Lab Midterm Exam
21 important questions on Lab Midterm Exam
Identify the steps of the scientific method and describe the importance of each
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
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
- Ask a question: What effect does sunlight have on plant growth?
3. Experiment:
- Select similar plants for testing.
- Group one in sunlight and another in shade.
- Water both equally.
- Collect and analyze data on growth over several weeks.
- Conclude whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
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Describe how natural selection acts as a mechanism of evolution
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 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
Describe the importance of controls in an experiment
- 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
Identify the parts of a compound microscope and their functions
Identify structures of the Tradescantia leaf and cheek epithelial cells samples
Identify the phases of the cell cycle, their order, and the major events of each
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.
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
- Animal Cells:
- Divide by forming a cleavage
- Plant Cells:
- Forms a cell plate
Distinguish between somatic and germ-line cells
- Cells are diploid
- Undergo mitosis to produce new DIPLOID somatic cells
- Example: heart, lung, etc.
- 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:
- 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
- Independent Assortment:
- Homologous chromosomes align randomly at the equatorial plate.
- Leads to varied combinations of chromosomes in gametes.
- 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.
- 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
Describe the important steps of the central dogma oof biology and what major enzyme/factor performs each step
- Transcription
- Enzyme: RNA polymerase
- Converts DNA into mRNA.
- Translation
- Enzyme: Ribosome
- Translates mRNA into proteins.
Describe the structure of tRNA molecules and how they function during translation
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