Grade 12 · Life Sciences · Paper 2 · CAPS
Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology – Grade 12 Life Sciences (Paper 2)
What Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology covers, how it is examined in Life Sciences Paper 2, the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 111
- Study time
- ≈ 5 h 00 min
What it covers
Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology is a Grade 12 Life Sciences topic in the CAPS curriculum, examined in Life Sciences Paper 2 of the NSC exams. You study it in 5 sections: Dihybrid crosses; Pedigree diagrams (genetic lineages); Mutations; Genetic engineering, stem cells and cloning; Paternity testing and genetic links (mitochondrial DNA).
How it is examined
- Paper
- Life Sciences Paper 2 – Monday 16 November 2026, 09:00 (2½ hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Genetics and inheritance ≈ 48/150 marks in Paper 2 (32%), shared with Genetics 1 (monohybrid crosses, blood groups, sex-linked inheritance)
Mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Dihybrid crosses40 min
- Pedigree diagrams (genetic lineages)30 min
- Mutations30 min
- Genetic engineering, stem cells and cloning35 min
- Paternity testing and genetic links (mitochondrial DNA)20 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 35 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 111 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 15 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 5 h 00 min |
Life Sciences Paper 2 is written on Monday 16 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology (111 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked exam-style answers, point by point, with labelled diagrams for each of the 5 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Life Sciences Paper 2
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Life Sciences P2 topics
Questions about Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology
How many marks is Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology worth in the matric exam?
In Life Sciences Paper 2 (2½ hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Genetics and inheritance ≈ 48/150 marks in Paper 2 (32%), shared with Genetics 1 (monohybrid crosses, blood groups, sex-linked inheritance). The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology?
About 5 h 00 min: 2 h 35 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 2 h 15 min for the 10 exam-style questions (111 marks) at 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Life Sciences Paper 2 exam in 2026?
Life Sciences Paper 2 is written on Monday 16 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 2½ hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Genetics and Inheritance 2: Dihybrid Crosses, Pedigrees, Mutations and Biotechnology as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.