Life Sciences Paper 2 (English)

May-June 2026 — Grade 12 / Matric — Life Sciences

Past Paper 2026 Grade 12 English Life Sciences Hub →

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🎯 150 marks 📄 16 pages 📝 63 items found 📚 4 topics

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Q1— Section header —

1.1Various 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. in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.11

1.1.1

1.1.2During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication take place? Prophase Interphase Telophase Anaphase

1.1cell 24 chromosomes at the start of meiosis ow many chromatids would there be in one daughter cell

1.1Which ONE of the following refers to the end product of mitosis of human somatic cell Four haploid daughter cells Four diploid daughter cells Two haploid daughter cells

1.1.5Which ONE of the following is a characteristic of a bipedal organism? shaped spine A short wide pelvis long narrow pelvis A more backward foramen magnum

1.1elow is a list of reproductive isolati mechanisms. (i\ (ii\ (iii\ Species specific courtship behaviour

1.1An investigation was done to determine the change in antibiotic resistance in bacteria over a number of generations. The results are shown in the table below. ow many times did the percentage of antibiotic

1.1.8

1.1What is the CORRECT genotype and phenotype of this tomato plant GENOTYPE PHENOTYPE GGRR Large and red GgRR

1.1This tomato plant is crossed with a tomato plant that has small, yellow fruit. What is the expected phenotypic ratio in the offspring (10 x 2\ (20\

1.2Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.9 \ in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.9The division of the nucleus during meiosis The structure that connects the two chromatids of a chromosome The type of variation where characteristics fall into distinct categories The present day distribution of species

1.3Indicate 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

1.3.1feature that causes African apes to be prognathous Larger j Bigger t eeth

1.3.2characteristic that humans share with African apes Eyes in front upper arms

1.3.3A source of genetic variation in a population Random fertilisation Random mating (3 x 2\ (6\

1.4Name the monomer represented in the diagram. (1\

1.4Identify molecule: (a\ (b\ (1\ (1\

1.4.3Give the name of molecule that will be found in the following (a\ (b\ (1\ (1\

1.4Name molecule that will be found only in DNA.

1.4.5Name TWO organelles in a human cell where DNA is located. (2\ (8\ 20 26

1.5.1Identify the type of diagram shown above (1\

1.5.2Name the hominid genus that is thought to be the common ancestor of the ustralopithecines (1\

1.5.3(in mya\ did the species which was thought to be the first to make tools appear on arth? (1\

1.5Which species is the most recent common ancestor of ustralopithecus garhi Homo habilis

1.5Name ONE species that would have competed for the same resources with Homo sapiens they had been living in the same

1.5Homo naledi is thought to be a transitional species between the ustralopithecines and the omo species Between which TWO species would Homo naledi be placed in the

Q2— Section header —

2.1The diagram below show chromosome and a human cell in different phases of cell division

2.1.1Identify: (a\ Structure (1\ (b\ Structure (1\ (c\ The

2.1Identify the phase in diagram (1\

2.1Describe TWO observable differences between the phase identified in Q UESTION

2.1.3and the same phase in mitosis

2.1.5Explain the chromosome number in the phase represented in diagram (3\ (12\ 21 22 A B C Diagram Diagram 10

2.2Describe the process of transcription The table below shows amino acids and the codons. AMINO ACID CODON

2.3.2What is a codon Name the (1\ (a\ DNA base triplet for hionine (1\

2.3A mutation occurred molecule where one nitrogenous base was affected. This caused the amino acid ine to be replaced cine

2.4In birds sex determination is controlled by sex chromosomes and Chromosome is shorter than . Female birds have chromosomes and male birds have chromosomes

2.4.1Use a genetic cross to show the percentage chance of having female offspring in birds. (6\

2.4.2Describe TWO structural differences between the sex chromosomes birds and humans. (4\ (10\ 11 20 26

Q3— Section header —

3.1In a paternity test, investigators first analysed the blood groups before they conducted DNA profiling. A paternity test was done for THREE males. The results from the blood group analysis and DNA profil

3.1.1Name ALL the possible genotypes for male (2\

3.1.2Explain why the investigators excluded male in the DNA profiling.

