BSC1010L Middle term Guide

What are some general lab safety rules?

Always wear safety goggles and gloves, handle chemicals with care, keep work areas clean, follow instructions carefully, and report any accidents immediately.

What is the first step of the Scientific Method?

The first step is to state the problem or purpose of the experiment.

What comes after stating the problem in the scientific method?

The next step is to research the topic to gather information.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or educated guess about the outcome of the experiment.

What should you do after forming a hypothesis?

Conduct the experiment to test the hypothesis.

What is the purpose of analyzing data in the scientific method?

Analyzing data helps you understand the results and determine if the hypothesis is supported or not.

What is the final step in the scientific method?

Drawing a conclusion based on the data analysis to determine whether the hypothesis was correct.

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

The independent variable is the factor being manipulated in the experiment.

What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

The dependent variable is the factor being measured or observed in the experiment.

What are control variables in an experiment?

Control variables are factors that are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure a fair test.

What is the function of the ocular lens on a microscope?

The ocular lens, or eyepiece, allows the user to view the image through the microscope.

What is the purpose of the nosepiece on a microscope?

The nosepiece holds the objective lenses and allows you to rotate and change the magnification.

How do objective lenses differ in magnification?

Objective lenses provide different magnifications, typically 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.

What is the purpose of the coarse focus knob on a microscope?

The coarse focus knob is used to make large adjustments to the focus of the image.

What does the fine focus knob do?

The fine focus knob allows for more precise adjustments to the focus, particularly at higher magnifications.

What is the function of the stage on a microscope?

The stage holds the slide in place while you view it through the microscope.

Why is the light source important on a microscope?

The light source provides illumination for the sample, making it visible under the microscope.

How do you calculate total magnification on a microscope?

Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens.

How does the image appear under a compound microscope?

The image appears inverted and reversed under a compound microscope.

What happens to the field of view when using high magnification?

The field of view becomes smaller when using higher magnification.

What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

The nucleus controls the cell's activities and stores the cell's genetic material (DNA).

What is the function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.

What role do ribosomes play in a cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis and modification, with ribosomes attached to its surface.

What does the smooth ER do?

The smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for delivery to other parts of the cell or outside the cell.

What is the plasma membrane's role in the cell?

The plasma membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell, providing protection and communication.

What is the function of the cell wall?

The cell wall provides structural support and protection, mainly in plant cells and some bacteria.

What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, converting light energy into chemical energy.

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What does the atomic number represent?

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an element and, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons.

How is mass number calculated?

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Where do electrons orbit in an atom?

Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom.

What is a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons.

What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is formed when one atom donates an electron to another, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

What are isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

What does the pH scale measure?

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution.

What is an acidic solution on the pH scale?

An acidic solution has a pH less than 7.

What is a neutral solution on the pH scale?

A neutral solution has a pH of 7, like pure water.

What is a basic solution on the pH scale?

A basic solution has a pH greater than 7.

What does the Benedict’s test detect?

The Benedict’s test detects reducing sugars.

What does the iodine test detect?

The iodine test detects starch.

What does the Biuret test detect?

The Biuret test detects proteins.

What does Sudan IV test for?

Sudan IV tests for lipids.

What does the paper spot test detect?

The paper spot test detects lipids by leaving a translucent spot on the paper.

What is diffusion?

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

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is passive transport?

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane without the use of energy.

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell.

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

In a hypertonic solution, water exits the cell, causing it to shrink.

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell remains stable.

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What are catalysts?

Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

What is the role of enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The active site is the region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

The enzyme-substrate complex is formed when the substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme.

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Factors that affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.

What is the lock and key model of enzyme action?

The lock and key model suggests that the enzyme's active site is specifically shaped to fit only one type of substrate, like a key fitting into a lock.