1

REVISION GUIDELINES - LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12 - 2024

FORMAT OF GRADE 12 LIFE SCIENCES EXAMINATION PAPERS

SECTION TYPE OF QUESTIONS MARKS

A variety of short answer questions: Objective questions for
A example MCQ, Terminology, Columns/statement and items, 50
Data-response
A variety of question types.
B 2 x 50
2 questions of 50 marks each divided into 2 - 4 subsections

MATERIALS TO USE
 The DBE Examination Guidelines (2021 version)
 Diagnostic Report
 How to teach
 Mind The Gap Study Guide (also available electronically on the DBE website)
 Answer Series Study Guide
 DBE Revision Booklet
 FSDoE Study Notes for LFSC Paper 1 and 2
 Past Papers (keep in mind that the format of papers changed in 2021)
 Trial Papers from other provinces
 Material on www.mindstream.co.za
(look for COVID support under FET CurriculumLife Sciences)

GUIDELINES FOR REVISION

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
P1 & P2 SKILLS Drawing a:  The caption must have two variables
Line graph  Scale: Equal spaces between units on axes
Bar graph which are in chronological order
Histogram  Equal width of the bars and between bars
Pie chart  Attend to units e.g., % when applicable
 Pie graph must show calculations and a
compass & protractor must be used
Drawing a:  Table must be drawn with clear columns and
Table related items must be compared
 Drawing must be in pencil with a definite
Diagram with heading/caption and label lines must point to
labels the exact part
 The period asked for in the question must be
added e.g., The gestation period and the
disorders caused from week 28 - 31
 2

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
Answering:  Use the aim of the investigation as given
Scientific in the question to determine the
investigative dependent and independent variables
questions which may not always be the same as the
labels on a graph or table
Reliability – repeat the investigation and
increase the sample size (the sample must
be mentioned as given in the question e.g.,
increase the number of dogs) Answering
reliability is very specific no general answers
are accepted anymore
 Validity – keep the variables (mention them)
constant e.g., the SAME temperature, etc.
 Control – to compare results and ensure that
the results are due to the factor that is tested
 Difference between the experiment and the
control. With the control you eliminate the
factor that you test. With the experiment you
provide the factor you test

 Read each question with understanding and

Paragraph take note of the total value of the sub-
questions questions

 Read each question with understanding and

eliminate the most incorrect subtractors
MCQ's
 Compile a glossary of terms and refer to
glossaries on www.mindstream.co.za
Terminology
questions
Interpreting:  Read the heading and the content carefully
Graphs and underline key aspects to understand the
Extracts theme of the question
Case studies
Diagrams
Do calculations  Be able to do simple calculations
 Pay attention on how to calculate the
percentage increase/decrease
Answer what was  If a question asks ‘What will be the effect on
asked A if B are removed or got injured’, explain
the effect of the absence or injury according
to its function - do not explain the function of
A or B
P1 REPRODUCTION Diversity in  Focus on strategies given in the Examination
IN reproductive Guidelines
VERTEBRATES strategies  Reproductive strategies differ in:
(8 marks) - the number of eggs produced by the
female
-the site of fertilisation, inside or outside the
body of the female
- the place of development of the embryo
and its nourishment
- how quickly the young can fend for
themselves
 3

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
- parental care given to offspring
 Altricial and Precocial: Reminder, it is about
energy - when is more or less energy
required (before or after birth)

 External fertilization is increased through a

high number of sperm are produced. (if
numbers are mentioned use the numbers)

 Changes of fertilization are increased by a

large number of ova being produced

 The sperm and ova are deposited in a close

vicinity to increase the possibility of
fertilization

Ovipary, ovovivipary and vivipary are reproductive strategies that differ in respect to:
 where the zygote is formed
 where development occurs
 how the embryo receives its nourishment
 the type of egg or its presence or absence

Precocial and altricial development are terms used to describe how well-developed
offspring are at birth.
 4

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION

 Extra embryonic
Membranes are that surround the
developing embryo inside the amniotic
egg or uterus. Amnion, Allantois and
chorion. (Position and Function)

the amnion – produces amniotic fluid

which cushions the embryo and
protects it against mechanical injury,
temperature changes and
dehydration
the allantois – collects nitrogenous
waste and assists in the exchange
of gases
the chorion – allows for gaseous
exchange in reptiles and birds, where
a shell is present and in mammals,
where no shell is present, it forms
the placenta.

