Laboratory Manual

Biology

Laboratory Manual

Twelfth Edition

Darrell S. Vodopich

Baylor University

Randy Moore

University of Minnesota

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 1 10/16/18 1:57 PM

BIOLOGY LABORATORY MANUAL, TWELFTH EDITION

means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education,

including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for

distance learning.

Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the

United States.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LMN 21 20 19

ISBN 978-1-260-20072-0 (bound edition)

MHID 1-260-20072-8 (bound edition)

ISBN 978-1-260-41330-4 (loose-leaf edition)

MHID 1-260-41330-6 (loose-leaf edition)

Portfolio Manager: Andrew Urban

Product Developer: Donna Nemmers

Marketing Manager: Kelly Brown

Content Project Managers: Jessica Portz & Sandra Schnee

Buyer: Laura Fuller

Design: David W. Hash

Content Licensing Specialist: Lorraine Buczek

Cover Image: ©Darrell S. Vodopich

Compositor: MPS Limited

All credits appearing on page are considered to be an extension of the copyright page.

Some of the laboratory experiments included in this text may be hazardous if materials are handled improperly

or if procedures are conducted incorrectly. Safety precautions are necessary when you are working with

chemicals, glass test tubes, hot water baths, sharp instruments, and the like, or for any procedures that generally

require caution. Your school may have set regulations regarding safety procedures that your instructor

will explain to you. Should you have any problems with materials or procedures, please ask your instructor

for help.

The Internet addresses listed in the text were accurate at the time of publication. The inclusion of a website

does not indicate an endorsement by the authors or McGraw-Hill Education, and McGraw-Hill Education does

not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented at these sites.

mheducation.com/highered

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 2 10/16/18 1:57 PM

iii

TOC–1

Preface v

Teaching and Learning Tools viii

Welcome to the Biology Laboratory ix

Exercise 1

Scientific Method: The Process of Science 1

Exercise 2

Measurements in Biology: The Metric System and Data Analysis 11

Exercise 3

The Microscope: Basic Skills of Light Microscopy 21

Exercise 4

The Cell: Structure and Function 33

Exercise 5

Solutions, Acids, and Bases: The pH Scale 49

Exercise 6

Biologically Important Molecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids,

