Principles of Biomedical Science - Unit 1.1 Review

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts from the Unit 1.1 lecture on biomedical science, including forensic science principles, blood analysis, DNA structure, and the scientific method.

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment.

What is the main purpose of PPE?

To protect the wearer from the environment and to protect the environment from the wearer.

What is forensic science?

The application of science to reconstruct past events, often in relation to crime scenes.

What is homicide?

The intentional killing of one person by another.

What is the manner of death?

The classification of how a person died, which can include homicide, suicide, accident, natural, or unknown.

What are the different types of experiments mentioned in the notes?

Experiments designed to test hypotheses, like blood splatter analysis.

What is a hypothesis?

A definitive statement based on prior knowledge and information that can be tested.

What does the independent variable represent in an experiment?

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

What is the dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed in response to the independent variable.

How do you graph independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables are on the x-axis, and dependent variables are on the y-axis.

What are the types of crime scene search methods?

Grid, line strip, zone, spiral, ray, and link methods.

What is the purpose of DNA fingerprinting?

To identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns.

What cellular components are found in blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the role of red blood cells?

To carry oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) throughout the body.

What is plasma?

The liquid portion of blood that contains water, nutrients, and waste.

What is an antigen?

A substance that triggers an immune response and determines blood type.

What blood type has both A and B antigens?

AB positive blood type.

What are antibodies?

Proteins produced by the immune system to recognize and neutralize foreign pathogens.

What happens when incompatible blood types are mixed?

The recipient's antibodies attack the donor's red blood cells, leading to clotting.

What makes up a nucleotide?

A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogen base.

Which bases are purines?

Adenine (A) and Guanine (G).

What is the base pairing rule in DNA?

A pairs with T and G pairs with C.

What is transcription in protein synthesis?

The process of converting DNA into mRNA.

What is translation in protein synthesis?

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

What are codons?

Sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.

What is PCR?

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique used to amplify DNA samples.

What happens during gel electrophoresis?

DNA fragments are separated based on size through a gel medium.

What does a polygraph measure?

Physiological responses such as heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

What are the three general patterns of fingerprints?

Arches, loops, and whorls.

What is a stop codon?

A codon that signals the end of protein synthesis and does not correspond to an amino acid.

What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?

To keep all other conditions constant while changing one variable.

What is DNA fingerprinting used for in forensic science?

To match DNA samples from crime scenes with suspects or victims.

How does blood typing work?

By mixing blood with specific antibodies to observe clotting reactions.

What are tRNA and rRNA?

tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids to the ribosome, while rRNA (ribosomal RNA) makes up the ribosome.

What is the significance of melanin in hair?

Melanin is a protein that colors hair and helps identify its source.

What is the role of platelets in blood?

To aid in clotting wounds.

What is present at the base of a hair that can provide DNA?

The hair bulb contains viable cells that hold DNA.

What is the outcome of an experiment designed to test a hypothesis?

To support or refute the hypothesis based on the collected data.

What should you do when you encounter unknown information about a death?

Classify it as unknown until sufficient evidence is available.

What is meant by 'link method' in crime scene investigation?

A method of linking pieces of evidence based on their proximity and relevance.

Why is blood centrifugation important?

It separates blood components based on density for analysis.

What type of evidence can be found at a crime scene?

Biological samples, trace evidence, fingerprints, and witness statements.

How are DNA samples amplified for testing?

Using the PCR process to create millions of copies from a small sample.