CHRIS HANI EAST DISTRICT

NATIONAL
NATIONAL SENIOR
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

PRE- TRIAL PAPER 1 2024

LIFE SCIENCES

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2 ½ hours

Th is question paper consists of 19 Pages.

 INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers in your 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. ALL drawings must be done in pencil and labelled in blue or black ink.

7. Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables 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.

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 hormones prepares the body for an emergency?
A. ADH
B. Testosterone
C. Adrenalin
D. TSH

1.1.2 Dendrites always take impulses…….

A. to the cell body
B. to the receptor
C. to the synapse
D. to the axon

1.1.3 an extra embryonic membrane of amniotic egg that stores waste material
A. Chorion
B. Amnion
C. Yolk Sac
D. Allantois

1.1.4 Which one of the following applies to the level of abscisic acid in seeds which
normally germinate in spring?
A. It increases from winter to spring.
B. It decreases from winter to spring.
C. It remains high from winter to spring.
D. It remains low from winter to spring.

1.1.6 Which of the following represents the correct set of events involved in the secretion and
action of ADH (antidiuretic hormone)?
 WATER LEVEL AMOUNT OF ADH AMOUNT OF
IN THE BLOOD: PRODUCED: WATER
RELATIVE TO RELATIVE TO REABSORBED BY
NORMAL NORMAL KIDNEYS
A Increase Increase Decrease
B Increase Decrease Increase
C Decrease Increase Increase
D Decrease Decrease Decrease

1.1.7 A hormone which stimulates production of male gametes?

A. Oestrogen
B. Follicle stimulating hormone
C. Testosterone
D. Luteinising hormone

1.1.8 In seahorses the female deposits the eggs into a pouch in the male's body. The
male then secretes sperm into the pouch. Fertilisation takes place in the pouch.
The fertilised eggs develop in the pouch.

Pouch

A Male Seahorse

What type of fertilisation and reproductive strategy does this represent?

A. External fertilisation and vivipary

B. Internal fertilisation and vivipary
C. External fertilisation and ovipary
D. Internal fertilisation and ovipary

1.1.9 A person experiences a decrease in blood glucose levels. This is because there is…
 A. An increase in insulin
B. An increase in glucagon
C. No adrenalin being released
D. No growth hormone released

1.1.10 During an investigation a man was placed in an airtight room. Sensors were used to
monitor his breathing and heart rate. The investigators were able to change the
environmental conditions in the room. After 30 minutes the man’s breathing and
heart rate increased

A. Decreasing the humidity

B. Decreasing the light intensity.
C. Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
D. Increasing the amount of oxygen in the air.

1.1.10 A hypersecretion of which hormone causes a person to grow abnormally tall?

A. TSH
B. GH
C. LH
D. FSH

(10x2) (20)

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the
term next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.9) in the ANSWER BOOK.
 1.2.1. The strategy by the parents where food and protection are provided to increase
survival of the offspring.

1.2.2. The secretions that are produced in small quantities by the endocrine glands.

1.2.3. The hormone that regulates the salt levels in the blood.

1.2.4. The plant hormone responsible for the germination of seeds.

1.2.5. The tendency of the body to maintain internal body temperature within a range that
enable cells to function effectively.

1.2.6. The functional gap at which nerve impulse passes from one neuron to another

1.2.7. Type of fertilisation where large quantity of gametes are released for reproductive
success

1.2.8. The hormone responsible for the development of corpus luteum

1.2.9. The shedding of the endometrium and unfertilized ovum.

(9 x 1) (9)

1.3. Indicate whether each of the description 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 numbers (1.3.1 to 1.3.3)

COLUMN I COLUMN II

1.3.1 Plant defence mechanism A: Thorns

B: Chemical
1.3.2 The young develop and is nourished in an A: Vivipary
amniotic egg that is retained in the mother's B: Ovipary
body
1.3.3 Type of development where hatchlings are A: Altricial
incapable to feed themselves and move B: Precocial
immediately after birth

(3 x 2) (6)
1.4 The diagram below represents parts of the human eye

1.4.1 Identify the structures labelled B and I respectively. (2)

1.4.2 Give the LETTER and NAME of the part which:

a) Increase in diameter in dim light (2)

b) Holds the lens in position (2)

1.4.3 State the changes that each of the following structures will undergo, when a person
focuses on near objects:

a) Part C (1)
b) Part D (1)

1.4.4 State ONE treatment for each of the following:

a) Short sightedness (1)

(9)
1.5 The diagram below represents the male human reproductive system.

