxin is secreted without changing his/her
                     diet.                                                                    (2)
                                                                                              (7)

2.3       Explain:

          2.3.1      TWO ways in which the secretion of adrenalin in a dangerous
                     situation will benefit a person.                                         (4)

          2.3.2      Why a person sweats more on a hot day.                                   (4)
                                                                                              (8)

Copyright reserved                                                       Please turn over

### Page 9

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                            9                               NW/September 2019
                                           NSC

2.4       Read the extract below.

                         DIABETES – TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

           Two forms of diabetes are found in humans, namely Type I and Type II.

           With Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly sees the
           insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign, and destroys them.

           People with Type II diabetes are able to produce some of their own
           insulin. Often, it's not enough. Overeating, especially of foods rich in
           sugar, causes repeated stimulation of the pancreas, which responds by
           secreting large amounts of insulin. The excess insulin decreases the
           target cells' ability to respond to insulin. Treatment focuses on diet and
           exercise.
                                                        [Source: www.diabetesresearch.org]

          2.4.1      Name ONE body fluid that can be used to test for the presence of
                     excess glucose in the body.                                                (1)

          2.4.2      Give TWO target cells in the human body that will be affected by an
                     excess of insulin.                                                         (2)

          2.4.3      Explain the consequence for Type I diabetics, when their immune
                     systems destroy their insulin-producing cells.                             (2)
                                                                                                (5)

Copyright reserved                                                         Please turn over

### Page 10

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                              10                       NW/September 2019
                                             NSC

2.5       The diagram below represents a part of the human ear.

          2.5.1 Identify the parts labelled C and D respectively.                          (2)

          2.5.2 Name the receptors that are found in part A.                               (1)

          2.5.3 Explain the consequences to the human body if:

                     (a) Part B is damaged                                                 (2)

                     (b) Part D becomes hardened                                           (2)
                                                                                           (7)

2.6       Explain the function of EACH of the following parts of the human eye which
          assist to control the entry of light.

          2.6.1 Lens                                                                       (2)

          2.6.2 Cornea                                                                     (2)
                                                                                           (4)
                                                                                           [40]

Copyright reserved                                                  Please turn over

### Page 11

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                              11                               NW/September 2019
                                             NSC

QUESTION 3

3.1       A group of Grade 12 learners investigated the effect of light on the amount of
          auxin distribution in shoots.

          The diagram below shows how the investigation was carried out.

          The following procedure was followed:

          ·    10 Shoots were removed from young plants and each was placed on a
               block of agar.
          ·    A second block of agar was placed on the side of each shoot where a
               portion of the tissue had been cut away.
          ·    Half of the shoots were left in darkness and half were exposed to a light
               source from one side.
          ·    The samples of the shoots treated in this way were left for several hours.
          ·    The concentration of auxin collected in the two blocks of agar from each
               shoot was measured and the averages calculated.

                          Cut shoot                                     Source of
                                                                        light for
                         Agar block                                     those
                         on the side                                    shoots left
                         of the                                         exposed to
                         shoot                                          light

                        Agar block
                        at base of
                        shoot

          3.1.1      State the dependent variable for this investigation.                          (1)

          3.1.2      Give a reason why some shoots were left in darkness and some were
                     exposed to a light source.                                                    (2)

          3.1.3      State:

                     (a) TWO ways in which the reliability of the results could be ensured.        (2)

                     (b) THREE ways in which the validity of the results could be ensured.         (3)
                                                                                                   (8)

Copyright reserved                                                          Please turn over

### Page 12

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                                       12                        NW/September 2019
                                                      NSC

3.2       The graph below shows the results of the degree of convexity of a
          participant’s lens measured over a period of time.

          During the time indicated, the participant was asked to look at an object which
          could be moved closer to or further away from the participant.

                     Most                                                  E
                     convex

                              Shape of lens
                                                                     D

                                                          B      C
                                                  A
                     Least
                     convex

                                              0       2       4      6     8
                                                          Time (seconds)

          3.2.1      Name the process that changed the shape of the lens.                            (1)

          3.2.2      Give the LETTER on the graph that indicates the period of time
                     during the investigation when the object was:

                     (a) Closest to the participant                                                  (1)

                     (b) Moving towards the participant                                              (1)

          3.2.3      Describe how a clear image of the object is maintained during
                     period C on the graph.                                                          (4)
                                                                                                     (7)

Copyright reserved                                                             Please turn over

### Page 13

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                              13                               NW/September 2019
                                             NSC

3.3       The table below shows the gasses that contribute to the Greenhouse effect.

                 Greenhouse Gas               Contribution to the Greenhouse Effect
           Carbon dioxide                                      53%
           Methane(CH4)                                         B
           Nitrous oxide (N2O)                                  5%
           Ozone (O3)                                           13%
           CFC's                                                12%
                                                        [Adapted from www.globalwarming.org]

          3.3.1      Calculate the value of B. Show all calculations.                              (2)

          3.3.2      Draw a pie chart to represent the gasses that contribute to the Green
                     House effect.                                                                 (6)
                                                                                                   (8)

3.4       Explain what is meant by each of the following:

          3.4.1      Food security                                                                 (2)

          3.4.2      Carbon footprint                                                              (2)
                                                                                                   (4)

3.5       Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees in large numbers.

