LIFE SCIENCES

GRADE 10

REMOTE LEARNING WORKBOOK

1
TERM 2

2
Week Topic Page

1 History of life on Earth: Life’s history, The three eras &

Geological timescales 4

2 History of life on Earth: Cambrian explosion 12

3 History of life on Earth: Mass extinctions 16

4 History of life on Earth: Fossil formation and methods of

dating 19

5 The chemistry of life: Molecules for life: Organic molecules

and Minerals 25

6 The chemistry of life: Organic compounds (Carbohydrates

& Lipids) 28

7 The chemistry of life: Organic compounds (Proteins,

Enzymes, Nucleic acids & Vitamins) 34

8 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Cell wall, cell membrane,

nucleus & cytoplasm) 40

9 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Mitochondria, Ribosome,

Endoplasmic reticulum & Golgi-body) 44

10 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Plastids, Vacuoles &

difference between plant and animal cells) 51

3
WEEK 1: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Life’s history, The three eras & Geological timescales

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Although the Earth is over 5 billion years old, the history of life on Earth started at
about 3 500 million years ago. This is when the first organisms originated in the
oceans. It is difficult to imagine a time frame of billions of years. To get an idea of this
time span of large time periods, it is useful to consider events in the history of life that
we think of as being the distant past:

• The pyramids were built 4500 years ago and yet this is only about a millionth
of the time span of ALL life on Earth.
• The dinosaurs die out 65 million years ago.
• Human recorded history stretches back only 10, 000 years in time.

4
THE GEOLOGICAL TIMESCALE

Geological Timescale
The earth’s history has been divided into
a series of time intervals called the
Geological Timescale.

The geological timescale helps us divide

the vast periods of time into manageable
time frames. Geologists have divided the
Earth’s history into eras, periods and
epochs. These time intervals vary in
length according to significant events in
the history of the Earth. They are not
equal divisions of time like years,
Clock analogy for
some key events in
evolutionary history

months, days or hours.

Geological Times

Eons:

Eons are the longest time periods and are hundreds of millions of years long.
The Phanerozoic eon is the most recent eon and began about 500 million
years ago.

5
Eras:

Eras are the smaller time periods that the eons are divided into. The
Phanerozoic eon is divided into three eras, the Cenozoic, Mesozoic and the
Paleozoic eras. The divisions between these eras is determined by very
significant events in the history of the Earth.

Periods:

The eras are made up of varying numbers of periods of different lengths of

time. For example, the Palaeozoic is sub divided into the Permian,
Carboniferous, Devonian, Silurian, Ordovician and Cambrian Periods.

The History of Life on Earth

1. The earth was formed about 4,5 billion years ago.

2. It took about 500 million years for the crust to solidify.
3. The oldest fossils of microorganisms are 3,5 billion years old found embedded
in rocks in Western Australia.
Prokaryotes dominated from 3,5 to 2 billion years ago. During this time, the
first divergence occurred: Bacteria and Archae.
4. Oxygen began accumulating in the atmosphere about 2,7 billion years ago.
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes that are still present today and
produced oxygen.
5. The oldest eukaryotic fossils are about 2 billion years old.
6. The oldest animal fossils are ~700 million years old.
7. Animal diversity exploded ~540 million years ago.
8. Plants, fungi, and animals began colonizing land ~500 million years ago.
9. First plants transformed the landscape.
10. Then animals were able to take advantage of new niches.
11. Mammals evolved 50 to 60 million years ago.

6
A Table Summarizing the Geological Time Scale.

7
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.4) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.5 D.

1.1 The immediate ancestors of birds are…

A. reptiles.
B. mammals.
C. fish.
D. Amphibians.

1.2 Modern Humans first appeared on Earth between. . .

A. 5000 and 10 000 years ago.

B. 300 000 and 600 000 years ago.
C. 50 000 and 100 000 years ago.
D. 4 and 5 Million years ago.

1.3 The person that studies fossils is called. . .

A. an archaeologist.
B. a radiologist.
C. a paleontologist.
D. an anthropologist.

1.4 A period in the earth’s history where global temperatures plummet and there
is extensive glaciation is known as. . .

A. the greenhouse effect.

B. a cold spell.
C. a hole in the ozone.
D. an ice age. (2x4=8)

8
QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following description. Write only the
term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.3) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 The movement of land masses during the history of the Earth.

2.2 Large reptiles that became extinct about 65 million years ago.

2.3 A transition fossil that has both reptile and bird features. (3)

QUESTION 3

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B ONLY,

BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B only, both A
and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
3.1 The most recent eon A. Archaen
B. Phanerozoic
3.2 Used to estimate the age of a fossil A. Relative Dating
B. Radiometric dating
3.3 Hard bodied animals that had shells A. Brachiopods
B. Arthropods.
(3 x 2 = (6)

QUESTION 4

Life first appeared on Earth approximately 3.5 billion years ago.

The diagram below shows the geological timeline with some major events
indicated by the letters and numbers.

9
4.1 Choose the letter from the timeline that best corresponds to the
appearance of the following life forms on Earth:

(i) Prokaryotes
(ii) First modern birds
10
(iii) Fish with jaws
(iv) Early tetrapods (4)
4.2 Multicellular life appeared about 1 billion years ago. Name the eon
that corresponds to this. (1)
4.3 At which number, 1 or 2, would eukaryotes have appeared?
Explain your choice. (3)

4.4 During the period between 543 MYA and 488 MYA, an important
evolutionary event occurred, which is evidenced in the fossil record.

(i) What do biologists call this evolutionary event and why is it

named such? (3)
(ii) What climatic factor is believed to have contributed to this
event? (1)

4.5 Life on Earth has experienced several mass extinctions over the course
of time.

(i) Name the period during which the greatest mass extinction of life
had occurred? (1)
(ii) Identify the cause of this extinction. (1)
4.6 “The start of Cenozoic era marked the dawn of the age of mammals.”

