Biology Practical Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on various biological practical techniques.

Microscopy

A technique used to measure the length of cells under a microscope.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Graticule

A scale on a microscope slide that allows for measurement of cells in micrometers.

Optimum condition

The best condition for an enzyme to function effective, such as temperature or pH.

Starch Test

A test where iodine turns from orange to black in the presence of starch.

Benedict's solution

A chemical reagent that indicates the presence of reducing sugars by changing from blue to various color shades when heated.

Biuret's reagent

A chemical solution that turns from blue to purple in the presence of proteins.

Lipids test

A test for lipids where mixing with cold ethanol and then water results in a cloudy solution.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, indicated by the production of oxygen.

Reaction time

The amount of time taken to respond to a stimulus, which can be measured by dropping a ruler.

Quadrat

A square frame used for sampling organisms in ecological studies.

Biotic factors

Living factors that affect an ecosystem, such as predation.

Abiotic factors

Non-living factors in an ecosystem, such as water or temperature.