Possible Topics:
1) A laboratory assistant prepared solutions of 0.8 M, 0.6M, 0.4M and 0.2M sucrose, but forgot to label them. After realizing the error, the assistant randomly labeled the flasks containing these four unknown solutions as flask A, flask B, flask C, and flask D.
Design an experiment, based on th principles of diffusion and osmosis, that the assistant could use to determine which of the flasks contains each of the four unknown solutions. Include in your answer (a) a description of how you would set up and perform the experiment, (b) the results you would expect from your experiments and (c) an explanation of those results based on the principles involved.
2) The rate of photosynthesis may vary with changes that occur in environmental temperature, wavelength of light and light intensity. Using a photosynthetic organism of your choice, choose only one of the three variables (temperature, wavelength of light, or light intensity) and for this variable, design an experiment to determine the effect of the variable on the rate of photosynthesis for the organism. Explain how you would measure the rate of photosynthesis in your experiment and describe the results you would expect. Explain why you would expect these results.
3) Experiments by the following scientists provided critical information concerning DNA. a) Hershey and Chase, bacteriophage replication, b) Griffith and Avery, MacLeod and McCarty, bacterial transformation, and c) Meselson and Stahl, DNA replication. Describe each classical experiment and indicate how it provided evidence for the chemical nature of the gene.
4) Evolution is one of the major unifying themes of modern biology. Explain the mechanisms that lead to evolutionary change. Describe how sceintists use each of the following as evidence for evolution: a) bacterial resistance to antibiotics, b) comparative biochemistry, c) the fossil record.
Essay must follow this format -
1st paragraph: Introduction and thesis statement with three points to be discussed.
2nd, 3rd, 4th paragraphs: Discuss your 1st, 2nd and 3rd points in your thesis statement providing support from your research.
5th paragraph: Concluding paragraph and restatement of thesis.
Other Requirements:
1. Works Cited with three references, minimum. MLA format
2. Proper grammar and spelling.
3. 2 full pages of text (minimum), double spaced. (does not include title page)
4. 12 point font (maximum), with 1 inch margins. (I will measure them so you
should too)
5. Title page with title, your name, date submitted and class period (centered on page).
***If the above is met, this paper will add an additional 2% to your quarter grade.
1st quarter extra credit is due October 26, 2007
2nd quarter extra credit is due January 4, 2008
3rd quarter extra credit is due March 31, 2008
4th quarter extra credit is due May 30, 2008