NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

TOPIC TEST 3

MARKS: 50

TIME: 50 minutes

This question paper consists of 7 pages.

Copyright reserved
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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

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 should be done in pencil and labelled 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 may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

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 example
1.1.4 D

1.1.1 Which of the following hormones directly stimulate the development

of the endometrium?

A LH and Oestrogen
B Progesterone and FSH
C LH and FSH
D Oestrogen and Progesterone (2)

1.1.2 The part responsible for secreting testosterone:

A Cowper’s gland
B Testis
C Prostate gland
D Epididymis (2)

1.1.3 An acrosome has …

A mitochondria to produce energy for the movement of sperm.

B a chromatin network that carries genes.
C enzymes needed to penetrate the ova.
D a tail to facilitate the movement of sperm. (2)
(3 x 2) (6)

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 1.2.5) in your ANSWER
BOOK.

1.2.1 A hollow ball of cells that forms during embryonic development (1)

1.2.2 The release of an ovum from the ovary (1)

1.2.3 The period of development of the foetus in the uterus (1)

1.2.4 The structure that the Graafian follicle develops into after ovulation (1)

1.2.5 The blood vessel that transports deoxygenated blood from the
foetus towards the placenta (1)
(5)
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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

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 1.3.2) in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Type of reproduction in vertebrates A Ovipary
where the foetus is attached to and B Vivipary
develops inside the uterus
1.3.2 Unfertilised eggs are released from the A Asexual reproduction
female’s body B External fertilisation
(2 x 2) (4)

1.4 The diagram below represents an ovum and a sperm. Study the diagram and
answer the questions that follow.

1.4.1 Identify part:

a) B (1)
b) D (1)

1.4.2 Name the organelle found in large numbers in part G. (1)

1.4.3 Give the letters of two parts that fuse during fertilisation. (2)
(5)

TOTAL SECTION A: 20
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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Study the diagrams below showing the male and female reproductive systems.
Respond to the questions based on the diagrams.

2.1.1 Identify parts A, B and F. (3)

B
2.1.2 State ONE function of the following:
a) The fluid produced by part C (1)
b) Part E (1)

2.1.3 Give the LETTER ONLY of the organ where meiosis takes place in
the:
a) Male reproductive system (1)
b) Female reproductive system (1)

2.1.4 Name the type of gametogenesis that takes place in the:

a) Male reproductive system (1)
b) Female reproductive system (1)

2.1.5 State the function of part H. (1)

2.1.6 Explain why it is necessary for part D to be outside the body of

males. (2)
(12)
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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

2.2 Read the extract and study the diagram below:

ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES

An ectopic pregnancy is a problem in which the embryo attaches outside the

uterus. In most cases the embryo implants in the Fallopian tubes but implantation
can also occur on the ovaries, in the cervix or in the abdominal cavity. An ectopic
pregnancy cannot proceed normally. The embryo usually cannot survive.

Ectopic pregnancies are caused by one or more of the following:

• An infection or inflammation of the Fallopian tubes

• The development of scar tissue from a previous infection or a surgical
procedure in the Fallopian tubes
• Previous surgery in the pelvic area

In most cases, the Fallopian tube where the ectopic pregnancy occurs, has to be
removed surgically to save the woman's life.

B
C
A

E D

2.2.1 Give only the LETTERS of the TWO parts in the diagram where
implantation of the embryo may occur during an ectopic pregnancy. (2)

2.2.2 Explain why women who have had surgery on their fallopian tubes
have a greater risk of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy? (3)

2.2.3 Explain why a woman who had her Fallopian tube removed after an
(2)
ectopic pregnancy occurred, may still be able to fall pregnant.

Give TWO reasons why the embryo may not be able to survive during
2.2.4 (2)
an ectopic pregnancy inside the fallopian tube. (9)
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Life Sciences NSC 6 March 2024

QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagrams below represent two cells, study the diagrams and answer the
questions that follow.

3.1.1 On which day did ovulation occur? (1)

3.1.2 Give ONE reason for your answer to question 3.1.1 that can be seen on the
graph. (1)

3.1.3 Which structure in the ovary produces the following hormones?

a) Oestrogen (1)
b) Progesterone (1)

3.1.4 Explain why there is a sharp increase in the production of:

a) Oestrogen from day 9 to 13. (2)

b) Luteinising hormone from day 13 to 14. (2)

3.1.5 What conclusion can be drawn if the level of progesterone drops as shown in
the graph above? (1)
(9)
TOTAL SECTION B: 30

GRAND TOTAL: 50