and Nucleic Acids 57

Exercise 8

Spectrophotome s and Determining

TheirConcentra

try: Identifying Solute

tion 81

Exercise 9

Diffusion and O ment of Molecules

in Biological Systems 93

Exercise 10

Cellular Membranes: Effects of Physical and Chemical Stress 105

Exercise 11

Enzymes: Factors Affecting the Rate of Activity 113

Exercise 12

Respiration: Aerobic and Anaerobic Oxidation of Organic Molecules 125

Exercise 13

Photosynthesis: Pigment Separation, Starch Production,

and CO

Uptake 137

Exercise 14

Mitosis: Replication of Eukaryotic Cells 149

Exercise 15

Meiosis: Reduction Division and Gametogenesis 159

smosis: Passive Move

Exercise 16

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: DNA Isolation

and Genetic Transformation 171

Exercise 17

Genetics: The Principles of Mendel 179

Exercise 18

Evolution: Natural Selection and Morphological Change

in Green Algae 195

Exercise 19

Human Evolution: Skull Examination 207

Exercise 20

Ecology: Diversity and Interaction in Plant Communities 217

Exercise 21

Community Succession 227

Exercise 22

Population Growth: Limitations of the Environment 235

Exercise 23

Pollution: The Effects of Chemical, Thermal,

and Acidic Pollution 243

Exercise 24

Survey of Prokaryotes: Domains Archaea and Bacteria 253

Exercise 25

Survey of Protists: The Algae 269

Exercise 26

Survey of Protists: Protozoa and Slime Molds 283

Exercise 27

Survey of the Kingdom Fungi: Molds, Sac Fungi, Mushrooms,

and Lichens 293

Exercise 28

Survey of the Plant Kingdom: Liverworts, Mosses, and Hornworts

of Phyla Hepaticophyta, Bryophyta, and Anthocerophyta 307

Exercise 29

Survey of the Plant Kingdom: Seedless Vascular Plants of Phyla

Pterophyta and Lycophyta 317

Exercise 30

Survey of the Plant Kingdom: Gymnosperms of Phyla Cycadophyta,

Ginkgophyta, Coniferophyta, and Gnetophyta 329

Exercise 31

Survey of the Plant Kingdom: Angiosperms 339

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 3 10/16/18 1:57 PM

ContentsContents

Exercise 7

Separating Organic Compounds: Column Chromatography,

Paper Chromatography, and Gel Electrophoresis 71

TOC–2

Exercise 32

Plant Anatomy: Vegetative Structure of Vascular Plants 355

Exercise 33

Plant Physiology: Transpiration 369

Exercise 34

Plant Physiology: Tropisms, Nutrition, and Growth Regulators 377

Exercise 35

Bioassay: Measuring Physiologically Active Substances 389

Exercise 36

Survey of the Animal Kingdom: Phyla Porifera and Cnidaria 395

Exercise 37

Survey of the Animal Kingdom: Phyla Platyhelminthes

and Nematoda 411

Exercise 38

Survey of the Animal Kingdom: Phyla Mollusca and Annelida 425

Exercise 39

Survey of the Animal Kingdom: Phylum Arthropoda 439

Exercise 40

Survey of the Animal Kingdom: Phyla Echinodermata and Chordata 453

Exercise 41

Vertebrate Animal Tissues: Epithelial, Connective, Muscular,

and Nervous Tissues 473

Exercise 42

Human Biology: The Human Skeletal System 489

Exercise 43

Human Biology: Muscles and Muscle Contraction 497

Exercise 44

Human Biology: Breathing 505

Exercise 45

Human Biology: Circulation and Blood Pressure 515

Exercise 46

Human Biology: Sensory Perception 529

Exercise 47

Vertebrate Anatomy: External Features and Skeletal

System of the Rat 539

Exercise 48

Vertebrate Anatomy: Muscles and Internal Organs of the Rat 547

Exercise 49

Vertebrate Anatomy: Urogenital and Circulatory Systems of the Rat 557

Exercise 50

Embryology: Comparative Morphologies and Strategies

of Development 569

Exercise 51

Animal Behavior: Taxis, Kinesis, and Agonistic Behavior 579

Appendix I

Dissection of a Fetal Pig 585

Appendix II

Conversion of Metric Units to English Units 592

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 4 10/16/18 1:57 PM

Contents

Preface

e have designed this laboratory manual for an intro-

ductory biology course with a broad survey of basic

laboratory techniques. The experiments and procedures are

simple, safe, easy to perform, and especially appropriate for

large classes. Few experiments require more than one class

meeting to complete the procedure. Each exercise includes

many photographs and illustrations, traditional topics, and

experiments that help students learn about life. Procedures

within each exercise are numerous and discrete so that an

exercise can be tailored to the needs of the students, the style

of the instructor, and the facilities available.

TO THE STUDENT

We hope this manual is an interesting guide to many areas

of biology. As you read about these areas, you’ll probably

spend equal amounts of time observing and experimenting.

Don’t hesitate to go beyond the observations that we’ve

outlined—your future success as a scientist and an informed

citizen depends on your ability to seek and notice things that

others may overlook. Now is the time to develop this ability

with a mixture of hard work and relaxed observation. Have

fun, and learning will come easily. Also, remember that this

manual is designed with your instructors in mind as well. Go

to them often with questions—their experience is a valuable

tool that you should use as you work.

TO THE INSTRUCTOR

This manual’s straightforward approach emphasizes experi-

ments and activities that optimize students’ investment of

time and your investment of supplies, equipment, and prepa-

ration. Simple, safe, and straightforward experiments are

most effective if you interpret the work in depth. Most exper-

iments can be done easily by a student in 2 to 3 hours. Ter-

minology, structures, photographs, and concepts are limited

to those that the student can readily observe and understand.

In each exercise we have included a few activities requiring

a greater investment of effort if resources are available, but

omitting them will not detract from the objectives.

