Science Research 8 Study Notes

• Study notes written for a Science Research 8 class.

Microscopy

• The electron microscope uses electrons to produce high-detail images.

Cell Culture

• Cell culture in biological studies is done primarily to study cell behavior and functions in a controlled environment.

Aseptic Techniques

• Mixing different chemicals is NOT part of aseptic techniques.

DNA Extraction

• The first step in DNA extraction is breaking open the cell.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

• Agarose gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments using electricity.

PCR

• Denaturation in PCR involves separating DNA strands under heat.

Cytotoxicity Tests

• Cytotoxicity tests determine whether chemicals or drugs harm cells.

Biological Assays

• The key difference between in vitro and in vivo biological assays is that in vitro is performed outside a living organism, while in vivo is inside one.

Animal and Plant Handling

• Proper animal and plant handling is important in biological studies to ensure safety for researchers and organisms.

Plant Identification

• Field guides and botanical keys are commonly used to identify plant species.

Electron Microscopy

• Electron microscopy is preferred over light microscopy for studying small cell structures because it provides high-detail images that reveal cellular ultrastructure.

Aseptic Techniques

• If aseptic techniques are not followed in a laboratory, there's a higher risk of contamination, leading to health hazards.

Cell Culture

• A sterile environment with proper nutrients and warmth is most important for successful cell culture in a laboratory

PCR

• Skipping the denaturation step in PCR prevents DNA strands from separating, thus preventing replication from occurring.

DNA Electrophoresis

• DNA electrophoresis is useful in forensic science because it allows scientists to compare DNA fragments from different samples to identify individuals.

Cytotoxicity Tests

• Cytotoxicity tests are essential before approving a new drug to determine whether the drug causes harm to living cells before human trials begin.

Research Data Collection

• Collecting data in a systematic way is the process of gathering information in research.
• Guessing the results based on assumptions is NOT considered a way of collecting data accurately.

Data Organization

• Organizing data in a meaningful way helps researchers by allowing patterns and trends to be identified.

Data Presentation: Textual

• Textual presentation is when data is described using words and sentences.

Data Presentation: Tabular

• Tabular presentation arranges data neatly in rows and columns.

Data Presentation: Graphical

• Graphical presentation in research uses charts, graphs, or diagrams to represent data visually.

Data Presentation: Textual Example

• A written paragraph describing survey results in detail is an example of textual presentation when displaying statistical data.

Data Organization

• An important benefit of presenting data in an organized way is that it improves understanding of key trends and patterns in data.

Graphical Presentation

• Graphical presentation is often preferred when dealing with large amounts of data because it simplifies complex data and makes it visually easier to interpret.

Data Presentation

• Presenting data using charts, tables, or graphs assists decision-making by allowing decision-makers to see patterns and trends more clearly.

Data Set: Mean

• Mean represents the average of all values in a data set.

Data Set: Median

• Median is the middle value when numbers are arranged in order.

Data Set: Mode

• Mode of a data set is determined by identifying the number that appears most frequently.

Impact of Outliers on the Mean

• Adding an extremely high number to a data set will cause the mean to increase significantly.

Interpreting Insecticide Mortality Graph

• Analyze the mortality rate of insects after treatment with various insecticides.
• Insecticides include: Emamectin benzoate, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, Rynaxypyr, Chlorfenapyr, Profenofos, Novaluron, and Deltamethrin.

Data Interpretation

• Analyze additional questions based on the data presented in the graph.
• Interpret color representations, lowest mortality treatments, mortality trends over time, and comparative insecticide performance.

Statistical Dataset

• Calculate the mean, median, and mode for the dataset provided.

Papaya Tree Study

• A group of agricultural researchers conducted a study to analyze the effect of a new organic fertilizer on the growth of papaya trees.
• The study involved measuring the initial and final heights of six papaya trees (in cm) over four weeks after applying the fertilizer to determine growth improvement.
• Create a graph from the given data, describe and explain the graph, and make inferences about the study's results based on the presented data.