NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

CONTROLLED TEST 1

08 MARCH 2022
MARKS: 100

TIME: 1 hour 40 minutes

This question paper consists of 12 pages.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

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 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

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 3 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1.1 to 1.1.3) in your ANSWER BOOK, for e.g.
1.1.4 D.

1.1.1 The monomers of proteins are…

A nucleotides
B triplets
C amino acids
D anticodons

1.1.2 In which one of the following are the eggs fertilised inside the body
where they later hatch?

A Ovovivipary
B Vivipary
C Ovipary
D Internal fertilisation

1.1.3 A sample of DNA has 60 guanine bases and 30 adenine bases.

How many phosphate molecules would you expect in this sample of
DNA?

A 30
B 90
C 270
D 180 (2 x 3) (6)

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the descriptions below. Write only
the term next to the number (1.2.1 to 1.2.3) in the answer book.

1.2.1 The division of the cytoplasm during Telophase (1)

1.2.2 The type of development in birds where the young are able to
independently move and feed themselves after hatching. (1)

1.2.3 Segment of a DNA that codes for a particular characteristic (1)

(3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 4 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN A applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A and B or NONE in COLUMN B. Write only the letter next to
the number, e.g 1.3.4 A only
.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.3.1 The formation of gametes in females A: Oogenesis
B: Spermatogenesis

1.3.2 Contain the sugar ribose A: tRNA

B: nDNA
1.3.3 Structure in the animal cell that form A: Centromere
spindle fibres during cell division B: Chiasma
(6)

1.4 The diagram below shows the female reproductive organs. Two tubes were
cut and tied by means of a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy.

1.4.1 Identify:
(a) A (1)

(b) B (1)

(c) F (1)

1.4.2 Give the LETTER and NAME of the part that produces ova. (2)
(5)
TOTAL SECTION A: 20

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 5 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1 The diagram below represents a cell during meiosis

Cell during a phase of meiosis

2.1.1 Give the label for part B and C (2)

2.1.2 What is the process taking place at A, called? (1)

2.1.3 Which phase of meiosis is illustrated above? (1)

2.1.4 Give ONE visible reason for your answer in QUESTION 2.1.3. (1)

2.1.5 How many chromosomes will be present in a normal gamete of

the species who's cell is represented above? (1)

2.1.6 What will the chromosome number of the four gametes formed at
the end of Meiosis II be? (2)

(8)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 6 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

2.2 In the table below, row 1 represents data for a fertile couple and row 2 represents
data for an infertile couple. The result of a chromosome analysis for these couples
is given and the predictions of fertilisation occurring with these gametes.

Egg/ovum Sperm cell Zygote Gender/

sex of child
1. 22 + X 22 + X 44 + XX (a)

2. 23 + X 22 + Y 45 + XY (b)

2.2.1 State the predicted genders/sex of the children at (a) and (b). (2)

2.2.2 Explain the reasons why there is a difference in the chromosome

numbers of the zygotes at number 1 and number 2. (3)

2.2.3 Name a possible disorder that a child with the chromosome number
45 + XY could suffer from. (1)
(6)
2.3 The diagram below shows a process occurring in the nucleus of a cell.

2.3.1 Identify the process shown in the diagram. (1)

2.3.2 Name the bonds that are labelled X. (1)

2.3.3 Name the phase in the cell cycle when this process takes place. (1)

2.3.4 Describe how the process mentioned in QUESTION 2.3.1 takes place. (5)

2.3.5 State TWO reasons why the process mentioned in QUESTION 2.3.1 is
important. (2)
(10)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 7 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

2.4 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow:

2.4.1 Name the overall process occurring in the diagram above. (1)

2.4.2 Give the letter that represents:

(a) transcription (1)

(b) a polypeptide chain (1)
(c) codon–anticodon linkage (1)

2.4.3 Using the letters A–E in the diagram above, place the letters in the correct
sequence from start to finish. (2)

2.4.4 If a particular DNA nucleotide base coding sequence was AGC-CTA-ATG,

write the nitrogenous bases sequence on the corresponding mRNA molecule.(3)

(9)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 8 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

2.5 The diagram below shows the DNA profiles of six family members. The greater the similarity
in the position of the bands in the DNA profiles of different individuals, the more closely they
are related.

The parents Zinhle and Ayanda have four children. Two of the children are their biological
offspring while the other two are adopted.

