Simple Biological Experiments
These are several experiments which I've figured out to study certain aspects of Biology. I have not tested them out, and the expected obeservation is based in theory. If you decide to try one of the following experiments, please let me know whether the results are similar to my predictions. Thank you!
Experiment 1 : The Effects of Different Light Colours on Photosynthesis
Apparatus :
5 glass jars ; 1 container ; transparent colour paper (red,green,blue) ; black sugar paper ; cotton ; green beans ; screw driver
Procedure :
1. Lace the container with cotton. Moisten the cotton bedding with water. Then put the beans onto the bedding. Set aside apparatus for several days until the beans sprout.
2. Carefully remove 10 bean sprouts from the bedding. Put 2 into each glass jar. The glass jars should all have a moist cotton bedding.
3. Make several holes on the jar cap with the screw driver. Seal the glass jars afterwards.
4. Label each jar respectively as A,B,C,D,E. Coat jar A with red transparent paper, B with green paper, C with blue paper, D with black sugar paper. E is uncoated.
5. Put all 5 jars in a place which receives sunlight. Leave for 1 weeks. Add sufficient water every 2 days.
6. After 2 weeks, open all jars and observe the condition of the bean sprouts. Report your findings.
Expected result:
1. Jar A, C & E contain healthy bean sprouts ; Jar B contains weak sprouts while the sprouts in jar D die.
Questions :
1. Explain the results as best as you can.
2. What are the sources of inaccuracy in this experiment?
3. Can the results be attributed solely to the role played by sunlight?
4. Determine the wavelength(s) in which the chlorophylls utilise most efficiently.
Experiment 2 : Calculating the Rate which Your Heart Beats
Apparatus :
A watch
Procedure :
1. Feel the pulse on your wrist. For the first 5 seconds, count the number of pulses. Write it down in a table.
2. Afterwards, begin with 10, 15, 20 and so forth, in increments of 5 seconds, until 60. Remember to record the number of pulses at each time span.
3. Convert the data into 'beats per minute'. For example, multiply the number of pulses recorded in 5 seconds with 12, 10 seconds with 6, 15 seconds with 4 and so forth.
4. Compare the 'beats per minute' derived in this way with that of the 60- second data. Calculate the standard deviation ( sisihan piawai ).
Question :
1.If you are a doctor and you want to quickly determine the rate which your patient's heart beats, which time span will you choose? Explain.