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Life Sciences tutoring

Online Life Sciences tutoring with every topic taught step by step by GradesPal tutors. Every Grade 12 Life Sciences topic taught in depth: DNA to evolution, the human body to plants, with diagrams, worked answers and every past paper.

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LIFE SCIENCES · GRADE 12

What this subject covers

The GradesPal Grade 12 Life Sciences subject follows the Examination Guidelines topic by topic. Paper 1 covers Reproduction in Vertebrates, Human Reproduction, Responding to the Environment (humans and plants) and the Endocrine System and Homeostasis; Paper 2 covers DNA: The Code of Life, Meiosis, Genetics and Inheritance and Evolution. Every module explains the content from first principles with clear diagrams and analogies, shows exactly how the marking guidelines word each answer, teaches the genetics, data and graph skills that decide the high-mark questions, and finishes with multiple-choice banks and the real questions (with memos) from the May/June and November papers of 2020 to 2026. The last module is a complete exam-preparation programme: command words, how to earn the 'compulsory' and 'any' marks, investigation and data questions, essay-style answers and the full past papers under exam conditions.

Modules
10
Lessons
120
Study time
118h 25m
Learners
0
  • Explain every Grade 12 Life Sciences topic in your own words, with the correct scientific terms the marking guidelines expect
  • Draw, label and interpret the diagrams the exam asks for: DNA, meiosis phases, Punnett squares and pedigrees, the nervous system, eye and ear, hormone graphs, hominid skulls and ph
  • Solve every type of genetics problem: monohybrid, incomplete dominance, co-dominance, sex-linked, blood groups and dihybrid crosses
  • Answer data-response, investigation and graph questions: identify variables, reliability and validity, calculate percentages and interpret trends
  • Write full, mark-earning answers using the command words, the 'mark first ONE only' rule and the compulsory-mark conventions of the memo
  • Practise on real May/June and November past-paper questions with the official memos, topic by topic and as full papers
LESSONS

Subject content

01Module 1 · DNA: The Code of Life

  1. DNA: The Code of Life75 min · Free preview
  2. DNA replication: copying the codeDNA: The Code of Life60 min
  3. Protein synthesis (1): transcriptionDNA: The Code of Life65 min
  4. Protein synthesis (2): translation, mutations and the proteinDNA: The Code of Life70 min
  5. DNA profiling: reading the bandsDNA: The Code of Life55 min
  6. Exam clinic: DNA, RNA and protein synthesisDNA: The Code of Life60 min
  7. Multiple-choice bank: DNADNA: The Code of Life25 min
  8. Past-paper questions: DNA (with memos) (set 1 of 5)DNA: The Code of Life60 min
  9. Past-paper questions: DNA (with memos) (set 2 of 5)DNA: The Code of Life60 min
  10. Past-paper questions: DNA (with memos) (set 3 of 5)DNA: The Code of Life60 min
  11. Past-paper questions: DNA (with memos) (set 4 of 5)DNA: The Code of Life60 min
  12. Past-paper questions: DNA (with memos) (set 5 of 5)DNA: The Code of Life60 min

02Module 2 · Meiosis

  1. Meiosis60 min · Free preview
  2. Meiosis I: pairing, crossing over and the reduction divisionMeiosis75 min
  3. Meiosis II and why meiosis mattersMeiosis65 min
  4. Abnormal meiosis: non-disjunction and Down syndromeMeiosis55 min
  5. Mitosis versus meiosis and exam clinicMeiosis60 min
  6. Multiple-choice bank: MeiosisMeiosis25 min
  7. Past-paper questions: Meiosis (with memos) (set 1 of 4)Meiosis60 min
  8. Past-paper questions: Meiosis (with memos) (set 2 of 4)Meiosis60 min
  9. Past-paper questions: Meiosis (with memos) (set 3 of 4)Meiosis60 min
  10. Past-paper questions: Meiosis (with memos) (set 4 of 4)Meiosis60 min

