BSC2010L Midterm Review Sheet
Midterm Review Sheet – BSC2010L Fall 2025
This review sheet is designed as a guide to assist students in reviewing key concepts and equipment covered in the BSC2010L course. It is important to note that while this sheet outlines critical topics, students are responsible for all material discussed throughout the semester, including operating and interpreting data from all relevant equipment.
Syllabus Review and Introductory Material
It is essential to familiarize yourself with all details presented in the syllabus and the introductory course PowerPoint presentation.
Literature Review
Finding and Appropriating Scientific Articles: Understand procedures for locating relevant scientific literature and the importance of accurately crediting sources.
Analyzing and Synthesizing Information: Develop a foundational understanding of how to critically evaluate and integrate information from scientific articles.
Lab 1: Scientific Method and Laboratory Techniques
Scientific Method: Be able to describe the systematic approach used in scientific investigation.
Hypothesis:
Definition: A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Falsifiability: A hypothesis must be falsifiable; it should be structured in such a way that it can be proven false through experimentation.
Variables: Understand the definitions and roles of the following types of variables:
Control Variable: A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.
Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable: The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.
Control Sample: A sample that is not subjected to the experimental treatment and serves as a benchmark.
Measuring Tools: Be able to accurately identify and use tools including:
Serological pipettes
Micropipettes
Graduated cylinders
Spectrophotometer:
Function: Measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample.
Measurement: It involves assessing the absorbance of light at a specific wavelength.
Absorption Spectrum:
Definition: A graph showing the absorption of light by a substance across various wavelengths.
Value Determination: By plotting the absorption spectrum, the concentration of a substance can be quantified.
Standard Curve:
Definition: A graph that relates the concentration of a substance to its absorbance values.
Usage: Used to determine the concentration of an unknown substance based on its measured absorbance by comparing it to known values on the curve.
Lab 2: Diffusion and Osmosis
Diffusion:
Definition: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Concentration Gradient: The process involves movement along this gradient until equilibrium is reached.
Dynamic Equilibrium: A state in which the concentration of the diffusing substance remains constant over time, with equal rates of movement in both directions.
Temperature Effects: Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.
Osmosis:
Definition: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Cell Environment Terms:
Hypertonic: A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.
Hypotonic: A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cell, leading to cell swelling.
Isotonic: A solution with an equal concentration of solutes compared to the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
Effects on Cells: Discuss how plant, animal, protist, and bacterial cells respond to osmotic conditions.
Egg Osmosis Activity:
Observations: Describe changes in eggs when placed in different solute concentrations and how these relate to the concept of isotonic concentration as determined by a standard curve.
Lab 3: Microscope Investigations
Microscope Components: Identify and explain the functions of various parts of a microscope.
Microscopy Techniques: Be proficient with techniques such as:
Preparing wet mounts
Using immersion oil
Focusing a microscope
Calculating Total Magnification: Understand how to calculate total magnification based on the eyepiece and objective lens.
Diameter of Field of View: Know how to measure and interpret the diameter of the field of view under different magnifications.
Cell Size Estimation: Be able to estimate the size of cells using the field of view measurement and magnification.
Metric Unit Conversions: Convert between the following:
Meters (m), millimeters (mm), micrometers (μm)
Liters (L), milliliters (ml), microliters (μl)
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes: Know how to distinguish between these two categories of organisms.
Organism Identification: Describe observed organisms in terms of their size, shape, and living environment. Be familiar with specific organelles and organisms discussed in the lab manual.
Lab 4: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Equations: Be able to write the summary equations for:
Aerobic Cellular Respiration:
Alcohol Fermentation:
Carbohydrates: Differentiate between:
Monosaccharides: Simple sugars like glucose.
Disaccharides: Combinations of two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose).
Polysaccharides: Large molecules formed by long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch).
Measuring Alcohol Fermentation: Understand how alcohol fermentation rates were measured in the lab and be able to read and interpret data obtained from fermentation tubes.
Lab 5: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis Equation: Write the equation summarizing the process:
Stages of Photosynthesis: Be able to identify the major stages involved in the photosynthesis process.
Algal Cell Data: Evaluate sample data comparing algae cells exposed to light versus those kept in the dark.
Carbon Cycle: Explain the carbon cycle and the pivotal role of photosynthesis within this cycle.
Absorption Spectrum of Photoautotrophs: Learn to identify local peaks in absorption spectra pertinent to photoautotrophs.