General Biology Laboratory Booklet.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Farrell, Martilias, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biology--Textbooks.

Biology.

Science--Textbooks.

Science.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) 2025.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

This laboratory manual provides a diverse collection of experiments designed to immerse students in techniques mirroring those used in professional biomedical research. Students will explore fundamental enzyme kinetics, investigating how varying amylase concentrations and the introduction of chemical modifiers influence starch digestion rates. These labs emphasize quantitative analysis through colorimetric assays and densitometry using ImageJ software. The booklet also features studies with planaria, where students will assess how common substances affect locomotor activity and screen compounds for their impact on the remarkable regenerative abilities of these organisms, including generating concentration-effect curves. Additional activities guide students in using microscopy to observe microscopic life. Throughout these hands-on investigations, students will develop and refine crucial laboratory skills such as preparing serial dilutions, mastering precise pipetting techniques, and maintaining detailed, reproducible laboratory notebooks, thereby building a robust foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific method.

Contents:

Note to the Reader

Microscopic Life, Laboratory Notebooks and the Scientific Method

Ecosystem Observation and Sample Collection

Soil Core Analysis

Microscopic Analysis

Biochemical Analysis of Environmental Samples

Enzyme Lab I

Enzyme Lab II - Modifiers of enzyme rate

Enzyme Lab III - Concentration Effect curve

Planaria Locomotor Lab

Planaria Regeneration Screen

Concentration-Dependent Effects of Screen Hits on Planaria Regeneration

Appendix A: Note for the Instructor

Appendix B: Lab Notebook Format Entry Guide

Appendix C: DIY Imager

Appendix D: Using ImageJ To Quantify Images

Image Citations

Notes:

Description based on print resource