DESCRIPTION: Contestants will rotate from station to station, integrating content knowledge and process skills in the areas of cell biology and biochemistry. Content topics may include: eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures, cell function, cell classification, chemical reactions and bonding,
organic molecules, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell reproduction, cell differentiation, DNA replication, transcription and translation, molecular genetics, immunology, and viruses. Process skills may include writing hypotheses, determining independent and dependent variables, controlling variables, graphing, analyzing data, interpreting results as well as using and applying technologies.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes
THE COMPETITION:
1. The competition will be administered at a series of stations that may include demonstrations, experiments, scientific apparatus, models, illustrations, specimens, data collection and analysis, and problems for students to solve.
2. The team will complete and submit one answer sheet.
3. Non-programmable calculators may be used, but no reference materials may be used during the competition.
SCORING: Each correct response will be assigned a point value. The highest score wins. Selected
questions may be used as tie breakers.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
1. Using models, photographs, or illustrations of structures such as organic molecules and cell organclles, identify the structure and describe its function or role in life processes.
2. Using a light microscope, estimate cell size and determine the 3-dimcnsional shape of cells. Relate the size and shape of a cell to its function.
3. Make measurements to calculate surface area to volume relationships. Relate SA/VOL relationships to cell structure and function.
4. Using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium theory and data derived from gel eleclrophoresis and PCR, determine allcle frequencies in a population.
5. Using a mRNA codon chart, determine amino acid sequences when given DNA nuclcotide base sequences.
Relate base sequences to protein struclure. genotype, and phcnotype and recognize that changes in DNA base
sequences (mutations) may alter genotype and phcnotype.
6. Interpret data from DNA fingerprinting studies.
7. Using the protocol and data deri\ed from an experiment such as one on the effect of pH on cn/.ymc activity,
determine (1) the independent and dependent variables, (2) variables that must be kept constant, (3) a
control, (4) the most appropriate measure of central tendency to use in analy/.ing the data, (5) if the data are
quantitative or qualitative, (6) the type of graph to use and how to label the X and Y axes, and (7) an
appropriate conclusion.
8. Using photographs or illustrations of mitosis and meiosis, identify major events that occur in these processes
and relate these events to cell and organism continuity.
9. Using photographs or microscope slides, identify various types of cells such as muscle, nerve, epithelial, and
leaf epidermis and relate the structure of tlie cell to its function.
10. Determine the most appropriate reagent test for identifying substances such as gelatin, vitamin C, glucose,
butter, and cornslarcli.
11. Calculate the energy content of food from data obtained from calorimeters. Relate the energy content of food
molecules to the How of energy and the cycling of mailer that occur during photosynthesis and cellular
respiration in ecosystems.
12. Draw conclusions about the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration from data collected
on the production/uptake of oxygen and carbon dioxide by green plants and animals. Predict how changing the
environment of a plant or animal might affect the rate of photosynthesis or respiration.
2002-CC23
