Chapter 1: Scientific method ans basic methods of biochemistry and biology

Scientific method

A process that includes making observations, forming logical hypothesis ,experiment,results and conclusions

Deductive reasoning

Begins with supplied information and draws conclusions based on that information

Inductive reasoning

Begins with specific observations and draws a conclusion or general principle

Discovery science

Relies on observations and data analysis

• uses deductive reasoning where general premises lead to specific expected predictions

Hypothesis - based science

Driven by observations that lead to questions and proposed explanations

• uses inductive reasoning where a large number of specific observations lead to general conclusions or principles

Hypothesis

A tentative answer to a well informed question that is scientific

Null Hypothesis

Statement of no difference as it means that researcher believes there’s no relationship between the variables

Alternative hypothesis

It’s a statement to of difference which implies that there is infact a relationship between the 2 variables being tested

Research hypothesis

Indicates the relationship between the variables as well as the nature of their relationship

Controlled experiment

Where and experimental group is compared with a control group

Scientific theory

An integrated explanations odmf some natural phenomenon based on multiple hypotheses supported by consistent observations and experiments

Technology in science

Apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose

•science and tech are interdependent

Biology=discoveries

Technology = inventions

Microscope

An optical or electronic instrument designed to produce highly magnifies, detailed images of minute objects that are to small to be seen with the naked eye

Parts of a microscope

Eyepiece/ocular lens

• You look via it to view specimen

• Has a ×10 power

Objective lens

• Provide different magnification (×4,×10,×40)

Revolving nose piece

• Holds the onjective lenses and can be turned to increase magnification

Stage

• Flat surface where slide is placed

Stage clips

• Holds the slide firmly in place

Light source/illuminator

• Projects light upwards via diaphragm , specimen and lenses

Condenser

• Focuses light onto the specimen for a clearer image

Diaphragm

• Controls the amount of light reaching the specimen

Course adjustment knob

• Moves stage up and down for rough focus

Fine adjustment knob

• Moves stage slowly for sharp clear focus

Arm

• Supportsthe microspoce and is used for carrying

Base

• Suppirts the whole microscopeand keeps it stable

Magnification

The amount of times an image is made to look larger than it is in reality

Laminar flow

Clean box that blows sterile air in one direction to keep germs away

Autoclave

Machine that uses steam at high pressure to kill all microorganisms

Hot air oven

Machine that sterilize using dry heat

Digital colony counter

Device used to count bacterial colonies on agar plates

Spectrophotometer

Machine that measures how much light a solution absorbs

Polymerase chain reaction

A technique to make millions of copies of DNA