1.5.1 Give
the
LETTERS of the structures that are involved in each of the following:

a) Production of the fluid part of semen (1)

b) Transportation passage way of sperm and semen (1)

1.5.2 Name each of the following:

a) Gland B (1)
b) The hormone produced by the testes, that brings about the development of male
secondary sexual characteristics (1)
c) A surgical process where the sperm duct is cut and tied to prevent fertilisation (1)

1.5.3 Name the environmental factor to which the scrotum adjusts, to ensure optimum sperm
production. (1)

(6)

TOTAL SECTION A: 50
SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Study the diagram below of a section through a human spinal cord and the neurons
involved in a reflex arc.

2.1.1 Define a reflex action. (2)

2.1.2 Identify neurons A, B and C. (2)

2.1.3 Write down only the LETTER of the neuron (A or C) which is probably damaged if a
person:
(a) Can feel the stimulus but cannot respond (1)
(b) Is able to walk but cannot detect any stimulus (1)

2.1.4 State the significance of the reflex action in humans. (1)

2.1.5 Explain the effect of degenerated myelin sheet on transmission of nerve impulses.

(3)

(11)
2.2 The diagram below represents the sequence of events that takes place during the
ovarian cycle of a female.

2.2.1 Give the name of the

(a) Hormone that controls the development of structure A (1)
(b) Process taking place at C (1)
(c) Hormone is at its peak which result in the process mentioned in question 2.2.1
(b). (1)
2.2.2 Describe the change that takes place in the uterus as the result of the
hormone secreted by structure A. (2)

2.2.3 Structure B degenerates if fertilisation does not take place.

Explain the implications of this for the:

(a) Ovarian cycle (4)

(b) Uterine cycle (3)
(12)
2.3 The diagram below represents part of the inner ear.

2.3.1 Identify part:

(a) B (1)
(b) C (1)
2.3.2 Describe the role of the structures of the ear from the time that a sound wave
reaches the ear until pressure waves are set up in the inner ear. (7)
2.3.3 Name part A and explain the consequences if it gets damaged. (5)
(14)
2.4 Thermoregulation is a process that allows your body to maintain its internal temperature.
Study the graph of a person taking a cold bath.

Fluctuation in body temperature of a human while taking a cold bath

Body temperature (°C)

Time (minutes)

2.4.1 According to the graph what is the normal body temperature of this person? (1)

2.4.2 How long did it take for the body temperature to return to normal?
(1)
2.4.3 Explain how vasoconstriction would ensure heat retention. (3)
(5)
2.6 A group of Grade 12 learners investigated the influence of different concentrations of auxins
on plumule growth. A plumule is a young stem that grows from a seed.

The procedure was as follows:

• 35 bean seeds were germinated. The seedlings were then divided into five groups
of seven seedlings each.
• In each group the seven seedlings were attached with Prestik to filter paper on
which a 10 mm x 10 mm grid was drawn.
• The filter paper with seedlings was then glued to the inside of a petri dish.
• Each of these five petri dishes was placed in a beaker containing a different
concentration of auxins.
The diagram below shows the set-up of a single beaker.

Petri dish

Seedlings
Filter paper w ith
10 mm x 10 mm grid
Beaker
Auxin solution

• All five beakers were placed inside a dark cupboard for three days.
• After three days the increase in the length of each plumule was measured.
• The average increase in length of the plumule in each beaker was calculated and
recorded in the table below.
The table below shows the results of the investigation after three days.