(i) What do you understand this statement to mean? (2)

(ii) Discuss TWO reasons to explain this statement. (4)

[TOTAL: 40]

11
WEEK 2: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Cambrian explosion

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

The Cambrian Explosion is a relatively short period of time marking the origins of
early forms of all animal groups. It is when there was a sudden appearance of the
major groups of animals.

These life-forms have gradually changed to become present life-forms. In the last
four million years, significant changes have occurred in species occurring in Africa
(e.g. humans).

The Cambrian period began 543 million years ago and ended 505 million years ago.
It lasted for 38 million years.

The early life-forms were: Platyhelminthes (flatworms), Nematoda (worms), Annelida

(segmented worms), Mollusca (slugs, snails and creatures with shells), Arthropoda
(invertebrates with external skeleton and joined limbs), Echinodermata (marine
invertebrates) and Chordata (vertebrates – with skeleton).

From the end of the Cambrian period into the Holocene epoch of the Quaternary
period (in which we now live) the fossil record shows that different groups of animals
evolved out of those primitive Cambrian forms in this order:

● fish: about 438 million years ago

● amphibians: about 380 million years ago
● reptiles: about 225 million years ago
● birds: about 180 million years ago
● mammals: about 150 million years ago
● humans: about 250 000 to 300 000 thousand years ago.

12
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.2 D.

1.1 How long did the Cambrian Explosion last?

A 38 to 40 years
B 18 to 20 million years
C 18 to 20 years
D 38 to 40 million years (2)

13
QUESTION 2

Study the Geological Time Scale below and answer the questions that follow.

2.1 What does “MYA” stand for as shown in the diagram? (1)

2.2 According to the time scale above, when did the Triassic period start? (1)

2.3 In which Period are we living in now? (1)

2.4 How long did the Ordovician period last? Show all working. (3)

2.5 In which geological period did the reptiles first appear? (1)

2.6 What major event took place 543mya that saw a rapid increase in the
number of species on Earth? (1)

14
2.7 During which period did the Mass Extinction occur that wiped out the
dinosaurs? (1)

2.8 Discuss any ONE theory that scientists put forward to explain the Mass
Extinction mentioned in Question 2.7 above. (3)
(12)

15
WEEK 3: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Mass extinctions

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

MASS EXTINCTIONS
There were FIVE MASS EXTINCTIONS:

Ordovician (444 million years ago) - caused by climate changes, many trilobites
became extinct
Devonian (383-359 million years ago)- ice ages, global cooling, glaciations -
almost all life forms died out
Permian (252 million years ago)- most severe of all caused by volcanic eruptions-
reptiles and frogs died
Triassic (201 million years ago)- caused by acid rain and drop in oxygen in water,
more marine life form destroyed
Cretaceous (66 million years ago)- all dinosaurs died out caused by asteroid
impact and blotting out of sunlight

Sixth Mass Extinction:

We are in the crisis of the sixth mass extinction caused by human activities such as
illegal veld-fires which consume large amounts of valuable oxygen and release
smoke and carbon dioxide resulting in global warming and climate change; illegal
hunting and habitat destruction

The causes of mass extinctions

There are two types of theory on what caused the mass extinctions:
• Environmental disasters: meteor or asteroid impacts, severe volcanism,
radiation from exploding stars or killer diseases.
• Organisms failing to adapt to habitat or environmental changes: changing
temperatures of ice and warm ages, global sea level changes and continental
drift.

16
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Evidence suggests that five mass extinctions have occurred throughout the
history of the Earth—the most famous of which led to the extinction of the
dinosaurs. Scientists are still studying the causes of these catastrophic events.

Study the graph below and answer the question that follow:

1.1 Identify:
(a) the era with the shortest duration.
(b) the era with the longest duration.
(c) the era with the least geological periods. (3)

1.2 According to graph, approximately how long did the Mesozoic era
last? Show all your calculations. (3)

1.3 The Cenozoic era is known to have produced the modern humans,
modern mammal species and also the extinction of large mammals
such as the mammoths.
(a) How many years ago did that happen? (1)
(b) Explain what is meant by mass extinction. (2)
(c) Name the FIVE mass extinctions that have already happened. (5)
(14)

17
QUESTION 2

The following questions are based on the extinction of dinosaurs on Earth.

2.1 What evidence do scientists use to show that dinosaurs once existed
on Earth? (1)

2.2 How long ago did the dinosaurs become extinct? (2)

2.3 Describe a hypothesis that has been proposed for the extinction of
many species, including the dinosaurs, during the time mentioned
in QUESTION 2.2.
(6)
(9)

QUESTION 3

At the end of the Cretaceous Period, large numbers of plants and animal
became extinct. Scientists are still trying to understand why some types of
plants and animals survived while others died out. The table below shows the
data of the amphibians, reptiles and mammals that lived during this period.

Animal Type Groups living Groups left

before the after
extinction extinction

Amphibians 12 4

Reptiles 63 30

Mammals 24 8

3.1 Calculate the percentage of mammals that survived. (3)

3.2 Which group of animals was the least affected by extinction? (1)
3.3 Draw a bar graph to compare the group of living animals before and
after extinction. (6)
(10)

18
WEEK 4: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Fossil formation and Methods of dating

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

TERMINOLOGY

Fossil The remains or trace of an organism that lived a long time

ago and has been preserved in rock
Paleontologist A scientist who is interested in uncovering the history of the
Earth by studying fossils
Paleoanthropologist A paleontologist who specializes in studying human
ancestors
Petrification The process by which the remains of organisms are
replaced by silica or calcium and turned into stone
Sedimentary rock A rock formed from the layers of mud, sand, salt, pebbles, or
carbonate in a river, lake, sea, desert
Transitional In between, a stage between one form and another

Fossils are the remains of once living things that are usually preserved in rock.

HOW FOSSIL FORM:

[Link]
An animal is buried by sediment such as volcanic ash or silt, shortly after it dies.
The bones are protected from rotting by the of sediment.

2. Layers
More sediment layers accumulate above the animal’s remains and minerals such
as silica slowly replace the calcium phosphate in the bones.