This manual functions best with an instructor’s guid-

ance and is not an autotutorial system. We’ve tried to guide

students from observations to conclusions, to help students

make their own discoveries, and to make the transition from

observation to understanding biological principles. But

discussions and interactions between student and instructor

are major components of a successful laboratory experi-

ence. Be sure to examine the “Questions for Further Study

and Inquiry” in each exercise. We hope they will help you

expand students’ perceptions that each exercise has broad

application to their world.

DIGITAL INTEGRATION

As educators, we recognize that today’s students are digital

learners. Virtually every exercise of this manual is accom-

panied by tailor-made digital resources, including assign-

able questions and a variety of high-definition videos,

PowerPoint images, and other resources that demonstrate

basic techniques, emphasize biological principles, test for

understanding, and engage students as they learn biology

in the laboratory.

Digital resources are available to instructors at connect

.mheducation.com. Instructors will want to assign these

resources to help students know what they’ll be doing, what

principles they’ll be investigating, and what concepts they’ll

need to understand before coming to lab.

WHAT’S NEW IN THIS EDITION

Throughout the manual, we have expanded and improved

several of the most popular and effective features of

previous editions, including

∙

Learning Objectives have been updated to provide

an overview of what students will do and learn in the

exercise.

∙ Procedures and Doing Biology Yourself require stu-

dents to do biology as they apply skills they’ve learned

to develop and study hypotheses about biology.

∙ Questions throughout each exercise encourage students

to pause and think about their data and what they’ve

learned in lab.

∙ Questions for Further Study and Inquiry at the

end of each exercise help students apply what they’ve

learned to broader topics and issues in biology.

∙ Writing to Learn Biology encourages students to

develop their ideas about what they learned in lab.

P–1

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 5 10/16/18 1:57 PM

∙

P–2

Caution and Safety First icons make students aware of

safety issues associated with the procedures they’ll use

in lab.

∙ Boxed readings titled Inquiry-Based Learning encourage

students to apply what they’ve learned to independently

answer questions about intriguing biological topics.

∙ Updated health-related exercises help students better

understand topics such as blood pressure, atherosclerosis,

and their risk of cardiovascular disease.

∙ Several illustrations have been replaced with photographs

to provide more realistic images to support the Exercise

content.

∙ Approximately 60 illustrations and photos have been

revised.

∙ Questions within procedures now include lines on which

students can write their answers.

∙ An assignable, updated library of videos and Connect

questions helps students prepare for lab and understand

the instruments and techniques that will be important

for their investigations. Instructors may assign these vid-

eos before class time to help ensure that students arrive

prepared for lab.

Exercise-Specific Changes

∙

Exercise 1—Additional explanation provided for both

mean and standard deviation

∙ Exercise 2—Mass, volume, and median are further

defined; new illustration in figure 2.3 on measuring the

volume of liquid; figure 2.4b has explanatory labels

added

∙ Exercise 3—Additional questions have been added to

Procedure 3.6 Using a dissecting microscope

∙ Exercise 4—Several illustrations have better labels; a new

photo is supplied for figure 4.6a Elodea cells; figure 4.13

has been redrawn to more directly correlate to the associ-

ated photo; a new question is added to Questions for Fur-

ther Study and Inquiry to compare plant and animal cells

∙ Exercise 6—Qualitative tests are defined; a new photo

has been added to figure 6.2 to explain Benedict’s test

∙ Exercise 7—Clarifying edits made to introductory

material

∙ Exercise 9—Explanations of hypotonic, hypertonic, and

isotonic are expanded

∙ Exercise 10—Steps of Procedures 10.1 and 10.2 are

clarified; a new question on experimental design has

been added to Questions for Further Study and Inquiry

∙

Exercise 13—Figure 13.2 caption is expanded

∙ Exercise 14—Explanation of the structure of chromatids

is expanded

∙ Exercise 15—Labels for figure 15.2 have been added

for paternal versus maternal chromosomes; description

of the structure of replicated versus nonreplicated

chromosomes has been clarified; figure 15.6 is new;