AUXIN CONCENTRATION AVERAGE INCREASE

BEAKER
IN PARTS PER MILLION IN PLUMULE LENGTH
NUMBER
(ppm) (mm)

1 0,1 1,5
2 1 3,2
3 10 4,8
4 50 2,3
5 100 0
2.5.1 For this investigation identify the:
(a) Independent variable (1)
(b) Dependent variable (1)
2.5.2 Explain why the beakers were placed in a dark cupboard. (2)
2.5.3 State ONE way in which the learners ensured the reliability of this investigation.
(1)
2.5.4 State THREE factors, not indicated in the procedure that should be kept constant
during this investigation. (3)
(8)
[50]
QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagram below represents the relationship between the blood system of the foetus
and that of the mother. The arrows indicate the direction of blood flow in the blood
vessels.

Blood vessel A of Blood vessel B of

the mother the mother
Blood space/
Sinuses of the
mother

Placenta

Blood vessel D Blood vessel C

of the foetus of the foetus
Umbilical cord
Foetus

3.1.1 Apart from playing a role in the diffusion of substances from the mother's blood to the
foetus' blood, and vice versa, state TWO other functions of the placenta. (2)
3.1.2 Blood vessel D is an artery.
Tabulate TWO differences between the composition of blood found in blood vessel C
and blood found in blood vessel D. (5)
3.1.3 Explain ONE consequence for the foetus if blood vessel D becomes blocked preventing
blood flow.
(2)
3.1.4 If the blood of the mother and the blood of the foetus come into contact with each
another, it could lead to the death of the foetus.
Describe why this would occur. (2)
 (11)

3.2 Name and describe the meiotic division taking place in a female resulting is the formation of a
gamete. (6)

3.3 The graph below illustrates the secretion of growth hormone with age. Study the
graph and answer the following questions:

Source: buylegalhgh.com

3.3.1 Describe the trend observed in the graph. (2)

3.3.2 The highest growth rate is observed amongst teenagers. Give an observable reason from the
graph to support this statement. (1)
3.3.3 Name the disorder resulting from
(a) An over-secretion of hormone in the early days of one’s life. (1)
(b) An under-secretion of hormone in the early days of one’s life. (1)
3.3.4 State ONE function of the hormone in the physical development of a teenager. (1)
(6)
3.4 The diagram below represents parts of the human nervous system.

3.4.1 Explain each of the following observations by referring to the function and the part of
the brain indicated:
(a) Damage to the part of the brain labelled C result in death, even if all the other parts of
the brain and body are functioning. (2)
(b) A blood clot in the right cerebral cortex at position labelled A may result in paralysis
in the left arm. (2)
3.4.2 Give two reasons why humans do need a nervous system (2)
3.4.3 Tabulate TWO structural differences between motor and sensory neurons. (5)
3.4.4 Give the LETTERS and the NAMES of the parts which make up the peripheral nervous
system. (4)
(15)
3.5 An oral glucose tolerance test is used to determine if a person is diabetic.

After an 8-hour period of fasting (no food intake) the person drinks a glucose solution.
The person's blood glucose levels are then measured at 30 minute intervals.

If the person's blood glucose level is above 200mg/100ml two hours after
drinking the glucose solution then the patient is diagnosed as being diabetic.

The results of a glucose tolerance test performed on three different patients

(1, 2 and 3) is provided in the table below.

The normal blood glucose level in the blood is 90mg/100ml

Time (minutes) Blood glucose levels(mg/100ml)

Patient 1 Patient 2 Patient 3
0 (glucose is ingested) 85 130 85
30 125 215 210
60 100 250 180
90 85 260 100
120 80 240 80

3.5.1 Explain why the patients had to fast for 8 hours. (2)
3.5.2 Which gland secretes hormones that controls blood glucose levels? (1)
3.5.3 Describe the homeostatic control of blood glucose during the last 6 hours of fasting. (5)
3.5.4 Explain why patients 1 and 3 are not diabetic according to the results in the table. (2)
3.5.5 Although patient 3’s initial blood sugar level the same is as patient 1’s, there is a steep
increase in his blood glucose levels at 30 minutes. Suggest any other hormone which could
cause such a sudden rise in blood sugar levels as indicated in the table. (2)
(12)
[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150