3. Movement
Movement of tectonic plate or giant rock slabs that make up the Earth’s surface,
lifts the sediments and pushes the fossil closer to the surface.

4. Erosion
Erosion from the rain, rivers and wind wears away the remaining rock layers.
Eventually, erosion or people digging for fossils will expose the preserved remains.

19
EXAMPLES OF FOSSILS

- Bones
- Shells
- Tracks (footprints), hardened faeces of animals
- Petrified tree trunks
- Imprints of leaves and small animals

EXAMPLE OF FOSSILS THAT OCCUR IN TAR AND ICE

- Fossils of woolly mammoth (ice)

- Pits of tar contained bones of the sabre toothed cats
- Some insects

Examples of fossils

Preservation by petrification

20
Sedimentation

Death and burial

DETERMINING THE AGE OF THE FOSSIL:

There are two methods used by scientists to determine the age of the fossil rocks.
The Relative dating and the Radiometric dating.

In Relative dating – the age of the fossil is worked out by trying to find out how it
is related to the age of another fossil or geological event such as volcanic eruption.
It tells us whether a particular fossil was formed before or after another fossil or
geological event.

In Radiometric dating – it attempts to answer the question how many years ago
was the fossil formed?
The answer to the question is given in ‘years’ rather than ‘before’ or ‘after’.

21
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.2) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.3 D.

1.1 Palaeontology is a study of…

A the half-life of radioactive substances.

B continental drift.
C fossils.
D changes during the Cambrian explosion.

1.2 …….. are the richest sources of fossils.

A Layers of strata
B Index fossils
C Mineral salts
D Sedimentary rocks (4)

QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.3) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 The remains of once living things that are usually preserved in rocks.
2.2 A fossil of an organism between two clearly defined stages of
evolutionary development.
2.3 A method that allows scientists to say that a fossil is older than
another but not telling exactly how old a particular fossil is. (3)

QUESTION 3 (Questions taken from various sources)

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

22
COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 The process by which the A Petrification

remains of organisms are B Extinction
replaced by silica or
calcium and turned into
stone

3.2 Scientist who studies A Paleontologist

ancient life forms through B Geologist
fossils
3.3 The method that allows A Fossilization
scientists to say that one B Relative dating
fossil is older than the
other

(3 x 2) (6)

QUESTION 4
Suppose that we studied three different sections of the cliff in the figure below:
The three sections are far apart from each other, but the rock layers are joined.

Study the section of the cliff preserved in different hills shown in the diagram and
answer the question that follows:

23
4.1 Which are the youngest fossils and in what type do they occur? (2)

4.2 Were the youngest sediments mentioned in QUESTION 4.1

deposited in the sea or in land?
Explain your answer. (3)

4.3 Which is the oldest fossil and in what rock type do they occur? (2)

4.4 Sections A, B and C are different. Explain why and how the layers
have changed from one cliff face to the next. (5)
(12)

QUESTION 5
The picture below shows a fossil of a prehistoric bird dating from about 150 mya.
It had characteristics that are similar to dinosaurs as well as to that of modern-day
birds.
Study the picture and answer the questions that follow.

5.1 What is the name of this pre-historic fossil? (1)

5.2 Name three characteristics of the fossil named in QUESTION
5.1 that are similar to dinosaurs. (3)
5.3 Name two internal features of the fossil named in QUESTION
5.1 that resemble those of birds. (2)
(6)

.
.

24
WEEK 5: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic molecules, Inorganic Compounds & Minerals

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

MOLECULES FOR LIFE

Organic molecules are made up of C, H, and O, and some contain other elements
such as N and P. Cells are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
and vitamins.

TERMINOLOGY
Organic Contains C, H and O
Inorganic Does not usually contain C
Micro-nutrient Element required in small quantities
Macro-nutrient Element required in large quantities

KEY CONCEPTS:

Inorganic Compounds – water and mineral salts

Organic Compounds – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins,

nucleic acids

Inorganic Compounds
Water

is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms joined to 1 oxygen atom

H H

• 70-95% of cells are made up of water

• is a universal solvent

• is a transportation medium

• is a medium for chemical reactions

• is responsible for turgidity in plants

25
• removes waste products

Minerals

Many of the mineral salts occur in salt form. For example, the mineral sodium occurs
in the form of common table salts, sodium chloride. Therefore, we speak of ‘mineral
salts’ instead of ‘minerals’

macro-nutrients - essential elements required by organisms in large quantities

micro- nutrients - essential elements required by organisms in small quantities

Plants obtain minerals from the soil and fertilisers

• Animals obtain minerals from the food that they consume

Fig 1: The Table shows the essential Minerals, Functions and Deficiency

diseases

26
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Name

1.1 Any THREE mineral elements required for the formation of cell
membranes. (3)

1.2 Any THREE mineral elements required for the formation of strong
bones and teeth. (3)

1.3 Any TWO mineral elements required for the formation proteins. (2)

1.4 ONE mineral element that is the component of hemoglobin. (1)

(9)

27
WEEK 6: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic compounds (Monosaccharides & Lipids)

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Carbohydrates are molecules found in our food that provides our brains and muscles
with energy. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Carbohydrates can be divided into simple and complex carbohydrates:

simple units
simple monosaccharides
building blocks

disaccharides double sugars

complex

polysaccharides many sugars

Monosaccharides
Mono = single, sacchar= sugar
These sugars cannot be broken down into simpler forms.
They are the building blocks of the more complex sugars.
They dissolve in water.
Some examples are glucose, fructose, galactose.

Test for glucose: Add Benedicts solution to unknown solution. On heating the
colour of solution will change from blue to orange/ brick red indicates the presence
of glucose.

