Life Sciences Paper 2 (English)

November 2025 — Grade 12 / Matric — Life Sciences

Past Paper 2025 Grade 12 English Life Sciences Hub →

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Q1— Section header —

1.1Various options are provided as possible answers to the following que stions. 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. 1.1.1

1.1.1gene is the complete set of chromosomes an organism. egment on a chromosome coding for a characteristic

1.1.2

1.1.3Which ONE of the following statements is a feature of punctuated equilibrium? Individual organisms adapt to change s in the environment The i nheritance of acquired characteristics

1.1

1.1.5Which ONE of the following is an example of a heterozygous genotype?

1.1AND 1.1. REFER TO THE DIAGRAM BELOW THAT REPRESEN DNA REPLICATION

1.1Which ONE of the following combinations CORRECTLY identif ies olecules and Molecule Molecule Molecule

1.1Which ONE of the following combinations i CORRECT for molecules and Molecule Molecule

1.1AND 1.1. REFER TO THE INFORMATION N THE DIHYBRID CROSS BELOW. In a certain plant sp ecies, one gene controls stem colour and another controls plant height. The stem colour can be

1.1Which ONE of the following represents the genotype of plant and plant PLANT 1 PLANT 2 bbtt BbTt

1.1

1.1.10A rare form of rickets is caus ed by a dominant allele on t he chromosome. Which ONE of the following statements is TRUE about the inheritance of this form of

1.2.1The bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis

1.2.2An organelle that contain DNA which is used in tracing female ancestry

1.2.3Undifferentiated cells in animals that have the potential to become any type of tissue

1.2.4A change in the sequence of nitrogenous bases resulting in the formation of a different protein

1.2.5The natural shape of a DNA molecule

1.2.6The permanent disappearance of a species from arth

1.2.7A type of variation with a range of intermediate phenotypes

1.2.8An allele that is expressed in a phenotype in the heterozygous condition

1.2.9The position of an allele on a chromosome (9 x 1\ (9\

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

1.3.1The phase meiosis during which disjunction can occur A: Anaphase

1.3.2A representation of the number, shape and arrangement of all the chromosomes in the nucleus Phylogenetic tree B: Karyotype

1.3.3The alleles of gene separate into different gamet es during meiosis A: Law of independent assortment B:

1.4.1Identify part: (a\ (1\ (1\ (c\ (1\

1.4.2Which diagram ( or \ represents a cell during: (a\ Prophase of mitosis (1\ (b\ Metaphase (1\

1.4.3How many chromosomes will there be in each cell at the end of: (a\ Mitosis (1\ (b\ Meiosis (1\

1.5The diagram below represents a stage protein synthesis. Each ami no acid and \ is coded for by a different codon on th

1.5.1Identify: (a\ The stage of protein synthesis represented (b\ Molecule (1\ (c\ Organelle (1\

1.5State the se quence of nitrogenous bases on the DNA molecule for codon (a\ (1\ (b\

1.5Which amino acid is coded for by codon (1\ (7\ TOTAL SECTION A:

Q2— Section header —

2.1The diagram below represents the sex chromosomes in a female

2.1.1Identify structure (1\

2.1.2Give the biological term for the sex chromosomes. (1\

2.1.3Describe how these chromosomes would differ in the somatic cells of a male.

2.1.4n exchange of genetic material take place at region (a\ (b\ (c\ Name the process above.

Q2— Section header —

2.1.4(a\ s important (1\ (1\

2.1.6Explain how the structure of the chromosome would differ the end of meiosis disjunction of these chromosomes occur

2.2The diagram below shows the DNA analysis of a sample obtained a crime scene a sample from the v ictim and samples from

2.2.1Name the technique used in this criminal investigation (1\

2.2.2Which ONE of the suspects ( or \ was at the crime scene?

2.2.3Give ONE observable reason for your answer

Q2— Section header —

2.2Give TWO possible reasons why the suspect identified in

Q2— Section header —

2.3CADASIL is an autosomal genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele results the thickenin g of the wall of blood vessels.

2.3.3Giv e the: (a\ (b\ Phenotype of individual Genotype of individual (1\ (1\

2.3.1Name the type of diagram represented above. (1\

2.3How many offspring do parent and have? (1\

2.3Using evidence from the diagram, explain why individuals are both heterozygous

2.3What is the percentage chance of parent having other child with CADASIL Female with CADASIL Male with CADASIL

2.4The graph below shows the distribution of blood groups for two ethnic groups and in a certain country during 2021.

2.4.1Which blood group (a\ (b\ s most common in both ethnic groups Has a higher percentage in ethnic group than in ethnic

2.4.3State ALL the possible genotypes of 11% of the people ethnic group Ethnic group had a population of 360 000 people in 2021. Which blood

2.4Explain the inheritance of blood group Percentage of people Blood groups Percentage of people with each blood group Ethnic group 1 Ethnic group 2

Q2— Section header —

Q3— Section header —

3.1Theories of human evolution are based on the similarities between h umans and African apes and also on the anatomical differences between them.

3.1.1State TWO characteristics related to vision that humans share with African apes. (2\

3.1.2Describe TWO differences between the jaws of humans and African s. (4\

3.1.3Explain the significance of the position of the foramen magnum, the shape of the spine and the size of the pelvis in bipedalism. (6\ (12\

3.2The table below shows the average brain volume of different hominid species. CIES AVERAGE BRAIN VOLUME Ardipithecus ramidus Australopithecus africanus Homo habilis Homo erectus Homo sapiens 330

3.2.1How many genera are represented in the table? (1\

3.2.3Give TWO examples of fossils of Australopithecus african found in South Africa. Give the average brain volume of the species that was the first to use tools. (2\ (1\

3.2.4Calculate the percentage increase in the average brain volume between Homo habilis and Homo sapiens Show ALL working and ound off the answer to TWO decimal places.

3.2.5The brain decomposes after the organism dies. Explain how scientists are able to determine the brain volume fossils. (3\

3.2.6Explain the relationship between average brain volume and cultural idence for human evolution. (3\ (13\ 15

Q3— Section header —

Topics Identified

Cell BiologyGeneticsEvolutionEcology

Mark Allocation

Total120 marks

Sections50 + 50 = 100 marks

Paper information

SubjectLife Sciences

Year2025

SessionNovember

TypePast Paper

PaperPaper 2

LanguageEnglish

Pages17

Downloads5

Examination context

Decade2020s

Years ago1y

SeasonSpring (SH)

Start dayWednesday

Exam periodNovember 2025

Days since exam355

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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