Pearson Edexcel International AS / A level : biology : lab book

Contents

Introduction
Core Practicals overview
Paper 3 Practical Skills
Paper 6 Practical Skills
1 Use a Semi-quantitative method with Benedict's Reagent to estimate the concentrations of reducing sugars and with Iodine solution to estimate the concentrations of starch, using colour standards
2 Investigate the vitamin C content of food and drink
3 Investigate membrane properties including the effect of alcohol and temperature on membrane permeability
4 Investigate the effect of temperature, pH, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration on the initial rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions
5 Use a light microscope to make observations and labelled drawings of suitable animal cells; (ii) use a Graticule with a microscope to make measurements and understand the concept of scale
6 Prepare and stain a root top squash to observe the stages of mitosis
7 Use a light microscope to: make observations of (i) transverse sections of roots, stems, leaves; (ii) plant tissues; (iii) identify Sclerenchyma fibres, Phloem, Sieve tubes, Xylem vessels and their location
8 Determine the tensile strength of plant fibres
9 Investigate the antimicrobial properties of plants, Including aseptic techniques for the safe handling of bacteria
10 Investigate the effects of light intensity, light wavelength, temperature and availability of carbon dioxide on the rate of photosynthesis
11 Carry out a study of the ecology of a habitat, such as using quadrats and transects to determine the distribution and abundance of organisms, and measuring abiotic factors appropriate to the habitat
12 Investigate the effects of temperature on the development of organisms
13 Investigate the rate of growth of microorganisms in a liquid culture, taking into account the safe and ethical use of organisms
14 Investigate the effect of different antibiotics on bacteria
15 Use an artificial hydrogen carrier (redox indicator) to investigate respiration in yeast
16 Use a simple respirometer to determine the rate of respiration and rq of a suitable material ( such as germinating seeds or small invertebrates)
17 Investigate the effects of exercise on tidal volume, breathing rate, respiratory minute ventilation, and oxygen consumption using data from spirometer traces
18 Investigate the production of Amylase in germinating cereal grains
Maths Skills
Answers