Disaccharides (Di= two)

Two monosaccharides that has bonded. Also

soluble in water.
For example, sucrose in the diagram on the left.
Sucrose = glucose + fructose
Lactose = galactose + glucose

28
Polysaccharides (poly = many)
Substances like starch (found in plants), cellulose (also found in plants act as dietary
fiber), glycogen (found in liver and muscles of humans, the way we store glucose)
Polysaccharides consist of chains that are made of ten to thousands of
monosaccharide molecules (like building blocks) that are linked together (through
bonds in a chain to form the big molecule.
Test for starch: Iodine turns from brown to blue-black.

Summary of Carbohydrates:

Source: Bioninja
Lipids
Lipids are fats and are an important molecule that sustain life. They are found in all
cell membranes in our bodies, are a source of energy, insulate our nerve cells and
don’t dissolve in water.
Lipids are composed
of a glycerol
molecule + three fatty
acid chains.

29
Fatty acids have a hydrophilic (water loving) head
and a hydrophobic (water fearing) tail as could be
seen in diagram on the left.

Cholesterol
It is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body
needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you
digest foods. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease
and a cause of heart attacks. A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that
narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaques form and cause
restriction of blood flow.
Reducing the intake of fat in the diet helps to manage cholesterol levels. It is helpful
to limit foods that contain:
Cholesterol: This is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese.
Saturated fat: This occurs in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods,
deep-fried, and processed foods.
Trans fats: This occurs in some fried and processed foods.

Saturated fats don’t have double bonds

between atoms and are solids at room
temperature, butter, meat, dairy etc.

Unsaturated fats have double bonds between

atoms and are liquid at room temperature. Like
vegetable oils

Diets high in saturated fat are linked to high

blood cholesterol levels and heart disease.
Diagram: saturated and unsaturated fats
High-fat diets can also increase the risk for obesity
and cancer.
Test for lipids: Fats and oils leave behind a grease spot stain on filter paper.

30
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.2) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.3 D.

1.1 Sucrose is an example of …

A lipids.
B polysaccharides.
C monosaccharides.
D disaccharides.

1.2 These types of fat cause high cholesterol in a human’s blood

A Unsaturated
B Saturated
C Vegetable oils
D Fatty acids

2 x 2 = (4)
QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.5) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 A molecule chain composed of monosaccharides bonded chemically

together.
2.2 A molecule which is composed of glucose and fructose.
2.3 A molecule composed of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acid
chains.
2.4 The type of carbohydrates that are stored.
2.5 The carbohydrate that forms a structural component of cell walls. (5)

31
QUESTION 3 (Questions taken from various sources)

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 Cholesterol makes… A Vitamin D

B Hormones

3.2 A build-up of cholesterol in A Arthritis

arteries. B Atherosclerosis

3.3 Fats that contain double bonds A Polysaccharides

between their atoms. B Disaccharides

(3 x 2) (6)

QUESTION 4 (Questions taken from various sources)

Ingredients Nutritional Information

Whole rolled oats, roasted wheat Energy 2 000 kJ

flakes, cane syrup, brown sugar,
vegetable oil, sun-dried raisins Protein 12,5 g

Carbohydrates 50 g

Fats 12,5 g

Fiber 25 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

4.1 Explain ONE advantage of this cereal having no cholesterol. (1)

4.2 The total energy value of a 100 g cereal is 2 000 kJ. The boy requires
5 500 kJ of energy per day. How much cereal does he need to eat in order
to obtain this energy (assuming that he does not eat any other foods)?
Show your working. (3)

4.3 Draw a pie chart to illustrate the relative proportions of protein,

carbohydrate, fats and fiber of this 100 g of cereal. (6)
(10)

32
QUESTION 5 (Questions taken from various sources)
During a class practical a Grade 10 learner carried out some tests on five different
food types. The results are shown in the table below.

Positive tests for use of different solutions are as follows:

• Benedict solution is orange-red.

• Iodine solution is Blue-Black.

Food type Food colour observed for each food

test

Benedict’s Test Iodine Test

A Blue Blue-Black

B Orange-red Brown

C Orange-red Brown

D Blue Blue-Black

E Orange-red Blue-Black

5.1 Which food type (A, B, C, D or E) contains:

(i) Starch only? (2)

(ii) Glucose only? (2)

(iii) Starch and glucose? (1)

(5)

33
WEEK 7: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic compounds (Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic acids &

Vitamins)

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Proteins

Proteins are large organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen atoms. Some proteins also contain the elements sulfur, phosphorus and
iron.

Proteins are made up of chemical 'building blocks' called amino acids. There are
20 different amino acids commonly found in the proteins of living things. Your body
uses amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones
and enzymes. Protein is a macronutrient found in all types of animal and plant
foods. You need protein to build tissues, preserve lean muscle mass and to
repair and maintain skin cells.

Structure of a protein

Temperature and pH are factors that affect the structure of proteins. High
temperatures and extremely acid or basic solutions can cause permanent
changes to the bonds that hold the structure of a protein in shape. Once the
molecular shape of a protein is changed, the protein is said to be denatured.

34
Biuret reagent, a blue solution, is used to test for protein. A deep purple colour is
a positive indication of the presence of protein in a solution. The darker the
solution the more protein is present.

Enzymes

Enzymes are protein molecules that control metabolic reactions. They act as
catalysts because the increase the rate of the reaction or slow down the rate of the
reaction. Enzymes:

• regulate almost every reaction in the human body

• are specific in their action; each enzyme regulates one particular reaction or
type of reaction
• are not altered by the reaction and can function over and over again

The lock-and-key model of enzyme action is a theory of how specific enzymes act
on specific substrate molecules. The theory states that in the same way that a
specific key fits into a specific lock, each enzyme targets a specific substrate that
fits into its active site.

Because enzymes are proteins they are also affected by temperature and pH.
Enzymes work best at an optimum temperature and in the human body it is 37oC.

• At temperatures higher than body temperature, the rate of the reaction will
slow down. At extremely high temperatures the structure of the enzyme will
be destroyed, and the enzyme will not be able to bind with the substrate
molecule.
• At low temperatures, the enzyme becomes inactive and the tempo of the
reaction will slow down. The structure of the enzyme will not be
permanently destroyed.

