Biology 9700 Practical Notes ((exclusive))
Be precise with measurements, especially with syringes and pipettes. Label diagrams clearly: Use thin, straight lines.
Column headers must state the variable name and its unit, separated by a slash (e.g., Temperature / °C or Time / s ). Do not put units next to individual raw numbers inside the data rows.
Improvement: Use a graduated syringe or a digital micropipette to measure precise volumes. Temperature fluctuated during the experiment.
Which (e.g., serial dilutions, plant slides, enzyme rates) do you find most challenging?
Keep temperature constant using a thermostatically controlled water bath; keep pH stable using specific chemical buffer solutions. Osmosis & Water Potential ( ) Investigations biology 9700 practical notes
You must master both proportional and logarithmic dilutions. This is critical for determining the effect of substrate/enzyme concentration or finding the water potential of plant tissues. Enzyme Studies:
For the practical exams (Paper 3 and Paper 5), success depends on mastering experimental design, precise measurement, and accurate biological drawings. 1. Core Experimental Skills
The Ultimate CIE AS Level Biology (9700) Practical Guide: Notes, Tips, and Exam Strategy
You will have to plot a line graph or bar chart. Be precise with measurements, especially with syringes and
) to hydrolyze glycosidic bonds. Neutralize with sodium hydrogencarbonate ( NaHCO3NaHCO sub 3 ) until fizzing stops. Re-test with Benedict's reagent.
Record all raw values within a column to the exact same degree of precision (e.g., if reading a burette, record all values to the nearest Graphing Standards
The microscope is a staple of the 9700 syllabus. You must be comfortable with both low and high-power lenses. Always remember the formula: Plan Diagrams: Do not draw individual cells. Use clear, sharp, continuous lines.
"There is no significant difference between [Group A] and [Group B]. Any difference is due to chance." Do not put units next to individual raw
: Reducing concentration by a specific factor (e.g.,
Improvement: Seal test tubes with Parafilm or rubber bungs during incubation. Understanding Uncertainty
To help you prepare effectively for your upcoming exam, tell me:
Magnification=Image SizeActual SizeMagnification equals the fraction with numerator Image Size and denominator Actual Size end-fraction 2. Essential Syllabus Experiments