Life Science Demo Test (2025)
Question 1
Choose the correct answer from the options that are provided.
1.1 How many amino acids are coded for by a DNA template containing 180
nucleotides?
a) 30
b) 60
c) 180
d) 540
1.2 How do the muscles control the constriction of the pupil?
a) Both circular and radial muscles contract
b) Circular muscles contract and radial muscles relax
c) Circular muscles relax and radial muscles contract
d) Both circular and radial muscles relax
1.3 During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur when homologous
chromosomes pair up?
a) Prophase I
b) Prophase II
c) Interphase
d) Metaphase I
Question 2
Name the endocrine gland responsible for:
2.1 control of glucose levels in blood
2.2 maintenance of metabolic rate
2.3 secretion of hormones responsible for pregnancy
, Question 3
Jayden read an article which stated: “Wearing a face mask increases the carbon
dioxide levels in the blood and could lead to sickness”
He decided to investigate the matter to determine if wearing a face mask does in fact
increase the carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
For his investigation he decided to measure the heart rate and breathing rate of 8 of
his classmates.
The breathing rate and heart rate of each classmate was measured after 4
hours of NOT wearing a mask and then again after 4 hours of wearing a
mask.
3.1 State a hypothesis for the investigation/study
3.2 Identify the dependent variable in this study
3.3 Explain how the breathing rate can be used to show an increase in carbon
dioxide levels in the blood. (5)
Question 4
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
The Comrades Marathon is an ultra-marathon of approximately 89 kilometres which
is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province between the cities of Durban and
Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon race. Athletes run
up to 12 hours continually to complete the race. Runners train for many months and
they carbo-load (consume a diet high in carbohydrates such as pastas and grains) in
preparation for this race.
4.1. While running, an athlete’s body temperature increases.
Describe the negative feedback mechanism that will restore the athlete’s body
temperature to normal. (6)
4.2 Explain how carbo-loading before the race assists athletes to have enough
energy during the race. (6)
Question 1
Choose the correct answer from the options that are provided.
1.1 How many amino acids are coded for by a DNA template containing 180
nucleotides?
a) 30
b) 60
c) 180
d) 540
1.2 How do the muscles control the constriction of the pupil?
a) Both circular and radial muscles contract
b) Circular muscles contract and radial muscles relax
c) Circular muscles relax and radial muscles contract
d) Both circular and radial muscles relax
1.3 During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur when homologous
chromosomes pair up?
a) Prophase I
b) Prophase II
c) Interphase
d) Metaphase I
Question 2
Name the endocrine gland responsible for:
2.1 control of glucose levels in blood
2.2 maintenance of metabolic rate
2.3 secretion of hormones responsible for pregnancy
, Question 3
Jayden read an article which stated: “Wearing a face mask increases the carbon
dioxide levels in the blood and could lead to sickness”
He decided to investigate the matter to determine if wearing a face mask does in fact
increase the carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
For his investigation he decided to measure the heart rate and breathing rate of 8 of
his classmates.
The breathing rate and heart rate of each classmate was measured after 4
hours of NOT wearing a mask and then again after 4 hours of wearing a
mask.
3.1 State a hypothesis for the investigation/study
3.2 Identify the dependent variable in this study
3.3 Explain how the breathing rate can be used to show an increase in carbon
dioxide levels in the blood. (5)
Question 4
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
The Comrades Marathon is an ultra-marathon of approximately 89 kilometres which
is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province between the cities of Durban and
Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon race. Athletes run
up to 12 hours continually to complete the race. Runners train for many months and
they carbo-load (consume a diet high in carbohydrates such as pastas and grains) in
preparation for this race.
4.1. While running, an athlete’s body temperature increases.
Describe the negative feedback mechanism that will restore the athlete’s body
temperature to normal. (6)
4.2 Explain how carbo-loading before the race assists athletes to have enough
energy during the race. (6)