Enzymes are sensitive to pH. Most enzymes work the most in pH-neutral
conditions. Extreme conditions of pH can denature enzymes permanently.

35
Enzymes are used in:

• Biological washing powders. These enzymes break down stains caused by

food, blood, fat or grease. They are extremely effective at low
temperatures.
• Meat tenderisers.

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are complex organic acids found in a cell’s nucleus and are
responsible for storing and transferring genetic information. There are two types of
nucleic acids found in cells:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

• Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds known as micronutrients that are required in

small quantities by animals to maintain health. Some vitamins are water-soluble
((Vit. C and B) and must be consumed daily and some are fat-soluble (Vit. A, D, E
and K) and stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body.

36
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 Define the following terms:

(a) Protein (2)
(b) Enzymes (2)
(c) Denaturation (2)
1.2 What are the monomers of proteins? (1)
1.3 Name the protein-deficiency disease. (1)
1.4 What type of bond link individual amino acids together? (1)
1.5 Grade 10 learners investigated the effect of temperature on
enzyme activity. The following data was collected:
Test tube Temperature (oC) Score

1 30 0

2 30 2

3 40 4

4 50 3

5 60 2

6 70 2

Color key:

Color Score

Light Yellow 0

Medium Yellow 1

Dark Yellow 2

Light Pink/Purple 3

Medium Pink/Purple 4

37
Dark Pink/Purple 5

Light Red/Purple 6

Medium Red/Purple 7

Dark Red/Purple 8

Very Dark Red/Purple 9

Draw a bar graph using the provided data. (6)

(15)

QUESTION 2
Calculating RDA for Protein

To find out how much protein you should be consuming, take your weight, which you
probably know in pounds, and convert it to kilograms.

The average American man weighs 195.7 pounds (the equivalent of 88.77 kilograms),
while the average American woman weighs 168.5 pounds (which equals about 75.21
kilograms).

the RDA formula is:

(0.8 gram of protein) x (weight in kilograms)

Therefore: Calculate the RDA for both

(a) men and
(b) women. (4)

QUESTION 3
The figure below shows a box of biological washing powder.

38
3.1 Explain why:

1. the presence of protease and lipase would make the

washing powder more effective than ordinary detergent (3)

(b) the powder should not be used in boiling water (2)

3.2 Silk is a material made from protein. Explain why the

biological washing powder should not be used to wash silk
clothes. (2)
(7)

39
WEEK 8: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus & cytoplasm

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

The structure of a cell

Cell wall
The cell wall is a rigid outer layer of plant cells. It surrounds the cell membrane. The
cell wall is non-living and is made up of cellulose, a polysaccharide. It is completely
permeable to water and mineral salts. Openings in the cell wall contain strands of
cytoplasm, called plasmodesmata, that connect adjacent cells. The cell wall of a
plant cell is joined to other cell walls by a thin layer of material called the middle
lamella.
Functions:
• Protect the inner parts of the plant cell
• Give plant cells a more uniform and regular shape
• Provide support for the plant body

40
Cell membrane
The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm. It is part of the protoplasm, which is the
living part of the cell. The cell membrane consists mostly of lipid and protein
molecules. It is semi-permeable and controls the movement of substances into and
out of the cells.
The fluid mosaic model is a commonly accepted model that describes the arrangement
of lipid and protein molecules in cell membranes.

Protein molecules are randomly embedded in the phospholipid bilayer. This

contributes to the mechanical strength of the membrane. Each protein molecule shifts
around on the fluid bilayer of phospholipids.

Diffusion
Diffusion is the meovement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area
of low concentration down a concentration gradient. Diffusion will continue untill all
molecules are spread out evely and a state of equilibrium is reached.
Diffusion occurs in living and non-living systems and is an example of passive
transport – no energy is needed.

Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable
membrane from an area of high water potential to an area of low waterpotential, down
a water potential gradient until iquilobrium is reached. Pure water has the highest
water potential because there are no solutes present to lower the kinetic energy of the
water molecules.

Active transport
Active transport is the movement of substances through a semi-permeable membrane
in living cells against a concentration gradient. Energy in the form of ATP is needed.

Nucleus
The nucleus is the largest organelle in the cell and contains all the cell’s genetic
41
information in the form of DNA. The presence of a nucleus is the primary factor
that distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes.

A nucleus has four main parts:

1. the double nuclear membrane – it encloses the nucleus and contains small
pores to allow for the passage of substances in and out of the nucleus
2. the nucleoplasm – this is a jelly-like fluid within the nucleus
3. the nucleolus – a dark body suspended in the nucleoplasm which contains
free nucleotide bases and produces ribosomes
4. the chromatin network – found in the nucleoplasm, contains the DNA which
forms the chromosomes containing the genetic code of a person / organism

Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell. It consists of up to
90% water. It also contains dissolved nutrients and waste products. Its main
function is to hold together the organelles which make up the cytoplasm. It also
nourishes the cell by supplying it with salts and sugars and provides a medium
for metabolic reactions to occur.

ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

Watch the following video:

Cell structure: [Link]

42
QUESTION 1
Fill in the labels of the following diagrams and give each diagram a heading.

A.

B.

43
WEEK 9: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Mitochondria, Ribosome, Endoplasmic reticulum & Golgi-body

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Mitochondrion

Structure
➢ Mitochondria are rod-shaped, cylindrical organelles.
➢ A double membrane surrounds each mitochondrion’s fluid-filled matrix.
➢ The outer membrane is smooth, and the inner membrane is folded inwards to
form finger-like projections called cristae.
➢ Mitochondria contain their own DNA.

Functions
1. Cellular respiration – produces energy in the form of ATP

Ribosomes
Structure
➢ Ribosomes are very small grain-like structures present in all kinds of plant and
animal cells, as well as in bacteria.
➢ Each ribosome is about 15-20nm (nanometer) in diameter.
➢ At higher magnifications ribosomes can be seen to consist of two parts,
namely a smaller and larger subunit.