Compares  Fertilisation occurs when a sperm cell

external with and egg cell fuse to form a zygote.
internal  Fertilisation can either occur
fertilisation outside or inside the female’s body
and varies in
its water dependency
Amniotic egg  The different parts of the egg and
function of the parts according to the
exam guidelines, a lot of emphasis on
the shell and dehydration
 5

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
P1 HUMAN Male reproductive  Structure of the male reproductive system,
REPRODUCTION system using a diagram, with labels and functions
(41 marks) (only parts given in Examination Guidelines)
 Emphasize the difference between sperm
and semen
 The composition of semen

Male glands as exocrine glands- Link with

endocrine system. Why are male glands
exocrine gland? Then learners must use their
knowledge of exocrine glands and apply it to the
male gland.
Distinguish between
Sertoli cells which provide nutrients for the
spermatids to become mature sperm cells. The
seminiferous tubules are
surrounded by connective tissue that contain the
Cells of Leydig which
produce testosterone
Testosterone has the following functions:
-development of the male secondary sexual
characteristics
-stimulating the maturation of sperm cells
Female  Structure of the female reproductive system,
reproductive using a diagram with labels and functions
system (only parts given in Examination Guidelines)
 Distinguish between the position of the
cervix, vagina and vulva
Puberty  Definition & main characteristics (male &
female)
Spermatogenesis
& oogenesis
 Exactly as stated in the
Examination Guidelines
structure of a Adaption of each cell
human sperm
cell and egg cell

-The head is mostly made up of the nucleus which contains 22

autosomes and one sex chromosome (X or Y).

-The acrosome (also in the head) contains enzymes that

dissolve the outer layer of the egg allowing fertilisation to occur.

-The middle portion contains mitochondria which provide

 6

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
energy during cell respiration for the movement of the sperm
cell.

-The long tail allows the sperm cell to propel itself forward (to

swim) through fluid.

-The nucleus contains 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome
(X)
-The cytoplasm nourishes the egg
-The jelly layer provides protection for the early developmental
stages of the
fertilised egg

Ovarian &  Refer to the structure of the ovary, using a

Menstrual cycles diagram/graph, showing the primary follicles,
(incl. hormones & the Graafian follicle and the corpus luteum
negative  Includes the uterine and ovarian cycles and
feedback) days per month
 The role of FSH, oestrogen, progesterone &
LH in these processes with the glands that
secrete each hormone
 Negative feedback between progesterone
and FSH (Pregnant woman progesterone
stay high)

• The negative feedback between FSH and

progesterone, the impact on the production
of ova, ovulation, and possible fertilization

Development of  Order in the development of structures as

the zygote to a well as difference between morula and
blastocyst blastocyst
(blastula)  Use the term blastula many leaners miss
spell blastocyst as blastocist and do not
get the mark
Development of  Structure of the developing foetus in the
the foetus during uterus, using a diagram
gestation
 7

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
 Functions of the:
 Chorion and chorionic villi

The chorion extends finger-like outgrowths

called the chorionic villi into the
endometrium and form the placenta which

 Amnion, amniotic cavity and amniotic

fluid

-Protects the foetus against mechanical

injury (shock-absorber)
-Prevents dehydration
-Maintains the temperature of the foetus
-Allows for free-movement of the foetus as it
grows and develops

 Umbilical cord (including umbilical

artery and umbilical vein) – -

-Two umbilical arteries which carry

deoxygenated blood and waste products
from the foetus to the placenta.
-One umbilical vein which carries oxygenated
blood, nutrients, water and other
substances from the placenta to the foetus

 Placenta (nutrition and protection and

must not be confused with functions
of the amniotic cavity and fluid)

- Nutrition
- Gasse exchange
- Endocrine function
- Excretion
- Microfilter

 Development of the placenta, structure

involved and functions. (Chorion form the
chorionic-villi and then the villi and the
endometrium forms the placenta)

The gestation period, also known as

pregnancy, is the time in which the embryo
develops inside the uterus. Gestation and
the development of the embryo lasts for
 about 40 weeks
P1 RESPONDING TO Central nervous  Protection of the parts + diagrams with
THE system: The brain labels & functions of parts
ENVIRONMENT & spinal cord  (Only parts given in Examination Guidelines)
HUMANS  The location of the different
(54 marks)
parts of the brain- it is in the
 8