figure 15.7 is revised to clarify the state and number

of chromosomes in first polar bodies and second polar

bodies, and corpus albicans has been labeled and added

as a defined term in the text

∙ Exercise 16—Global prevalence of genetically trans-

formed crops has been updated to 2017 statistics

∙ Exercise 17—Figure 17.4 has a panel of 3 new photos

on sickle cell anemia; figure 17.6 contains improved

photos of hairlines

∙ Exercise 18—Definition of evolution is revised to

be more concise; questions about Hardy-Weinberg

genetics are expanded for clarity; a new question

about the effect of natural selection on sickle cell

anemia has been added to Questions for Further Study

and Inquiry

∙ Exercise 19—Figure 19.2 has been revised to better

illustrate lineages of human evolution; the term

“diastema” has been added and defined; figure 19.4

is relabeled for clarity

∙ Exercise 20—Procedure 20.4 is expanded to help

students design and implement experimental controls.

∙ Exercise 22—Formula for population growth is revised;

data for Figure 22.5 are updated to reflect 2018 predic-

tions; question 6 is expanded to include 2018 population

values and growth rates

∙ Exercise 23—Question 1 is revised to emphasize

hypothesis testing; table 23.3 is reorganized to accept

handwritten student data

∙ Exercise 24—Organization of domains and kingdoms

is updated to current taxonomy; table 24.1, prokaryotic

versus eukaryotic characteristics, is modified for preci-

sion; figure 24.2, structure of a bacterial cell, is revised

and contains a new photo; explanation of binary fission

is expanded to include protein FtsZ and its role in cell

separation

∙ Exercise 25—Explanations of Archaeplastida and the

term “protist” are clarified; in table 25.2 the list of

chlorophylls diagnostic to each type of algae is updated;

figure 25.4 is relabeled to clarify sexual versus asexual

reproductive paths; figure 25.8 contains a new photo of

Volvox colonies

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 6 10/16/18 1:57 PM

viiP–3

∙ Exercise 26—Photomicrograph and illustration of

African sleeping sickness blood cells and parasites are

revised to clarify their relationship

∙

Exercise 27—Explanations of fungal sporangiophores

and sporangia are expanded; figure 27.13 is modified

to better show the diagnostic reproductive structure,

ascus; Questions for Further Study and Inquiry has a

new question to explain the benefit of fungi to other

organisms

∙ Exercise 31—A learning objective is added on under-

standing flower structure and function; the explanation

of sporogenesis is expanded; a Question for Further

Study and Inquiry has been added to help students

understand flower parts

∙ Exercise 32—A new question is added to Questions

for Further Study and Inquiry on common leaf

morphologies

∙ Exercise 35—The definition of bioassay is revised

∙ Exercise 36—Introductions to terms animals, multi-

cellular, ancient, and primitive have been clarified;

description of intracellular versus extracellular digestion

in poriferans has been clarified

∙ Exercise 37—Taxonomic hierarchy of the classes and

subphyla of flatworms is updated; the groups Neoder-

mata and Turbellaria have been redefined and updated;

taxonomy of tapeworms is updated

∙ Exercise 39—Taxonomy of major arthropod classes has

been updated and reorganized to include Chelicerata,

Crustacea, Myriapoda, and Hexapoda; table 39.3 has

been relabeled to reflect updated arthropod taxonomy

∙ Exercise 40—The taxonomy of pre-vertebrate groups

has been updated; class Actinopterygidii has replaced

Osteichthyes; figure 40.21 of amphibian transitional

stages is revised

∙ Exercise 41—Figure 41.2 has revised labeling;

figure 41.3 is relabeled to distinguish flat cuboidal and

columnar cells more clearly; figure 41.4 is relabeled

to show Bowman’s capsule more clearly; figure 41.5

is relabeled to more clearly distinguish columnar cells;

figure 41.7 has been replaced to better show stratified

squamous epithelium; types of connective tissue have

been separated into connective tissue proper and special

connective tissue

∙ Exercise 42—Descriptions of the appendicular skel-

eton and the axial skeleton are added; the number of

skull, spine, and rib cage bones has been updated to

conventional values; figure 42.2 is new; Figure 42.4

has been replaced with improved images of normal and

osteoporotic bone; revisions to Questions for Further

Study and Inquiry

∙

Exercise 43—A new learning objective is added to

distinguish between isotonic and isometric contractions;

