Grade 12 · CAPS

Grade 12 Human Reproduction

Life Sciences practice questions and a worked example

Grade 12 Human Reproduction covers the male and female reproductive systems, the production of sperm and ova, the menstrual cycle and its hormones, fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy. The questions here ask you to identify parts on a diagram and give their functions, describe spermatogenesis and oogenesis, read a table of oestrogen and progesterone levels or of the thickness of the endometrium, and explain what happens when the corpus luteum does or does not degenerate. They come from the NSC Paper 1 for November 2023, 2024 and 2025: multiple-choice and terminology items from Section A and diagram, data and passage questions from Section B, each with the marking guideline's answer.

Worked example

2.2 The diagram below represents the male reproductive system. 2.2.2 Explain ONE function of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland during reproduction.

Answer

- It is alkaline to neutralise the acidic conditions of the vagina - It contains mucus/provides medium to facilitates the movement of the sperm - It contains nutrients to supply the sperm with energy

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Human Reproduction

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1.1.2 The function of the umbilical vein is to transport …
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More practice questions

Explore additional Grade 12 Human Reproduction questions.

  • 2
    1.2 Give the correct biological term for the following description. 1.2.2 The duct that transports semen and urine to the outside of the body
  • 3
    1.2 Give the correct biological term for the following description. 1.2.5 The structure that serves as a micro-filter during pregnancy
  • 4
    1.2 Give the correct biological term for the following description. 1.2.8 The part of the male reproductive system which temporarily stores sperm until they mature
  • 5
    1.3 Indicate whether the description in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. 1.3.1 COLUMN I: A process that produces four mature gametes in humans from a single diploid cell COLUMN II: A: Oogenesis B: Spermatogenesis

Common mistakes

  • Giving only the name when the question asks for the LETTER and the NAME of a part. Both are needed.
  • Mixing up the hormones of the menstrual cycle: FSH stimulates a follicle to develop, LH triggers ovulation, and progesterone from the corpus luteum maintains the endometrium.
  • Leaving out the working in a percentage-change calculation. The marking guideline gives marks for the working as well as the answer.

More Grade 12 Life Sciences topics

Aligned to CAPS Grade 12 Life Sciences — Human Reproduction. Curriculum source: CAPS for the FET Phase, Department of Basic Education.

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