Parents Children

Zinhle Ayanda Lindiwe Gugu Bandile Litzwe

DNA profiles of different individuals

2.5.1 Which two of the four children are their biological offspring? (2)

2.5.2 Give an explanation for your answer to QUESTION 2.5.1 (2)

2.5.3 Apart from paternity testing, state THREE uses of DNA profiles (3)
(7)

[40]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 9 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

QUESTION 3
3.1 Read the extract below about a medical condition in male babies called cryptorchidism.
Cryptorchidism occurs in new-borns when one or both of the testes do not descend into the
scrotal sac at birth, but remains inside the abdominal cavity.
Cryptorchidism occurs in approximately 3–5% of full-term male infants while approximately
one third of premature male babies are born with this condition.

If the testes do not descend naturally by the age of one, treatment is needed. Treatment
may involve administering testosterone, but the most common treatment is surgery.
If cryptorchidism is not resolved, it may lead to infertility when both the testes do not
descend and an increased risk of testicular cancer by the age of 30 to 40 years

3.1.1. State ONE function of testosterone not mentioned in the extract above. (1)
3.1.2. According to the extract, state TWO ways in which cryptorchidism is treated. (2)
3.1.3. What percentage of premature male babies are born with cryptorchidism? (1)
3.1.4. From the extract, give ONE reason, other than infertility, why cryptorchidism
needs to be treated if the condition is not resolved naturally (1)

3.1.5. Explain why undescended testes may lead to infertility in young males. (2)
(7)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 10 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

3.2 The placenta is essential for the healthy development of the embryo and foetus. Study the
diagram showing a section of a placenta and answer the questions that follow:

3.2.1 Label parts numbered 1 and 2. (2)

3.2.2 Explain TWO ways in which the placenta protects the foetus. (2)

3.2.3 Identify part B. (1)

3.2.4 Tabulate ONE difference on the composition of the blood in the maternal
arteries with the blood in the umbilical arteries. (3)
(8)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 11 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

3.3 Study the graph below of the reproductive hormones as measured in Woman A, and answer
the questions that follow:

[Adapted from: GCE Advanced Level Examination Unit 5 Biol5 June 2012]

3.3.1 Which gland secretes the hormones FSH and LH? (1)

3.3.2 Identify ovarian hormones P and Q. (2)

3.3.3 Which gland is responsible for the production of hormone Q in …

(a) Woman A during the month that her hormone levels were measured? (1)

(b) a 6-month pregnant female? (1)

3.3.4 Is the woman, whose hormones are being measured in the above graph, pregnant?( 1)

3.3.5 Explain your reasoning. (2)

(8)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 Test 1 12 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

3.4 Male hormone contraceptive (birth control) pills have been in development
for over 50 years. The pills contain a substance called TU, which inhibits the
secretion of testosterone. There is, however, no product available on the
market yet, mainly due to many side effects associated with the product.

An investigation was done to determine how TU affects male fertility.

The procedure was as follows:

• 308 healthy, male volunteers were selected.

• A sperm count for each volunteer was done initially.
• Each volunteer was given 500 mg of TU monthly over a period of 12
months.
• During the period of the investigation, the volunteers were asked to wear
loose-fitting trousers and underwear made of the same light fabric.
• A sperm count was done weekly over a period of 24 months.
• The average sperm count was calculated per volunteer.

NOTE: Sperm count refers to the total number of healthy sperm per ml of
semen and is an indication of male fertility.

3.4.1 Identify the dependent variable in the investigation. (1)

3.4.2 State how the dependent variable in QUESTION 3.4.1 was measured. (1)

3.4.3 Name THREE other factors that should be considered when selecting volunteers. (3)

3.4.4 Explain how TU reduces fertility. (2)

3.4.5 Explain why wearing tight-fitting trousers will decrease male fertility. (2)

3.4.6 Suggest ONE reason for doing the sperm count for an additional 12 months after
stopping the TU treatment. (1)

3.4.7 The contraceptive options that are currently available for men are limited to condoms
and vasectomy. Vasectomy involves the cutting and tying of both the vas deferens.

Explain how a vasectomy prevents pregnancy. (2)

(12)

3.5 Describe how meiosis contribute to variation in organisms. (5)

[40]

GRAND TOTAL 100

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences GRADE 12 13 MDE/08 MARCH 2022
NSC

Copyright reserved Please turn over