Biological Principles Lab (BSC 1010L) Midterm Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Biological Principles Lab (BSC 1010L) midterm review, including experimental design, laboratory safety, macromolecules, cell structure, diffusion and osmosis, and enzyme function.

What are the main components of the experimental design in the scientific method?

The main components are observation, question, hypothesis, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and conclusion.

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

An independent variable (IV) is the manipulated factor, while the dependent variable (DV) is the measured outcome.

What is a good hypothesis?

A good hypothesis is an educated guess that includes an independent variable (cause) and a dependent variable (effect), and is testable.

What is the purpose of the safety shower in a laboratory?

The safety shower is used for full-body decontamination in case of chemical spills on the skin or clothing.

What does the Biuret test detect?

The Biuret test detects the presence of peptide bonds, indicating the presence of proteins.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

In a hypertonic solution, the cell shrinks due to the loss of water.

Describe the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats have no double bonds and are typically less healthy, whereas unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds and are generally healthier.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

What does the term 'tonicity' refer to?

Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes outside the cell compared to the inside, affecting cell shape and volume.

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction.

What is the 'lock and key' model of enzyme action?

The lock and key model describes how an enzyme's active site is a perfect fit for its substrate, like a key fitting into a lock.

What role do inhibitors play in enzyme activity?

Inhibitors slow or stop enzyme activity.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, packages, and distributes proteins.

How does a hypothesis differ from a theory?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.