44
➢ They occur on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in the cytoplasm, plastids and
in mitochondria.
➢ Ribosomes may also occur singly or as free clusters in the cytoplasm.
➢ When ribosomes occur in clusters in the cytoplasm, they are called
polyribosomes or polysomes.
➢ Each ribosome is made up of protein and ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Functions
1. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.

What happens during this process?

During this process, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are linked together
to form long polypeptide chains. The poly peptide chains are proteins.

45
Endoplasmic reticulum

Structure
➢ Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a system of tubes enclosed by membranes.
➢ It is found in plants and animals.
➢ The membranes appear to be continuous with the cell membrane and the
nuclear membrane.
➢ There are two types of ER, i.e. rough ER (has ribosomes attached to it) and
smooth ER (has no ribosomes attached to it).

Functions

1. Provides surfaces for the attachment of ribosomes.

2. Transports ribosomes throughout the cell using rough endoplasmic reticulum
(RER)
3. Synthesizes lipids and steroids, e.g. cholesterol, on the smooth endoplasmic
reticulum (SER).

Golgi apparatus(bodies)

Structure
➢ The Golgi apparatus is a stack of flattened sacs, called cisternae and many
spherical vesicles which have been broken off from the cisternae.
➢ It is found in found in both plants and animal cells.
➢ They measure 7 nm (nanometers) across.
➢ Golgi apparatus has the same stricter as smooth ER.
➢ Golgi bodies are found mostly in gland cells that secrete substances e.g.
goblet cells of the alimentary canal.

46
Functions

1. Makes and processes secretions, such as saliva and mucus.

2. Transports proteins from the ER to different parts of the cell.
3. Ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are related to
each other through their involvement in protein synthesis and transport.

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and carry out carry out this work by
assembling amino acids in the appropriate sequence, as dictated by the mRNA
(messenger RNA). These organelles are most commonly found embedded in the
endoplasmic reticulum. Large scale protein synthesis is possible due to the very large
surface area offered by the endoplasmic reticulum to the ribosomes. The main function
of the endoplasmic reticulum is to transport the newly synthesized proteins over to the
Golgi apparatus. The primary role of Golgi apparatus is to modify the proteins and
encase them into vesicles. From here they are transported to the various parts of the
cell.

Hence the three cell organelles are related in their functions of protein synthesis and
transport.

47
ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.5) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.6 D.

1.1 Spherical structures broken off from the cisternae at the end of Golgi
apparatus:

A Ribosomes
B mRNA
C Vesicles
D Both A and B

1.2 The term organelle, refers to which structure listed below?

A Cell membrane
B Cytoplasm
C Cell membrane
D Golgi apparatus

1.3 The organelle responsible for providing attachment for ribosomes:

A Lysosome
B Golgi apparatus
C ER
D Nucleus

1.4 Units used for measuring microscopically small objects in science:

A Nanometers
B Centimeters
C Micrometers
D Kilometers

1.5 If the magnification power of the microscope is 600x and the magnification
of the eyepiece is 10x, then the magnification of the objective lens must
be:

A 6x
B 0.6x
C 6000x

48
D 60x
2x5= (10)

QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.5) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 A stack of fattened sacs in the Golgi bodies

2.2 The organelle that synthesises proteins in plant and animal cells.
2.3 The part of the endoplasmic reticulum without ribosome.
2.4 Ribosomes that occur as clusters in the cytoplasm.
2.5 The liquid secreted by the salivary glands.
(5)
QUESTION 3

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 Discovery of Golgi apparatus A Golgi

B Darwin

3.2 Structure of a ribosome A Grain-like

B Flat

3.3 Location of endoplasmic A Nucleus

reticulum B Cytoplasm

(3 x 2) (6)

49
QUESTION 4

Study the following diagram and answer the questions that follow:

4.1 Identify the organelle above. (2)

4.2 State the function of this organelle in the cell. (2)
4.3 Briefly explain how the function mentioned in QUESTION 4.2 is
performed. (4)
4.4 Name the parts labelled 1 and 2. (2)
4.5 What is the growing polypeptide chain in this diagram called? (2)
4.6 Name the TWO substances that the above organelle is made up
of. (2)
(14)

50
WEEK 10: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Plastids, Vacuoles & difference between plant and animal cells

NOTES & EXAM TIPS

Plastids
Structure
➢ Structurally, plastids are double membrane-bounded as they have an outer
and inner membrane.
➢ They are found only in plant cells.
➢ There are 3 types of plastids: chloroplast, leucoplast and chromoplast.

Chloroplast

➢ The chloroplast is made up of a gelatinous substance called the stroma that

contains many enzymes that are essential for photosynthesis.
➢ The stroma is surrounded by a double membrane.
➢ Suspended in the stroma are thylakoids. These are stacks of membrane-like
structures; each stack is called a granum.
➢ Chlorophyl and other photosynthetic pigments are located in the thylakoids,
which are the site of photosynthesis.

51
Functions

1. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis and contains the

green pigment chlorophyl.
2. Leucoplasts are colourless and store starch.
3. Chromoplasts contain pigments, such as carotenoids, and give fruit,
vegetables and flowers their colour. Carotenoid-containing
chromoplasts can be red, orange or yellow.

Vacuoles

Each plant cell usually has one large vacuole that takes up most of the cell’s volume.
Structure
➢ Vacuoles are fluid-filled organelles that occur in the cytoplasm of most plant
cells.
➢ A selectively permeable single membrane, the tonoplast, surrounds the
vacuole.
➢ The vacuole contains cell sap, which is a liquid that consists of water, mineral
salts, sugars and amino acids.

Functions

1. Plays a role in the digestion and excretion of cellular waste, and

2. The storage of water and organic and inorganic substances.
3. It is also responsible for maintaining the shape of plant cells.

52
4. When the vacuole is full of water, it exerts pressure outwards, pushing the cell
membrane against the cell wall. This pressure is called turgor pressure.

The differences between plant and animal cells

ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1 to 1.5) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example, 1.1.6 D.

1.1 Vacuoles are located in the …

A protoplasm.
B nucleoplasm.
C cytoplasm.
D plasmalemma.