3.1.3Explain why the mother was included in the DNA profiling. (2\

3.1According to the DNA profiles, which ma or \ is the father? (1\

3.1State ONE other use of DNA profiling. MALE 1 MALE 3 MOTHER CHILD 13

3.2The diagram below shows how biotechnology can be used to produce a cow with a desired characteristic

3.2.4What is meant by biotechnology Name the biotechnological process represent in the diagram above. Give ONE reason why an ovum is used during this process. hy

3.2State why the offspring produced phenotypically different to the surrogate mother

3.2Give ONE possible disadvantage of having all the cows particular arm produced through

3.3Describe speciation through geographic isolation.

3.4The diagram below shows the forelimbs of human and mole. Name the type of evidence for evolution represented the diagram

3.5Identify the independent variable in th investigation (1\

3.5State ONE way in which the marine biologists ensured the reliability of the ir results

3.5xplain why: (a\ (b\ The higher ocean temperatures resulted in a greater proportion of fish with smaller

3.6The table below shows some of the hominid fossils found in different parts of the world that are used as evidence for the Out of Africa hypothesis. SPECIES FOSSIL AGE OF THE FOSSIL

3.6.1State the Out of Africa hypothesis. (2\

3.6.2Use the information in the table to describe how the fossils of Homo erectus and Homo sapiens support the Out of Africa hypothesis.

3.6.3Name the scientist who discovered Mrs Ples. (1\

3.6.4Name TWO other Australopithecus africanus fossils discovered in South Africa. (2\ (9\

Topics Identified

Cell BiologyGeneticsEvolutionAnimal Behaviour

Mark Allocation

Total150 marks

Sections50 + 50 = 100 marks

Paper information

SubjectLife Sciences

Year2026

SessionMay-June

TypePast Paper

PaperPaper 2

LanguageEnglish

Pages16

Downloads6

Examination context

Decade2020s

Years ago0y

Season—

Start day—

Exam period—

Days since exam—

About Life Sciences examination preparation

Grade 12 Life Sciences combines biological knowledge with interpretation and scientific reasoning. Paper 1 covers molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology, while Paper 2 tests human physiology, ecology, and evolution.

Every available Grade 12 Life Sciences past paper and memorandum is collected in the Life Sciences hub at life-sciences.freemode.co.za — browse all years, sessions and languages in one place.

How to use this resource for revision

A past examination paper is most useful when it is treated as an active revision exercise. Try the questions yourself before checking the corresponding memorandum. Where you make an error, identify the reason — was it a knowledge gap, a calculation mistake, an interpretation issue, or an examination technique problem?

For stronger examination practice, complete the paper without unnecessary interruptions and keep track of the questions that take the most time. Afterwards, review the memorandum and separate knowledge gaps from mistakes caused by interpretation, calculation, structure, or examination technique.

recalling biological concepts

applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations

interpreting diagrams and information

using scientific terminology

constructing precise written responses

A practical revision approach

Life Sciences rewards exact biological terminology — examiners deduct marks for paraphrased definitions. Create a glossary of key terms and practice using them in context.

Grade 12 subject hubs

Each matric subject has its own dedicated hub on Freemode with every past paper and marking memorandum we have archived for that subject.

➗ Mathematics View papers → 📊 Mathematical Literacy View papers → ⚗️ Physical Sciences View papers → 🧬 Life Sciences 📍 You are here 📒 Accounting View papers → 💼 Business Studies View papers → 📈 Economics View papers → 🌍 Geography View papers → 🏛️ History View papers → 📖 English View papers → 🇿🇦 Afrikaans View papers → 🗣️ IsiNdebele View papers → 🗣️ IsiXhosa View papers → 🗣️ IsiZulu View papers → 🗣️ Sepedi View papers → 🗣️ Sesotho View papers → 🗣️ Setswana View papers → 🌾 Agricultural Sciences View papers →

Corresponding marking memorandum

Marking memorandum available

Use the corresponding memorandum after completing the paper to review your answers and identify areas that require further revision. The memorandum shows the marking approach used by DBE examiners, including method-mark allocations.

Life Sciences Memo 2 (English) →

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File size810.2 KB

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Archived on24 September 2026

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