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Independent Variable
The variable that is manipulated in an experiment and causes a change in the system (also known as the manipulated variable).
Dependent Variable
The variable that changed in response to manipulation of the independent variable (also known as the responding variable).
BLAST
Basic Local Alignment Search Tool - A computer algorithm used to compare DNA amino acid sequences in the National Library of Medicine database. Information from BLASE searches can be used to construct phylogenetic trees or to obtain clues about the functions of novel DNA sequences.
Turgor Pressure
The pressure created by the fluids in a cell when the fluid is pressing against the cell membrane or cell wall.
Plasmolysis
The shrinking of the cytoplasm of a cell away from the cell wall due to the movement of water out of a cell.
Respirometer
A sealed chamber with an attached measuring device that is used to measure the change in volume because of the respiration of an organism.
Plasmid
A small circular piece of DNA. Plasmids are often found in bacterial cells, where they may carry genes for antibiotic resistance.
Energy Dynamics
The study of the energy transfers between organisms in an ecosystem.
Semi-Log Graph
A graph in which only one axis has a logarithmic scale. Semi-log graphs are often useful in representing a variable with a large range of values.
Transpiration
The loss of water through the stromata in the leaves of a plant. The rate of transpiration is dependent on water potential differences between the plant and its environment.
Transpirational Pull
The movement of water up from the stems and roots of the plant to the leaves of the plant. Transpirational pull occurs because of the loss of water through the stomata of the leaves and the adhesive and cohesive properties of water due to water’s ability to form hydrogen bonds.
Null Hypothesis (H0)
The hypothesis that states that there is no statistically significant difference between two groups in an experiment.
Chi-Square Test
A statistical test used to compare the expected results and the observed results of an experiment.
Degrees of Freedom
The number of possible outcomes in an experiment minus 1.
P-Value
The probability that the observed data would be produced by random chance alone.
Descriptive Statistics
Statistics that are used to describe data sets.
Mean
The sum of all the members of a data set divided by the number of members in the data set (also known as the average).
Median
The midpoint of a data set (the point at which half the members of the set are below and half the members of the set are above).
Standard Deviation
A way to average how close each member of a data det is from the mean of the data set. Larger standard deviations usually indicate more variability in the data set.
Standard Error of the Mean
The standard deviation of a data set divided by the square root of the number of members of the data set. Larger sample sizes usually lead to smaller standard errors of the mean.
95% Confidence Interval
The interval in which the mean of an experiment would fall 95% of the time, if an experiment were repeated.
Upper Limit of 95% Confidence Interval
Calculated by adding two times the standard error of the mean to the mean of the data set.
Lower Limit of 95% Confidence Interval
Calculated by subtracting two times the standard error of the mean from the mean of the data set.
Predict
State what you think will happen if a change is made in a system or process.
Justify
Give evidence to support your prediction.
Make a Claim
Make a statement based on the available data or evidence.
Support a Claim
Give evidence to defend a claim.
Describe
Note the characteristics of something.
Explain
State “why” or “how” something happens (note: this is more demanding than describing).
Identify
Provide the information that is asked for (note: this is less demanding than describing).
Calculate
Perform the requested calculation, and ALWAYS show your work and your units!
Construct
Make a graph (show units!) or a diagram that illustrates data or a relationship.
Determine
Make a conclusion based on evidence.
State
Give a null hypothesis or alternative hypothesis that is supported by data/evidence.
Evaluate
Access the validity or accuracy of a claim or hypothesis.
Note
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