explanations of muscle load, muscle tone, and muscle

tension are expanded; figure 43.2 is relabeled to clearly

distinguish between flexion and extension; Procedure

43.1 concerning flexion and extension of the forearm

has been modified for clarity

∙ Exercise 44—Descriptions of negative pressure and its

role in breathing have been expanded; procedures to dis-

tinguish the role of intercostal muscles and breathing are

expanded and clarified; Procedure 44.1 has been modi-

fied for more consistent chest expansion measurements;

typical values for tidal, expiratory, inspiratory, and

residual volumes have been provided; directions for

measuring breathing rate in Procedure 44.7 are clarified

∙ Exercise 46—Figure 46.1 has been modified to illustrate

fovea centralis; Procedure 46.3 has been modified to

accommodate lab partners

∙ Exercise 47—A new Question 2 has been added;

Question 3 has been expanded to provide more

examples and practice with terms such as cranial,

caudal, lateral, distal, etc.; directions for the

skinning and abdominal incision during rat dissection

are expanded

∙ Exercise 48—Descriptions of the thyroid gland and

diaphragm are expanded; explanatory questions about

the lung structure and heart musculature are expanded

∙ Exercise 49—Figure 49.4 has been revised and enlarged

to better show the structure and cross section of a

kidney

∙ Exercise 50—Distinction has been enhanced between

the animal and vegetal poles

∙ Exercise 51—Directions are enhanced for Procedure

51.1 to examine kinesis in pill bugs; directions are

enhanced for Procedure 51.2 to study agonistic

behavior in fighting fish, to encourage better creativity

by the students in experimental design; a new question

has been added to Questions for Further Study and

Inquiry

∙ Appendix II has been updated to include upcoming

changes to how a basic unit of the metric system is

defined

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 7 10/16/18 1:57 PM

viii

Contents

Teaching and Learning Tools

McGraw-Hill Connect® Biology

McGraw-Hill Connect Biology

provides online presenta-

tion, assignment, and assessment solutions. It connects your

students with the tools and resources they’ll need to succeed

at connect.mheducation.com.

With Connect Biology, you can deliver assignments and

quizzes online. A robust set of questions and activities is

presented and aligned with this lab manual’s learning out-

comes. Pre-lab worksheets and Investigation worksheets

are also included within Connect. As an instructor, you can

edit existing questions and write entirely new questions.

Track students’ performance—by question, by assignment, or

in relation to the class overall—with detailed grade reports.

Integrate grade reports easily with Learning Management

Systems (LMS), such as Blackboard—and much more.

McGraw-Hill Create

With McGraw-Hill Create, you can easily rearrange exer-

cises, combine material from other content sources, and

quickly upload content you have written, such as your course

syllabus or teaching notes. Find the content you need in Create

by searching through thousands of leading McGraw-Hill text-

books. Arrange your book to fit your teaching style. Create

even allows you to personalize your book’s appearance

by selecting the cover and adding your name, school, and

course information. Order a Create book and you’ll receive

a complimentary print review copy in 3–5 business days or a

complimentary electronic review copy (eComp) via e-mail in

minutes. Go to create.mheducation.com today and register

to experience how McGraw-Hill Create empowers you to

teach your students your way.

Laboratory Resource Guide

The Laboratory Resource Guide is essential for instructors

and laboratory assistants and is available free to adopters of

the Laboratory Manual within Connect under the Instructor

Resources tab.

T–1

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 8 10/16/18 1:57 PM

Contents

Welcome to the Biology Laboratory

100

02040

60 80 100

Grade (%)

Attendance (% of classes attended)

W–1

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 9 10/16/18 1:57 PM

ways of learning about biology, nothing can replace the

elcome to the biology laboratory! Although reading

your textbook and attending lectures are important

importance of the laboratory. In lab you’ll get hands-on

experience with what you’ve heard and read about biology—

for example, you’ll observe organisms, do experiments, test

ideas, collect data, and make conclusions about what you’ve

learned. You’ll do biology.

