Lab Midterm Exam

21 important questions on Lab Midterm Exam

Identify the steps of the scientific method and describe the importance of each

Making observations - Important for data
Asking questions - Provides direction for the experiment
Hypotheses - Provides a testable prediction for the entire experiment
Experiment - Allows you to test hypotheses
Collect Data/Evidence - Provides evidence, draws conclusions

Inductive vs deductive reasoning

Inductive - Specific observations to general claims
Deductive - General claims to specific predictions

Apply each of the steps of the scientific method including designing a simple experiment to address a biological question

To conduct an experiment addressing a biological question, follow these steps of the scientific method:
  1. Ask a question: What effect does sunlight have on plant growth?
2. Hypothesize: If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller.
3.  Experiment:
  • Select similar plants for testing.
  • Group one in sunlight and another in shade.
  • Water both equally.
  1. Collect and analyze data on growth over several weeks.
  2. Conclude whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

Describe how natural selection acts as a mechanism of evolution

Natural selection works by:
1. Migration - Occurs when alleles move from one population to another
2. Mutation - Occurs when there is a change in DNA sequence
3. Random genetic drift - The effect of chance on the allele frequencies found in a population.
4. Natural Selection - occurs when individuals with one phenotype survive/reproduce at a greater rate than individuals with a different phenotype

Explain what each component and steps of the LEGO simulation represents in relation to the process of natural selection

Part I: Simulation of evolution in a new population: In order to survive long enough to reproduce, each organism must at least partially match its background. No physical barriers, they're free to migrate from one color of paper to the other as long as they match one of the background colors

Part II: Natural disaster occurs separating the population. Physical barrier separated the populations, once the lego is on one piece of paper, it can't move over to the other.

Define indicator, and describe how an indicator can be used to detect certain molecules

Indicator - A chemical compound used to detect other chemicals. It can be used to detect different macromolecules like protein or starch, by turning a specific color. Used to detect which molecules are present in a compound.

Describe the importance of controls in an experiment

Controls in an experiment are crucial because they:
  • Ensure validity of findings
  • Minimize bias
  • Allow for accurate comparisons
  • Help determine cause and effect

Design an experiment using indicators to determine the presence of certain macromolecules in a solution

To determine the presence of macromolecules in a solution, I would add specific chemical indicators to separate samples of the solution and observe any color changes. Each indicator reacts with a particular type of macromolecule, such as carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids. By comparing the color changes to known results from control samples, I can identify which macromolecules are present. This experiment allows for simple visual detection of different biological molecules in an unknown solution.

Identify the parts of a compound microscope and their functions

On paper

Identify structures of the Tradescantia leaf and cheek epithelial cells samples

On paper.

Identify the phases of the cell cycle, their order, and the major events of each

Interphase - part of cell cycle where no division occurs. Consists of G1, S (DNA synthesis), and G2
M phase - part of cell cycle where division occurs. Consists of mitosis and cytokinesis
Mitosis - division of the nucleus where each daughter cell receives the same complement of DNA that the parent cell posessed
Cytokinesis - division of the cytoplasm divides parent cell into two daughter cells

For mitosis, study what sister chromatids and chromosomes look like/structure, if they are replicated or unreplicated.

Paper.

Describe each phase of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) in terms of the chromosomes and the spindle apparatus.

  • Prophase:
    • Chromosomes condense and become visible.
    • Spindle apparatus begins to form.
  • Metaphase:
    • Chromosomes align in the middle
    • Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.
  • Anaphase:
    • Chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.
    • Spindle fibers shorten.
  • Telophase:
    • Chromatids reach poles and decondense.
    • Spindle apparatus disassembles, nuclear envelopes reform.

Distinguish between cytokinesis in animal and plant cells

Cytokinesis differs in animal and plant cells:
  • Animal Cells:
    • Divide by forming a cleavage
  • Plant Cells:
    • Forms a cell plate

Distinguish between somatic and germ-line cells

Somatic tissues
  • Cells are diploid
  • Undergo mitosis to produce new DIPLOID somatic cells
  • Example: heart, lung, etc.
Germ-line tissues
  • Cells are diploid
  • Undergo meiosis to produce HAPLOID gametes
  • Example: spermatocyte, oocyte

Describe the process of homologous recombination (crossing over) and independent assortment when they occur, how they occur, and how they contribute to genetic diversity

Homologous recombination and independent assortment are essential mechanisms in meiosis that enhance genetic diversity.
  1. Homologous Recombination:
    • Chromosomes pair and exchange segments of DNA.
    • Results in new allele combinations.
    • Adds to the potential genetic diversity in future generations since paternal and maternal DNA is exchanged
  1. Independent Assortment:
    • Homologous chromosomes align randomly at the equatorial plate.
    • Leads to varied combinations of chromosomes in gametes.
Contribution to Genetic Diversity:
  • Both processes create unique genomic combinations, increasing variation among offspring.

Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis


Mitosis:
  • Produces two identical daughter cells.
  • Occurs in somatic cells.
  • Involves one division cycle.
  • Maintains diploid chromosome number.
Meiosis:
  • Produces four genetically different cells.
  • Occurs in germ-line cells for gametes.
  • Involves two division cycles.
  • Reduces chromosome number to haploid.

Compare and contrast DNA and RNA

  • DNA: Double-helix structure, deoxyribose sugar, thymine base, stores genetic information.
  • RNA: Single-stranded, ribose sugar, uracil base, involved in protein synthesis.

Explain why the two template strands at a replication fork must be replicated differently and how the cell accomplishes this

Since the two strands of a DNA double helix are antiparallel, this 5′-to-3′ DNA synthesis can take place continuously on only one of the strands at a replication fork (the leading strand). On the lagging strand, short DNA fragments must be made by a “backstitching” process.

Describe the important steps of the central dogma oof biology and what major enzyme/factor performs each step

The central dogma outlines the flow of genetic information within a cell. Key steps include:
  1. Transcription
    • Enzyme: RNA polymerase
    • Converts DNA into mRNA.
  2. Translation
    • Enzyme: Ribosome
    • Translates mRNA into proteins.

Describe the structure of tRNA molecules and how they function during translation

Three dimensional structure that contains an anticodon. It helps decode mRNA into a protein.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo