Reproduction Life Sciences Grade 12 Questions and Answers

Activity 1

Questions

1. Name the accessory glands of the male reproductive system and give ONE function of each. (10)
2. Name the organ where testosterone is produced. (1)
3. Give TWO functions of testosterone. (2)
4. Name all the parts of the sperm cell that are responsible for movement. State what the function of each part is. (4)
5. Explain the role of the nucleus of the sperm cell in fertilisation. (3) [20]

Answers to activity 1

1. Seminal vesicle ✔ produces a fluid that contains nutrients ✔ for the sperm cells, so that they have energy to swim.✔
   Prostate gland ✔ produces an alkaline fluid ✔ that neutralises acids ✔ produced in the vagina, so that sperm cells are protected.✔
   Cowper’s gland✔ produces mucus✔ that helps with the movement✔of sperm cells. (10)
2. Testes✔ (1)
3. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics✔ and it stimulates the maturation of sperm cells.✔ (2)
4. Mitochondria✔ provide energy for swimming.✔ Tail✔ moves in a whip-like fashion to propel the sperm cell forwards.✔ (4)
5. The nucleus contains 23 chromosomes (n)✔, and fuses with the nucleus of an egg cell, which also contains 23 chromosomes (n)✔. The result is a zygote with
   46 chromosomes (2n).✔ (3) [20]

Activity 2

Questions
Provide the correct biological term for the following definitions.

1. The inner lining of the uterus (1)
2.  Tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus (1)
3. The structure that produces female hormones (1)
4. The part where development of the embryo/foetus normally takes place in humans (1) [4]

Answers to activity 2

1. Endometrium✔
2.  Fallopian tube✔
3.  Ovary/placenta✔
4. Uterus✔ [4]

Activity 3

Study Figure 4.6 below and answer the questions that follow.

Figure 4.6 Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle

1. Name the hormones A and B. (2)
2. Give reasons for your answers in question 1. (2)
3. What event occurs on day 14? (1)
4. Name the other two hormones involved in this cycle. (2)
5. Did fertilisation occur during the cycle shown in Figure 4.6? (1)
6. Explain your answer in question 5. (2) [10]

Answers to activity 3

1. A – Oestrogen✔ B – Progesterone✔ (2)
2. A: The Graafian follicle secretes oestrogen✔/Oestrogen reaches its maximum level before ovulation.✔
   B: The corpus luteum produces progesterone✔/Progesterone reaches its maximum level after ovulation.✔ (2)
3. Ovulation✔ (1)
4. LH✔ and FSH✔ (2)
5. No✔ (1)
6. Progesterone levels decrease✔ towards the end of the cycle.
   The corpus luteum decreases✔ in size. (2) [10]

HINT: 
Here is a hint to help you to remember the names of the two hormones:

• O stands for Oestrogen and when it is high, Ovulation occurs.
• P stands for Progesterone and when it remains high, there is a Pregnancy.

Activity 4

Questions

1. On which day of the menstrual cycle does ovulation usually take place? (1)
2. What happens to the Graafian follicle after ovulation? (1)
3. Name the TWO hormones that are released by structures in the ovaries. (2)
4. Give THREE functions of the amniotic fluid. (3)
5. Give TWO substances that can move from the mother to the foetus through the placenta. (2)
6. Give TWO substances that can move from the foetus to the mother through the placenta.

Answers to activity 4

1. Day 14✔ (1)
2. It changes into a corpus luteum.✔ (1)
3. Oestrogen✔ and progesterone.✔ (2)
4. The amniotic fluid protects the foetus against shock✔, drying out✔ and temperature changes.✔ (3)
5. Oxygen✔, nutrients✔ (amino acids, glucose, other sugars), viruses✔ and drugs✔ (2)
6. Carbon dioxide✔ and waste products✔ (urea). (2) [11]