1.2 The semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the vacuole in plant cells:

A Tonoplast
B Cell membrane
C Cell wall
D Lamella

53
1.3 Which organelle of the plant cell is most affected directly by the sunlight?

A Leucoplast
B Chloroplast
C Chromoplast
D Tonoplast

1.4 The form in which carbohydrates are stored in the leucoplast:

A Oils
B Cellulose
C Starches
D Proteins

1.5 Which one is NOT the role of the vacuole in a plant cell?

A Formation of water
B Waste disposal
C Cell elongation
D Storage
(5 x 2) (10)
QUESTION 2

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (2.1 to 2.3) in your ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 The fluid inside the vacuole.

2.2 The fluid-filled spaces enclosed by the inner membrane of the chloroplast.
2.3 The stacked thylakoids for increased surface area and maximum
photosynthesis. (3)

QUESTION 3

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (3.1 to 3.2) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II

3.1 Vacuoles A Respiration

B Secretion

54
3.2 Grana A Photosynthesis
B Storage

(4)

QUESTION 4

Study the micrograph below and answer the questions:

4.1 Identify the organelle shown. (1)

4.2 Give TWO visible reasons for you answer. (2)
(3)

55
LIFE SCIENCES
GRADE 10

ANSWERS FOR THE

REMOTE LEARNING WORKBOOK

1
TERM 2

2
Week Topic Page

1 History of life on Earth: Life’s history, The three eras &

Geological timescales 4

2 History of life on Earth: Cambrian explosion 6

3 History of life on Earth: Mass extinctions 7

4 History of life on Earth: Fossil formation and methods of

dating 9

5 The chemistry of life: Molecules for life: Organic molecules

and Minerals 11

6 The chemistry of life: Organic compounds (Carbohydrates

& Lipids) 12

7 The chemistry of life: Organic compounds (Proteins,

Enzymes, Nucleic acids & Vitamins 14

8 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Cell wall, cell membrane,

nucleus & cytoplasm) 16

9 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Mitochondria, Ribosome,

Endoplasmic reticulum & Golgi-body) 17

10 Cells: The basic unit of life: (Plastids, Vacuoles &

difference between plant and animal cells) 18

3
WEEK 1: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Life’s history, The three eras & Geological timescales

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1
1.1 A ✓✓
1.2 C ✓✓
1.3 C ✓✓
1.4 D ✓✓ (8)

QUESTION 2
2.1 Continental Drift ✓✓
2.2 Dinosaurs ✓✓
2.3 Archaeopteryx ✓✓ (6)

QUESTION 3
3.1 B only ✓✓
3.2 B only ✓✓
3.3 A only ✓✓ (6)

QUESTION 4
4.1 (i) E ✓ (1)

(ii) A✓ (1)
(iii) D✓ (1)
(iv) C ✓ (1)
4.2 Proterozoic ✓ (1)
4.3 2 ✓ All multicellular life is eukaryotic, ✓ so eukaryotes would have
to had evolved before ✓ multicellular life did approximately 1 000
mya. (3)
4.4 (i) Cambrian explosion / accept BIOLOGICAL Big Bang ✓
A large diversity ✓ of life forms appeared in a relatively short ✓
period of time. (3)
(ii) Increase in level of oxygen in the atmosphere ✓ or warmer
climate. (1)

4
4.5 (i) Permian ✓ (1)
(ii) Sustained volcanic eruptions ✓ (1)
4.6 (i) Number of mammal species increased ✓from the start of the
Cenozoic era ✓ (2)
(ii) Mass extinction of dinosaurs ✓ occurred at the end of the
Cretaceous period so there were fewer predators ✓ that preyed
on mammals
Death of dinosaurs meant that open ecological niches ✓ existed
and there was less competition ✓ for resources.
(4)
[TOTAL: 40]

5
WEEK 2: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Cambrian explosion

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 D  (2)

QUESTION 2

2.1 million years ago  (1)

2.2 245 mya  (1)

2.3 Period - Quarternary  (1)

2.4 500 – 440 mya = 60 mya (3)

2.5 Pennsylvanian (1)

2.6 Cambrian Explosion (1)

2.7 Cretaceous (1)

2.8 Volcanic activity - around India

released dust particles into the atmosphere
caused global cooling

OR
Asteroid impact – large dust clouds blocked out the sun
caused global climate change
OR

Continental drift – as continents move away from each other

caused climate change
(3)
(12)

6
WEEK 3: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Mass extinctions

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 (a) Cenozoic 

(b) Paleozoic 
(c) Cenozoic  (3)

1.2 251 mya – 65.5 mya = 185,5 mya  (3)

(a) 65.5 mya 

1.3 (1)
(b) It is when many species are lost/disappear  in the same
period of time (2)

(c) Ordovician Mass Extinction

Devonian Mass Extinction
Permian Mass Extinction
Triassic-Jurassic Mass Extinction 
Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction  (5)
(14)
QUESTION 2

2.1 Fossils (1)

2.2 65 million years ago (2)

2.3 A comet, an asteroid or part of a star from outer space struck

the Earth/Gulf of Mexico, which resulted in
- large clouds of dust blocking out the sun
- which stopped photosynthesis
- and also caused global cooling/dinosaurs might have been
ectotherms and not able to live in the cold
- Also led to world-wide fires
- and monstrous tsunamis (Any 6) (6)
(9)

7
QUESTION 3

3.1 8/24 x 100= 33,3 % (3)

3.2 Reptiles (1)

3.3

Criterion Mark Allocation

Correct type of graph (T) 1
Caption for graph (C)
1
Correct label for Y-axis and X-axis (L) 1
Correct scale for Y-axis and size of
bars and spaces between bars (S) 1
Plotting of points:
1 to 5 bars correct (P) 1
OR
All 6 bars correct 2 (6)
(10)

8
WEEK 4: TOPIC: History of life on earth

SUB-TOPIC: Fossil formation and Methods of dating

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 C 
1.2 D  (4)