You’ll enjoy the exercises in this manual—they’re

interesting and informative and can be completed within

the time limits of your laboratory period. We’ve provided

questions to test your understanding of what you’ve done; in

some of the exercises, we’ve also asked you to devise your

own experiments to answer questions that you’ve posed.

To make these exercises most useful and enjoyable, follow

these guidelines noted in the next sections.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMING TO CLASS

Biology labs are designed to help you experience biology

firsthand. To do well in your biology course, you’ll need to

attend class and pay attention. To appreciate the importance

of class attendance as it relates to making a good grade in

your biology course, examine figure 1, which is a graph

showing how students’ grades in an introductory biology

Figure 1

Relationship of students’ grades in an introductory biology course to their rates of class attendance.

course correlate to their rates of class attendance. Data are

from a general biology class at the University of Minnesota.

On page xii, write an analysis of the data shown in figure 1.

What do these data mean?

BEFORE COMING TO LAB

Watch the lab video. Videos are provided for several of the

labs in this manual. Be sure to watch any assigned video

associated with the lab you will be completing. These videos

will help you know more about what you will be doing, what

principles you will be investigating, and what concepts you

need to understand before coming to lab.

Read the exercise before coming to lab. This will give

you a general idea about what you’re going to do, as well as

why you’re going to do it. Knowing this will not only save

time, it will also help you finish the experiments and make

you aware of any safety-related issues associated with the lab.

Review any of the lab safety concerns. Before doing

any procedures, you’ll encounter a section of each exercise

titled “SAFETY FIRST” that is marked with its icon:

This icon will warn you of safety concerns (e.g., solvents,

acids, bases, hotplates) associated with the work. If you have

questions about these safety issues, contact your lab instructor

before starting the lab work.

Notify your instructor if you are pregnant, are color-

blind, are taking immunosuppressive drugs, have allergies,

or have any other conditions that may require precautionary

measures. Also, before coming to lab, cover any cuts or

scrapes with a sterile, waterproof bandage.

WHEN IN LAB

1. Know what you are going to do. Read and understand

the lab before coming to lab.

2. Don’t start the exercise until you’ve discussed the

exercise with your laboratory instructor. She or he will

give you specific instructions about the lab and tell

you how the exercise may have been modified.

3. Work carefully and thoughtfully, and stay focused

as you work. You’ll be able to finish each exercise

within the allotted time if you are well prepared and

stay on task.

4. Discuss your observations, results, and conclusions

with your instructor and lab partners. Perhaps their

comments and ideas will help you better understand

what you’ve observed.

5. Always follow instructions and follow safety guide-

lines presented by your instructor.

6. If you have questions, ask your instructor.

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

Laboratory accidents can affect individuals, classes, or the

entire campus. To avoid such accidents, the exercises in this

manual were designed with safety as a top priority. You’ll

be warned about any potentially hazardous situations or

chemicals with this image:

When you see this image, pay special attention to the

instructions.

The laboratory safety rules listed in table 1 will help

make lab a safe place for everyone to learn biology. Remem-

ber, it is much easier to prevent an accident than to deal with

its consequences.

Read the laboratory safety rules listed in table 1. If

you do not understand them, or if you have questions, ask

your instructor for an explanation. Then complete table 1

and sign the statement at the bottom of page xii.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE LAB

Put away all equipment and glassware, and wipe clean your

work area.

AFTER EACH LABORATORY

Soon after each lab, review what you did. What questions

did you answer? What data did you gather? What conclu-

sions did you make?

Also note any questions that remain. Try to answer

these questions by using your textbook or visiting the

library. If you can’t answer the questions, discuss them with

your instructor. Welcome to the biology laboratory!

W–2

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 10 10/16/18 1:57 PM

W–3

Table 1

Laboratory Safety Rules

Rule

Why is this rule important?

What could happen if this rule is not followed?

Behave responsibly. No horseplay or fooling around while in lab.

