Lab Practical 1 Study Guide
Lab 1: Measurements
Be able to measure length in cm/mm with a provided ruler and know how to determine the number of
significant digits in the measurement
Be able to read the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder (read the bottom of the meniscus)
Be able to identify independent and dependent variables on a graph.
Know how to properly graph data, utilizing proper scaling/intervals for each axis and using the correct
graph type
Know the different types of glassware used in the lab
Lab 2: Acids, Bases, and pH
Be able to differentiate between acids and bases
Know what the pH scale is and which numbers correspond to acid, neutral, and base
Know what buffers are and how they work / Know which buffer(s) worked the best in the lab
Know how antacids help neutralize acids
Lab 3: Microscope
Be able to name the major parts of the microscope / Be able to calculate total magnification
Be able to make a wet mount slide
Be able to correctly use the microscope to focus clearly on a slide
Lab 4: Organic Molecules
Be able to recognize positive reactions with the following tests for molecules:
o Benedict’s Test – Reducing sugars (know how to determine the proportion of reducing sugars
present based on the color observed in the reaction)
blue green yellow orange/red = none low medium high (amount of RS)
o Lugol’s Test – Starch
Color change: yellow purple/blue/black
o Sudan IV – Lipids
Color change: formation of red layer floating on water layer
o Biuret Test – Proteins
Color change: light blue violet
Know the difference between positive controls and negative controls
Lab 5: Cells
Identify Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote cells
Know the observable differences between plant and animal cells
Be able to identify the following cell types and identify major organelles within eukaryotic cells
o Prokaryotic (bacteria and cyanobacteria) cells
o Onion (had visible nucleus)
o Potato (had visible amyloplasts)
o Elodea (had visible chloroplasts)
o Cheek cells (a general animal cell may be used) (had visible nucleus)
o Amoeba (know how they move – pseudopodia)
Lab 1: Measurements
Be able to measure length in cm/mm with a provided ruler and know how to determine the number of
significant digits in the measurement
Be able to read the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder (read the bottom of the meniscus)
Be able to identify independent and dependent variables on a graph.
Know how to properly graph data, utilizing proper scaling/intervals for each axis and using the correct
graph type
Know the different types of glassware used in the lab
Lab 2: Acids, Bases, and pH
Be able to differentiate between acids and bases
Know what the pH scale is and which numbers correspond to acid, neutral, and base
Know what buffers are and how they work / Know which buffer(s) worked the best in the lab
Know how antacids help neutralize acids
Lab 3: Microscope
Be able to name the major parts of the microscope / Be able to calculate total magnification
Be able to make a wet mount slide
Be able to correctly use the microscope to focus clearly on a slide
Lab 4: Organic Molecules
Be able to recognize positive reactions with the following tests for molecules:
o Benedict’s Test – Reducing sugars (know how to determine the proportion of reducing sugars
present based on the color observed in the reaction)
blue green yellow orange/red = none low medium high (amount of RS)
o Lugol’s Test – Starch
Color change: yellow purple/blue/black
o Sudan IV – Lipids
Color change: formation of red layer floating on water layer
o Biuret Test – Proteins
Color change: light blue violet
Know the difference between positive controls and negative controls
Lab 5: Cells
Identify Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote cells
Know the observable differences between plant and animal cells
Be able to identify the following cell types and identify major organelles within eukaryotic cells
o Prokaryotic (bacteria and cyanobacteria) cells
o Onion (had visible nucleus)
o Potato (had visible amyloplasts)
o Elodea (had visible chloroplasts)
o Cheek cells (a general animal cell may be used) (had visible nucleus)
o Amoeba (know how they move – pseudopodia)
