A researcher investigates if adding 5mg of a nutrient affects plant growth. If 10 plants receive the nutrient and 10 plants receive nothing, what is the control group ?

The 10 plants that receive nothing; they provide a baseline to compare the effects of the nutrient intervention.

In a study on cell phone radiation, if the independent variable is radiation exposure, what would be an appropriate dependent variable ?

The incidence of cancer or tumor growth measured in the experimental subjects.

Why is it scientifically inaccurate to say a hypothesis has been proven by a single experiment?

Scientific hypotheses are only supported or rejected; they are never permanently proven because new data may emerge to disprove them.

What is the primary difference between a testable and a non-testable question in science?

A testable question can be evaluated through controlled observation and experimentation, while a non-testable question falls outside the realm of empirical evidence.

If an experiment results in a specific outcome, why is replication by independent scientists required?

Replication ensures statistical significance and reduces the chance that results were caused by experimental error, bias, or anomalous conditions.

Explain the role of homeostasis in a living organism using a biological example.

Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a constant internal environment, such as a human body regulating its temperature despite changes in external weather.

Why is a virus often excluded from the traditional five criteria of life ?

Viruses cannot reproduce independently and lack the ability to perform metabolism or maintain homeostasis without a host cell.

What structural property allows carbon to function as the backbone of complex organic molecules?

Carbon has the ability to form stable, complex covalent bonds with up to four other atoms, allowing for diverse molecular chains and rings.

Differentiate between an organic molecule and an inorganic molecule based on their chemical bonds.

Organic molecules contain carbon-based backbones with C-H bonds, whereas inorganic molecules lack these specific carbon-to-hydrogen structures.

How does water's polarity contribute to the formation of hydrogen bonds ?

Because electrons are shared unequally between oxygen and hydrogen, the molecule has partial charges, allowing the positive hydrogen of one molecule to attract the negative oxygen of another.

Explain why water is considered the universal solvent in biological systems.

Its polarity allows it to effectively surround and dissociate ionic compounds and polar molecules, facilitating the chemical reactions necessary for life.

In the context of cellular organization, why is water described as acting like a solvent for compartmentalization?

Its interaction with hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances forces molecules into specific spatial arrangements, creating defined cellular compartments.

Given an experimental design, identify the dependent variable : A scientist measures the heart rate of mice before and after exposure to a specific drug.

The heart rate of the mice is the dependent variable , as it is the factor being measured in response to the drug.

Why is correlation not equivalent to causation in epidemiological studies?

Two factors may increase together due to a third hidden variable or chance; causation requires proving the independent variable directly triggers the change in the dependent variable.

Determine if the following statement is a falsifiable hypothesis : 'The presence of water is necessary for all known forms of life.'

Yes, it is falsifiable because if a scientist discovers a living organism that functions without water, the hypothesis would be proven false.

Foundations Of Scientific Inquiry And Molecular Biology Principles Flashcards

Browse 1 flashcard sets with 15 cards for Foundations Of Scientific Inquiry And Molecular Biology Principles in Stem. Study for free or create your own with AI.

1sets

15total cards

Flashcard Sets

Foundations of Scientific Inquiry and Molecular Biology Principles

This deck covers the methodology of scientific experimentation and the fundamental chemical properties that define living biological systems.

15 cards

intermediate

400

by @isabelle_bostedor

Q: A researcher investigates if adding 5mg of a nutrient affects plant growth. If <str...

Q: In a study on cell phone radiation, if the independent variable is radiation exposu...

Q: Why is it scientifically inaccurate to say a hypothesis has been proven by a single...

Create Foundations Of Scientific Inquiry And Molecular Biology Principles flashcards with AI

Upload your Stem study materials and Evrika will generate flashcards automatically. Study smarter, not harder.

Get Started Free View Pricing