What are the parts of the scientific method?
Question/Observation/Data set/etc.
Research
Develop Hypothesis/Prediction
Experimentation or Pertinent Observations
Analyze Data
Conclusions
2. How do we determine if a question is a good scientific question?
If the question concerns a moral or religious issue, we do not depend upon science to answer it. Also,
it must be measurable and definable, we must be able to control outside factors and it must be
falsifiable.
3. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction.
Predictions can be made that aren’t testable.
Predictions are often written as If/Then Statements.
If you can’t test it, it’s a bad hypothesis.
We don’t prove or disprove hypotheses, we say the data supported the hypothesis or did not.
4. What is a control? Why is it important? What is the experimental group?
A control is that group in the experiment that receives NO treatment. This is important for the purpose
of comparison. The control is held constant across all treatments.
The experimental group in the experiment is the group that receives the treatment.
5. What is an independent variable?
An independent variable is also called the manipulated variable, it is proposed to cause the response,
the influencing variable. This is the variable that is independent of the other variables in an expression
or function and whose value determines one or more of the values of the other variables. It is
controlled by the experimenter.
6. What is a dependent variable?
A dependent variable is the responding variable. It “responds” to whatever the independent variable is
doing. It is the variable of interest which is responding to changes in the independent variable.
7. Why are replication and randomization important in a scientific experiment?
Replication allows us to see error, increases validity, and confidence in the results.
Randomization helps because we cannot measure everything, so we use a representative
sample. These samples are selected at random, so the data is not biased.
8. Be able to identify the two different types of microscopes you used in lab.
We used a dissecting microscope and a compound light microscope.
9. Identify the parts of the microscope.
Use diagram in power-point.
10. Distinguish between the two types of electron microscope.
We discussed:
SEM - Scanning Electron Microscope/ up to 100,000x/ 3-D image
TEM - Transmission Electron Microscope/ up to 500,000x/ 2-D image
11. Why are dissecting microscopes used for some purposes and compound light microscopes for other
purposes?
Dissecting microscopes are useful for looking at larger objects such as plants, insects, fossils, etc.
Compound Light Microscopes are useful for viewing small objects.
12. Know the focusing procedure. This includes which objective you begin with as well as when to use fine
focus and coarse focus.
Always begin with the lowest power objective in place, 4x.
With the 4x in place, use coarse focus.
Once you move to 10x, 40x, or 100x, only use fine focus.
13. Calculate total magnification.
To calculate total magnification, multiply the power of the objective by the power of the objective you
are using.
14. Know how to transport a microscope and pack it away as well as how to clean the lenses.
Always carry a microscope with two hands, one on the arm, the other underneath the base.
Use only lense paper to clean all optics.
Rotate to lowest power objective before removing slide.
When putting a scope away:
Remove slide
Lowest power objective in viewing position
Mechanical stage in lowest position
Cord secured on the back of the scope
Cover
15. When using a dissecting microscope, if the slide moves to the left, which way does the object move?
To the left.
16. When using a compound light microscope, if the slide moves to the left, which way does the object
move?
To the right.
17. How would you describe the image when viewed under a compound light microscope?
Inverted.
18. Be able to compare and contrast prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes - considerable smaller/no membrane bound organelles/”nucleoid region” instead of proper
nucleus
Eukaryotes - proper nucleus/membrane bound organelles/larger than prokaryotes
19. Identify the three domains and the kingdoms in each.
Archae Bacteria Eukarya
(Prokaryotes) (Prokaryotes) (Eukaryotes)
Ex. extreme halophiles, Plantae
Thermophiles, and Animalia
Methanogens Fungi
Protista
20. What is the cell theory? What are the parts?
The cell theory is composed of three major ideas, each contributed by a single individual.
1. Every living organism is made up of one or more cells.
2. The smallest living organisms are single cells, and cells are the functional units of
multicellular organisms.
3. All cells arise from -pre-existing cells.
#1 and #2 contributed by Mattias Schleiden and Theodore Schwann, 1830.
#3 contributed by Rudolph Virchow, 1840.
21. Describe the structure and function of cellular organelles.
See Textbook and notes from the lab, as well as the lab itself.
22. What are the differences between plant and animal cells?
Animal Cells Plant cells
Cell membrane only Cell wall and Cell membrane
Lysosomes Central vacuole
Centrioles Chloroplasts
23. What is diffusion?
Diffusion is the movement of materials from an area of high concentration to lower concentration. This
is said to be following the concentration gradient.
24. What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, still moving from high
concentration to lower concentration.
25. What is the role of the cell membrane? How does its structure allow it to do its job?
The role of the cell membrane is to regulate the movement of materials in and out of the cell, it is said
to be selectively permeable.
It is composed of two layers of phospholipid molecules arranged with the hydrophobic “tails” turned to
the inside of the layer and the hydrophilic “head” turned to the outside of the cell, the others turned to
the inside of the cell (cytoplasm). There are transport molecules embedded in the cell membrane,
along with cholesterol.