03Module 3 · Genetics and Inheritance

  1. Genetics and Inheritance65 min · Free preview
  2. Monohybrid crosses and Mendel's Principle of SegregationGenetics and Inheritance75 min
  3. Incomplete dominance and co-dominanceGenetics and Inheritance60 min
  4. Sex determination and sex-linked inheritanceGenetics and Inheritance75 min
  5. Blood groups and multiple allelesGenetics and Inheritance60 min
  6. Dihybrid crosses and independent assortmentGenetics and Inheritance75 min
  7. Genetic lineages (pedigrees)Genetics and Inheritance65 min
  8. Mutations and genetic disordersGenetics and Inheritance60 min
  9. Biotechnology and genetic engineering: stem cells, GMOs and cloningGenetics and Inheritance70 min
  10. Paternity testing and genetic links: mitochondrial DNAGenetics and Inheritance45 min
  11. Exam clinic: solving any genetics problemGenetics and Inheritance70 min
  12. Multiple-choice bank: Genetics and InheritanceGenetics and Inheritance25 min
  13. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 1 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min
  14. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 2 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min
  15. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 3 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min
  16. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 4 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min
  17. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 5 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min
  18. Past-paper questions: Genetics and Inheritance (with memos) (set 6 of 6)Genetics and Inheritance60 min

04Module 4 · Evolution

  1. Evolution75 min · Free preview
  2. Variation: sources, species and populationsEvolution60 min
  3. Lamarck, Darwin, punctuated equilibrium and artificial selectionEvolution80 min
  4. Speciation and keeping species separateEvolution70 min
  5. Evolution in present times: resistance and finch beaksEvolution55 min
  6. Common ancestors: humans and the African apesEvolution75 min
  7. Fossil, genetic and cultural evidence; Out of AfricaEvolution90 min
  8. Exam clinic: EvolutionEvolution60 min
  9. Multiple-choice bank: EvolutionEvolution25 min
  10. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 1 of 8)Evolution60 min
  11. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 2 of 8)Evolution60 min
  12. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 3 of 8)Evolution60 min
  13. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 4 of 8)Evolution60 min
  14. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 5 of 8)Evolution60 min
  15. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 6 of 8)Evolution60 min
  16. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 7 of 8)Evolution60 min
  17. Past-paper questions: Evolution (with memos) (set 8 of 8)Evolution60 min

05Module 5 · Reproduction in Vertebrates

  1. Reproduction in Vertebrates60 min · Free preview
  2. The amniotic egg, precocial and altricial young, parental careReproduction in Vertebrates55 min
  3. Exam clinic: Reproduction in VertebratesReproduction in Vertebrates30 min
  4. Multiple-choice bank: Reproduction in VertebratesReproduction in Vertebrates25 min
  5. Past-paper questions: Reproduction in Vertebrates (with memos) (set 1 of 2)Reproduction in Vertebrates60 min
  6. Past-paper questions: Reproduction in Vertebrates (with memos) (set 2 of 2)Reproduction in Vertebrates60 min

06Module 6 · Human Reproduction

  1. Human Reproduction60 min · Free preview
  2. The female reproductive system and pubertyHuman Reproduction60 min
  3. Gametogenesis: sperm, ova and their structureHuman Reproduction70 min
  4. The menstrual cycle and its hormonesHuman Reproduction80 min
  5. Fertilisation, early development and implantationHuman Reproduction55 min
  6. Gestation: the foetus, the placenta and the hormones of pregnancyHuman Reproduction70 min
  7. Exam clinic: Human ReproductionHuman Reproduction60 min
  8. Multiple-choice bank: Human ReproductionHuman Reproduction25 min
  9. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 1 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  10. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 2 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  11. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 3 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  12. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 4 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  13. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 5 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  14. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 6 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min
  15. Past-paper questions: Human Reproduction (with memos) (set 7 of 7)Human Reproduction60 min

07Module 7 · Responding to the Environment (Humans)