          3.5.1      Suggest TWO reasons for deforestation.                                        (2)

          3.5.2      Explain TWO consequences of deforestation for an ecosystem.                   (4)
                                                                                                   (6)

Copyright reserved                                                          Please turn over

### Page 14

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                           14                                NW/September 2019
                                           NSC

3.6       Read the extract below on the water situation in South Africa.

          The amount of water on earth is constant, but is unevenly distributed across
          the earth. South Africa receives an annual rainfall of 492 mm whereas the
          world annual rainfall is 1477mm.

          Scientists predict that with global warming, South Africa will experience much
          wetter seasons and much drier seasons, resulting in more floods and
          droughts.

          According to the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, the demand
          of water will exceed the supply in South Africa by 2025. A further problem
          adding to this demand is the decreasing of water quality. One of the main
          causes for this is industries which produce waste that can affect the amount
          of nutrients like minerals that land in the water.
                                                                           www.dwaf.gov.za

          3.6.1      Define global warming.                                                      (2)

          3.6.2      Describe the effect that an increase in nutrients can have on water
                     as a result of runoff from fertilisers and pesticides. Also state the
                     name of the effect.                                                         (5)
                                                                                                 (7)
                                                                                                 [40]

                                                                     TOTAL SECTION B:            80

Copyright reserved                                                         Please turn over

### Page 15

Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Life Sciences/P1                          15                              NW/September 2019
                                         NSC

SECTION C

QUESTION 4

Describe oogenesis and the role of hormones during the menstrual cycle if fertilisation took
place.
                                                                         Content: (17)
                                                                      Synthesis: (3)
                                                                                      (20)

NOTE: NO marks will be awarded for answers in the form of flow charts,
      diagrams or tables.

                                                              TOTAL SECTION C: 20
                                                                 GRAND TOTAL: 150

Copyright reserved

## Related documents

- [LIFE SCIENCES P1 QP SEPT2019 Afrikaans final](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-qp-sept2019-afrikaans-final/507e9f66-d103-4b88-8f92-e9436c3a40aa) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Afr
- [LIFE SCIENCES P1 QP SEPT2019 English final](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-qp-sept2019-english-final/0aee37ba-cb6c-4703-8a28-3bd5d8231c5d) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Eng
- [Grade 12 NSC Life Sciences P1 (Afrikaans) X05 2019 Preparatory Examination Question Paper](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-nsc-life-sciences-p1-afrikaans-x05-2019-preparatory-examination-question-paper/6ca916a7-2250-4497-9409-7188154ce36b) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Afr
- [Life Sciences P1 May June 2019 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-may-june-2019-eng/b144aa01-02ec-4195-99cc-5ac17d9aff9c) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Eng
- [Life Sciences P1 May June 2019 Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-may-june-2019-afr/bf964714-bd3d-49d5-8af3-4c9d54303789) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Afr
- [Life Sciences P1 Nov 2019 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p1-nov-2019-eng/830f1c66-6246-4109-b897-0aceb3aff57f) — Life Sciences · QP · 2019 · Eng

## More from Grade 12 Life Sciences

- [LEWENSWETENSKAPPE V1 MEMO GR12 SEPT 2025 watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/lewenswetenskappe-v1-memo-gr12-sept-2025-watermark/ee8ac4d1-8b43-4b2a-87fc-d07277b88025) — Memo · 2025
- [LIFE SCIENCES P2 MEMO GR12 SEPT 2025 AFR watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-memo-gr12-sept-2025-afr-watermark/be114f07-9b13-48d1-9cae-e0ae8aec035b) — Memo · 2025 · Afr
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P1 MEMO September 2025 Free State](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p1-memo-september-2025-free-state/ba194139-8ff7-481e-92f4-d961a5c8d23a) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 Free State](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-free-state/470ae841-15a4-4ab3-a87b-abd2294edc20) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 Gauteng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-gauteng/bbdf9d27-c483-4cd4-af9f-287e699f482e) — Memo · 2025
- [Life Sciences Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 KZN](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-kzn/f412416e-57d1-473d-886a-87c9fbb8823c) — Memo · 2025

## Collection

- [Grade 12 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-12/past-papers)

---

Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. When citing, link the page URL above, not a PDF or /api/ URL.