Because of its structure, some materials are able to move in between the phospholipid molecules (lipid
soluble), others must be carried across using transport proteins. Finally, other larger particles can enter
or exit the cell by endocytosis and exocytosis.
26. Define isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic.
Isotonic - equal solute concentration
Hypotonic - lower solute concentration (solvent higher)
Hypertonic - higher solute concentration (solvent lower)
27. Distinguish between solute, solvent and solution.
Solute - substance dissolved in the medium
Solvent - the medium (often water)
Solution - resulting product of water mixing with other substances
28. Differentiate between the following terms: lysis, turgid, flaccid, plasmolysis, and crenation.
Lysis - cell ruptures, has gained too much fluid (hypotonic/animal)
Turgid - cell is rigid, gains fluid (hypotonic/plant/normal)
Flaccid - cell is somewhat rigid, (isotonic/plant)
Plasmolysis - cell loses fluid (hypertonic/plant)
Crenation - cell loses fluid (hypertonic/animal)
29. Recognize the reactions for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Photosynthesis - 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (sun) → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Respiration - C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
30. Be able to write a balanced equation.
See above
31. Distinguish between reactants and products.
Reactants are to the left of the arrow, products to the right.
32. What is the difference between an autotroph and a heterotroph?
Autotroph - auto (self) feeder. These organisms are able to make their own food. Ex. plants
and anything else that can carry out photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Heterotroph - hetero (other) feeder. These organisms must consume their food for energy.
33. When do plants photosynthesize? Respire?
Plants carry out photosynthesis only in the light. They respire all the time.
34. When do animals photosynthesize? Respire?
Animals never carry out photosynthesis (light or dark). They respire all the time.
35. Describe the structure of a chloroplast.
A chloroplast has a smooth inner and outer membrane. Inside there are stacked structures
called thylakoid. These stacked structures are surrounded by a material called stroma that
contains nutrients, enzymes necessary for the reactions of photosynthesis and DNA.
36. Describe the structure of a mitochondria.
A mitochondria has a smooth outer membrane. The inner membrane is folded to create
cristae. The reactions to construct ATP occur on the folds. The presence of these folds
provides lots of surface area for these reactions to occur. Inside the inner membrane is a
material called matrix that contains nutrients, enzymes necessary for the reactions of respiration
and DNA.
37. Why is it important that the inner membrane of the mitochondria is folded?
See above
38. What is the ATP-ADP cycle?
The ATP-ADP cycle shows how ATP is constructed. See diagram in power-point.
39. Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen.
Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen.
Fermentation
Yeast - carbon dioxide and ethanol
Muscle - lactic acid
40. Distinguish between ingestion, digestion, absorption and elimination.
Ingestion is the process of putting food into the mouth, or in other words, eating.
Digestion is the breakdown of digested food.
Absorption occurs as digested molecules are passed from small intestinal cells into the bloodstream
and then distributed through the body.
Elimination is the excretion of the waste products.
41. Where does digestion begin? Why is this important?
Digestion begins in the mouth. It involves both mechanical digestion (chewing) and chemical digestion
(enzymes in saliva aids in digestion of starches.)
42. Recognize the parts of the human digestive system (alimentary canal). Identify the organs as well as
what those organs are responsible for.
See lab as well as photographs you were instructed to make of the model in the lab. Key to the model
is posted to canvas.
43. What are the accessory organs? What contributions do they make to the process of digestion?
Accessory organs and their contributions are:
Salivary glands - add moisture to ingested food along with the enzyme amylase which will start the
chemical digestion of starches.
Liver - produces bile, which breaks down lipids
Gall bladder - stores bile and secretes it into the small intestine as needed.
Pancreas - has both endocrine and exocrine function. Endocrine function is to control blood sugars
using insulin (lowers sugars) and glucagon (raises sugars). Exocrine function is to secrete enzymes to
aid in the digestion of proteins, starches and fats. It also contains sodium bicarbonate which buffers the
acidic fluid from the stomach.
44. Know all things about enzymes! What class of organic compound are they? What do they do? What is
the difference between enzyme hydrolysis and enzyme synthesis? Why are they important? What organs
produce which enzymes?
Enzymes are catalysts. That means they lower the activation energy requirement of a chemical
reaction. They are most often proteins.
In enzyme hydrolysis a substrate is broken down into its constituent parts.
In enzyme synthesis a substrate is constructed into a single product.
45. What does it mean when a protein is denatured? How can this happen?
A protein can be denatured when the temperature, pH, or water balance changes outside of its
preferred range. Any of these three can change the shape of the protein and thus affect its ability to do
its job. Remember, anything that changes the shape of a protein can cause the protein to NOT be
able to do its job.
46. What are isomers? What are the three monosaccharide isomers we discussed in lab?
Isomers are chemical compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structural
formulas. The three we discussed in class are: glucose, galactose, and fructose. They are all C6H12O6.
47. What are the building blocks or monomers of carbohydrates? Proteins? Lipids?
Lipids - glycerol and three long chain fatty acids
Carbohydrates - monosaccharides
Proteins - amino acids
48. Distinguish between simple sugars, intermediate sugars and complex sugars.
Simple sugars, also called single sugars and monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose).