  1. Responding to the Environment (Humans)70 min · Free preview
  2. Neurons, nerves, synapses and the reflex arcResponding to the Environment (Humans)70 min
  3. Disorders of the nervous system and sensory receptorsResponding to the Environment (Humans)50 min
  4. The human eye: structure and binocular visionResponding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  5. Accommodation, the pupil mechanism and visual defectsResponding to the Environment (Humans)80 min
  6. The human ear: structure and hearingResponding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  7. Balance and the defects of the earResponding to the Environment (Humans)55 min
  8. Exam clinic: Responding to the Environment (Humans)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  9. Multiple-choice bank: Responding to the Environment (Humans)Responding to the Environment (Humans)25 min
  10. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 1 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  11. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 2 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  12. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 3 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  13. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 4 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  14. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 5 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  15. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 6 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  16. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 7 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  17. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 8 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min
  18. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Humans) (with memos) (set 9 of 9)Responding to the Environment (Humans)60 min

08Module 8 · Human Endocrine System and Homeostasis

  1. Human Endocrine System65 min · Free preview
  2. Homeostasis, negative feedback and the thyroidHomeostasis in Humans60 min
  3. Blood glucose, insulin, glucagon and diabetes mellitusHomeostasis in Humans65 min
  4. Controlling carbon dioxide, water and saltHomeostasis in Humans70 min
  5. Thermoregulation and the structure of the skinHomeostasis in Humans60 min
  6. Exam clinic: Endocrine system and homeostasisHomeostasis in Humans60 min
  7. Multiple-choice bank: Endocrine System and HomeostasisHomeostasis in Humans25 min
  8. Past-paper questions: Endocrine System and Homeostasis (with memos) (set 1 of 5)Homeostasis in Humans60 min
  9. Past-paper questions: Endocrine System and Homeostasis (with memos) (set 2 of 5)Homeostasis in Humans60 min
  10. Past-paper questions: Endocrine System and Homeostasis (with memos) (set 3 of 5)Homeostasis in Humans60 min
  11. Past-paper questions: Endocrine System and Homeostasis (with memos) (set 4 of 5)Homeostasis in Humans60 min
  12. Past-paper questions: Endocrine System and Homeostasis (with memos) (set 5 of 5)Homeostasis in Humans60 min

09Module 9 · Responding to the Environment (Plants)

  1. Responding to the Environment (Plants)50 min · Free preview
  2. Tropisms: phototropism and geotropismResponding to the Environment (Plants)55 min
  3. Plant defence mechanisms and exam clinicResponding to the Environment (Plants)50 min
  4. Multiple-choice bank: Responding to the Environment (Plants)Responding to the Environment (Plants)25 min
  5. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Plants) (with memos) (set 1 of 3)Responding to the Environment (Plants)60 min
  6. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Plants) (with memos) (set 2 of 3)Responding to the Environment (Plants)60 min
  7. Past-paper questions: Responding to the Environment (Plants) (with memos) (set 3 of 3)Responding to the Environment (Plants)60 min

10Module 10 · Exam Preparation

  1. Exam Preparation45 min · Free preview
  2. Exam skills: data, graphs, investigations and cross diagramsExam Preparation60 min
  3. Revision planner: eight weeks to the examExam Preparation30 min
  4. Mock paper 1 (75 marks, 90 minutes)Exam Preparation90 min
  5. Mock paper 2 (75 marks, 90 minutes)Exam Preparation90 min
QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Does this subject cover both Life Sciences papers?

Yes. Paper 1 (Reproduction, Human Reproduction, Responding to the Environment, Endocrine System and Homeostasis, Plants) and Paper 2 (DNA, Meiosis, Genetics and Inheritance, Evolution) each have their own modules, taught in the order of the examination guidelines.

Are the past-paper questions real?

Yes. The practice lessons use the actual questions from the May/June and November papers (2020 to 2026) that are on GradesPal, each with the official memorandum mark by mark. Where no past question exists for a skill, GradesPal exam-style questions are provided with full memos.

Who is my tutor?

When you join you are matched with one of the subject's GradesPal tutors. Their notes appear in your lessons.

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