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
examination guidelines
Peripheral  Location, structure and functions of different
nervous system neurons – use the term motor neurons as
stipulated in the Examination Guidelines,
multipolar neurons were accepted as a
concession for 2021 only
 (Only parts given in Examination Guidelines)

Autonomic  Differentiate between sympathetic and

nervous system parasympathetic .
Neurons, reflex  A reflex arc and the role of each part, using
actions and the a diagram
reflex arc  Differences between a reflex action and
reflect arc
 Importance of a reflex arc
 Identify the receptors and effectors in
voluntary actions or involuntary actions
e.g. Pupil mechanism
Disorders of the  Causes and symptoms of:
CNS  Alzheimer's disease
 Multiple sclerosis

Note : Any disorder can be asked if the
condition is explain in the
extract( Learners have to read the
extract)
The eye  Parts and functions using diagrams
(It must be noted that the yellow spot
consists of cones only and therefore has
the highest concentration of cones. There
are no rods in the yellow spot.
Photoreceptors are also not acceptable
as an alternative for cones as it implies
both rods and cones).
Accommodation  Interpret diagrams as well as identify and
name the parts plus their roles involved in
the process (for near and far vision)

Pupillary  Interpret diagrams as well as identify and

mechanism name the parts plus their roles involved in
the process (in dark and light environments)

Visual defects  Interpret diagrams and treatment of
each of myopia, hypermetropia,
astigmatism and cataracts
The ear  Parts and functions using diagrams
 Emphasise the use of the correct scientific
terms
Hearing  The whole process starting with the pinna to
the Corti- organ and then to the cerebrum
via the auditory nerve
Emphasise:
 When covering the process of hearing,
teachers must emphasize the point that
 9

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
sound is in the form of waves (in the
outer ear); vibrations (middle ear) and
pressure waves (inner ear), which are
then converted into impulses.

Balance  Position of the cristae and

macula
 The role of the macula, cristae and auditory
nerve and the cerebellum.

 Macula is stimulated by the position of

the head
 Cristae is stimulated by die speed and
movement of the head (the head must be
in the answer to receive the mark, as well
as the fact that the movement or gravity
stimulates the macula and cristae

Hearing defects  Causes and treatment of middle ear infection

and deafness
P1 HUMAN Glands and the  Location of each of the following glands,
ENDOCRINE hormones they using a diagram, the hormones they secrete
SYSTEM secrete + and function(s) of each hormone:
& functions  Hypothalamus (ADH)
HOMEOSTASIS  Pituitary (GH, TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin)
IN HUMANS  Thyroid glands (thyroxin)
(34 marks)  Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
(insulin, glucagon)
 Adrenal glands (adrenalin, aldosterone)
 Ovary (oestrogen, progesterone)
 Testis (testosterone)

 The location of the glands are very

important (Was asked in May 2024)
The adrenal glands are on top of the
kidney
 When graphs are used ensure that
answers include “remain high” of
“remain low. Do not only refer to the
hormone is high of low. Be more
descriptive.

 Disorders: Diabetes mellitus & Goitre

Negative feedback  Basic explanation of negative feedback
when levels of the following are high/low and
must return to normal:
 Glucose
 Thyroxin

 Carbon dioxide

When discussing homeostasis of

carbon dioxide must use
increase/decrease the dept and speed
of breathing (both for one mark)
 10

PAPER TOPIC CONTENT KEY POINTS TO FOCUS ON DURING

REVISION
To inhale more oxygen (one mark)
Must use breathing
muscles/(diaphragm and intercostal
muscles) Both muscles must be
named or breathing muscles to
receive one mark
 Water
 Salts
When discussing any one of the
homeostasis questions use (glucose
and oxygen) together both must be
named. Always refer to more glucose
and oxygen is transport through the
blood to increase the rate of cell
respiration in the mitochondria of the
cells and producing energy. Only use
the refers to energy once

The last mark will be allocated to

return to normal but add to that for
e.g. the glucose level increase and
will return to normal. Must refer if
the level of the substance will
increase or decrease
Thermoregulation  The role of parts of the skin on hot and cold
days

P1 RESPONDING TO Plant hormones  Functions of auxins, gibberellins and

THE abscisic acid
ENVIRONMENT:
PLANTS Role of auxins in  Especially when diagrams are given.
(13 marks) phototropism and Explain the different roles of auxins in the
geotropism growth of stems and roots
Plant defence  Role of the following:
mechanisms  Chemicals
 Thorns