Intermediate sugars, also called disaccharide (sucroe, maltose and lactose).
Complex sugars, also called polysaccharide (starch, cellulose)
49. How many essential amino acids are there? How many total amino acids are there?
There are nine essential amino acids. There are a total of 20.
50. Be able to distinguish between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Where each is present in our
diet, LDL, HDL, etc.Pancreas - has both endocrine and exocrine function. Endocrine function is to control blood sugars
using insulin (lowers sugars) and glucagon (raises sugars). Exocrine function is to secrete enzymes to
aid in the digestion of proteins, starches and fats. It also contains sodium bicarbonate which buffers the
acidic fluid from the stomach.
44. Know all things about enzymes! What class of organic compound are they? What do they do? What is
the difference between enzyme hydrolysis and enzyme synthesis? Why are they important? What organs
produce which enzymes?
Enzymes are catalysts. That means they lower the activation energy requirement of a chemical
reaction. They are most often proteins.
In enzyme hydrolysis a substrate is broken down into its constituent parts.
In enzyme synthesis a substrate is constructed into a single product.
45. What does it mean when a protein is denatured? How can this happen?
A protein can be denatured when the temperature, pH, or water balance changes outside of its
preferred range. Any of these three can change the shape of the protein and thus affect its ability to do
its job. Remember, anything that changes the shape of a protein can cause the protein to NOT be
able to do its job.
46. What are isomers? What are the three monosaccharide isomers we discussed in lab?
Isomers are chemical compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structural
formulas. The three we discussed in class are: glucose, galactose, and fructose. They are all C6H12O6.
47. What are the building blocks or monomers of carbohydrates? Proteins? Lipids?
Lipids - glycerol and three long chain fatty acids
Carbohydrates - monosaccharides
Proteins - amino acids
48. Distinguish between simple sugars, intermediate sugars and complex sugars.
Simple sugars, also called single sugars and monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose).
Intermediate sugars, also called disaccharide (sucroe, maltose and lactose).
Complex sugars, also called polysaccharide (starch, cellulose)
49. How many essential amino acids are there? How many total amino acids are there?
There are nine essential amino acids. There are a total of 20.
50. Be able to distinguish between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Where each is present in our
diet, LDL, HDL, etc.
Saturated fats are found in animal products (butter, lard, etc.) They are solid at room
temperature. These are NOT good for you. LDL
Unsaturated fats are found in plant products (oils, etc.). They are liquid at room temperature and are
typically part of a heart healthy diet. HDL
Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been hydrogenated, so liquid made solid. They are NOT
good for you.
51. What is the job of vitamins? Minerals?
The job of vitamins as well as minerals are to help enzymes make chemical reactions run more
efficiently.
52. What are the water soluble vitamins? Fat soluble vitamins?
Water soluble vitamins - C and B-complex
Fat soluble vitamins - A, D, E, and K
53. What is the difference between trace minerals and major minerals? Which are which?
Trace minerals are needed in our diet in amounts of <100 mg/day. I, Fe, and Zn.
Major minerals are needed in our diet in amounts of >100 mg/day. Ca, Mg, P, K, Na.
54. Be able to trace the pathway of blood through the human heart. Identify chambers and valves as well
as important associated blood vessels.
See lab
55. What are the following? Tidal volume, Residual volume and Vital capacity.
Tidal volume - the amount of air in a normal breath
Residual volume - the amount of air left in the lungs that cannot be exhaled completely
Vital capacity - the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled or exhaled
56. Understand and distinguish between the pulmonary system and the systemic system.
The pulmonary system circulates blood from the heart to the lungs.
The systemic system circulates blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
57. Understand and distinguish between diastole and systole.
In diastole, the heart muscles relax. In systole, the heart muscles contract.
58. Distinguish between the components of normal blood; RBC, WBC, platelets, and plasma. Understand
their function, relative size, lifespan, etc.
Red blood cells - RBC, also called erythrocytes. Have hemoglobin that carries oxygen. Are anucleate
and have a life span of 100 - 120 days.
White blood cells - WBC, also called leukocytes. Far less numerous than erythrocytes. Help fight
infections and disease. 5 different types. Nuclei stain a purple color. Lifespan ranges from a few
hours to a few days.
Platelets - also called thrombocytes. Fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Very small,
appearing as fragments. They begin the clotting process. Lifespan of 8 - 9 days.
Plasma - clear, straw colored fluid in which the cellular components of blood are suspended.58. Distinguish between the components of normal blood; RBC, WBC, platelets, and plasma. Understand
their function, relative size, lifespan, etc.
Red blood cells - RBC, also called erythrocytes. Have hemoglobin that carries oxygen. Are anucleate
and have a life span of 100 - 120 days.
White blood cells - WBC, also called leukocytes. Far less numerous than erythrocytes. Help fight
infections and disease. 5 different types. Nuclei stain a purple color. Lifespan ranges from a few
hours to a few days.
Platelets - also called thrombocytes. Fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Very small,
appearing as fragments. They begin the clotting process. Lifespan of 8 - 9 days.