Life Sciences March 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal Test 3 (Meiosis)
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES
INFORMAL TEST 3 (MEIOSIS)
MEMORANDUM
MARKS: 50
TIME: 50 MINUTES
This memorandum consists of 4 pages.
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Life Sciences March 2021
NSC – Grade 12 Informal Test 3 (Meiosis)
PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES 2011
1. If more information than marks allocated is given
Stop marking when maximum marks is reached and put a wavy line and ‘max’ in the right hand
margin.
2. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given
Mark the first three irrespective of whether all or some are correct/incorrect.
3. If whole process is given when only part of it is required
Read all and credit relevant part.
4. If comparisons are asked for and descriptions are given
Accept if differences / similarities are clear.
5. If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given
Candidates will lose marks for not tabulating.
6. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required
Candidates will lose marks
7. If flow charts are given instead of descriptions
Candidates will lose marks.
8. If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense
Where sequence and links are correct, credit. Where sequence and links is incorrect, do not
credit. If sequence and links becomes correct again, resume credit.
9. Non-recognized abbreviations
Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the unrecognised abbreviation but
credit the rest of answer if correct.
10. Wrong numbering
If answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong number is given, it is
acceptable.
11. If language used changes the intended meaning
Do not accept.
12. Spelling errors
If recognizable accept provided it does not mean something else in Life Sciences or if it is out of
context.
13. If common names given in terminology
Accept provided it was accepted at the National memo discussion meeting.
14. If only letter is asked for and only name is given (and vice versa)
No credit
15. If units are not given in measurements
Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum will allocate marks for units separately
16. Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way.
17. Caption
All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption
18. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts)
A single word or two that appears in any official language other than the learners’ assessment
language used to the greatest extent in his/her answers should be credited, if it is correct. A
marker that is proficient in the relevant official language should be consulted. This is applicable
to all official language
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3
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 B
1.1.2 C (2 x 2) (4)
1.2 1.2.1 Metaphase II
1.2.2 Cytokinesis
1.2.3 Chiasma (3)
1.3 1.3.1 Both A and B
1.3.2 Both A and B
1.3.3 B only (3)
TOTAL SECTION A: [10]
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 Autosomes (1)
2.1.2 23 (1)
2.1.3 - During anaphaseI/II
- The sex chromosomes/gonosomes/23rd pair of chromosomes
failed to separate/non-disjunction
- At the end of meiosis some of the gametes contained 2 sex
chromosomes/two chromosomes at position 23
- Fertilisation with a normal gamete/gamete with one sex
chromosome occurred
- It resulted in a zygote with three sex chromosomes/three
chromosomes at position 23 (Any 4) (4)
2.1.4 Down Syndrome (1)
2.1.5 - They are homologous
- where one chromosome is maternal and one paternal (2)
2.1.6 DNA replication (1)
(10)
2.2 2.2.1 (a) Spindle fibres (1)
(b) Centromere (1)
(c) Centriole (1)
2.2.2 (a) Metaphase II (1)
(b) Anaphase I (1)
2.2.3 Telophase I (1)
2.2.4 Haploid (1)
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4
2.2.5 4 (1)
2.2.6 A – pulls chromosome/chromatids to the opposite poles
B – joins two chromatids together (2)
2.2.7 - Exchange of genetic material/crossing over introduces genetic
variation
- Reduction of chromosome number to haploid number to keep
the chromosome number constant from generation to
generation
- Random arrangement introduces genetic variation
- Form gametes for sexual reproduction
(MARK FIRST TWO ONLY) (4)
2.2.8 (a) Testes/seminiferous tubules (1)
(b) Ovaries (1)
(16)
QUESTION 3
3.1 3.1.1 Meiosis (1)
3.1.2 Crossing over (1)
3.1.3 Prophase I (1)
3.1.4 Centromere (1)
3.1.5 Chiasma (1)
3.1.6 Metaphase I (1)
3.1.7 They are the same size and shape
They have the same centromere position (2)
(8)
3.2 3.2.1 Anaphase II (1)
3.2.2 Chromatid/daughter chromosome (1)
3.2.3 - Chromosomes are randomly arranged singly along the equator
- attached to the spindle fibres (2)
3.2.4 (a) Non-disjunction (1)
(b) Down syndrome (1)
(6)
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 50
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