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SA Matric Life Sciences Key Concepts

Essential definitions, genetic crosses, human anatomy, and evolution concepts for SA NSC Matric.

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DNA vs. RNA Structure
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1
DNA vs. RNA Structure
DNA: Double-stranded, deoxyribose sugar, thymine (A-T, G-C). RNA: Single-stranded, ribose sugar, uracil (A-U, G-C).
2
Transcription Definition
The synthesis of an mRNA molecule from a specific DNA template strand in the nucleus, catalyzed by RNA polymerase.
3
Translation Definition
The process whereby ribosomes in the cytoplasm decode mRNA codons to assemble specific amino acids into a polypeptide chain via tRNA anticodons.
4
Homozygous vs. Heterozygous
Homozygous: two identical alleles for a gene ( or ). Heterozygous: two different alleles for a gene ().
5
Codominance vs. Incomplete Dominance
Codominance: both alleles fully expressed in heterozygote (e.g. AB blood type). Incomplete dominance: intermediate blended phenotype (e.g. red white = pink flowers).
6
Monohybrid Cross Phenotypic Ratio
$$ dominant to recessive phenotype when two heterozygous individuals ($Bb \times Bb$) are crossed.
7
Dihybrid Cross Phenotypic Ratio
$$ for two unlinked heterozygous genes ($AaBb \times AaBb$).
8
Endocrine: Glucagon Function
Secreted by alpha cells of pancreas when blood glucose is low; stimulates glycogenolysis (conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver).
9
Endocrine: ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)
Secreted by posterior pituitary; increases permeability of distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts in kidney, increasing water reabsorption into blood.
10
Thermoregulation: Vasoconstriction
Narrowing of dermal arterioles in cold conditions, reducing blood flow to skin surface to minimize radiative heat loss.
11
Reflex Arc Pathway
Receptor → Sensory neuron → Interneuron (in spinal cord) → Motor neuron → Effector (muscle/gland).
12
Eye: Accommodation for Distant Vision
Ciliary muscles relax → suspensory ligaments become taut → lens flattens / decreases convexity → light rays focused on retina.
13
Eye: Accommodation for Near Vision
Ciliary muscles contract → suspensory ligaments slacken → lens becomes more convex/rounded → refracts diverging rays sharply onto retina.
14
Ear: Organs of Equilibrium
Semicircular canals (detect rotational/dynamic balance via cristae) and Vestibule (utricle & saccule detect gravitational/linear acceleration via maculae).
15
Natural Selection: Four Principles
Variation within population; Overproduction of offspring; Competition / struggle for survival; Differential survival and reproduction of adapted traits.
16
Speciation by Allopatry (Geographic Isolation)
A population is separated by a geographical barrier; gene flow ceases; each sub-population experiences different selection pressures/mutations until reproductive isolation occurs.
17
Homologous vs. Analogous Structures
Homologous: similar anatomical structure/origin, different function (e.g. human arm and bat wing → divergent evolution). Analogous: different origin, similar function (e.g. bird wing and insect wing → convergent evolution).
18
Fossil Hominid: Australopithecus afarensis
Famous specimen 'Lucy' (3.2 Ma) found in East Africa; demonstrated clear bipedal locomotion before substantial brain expansion.
19
Fossil Hominid: Australopithecus sediba
Discovered at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind (South Africa) by Lee Berger (2008); transitional features between Australopithecus and early Homo.
20
Out of Africa Hypothesis
Modern Homo sapiens evolved in Africa approximately 200,000–300,000 years ago and subsequently migrated to replace other archaic hominids worldwide.
21
Phylogenetic Tree / Cladogram Interpretation
Branch points (nodes) represent common ancestors. Closely branched lineages share a more recent common ancestor than distant lineages.
22
Male Reproductive: Function of Sertoli Cells
Nourish and support developing sperm cells during spermatogenesis inside seminiferous tubules.
23
Female Reproductive: LH Surge
A sharp peak in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary triggers ovulation (release of secondary oocyte from mature Graafian follicle) around day 14.
24
Corpus Luteum Function
Formed from ruptured follicle after ovulation; secretes progesterone to maintain the thickened vascularized endometrium for blastocyst implantation.
25
Gaseous Exchange: Alveoli Adaptations
Large surface area; thin squamous epithelium (one cell thick); dense network of surrounding capillaries; moist lining for gas dissolution.

South Africa Matric in South Africa

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