life sciences Paper 2 (English)

Feb-March 2015 — Grade 12 / Matric — life sciences

Past Paper 2015 Grade 12 English Life Sciences Hub →

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1.1Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions. Choo se the answer and write only the letter (A to D\ next to the question number (1.1.1 to 1.1.10\ in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1The shape of the DNA mole ule discovered by Franklin, using evidence obtained from Wa tson and Crick. Franklin, working independently of anyone else. Watson and Crick, working independently of anyone else.

1.1Scientists have created a genetically modified zebrafish, a 'Gl oFish' This fish has a gene that makes it glow in the dark. This gene was introduced into the species by ...

1.1.3The diagram below shows the alleles for height and flower colour in a flowering plant. Allele colo Key plant ort plant urple flowers hite flowe

1.1.4A phylogenetic tree represents the number of species on Earth only species that belong to the same genus. only organisms that are now extinct. possible evolutionary relationships.

1.1.5he diagram below shows a generalised phylogenetic tree. The different ancestors in the phylogenetic tree are represented by and Which ONE of the following is the most appropriate conclusion that can be made from the phylogenetic tree?

1.1.6messenger (mRNA\ molecule consists of 300 nitrogenous bases he maximum number of amino acids that it can code for is

1.1.7Which ONE of the following resulted from Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants? The 'law' of inheritance of acquired characteristics The principle of independent assortment The 'law' of use and disuse

1.1.8The modern human skull small canines. has pronounced brow ridges. is prognathous. has a U shaped arrangement of teeth on each jaw.

1.1.9Which ONE of the following represents the correct order for the evolution of modern humans? Ardipithecus Australopithecu Homo Australopithecus Ardipithecus

1.1.10hich ONE of the following represents a trend in human evolution More developed brow ridges Increased s ize of canines More developed cranial ridges More forward position of the oramen magnum (10 x 2\

1.2Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to the question number (1.

2.1to 1.2.10\ in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.3Similar structures on different organisms that suggest they have a common ancestor The complete set of chromosomes in the cell of an organism A bar code pattern formed from DNA

1.2.6The condition that results from the absence of skin pigmentation The bonds formed between amino acids A representation of the number, shape and arrangement of all the chromosomes in the nucleus of a somatic cell

1.2.8Openings in th e nuclear membrane that allow mRNA to leave the nucleus A copy of an organism that is genetically identical to the original organism

1.2.10A tentative explanation of a phenomenon that can be tested The distribution of species in different pa rts of the world (10 x (10\

1.3Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A only B only both A and B or of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only B only both A and B

1.3.1to 1.3.6\ in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.3.1Evidence for evolu ossil eneti

1.3.2Used as evidence for the of Afri a' h ultural vidence tool making itochondrial

1.3.3The c ode amino acid on mRNA odon nti odon

1.3.4Example of a reproductive isolating anism eeding at the same time of the year daptation to different pollinators

1.3.5Distinctive difference between the apes and the homi nid hape of the jaw hape of the spinal column

1.3.6example of discontinuous variation in human kin colour eight (6 x 2\ (12\

1.4The diagram below represents DNA repli

1.4.1Identify the followi ng: (a\ (b\ (c\ (d\ ole ules and

1.4.3here in the cell does this process take place ame the phase of the cell cycle where replication takes p lace (1\ (1\ (8\ TOTAL SECTION Nitrogen

2.1The pedigree diagram below shows the inheritance of colour blindness (Daltonism\ in a family. Colour blindness is sex linked and is caused by a recessive allele ( \. The ability to see colour normally is caused by a dominant

2.1.1w many of the male offspring of parents ere normal? (1\

2.1.2State the genotype of (a\ (b\ Individu Individual (2\ (2\

2.1.4A person with a recessive allele for colour blindness may not be colour blind. Explain why males with an allele for colour blindness are always colour blind.

2.2In humans the allele for short fingers (brachydactyly\ represented by , is dominant over the allele for normal fingers ( \. The allele for curly hair ( \ is dominan t over the allele for straight hair (

2.2.2State how the phenotype Andrew Susan differ from each other Give ALL the possible genotypes of the gametes produced by And rew. (2\

2.3Mr and Mrs Phonela are concerned that their baby girl does not appear to resemble either of them. They suspect that the baby they were given at the hospital was not theirs. Mr Phonela is blood type , Mrs Phonela is blood

2.3.1ive the possible genotypes of (a\ (b\ Phonela The baby girl (2\ (1\

2.3.4Explain why the baby girl with blood type cannot be Mr and Phonela's daughter. Exp lain why the use of blood type for paternity testing is not conclusive. Using your knowledge of sex chromosomes, explain why the sex of

2.4An investigation was conducted by a scientis t to determine if two plant populations, Population 1 and Population 2, belonged to the same species. The scientist collected seeds from each of the populations.

2.4.2Explain the advantage of removing the stamens from the flowers of Population 1. What evidence indicates that the tw o populations do not belong to the same species? (2\ (1\

2.4.4State TWO factors that the scientist would have kept constant in the laboratory State ONE way in which the scientist could increase the reliability of his results (2\ (1\

2.5Describe how new species may orm through geographic isolation (6\ [40]40

3.1An investigation was conducted on the chances of women of different ages having a baby with Down syndrome as a result of errors in Meiosis I and iosis The results of the investigation are shown in the diagram below.

3.1.3Draw a histogram to represent the information in the table above regarding the error occurring in Meiosis II that lead to Down ndrome. Name the error during meiosis that could eventually result in a child

Q3— Section header —

3.1.4Over five year period hospital recorded a total of 44 Down syndrome babies born to mothers who were forty years and older. How many of these babies were likely to have had the error that caused Down syndrome occurring during

3.2The table below shows a partial DNA sequence from a human as well as codon table that can be used to determine which amino acids are required to make a protein. Bas triplet Human DNA

3.2.3State ONE way in which the DNA molecule is biologi cally important. Name the codon that is formed from base triplet number on the DNA sequence. Write down the names of the amino acids coded for by

3.2.5If a mutation changes base triplet from ATG to ATA, why will this not change the protein formed? Describe the process of translation in protein synthesis (2\ (5\ (11\

3.3A farmer an orchard of apple trees. Each apple produced expressed red and yellow colour equally (red yellow apples\. To extend his apple orchard the farmer collected seeds from the red yellow apples and grew them.

3.3.2Use a genetic cross to explain his results in the genera tion. at propo on of app in the F generation wil be red

3.3.3The farmer saw that the red yellow apples sell the best. Name the enotypes of the trees that he should cross in the future in order to ensure that any new trees will definitely produce only

3.4The diagram below represents the possible evolution of humans as well as the time period for the development of bipedalism, the use of fire and the use of tools.

3.4.2Use the diagram above and identify TWO bipedal organisms that did not use stone tools or fire How long after developing the ability to walk on two feet did pre humans develop the ability to use stone tools? Show ALL

3.4.3xplain the significance of the characteristic of the skull hich allowed for the development of the ability to use tools in the Homo speci es. (2\

3.4.4Explain the relationship between the use of fire and changes in dentition in the Homo species. (2\ (9\ [40] TOTAL CTION40

Topics Identified

Cell BiologyGeneticsEvolution

Mark Allocation

Total150 marks

Sections40 + 40 = 80 marks

Paper information

Subjectlife sciences

Year2015

SessionFeb-March

TypePast Paper

PaperPaper 2

LanguageEnglish

Pages14

Downloads7

Examination context

Decade2010s

Years ago11y

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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