GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

INFORMAL TEST 1 (DNA)

MARKS: 50

TIME: 50 minutes

This question paper consists of 6 pages.

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Life Sciences 2 February 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal test (DNA)

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.

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Life Sciences 3 February 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal test (DNA)
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 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example
1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following best describes nucleic acids and
nucleotides?

A Nucleic acids are monomers nucleotides

B Nucleotides are monomers of nucleic acids
C Nucleotides are large molecules and nucleic acids are small
molecules
D Nucleic acids are acids and nucleotides are bases

1.1.2 If 10% of the bases in a molecule of DNA are adenine, what is the
ratio of adenine to guanine in the same molecule?

A 4:1
B 1:3
C 1:1
D 1:4
(2 x 2) (4)

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 1.2.6) in the ANSWER
BOOK.

1.2.1 A section of a DNA molecule that codes for a specific characteristic

1.2.2 A phase in the cell cycle that occurs before cell division

1.2.3 The nitrogenous base found in messenger RNA but not in DNA
(3 x 1) (3)

1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements 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 1.3.8) in
the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Carries genetic material A genes
B chromosome
1.3.2 Bonds that holds nitrogenous bases A Weak hydrogen bonds
together in a DNA molecule B Peptide bonds
1.3.3 Discovered the double helical A Francis Crick
structure of DNA B James Watson
(3 x 1) (3)

TOTAL SECTION A: 10

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Life Sciences 4 February 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal test (DNA)
SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Study the diagram below which represents a part of a nucleic acid molecule
and answer the questions that follow.

2.1.1 Identify the nucleic acid shown in the diagram above. (1)

2.1.2 Give ONE visible reason for your answer in QUESTION 2.1.1 (1)

2.1.3 Label the following:

(a) Part 1 (1)

(b) Part 2 (1)

(c) Nitrogenous base 3 (1)

2.1.4 What is the collective name for the parts numbered 1, 2 and 3? (1)

2.1.5 Name TWO structures in a non-dividing human cell where DNA is

found. (2)

2.1.6 Give ONE difference between the nitrogenous bases found in DNA
molecules and those found in RNA molecules. (2)
(10)

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Life Sciences 5 February 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal test (DNA)
2.2 The diagram below shows the DNA profiles of six members of a family.

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

2.2.1 Which TWO children are the biological offspring of Zinhle and
Ayanda? (2)

2.2.2 Give an explanation for your answer to QUESTION 2.2.1 using

evidence from the DNA profiles. (2)

2.2.3 Apart from paternity testing, state TWO ways in which DNA
profiling is of use to humans. (2)
(6)

2.3 The questions below are based on DNA profiling.

2.3.1 What is DNA profiling? (1)

2.3.2 DNA evidence of a murder suspect was found at the scene of a

crime.

Give TWO possible reasons why the suspect might be found not
guilty in court, by referring to the DNA evidence. (4)
(5)

21

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Life Sciences 6 February 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal test (DNA)
QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagram below represents a nucleic acid molecule. Study the diagram
and answer the questions that follow.

3.1.1 Identify the following:

(a) Molecule W (1)

(b) Nitrogenous base V (1)

3.1.2 Which process is shown in the diagram above? (1)

3.1.3 Where in the cell does this process take place? (1)

3.1.4 When does this process occur? (1)

3.1.5 Describe the process mentioned in QUESTION 3.1.1. (6)

3.1.6 Explain the biological significance of this process. (3)

(14)

3.2 Tabulate TWO differences between DNA and RNA. (5)

TOTAL SECTION B: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 50

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