QUESTION 2
2.1 Fossil 
2.2 Transitional fossil 
2.3 Relative dating  (3)

QUESTION 3
3.1 A 
3.2 A 
3.3 B  (6)

QUESTION 4

4.1 The youngest fossils are the dinosaur fossil  and they are preserved
in sandstone rock  (2)

4.2 Dinosaurs are land animals  which suggests that the sediments were
deposited on land . (3)

4.3 The oldest sediments are mudstone  containing bivalves, e.g. oysters 
which are preserved in mudstone rock. (3)

4.4 The cliff faces are probably far apart and when the layers of sediments
were deposited Millions of years ago they were they were not all deposited
over the area that covers all the cliffs .
Section A is the only cliff that contains petrified wood . Also, all the cliffs
have not been eroded to the same extent so not all the layers are exposed
to each section, and in some sections some layers have already been
eroded away . (5)

9
QUESTION 5

5.1 Archaeopteryx  (1)

5.2 It had a skull with teeth and jaws more similar to dinosaurs .
It did not have a beak like a bird .
It had three claws on the end of the bones of each wing
The sacrum is made up of six vertebrae .in birds there are 11-23
vertebrae in the
sacrum 
It had” belly ribs” which are bony structures found in the wall of the
abdomen of many reptiles. 
It had a long bony sternum and a body tail  (any 3x1=3)

5.3 Hollow bones

Wish bone (2)

10
WEEK 5: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic molecules, Inorganic Compounds & Minerals

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 Phosphorus, nitrogen and iron (3)

1.2 Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (3)

1.3 Nitrogen and iron (2)

1.4 Iron (1)

(9)

11
WEEK 6: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic compounds (Monosaccharides & Lipids)

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 D 
1.2 B (4)

QUESTION 2
2.1 Polysaccharides
2.2 Sucrose
2.3 Lipid
2.4 Polysaccharides
2.5 Cellulose (5)

QUESTION 3
3.1 Both 
3.2 B only
3.3 None (6)

QUESTION 4

4.1 It prevents buildup of cholesterol in arteries and atherosclerosis. It also helps to

prevent heart disease.

4.2 5500/2000 = 2.75

100 x 2.75 = 275 gram

4.3 Protein = 12.5/100 x 360 = 450 

Carbohydrates = 50/100 x 360 = 180 
0

Fats = 12.5/100 x 360 = 450

Fibre = 25/100 x 360 = 900

12
NUTRIENT WEIGHTING PER 100G OF
CEREAL
Proteins

Fibres

Fats

Carbohydrates

Note: Read the criteria to the learners so that they understand how pie charts are
assessed.

Criteria Marks
Correct type of graph 1
Correct heading 1
Calculations are correct 1-3 calculations correct – 2 marks
4 calculations correct - 3 marks
Sectors are drawn correctly 1
TOTAL 6

QUESTION 5

5.1 i) A and D

ii) B and C

iii) E

13
WEEK 7: TOPIC: The Chemistry of Life

SUB-TOPIC: Organic compounds (Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic acids &

Vitamins)

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 (a) protein is an organic compound composed of one or more chains of amino
acids
(b) enzymes are substances that acts as catalyst in living organism,
regulating the rate at which chemical reactions proceeds.
(c) Denaturation involves breaking of the weak linkages within a
protein molecule. (6)
1.2 Amino acids (1)
1.3 Kwashiorkor (1)
1.4 Dipeptide bond.  (1)
1.5

14
(6)
QUESTION 2

(a) 0.8 x 88.77 = 71 grams. (2)

(b) 0.8 x 75.21 = 60.1 grams. (2)

QUESTION 3

3.1 (a) Protease and lipase are enzymes

Protease breaks down protein; lipase breaks down fats
They break down stains better than ordinary detergents (3)

(b) Enzymes are denatured at high temperatures (2)

3.2 There is protease in the biological washing powder

therefore this would digest the protein in the silk so the
clothes would get spoiled (2)

15
WEEK 8: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus & cytoplasm

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

Label diagrams
A. Plant cell
1. Vacuole
2. Cell membrane
3. Ribosomes
4. Cytoplasm
5. Endoplasmic reticulum
6. Cell wall
7. Nucleus
8. Golgi apparatus
9. Nucleolus
10. Chloroplast
11. Mitochondrion

B. Animal cell
1. Lysosome
2. Nucleolus
3. Nucleus
4. Golgi apparatus
5. Endoplasmic reticulum
6. Cell membrane
7. Centrioles of the centrosome
8. Ribosome
9. Microtubules
10. Cytoplasm
11. Mitochondrion

16
WEEK 9: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Mitochondria, Ribosome, Endoplasmic reticulum & Golgi-body

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

Question 1

1.1 C
1.2 D
1.3 C
1.4 C
1.5 A (10)

Question 2

2.1 Cisternae 
2.2 Ribosome
2.3 Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
2.4 Polyribosomes/polysomes
2.5 Saliva (5)

Question 3

3.1 A only
3.2 A only
3.3 B only (6)

Question 4

4.1 Ribosome (2)

4.2 Synthesis of proteins (2)
4.3 During this process, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins)
are linked together
to form long polypeptide chains.
These polypeptide chains are the proteins (4)
4.4 1 - Large subunit
2 - Small subunit (2)
4.5 Protein.  (2)
4.6 Proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA)  (2)
(14) 


17
WEEK 10: TOPIC: Cells: The basic unit of life

SUB-TOPIC: Plastids, Vacuoles & difference between plant and animal cells

ANSWERS for ACTIVITIES/WORKSHEETS/EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

Question 1

1.1 C
1.2 A
1.3 B
1.4 C
1.5 A (10)

Question 2

2.1 Cell sap

2.2 Stroma
2.3 Grana (3)

Question 3

3.1 None
3.2 A only (4)

Question 4

4.1 Chloroplast (1)

4.2

▪ Have large vacuole

▪ Presence of granum or grana(pl.) and
▪ display stroma any 2

18