NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
NOVEMBER 2017
LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I
Time: 3 hours 200 marks
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
1. This question paper consists of 13 pages and a yellow Answer Booklet of 11 pages
(i–xi). Please check that your question paper is complete. Detach the yellow
Answer Booklet from the middle of the question paper. Remember to write your
examination number in the blocks provided.
2. This question paper consists of four questions.
3. Question 1 must be answered in the yellow Answer Booklet provided. Questions 2,
3 and 4 must be answered in your Answer Book.
4. Start each question on a new page.
5. Read the questions carefully.
6. Number the answers exactly as the questions are numbered.
7. Use the total marks that can be awarded for each of Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 as an
indication of the detail required.
8. It is in your own interest to write legibly and to present your work neatly.
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,NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 2 of 13
QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
DNA is exceedingly simple. Think of it like a language, but with only four letters —
A, C, G, T. The complex ways in which these letters can be combined gives rise to
life. These four letters build words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters and books —
one for each living organism on Earth. It is a living code — the "biocode".
[Adapted from: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com>]
The "biocode" as it is referred to above translates to "chapters and books"
through a complex mechanism known as protein synthesis.
2.1.1 Describe how the DNA code is transcribed into a molecule known as
messenger RNA. (4)
2.1.2 Explain how the transcribed code on mRNA provides a template for
the synthesis of a protein. (4)
2.1.3 Using the mRNA-amino acid chart provided, list the sequence of
amino acids coded for by the mRNA sequence UAUCCUGAC. (You
may use the amino acid abbreviations from the chart). (3)
mRNA – amino acids chart
[Source: <https://za.pinterest.com>]
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, NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 3 of 13
2.2 Recombinant DNA Technology has revolutionised the biomedical world.
Study the diagram below, which shows how biotechnology has been used to
produce a vaccine that is given to all babies.
Production of recombinant HB Vaccine
[Source: <www.ied.edu.hk/biotech>]
2.2.1 Name the enzyme used to join the gene from the HB virus into the
bacterial plasmid. (1)
2.2.2 Why was a unicellular yeast cell used to insert the plasmid into? (2)
2.2.3 What is meant by the term "Recombinant DNA"? (2)
2.2.4 Identify six critical steps in this biotechnological process. (6)
IEB Copyright © 2017 PLEASE TURN OVER
NOVEMBER 2017
LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I
Time: 3 hours 200 marks
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
1. This question paper consists of 13 pages and a yellow Answer Booklet of 11 pages
(i–xi). Please check that your question paper is complete. Detach the yellow
Answer Booklet from the middle of the question paper. Remember to write your
examination number in the blocks provided.
2. This question paper consists of four questions.
3. Question 1 must be answered in the yellow Answer Booklet provided. Questions 2,
3 and 4 must be answered in your Answer Book.
4. Start each question on a new page.
5. Read the questions carefully.
6. Number the answers exactly as the questions are numbered.
7. Use the total marks that can be awarded for each of Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 as an
indication of the detail required.
8. It is in your own interest to write legibly and to present your work neatly.
IEB Copyright © 2017 PLEASE TURN OVER
,NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 2 of 13
QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
DNA is exceedingly simple. Think of it like a language, but with only four letters —
A, C, G, T. The complex ways in which these letters can be combined gives rise to
life. These four letters build words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters and books —
one for each living organism on Earth. It is a living code — the "biocode".
[Adapted from: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com>]
The "biocode" as it is referred to above translates to "chapters and books"
through a complex mechanism known as protein synthesis.
2.1.1 Describe how the DNA code is transcribed into a molecule known as
messenger RNA. (4)
2.1.2 Explain how the transcribed code on mRNA provides a template for
the synthesis of a protein. (4)
2.1.3 Using the mRNA-amino acid chart provided, list the sequence of
amino acids coded for by the mRNA sequence UAUCCUGAC. (You
may use the amino acid abbreviations from the chart). (3)
mRNA – amino acids chart
[Source: <https://za.pinterest.com>]
IEB Copyright © 2017
, NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: LIFE SCIENCES: PAPER I Page 3 of 13
2.2 Recombinant DNA Technology has revolutionised the biomedical world.
Study the diagram below, which shows how biotechnology has been used to
produce a vaccine that is given to all babies.
Production of recombinant HB Vaccine
[Source: <www.ied.edu.hk/biotech>]
2.2.1 Name the enzyme used to join the gene from the HB virus into the
bacterial plasmid. (1)
2.2.2 Why was a unicellular yeast cell used to insert the plasmid into? (2)
2.2.3 What is meant by the term "Recombinant DNA"? (2)
2.2.4 Identify six critical steps in this biotechnological process. (6)
IEB Copyright © 2017 PLEASE TURN OVER
