Lab Techniques and Biological Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the laboratory techniques and biological concepts discussed in your lecture notes.

What is the Scientific Method?

A systematic approach to scientific inquiry involving observations, testable questions, hypotheses, experiments, data collection/analysis, and conclusions.

What is the Null Hypothesis (H0)?

The null hypothesis states that there is no effect or difference between experimental groups.

What is the Alternative Hypothesis (HA)?

The alternative hypothesis states that there is an effect or difference between experimental groups.

What is an Independent Variable?

The independent variable is the cause or input that causes change to the dependent variable, plotted on the x-axis of a graph.

What is a Dependent Variable?

The dependent variable is the effect or output that is affected by the independent variable, plotted on the y-axis of a graph.

What does Qualitative Data refer to?

Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, such as observations of cell shape or color changes.

What does Quantitative Data refer to?

Quantitative data is numerical and measurable, such as enzyme activity rates or cell counts.

What is the purpose of Descriptive Statistics?

Descriptive statistics summarize central patterns in the data, using metrics like mean, median, and mode.

What does the term 'Macromolecules' refer to?

Macromolecules are large and complex molecules, crucial for the structure and function of living organisms.

Name the 4 primary types of macromolecules.

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

What is Diffusion?

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

What is Osmosis?

Osmosis is the specialized form of diffusion involving the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is Cellular Respiration?

Cellular respiration is a multi-step metabolic process that converts glucose into ATP, occurring in three main stages: Glycolysis, the Citric Acid Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain.

What is the difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces 36-38 ATP, while anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces only 2 ATP.

What is the function of enzymes in biological processes?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Enzymes have an optimum pH; deviations can alter their structure and affect their function.

What is the role of Temperature in enzyme activity?

Temperature affects enzymatic reactions; high temperatures can denature enzymes, while low temperatures slow the reaction.