BIOLOGY PRACTICAL NOTES
KIARA DURKIN
Representing data
Tables
• First column = independent variable
• Second = dependent variable
• Only provide units once in columns’ headings
Graphs
• X-axis = independent variable
• Y-axis = dependent variable
• Do not start at 0 unless it is a point (only for line graphs)
• Heading must include both variables
• Bar graph = equal spacing between each bar
• Equal intervals between each value on axes
• Histogram = bars touch
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic: “pro” = no
• No true nucleus
• Usually unicellular organism
Eukaryotic
• Distinct nucleus
• Multicellular organism
Measurements
If scale line is given:
Actual size = measured length of specimen (mm) x scale line (µm)
measured length of scale line (mm)
If magnification is given:
Actual size = measured length of specimen (mm) x 1000
magnification (X)
If actual size is given & you need to work out magnification:
Magnification = size of specimen (mm)
actual size (µm)
To convert µm to mm = ÷1000
To convert mm to µm = x1000
KIARA DURKIN
Representing data
Tables
• First column = independent variable
• Second = dependent variable
• Only provide units once in columns’ headings
Graphs
• X-axis = independent variable
• Y-axis = dependent variable
• Do not start at 0 unless it is a point (only for line graphs)
• Heading must include both variables
• Bar graph = equal spacing between each bar
• Equal intervals between each value on axes
• Histogram = bars touch
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic
Prokaryotic: “pro” = no
• No true nucleus
• Usually unicellular organism
Eukaryotic
• Distinct nucleus
• Multicellular organism
Measurements
If scale line is given:
Actual size = measured length of specimen (mm) x scale line (µm)
measured length of scale line (mm)
If magnification is given:
Actual size = measured length of specimen (mm) x 1000
magnification (X)
If actual size is given & you need to work out magnification:
Magnification = size of specimen (mm)
actual size (µm)
To convert µm to mm = ÷1000
To convert mm to µm = x1000
