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Grade 12 Biology entrance exam, 2015 E.C. (2023)

Real questions from the Grade 12 university entrance exam in Biology, as students sat it in 2015 E.C. Every question comes with the correct answer and a worked explanation.

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  • Natural science stream

    Who sits it

  • 2015 E.C. (2023)

    Exam year

  • 92 questions with answers

    In this set

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Answer each question yourself before opening the answer. The explanations point to the exact place in the textbook, so you know which page to reread when you miss one.

Question 1

Which one of the following monohybrid crosses can be a test cross?

  1. A.Rr X Rr
  2. B.RR X Rr
  3. C.RR X rr
  4. D.RR X RR
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C RR X rr

Why

A test cross involves crossing an individual of unknown or dominant genotype with a homozygous recessive individual (rr) to determine its genotype.

Question 2

Which of the following is different from the rest with regard to conservation of vegetation?

  1. A.Using local practices for conservation
  2. B.Replanting of land with endemic species
  3. C.Replanting indigenous tree species
  4. D.Large scale introduction of exotic plants
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D Large scale introduction of exotic plants

Why

The large-scale introduction of exotic plants often threatens native biodiversity and ecosystems, unlike the other options which promote the conservation of native and endemic vegetation.

Question 3

In the nervous co-ordination system, which of the following statements explains the synapse? It is a

  1. A.chemical that transmits nerve impulses across the nervous system.
  2. B.part of the skull that encloses brain for the purpose of protection.
  3. C.junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle.
  4. D.short term change in the electrical potential on the surface of cells.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle.

Why

A synapse is the microscopic junction across which nerve impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another, or from a neuron to an effector cell such as a muscle.

Question 4

Two students want to demonstrate a simple spinal reflex action using the knee jerk reflex. One of them sits down with one leg loosely crossed over the other. The other hits the crossed leg just below the knee cap gently but firmly using the edge of his hand. Which one of the following situations will happen during this demonstration? The

  1. A.impulse travels to the brain.
  2. B.hit ligament stretches the muscle.
  3. C.lower leg to jerk downwards and inwards.
  4. D.impulse travels to quadriceps muscle from the brain.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B hit ligament stretches the muscle.

Why

Tapping the patellar ligament (below the kneecap) stretches the quadriceps muscle, activating muscle spindles that initiate the monosynaptic reflex arc.

Question 5

Which one of the following eye structures is correctly matched with its function?

  1. A.Pupil - serves as the eye's protective outer layer
  2. B.Iris - controls the amount of light entering the eye
  3. C.Cornea - provides nutrition to the retina
  4. D.Choroid - bends the light into the eye
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B Iris - controls the amount of light entering the eye

Why

The iris contains circular and radial muscles that control the size of the pupil, thereby regulating the amount of light entering the eye.

Question 6

Which one of the following descriptions of proteins is correctly matched with its function in a cell membrane?

  1. A.Peripheral protein - anchor integral proteins to the cytoskeleton
  2. B.Glycoprotein- reduces the fluidity of the membrane
  3. C.Channel proteins - larger molecules can pass through them
  4. D.Carrier proteins - specific ions can pass along them
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A Peripheral protein - anchor integral proteins to the cytoskeleton

Why

Peripheral membrane proteins on the cytoplasmic side often bind to the cytoskeleton, helping to anchor integral membrane proteins and maintain cell shape.

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Biology papers from other years

2018 E.C. (2026)2017 E.C. (2025)2016 E.C. (2024)2014 E.C. (2022)2013 E.C. (2021)2012 E.C. (2020)2011 E.C. (2019)2010 E.C. (2018)2009 E.C. (2017)2008 E.C. (2016)2007 E.C. (2015)2006 E.C. (2014)2005 E.C. (2013)1996 E.C. (2004)

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Are these the real 2015 E.C. Biology entrance exam questions?

Yes. They come from the national university entrance exam in Biology that students sat in 2015 E.C. (2023). Our set holds 92 of its questions, each with its answer and an explanation that points back to the textbook.

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Can I download the Biology 2015 E.C. paper as a PDF?

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