Do not bring any food or beverages into lab, and do not eat, drink, smoke,

chew gum, chew tobacco, or apply cosmetics when in lab. Never taste

anything in lab. Do not put anything in lab into your mouth. Avoid touch-

ing your face, chewing on pens, and other similar behaviors while in lab.

Always wear shoes in lab.

Unless you are told otherwise by your instructor, assume that all chemicals and

solutions in lab are poisonous, and act accordingly. Never pipette by mouth.

Always use a mechanical pipetting device (e.g., a suction bulb) to pipette solu-

tions. Clean up all spills immediately, and report all spills to your instructor.

Wear safety goggles when working with chemicals. Carefully read the labels

on bottles and know the chemical you are dealing with. Do not use chemicals

from an unlabeled container, and do not return excess chemicals back to their

container. Report all spills to your instructor immediately.

Unless your instructor tells you to do otherwise, do not pour any solutions

down the drain. Dispose of all materials as per instructions from your

instructor.

If you have long hair, tie it back. Don’t wear dangling jewelry. If you are

using open flames, roll up loose sleeves. Wear contact lenses at your own

risk; contacts hold substances against the eye and make it difficult to wash

your eyes thoroughly.

Treat living organisms with care and respect.

Your instructor will tell you the locations of lab safety equipment, including

fire extinguishers, fire blanket, eyewash stations, and emergency showers.

Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of this equipment.

If anything is splashed into your eyes, wash your eyes thoroughly and

immediately. Tell your lab instructor what happened.

Notify your instructor of any allergies to latex, chemicals, stings, or other

substances.

If you break any glassware, do not pick up the pieces of broken glass with

your hands. Instead, use a broom and dustpan to gather the broken glass.

Ask your instructor how to dispose of the glass.

Unless told by your instructor to do otherwise, work only during regular,

assigned hours when the instructor is present. Do not conduct any unau-

thorized experiments; for example, do not mix any chemicals without your

instructor’s approval.

Do not leave any experiments unattended unless you are authorized by your

instructor to do so. If you leave your work area, slide your chair under the lab

table. Keep walkways and desktops clean and clear by putting books, back-

packs, and so on along the edge of the room, in the hall, in a locker, or in an

adjacent room. Keep your work area as clean and uncluttered as possible.

Don’t touch or put anything on the surface of hotplates unless told to do

so. Many types of hotplates have no visible sign that they are hot. Assume

they are hot.

Know how to use the equipment in lab. Most of the equipment is expen-

sive; you may be required to pay all or part of its replacement cost. Keep

water and solutions away from equipment and electrical outlets. Report

malfunctioning equipment to your instructor. Leave equipment in the same

place and condition that you found it. If you have any questions about or

problems with equipment, contact your instructor.

Know what to do and whom to contact if there is an emergency. Know the

fastest way to get out of the lab. Immediately report all injuries—no matter

how minor—to your instructor. Seek medical attention immediately if needed.

If any injury appears to be life-threatening, call 911 immediately.

At the end of each lab, clean your work area, wash your hands thoroughly

with soap, slide your chair under the lab table, and return all equipment

and supplies to their original locations. Do not remove any chemicals or

equipment from the lab.

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 11 10/16/18 1:57 PM

xii

W–4

Name _________________________________________

Lab Section _________________________________________

Your lab instructor may require that you submit this page at the end of today’s lab.

1. In the space below, write an analysis of the data shown in figure 1.

After completing table 1, read and sign this statement:

2. I have read and I understand and agree to abide by the laboratory safety rules described in this exercise and discussed

by my instructor. I know the locations of the safety equipment and materials. If I violate any of the laboratory safety

rules, my instructor will lower my grade and/or remove me from the lab.

____________________________________________

Signature

____________________________________________

Name (printed)

____________________________________________

Date

vod00720_fm_i-xii.indd 12 10/16/18 1:57 PM

7–1 Separating Organic Compounds 71

EXERCISE

Separating Organic

Compounds

Column Chromatography, Paper Chromatography,

and Gel Electrophoresis

Learning Objectives

By the end of this exercise you should be able to:

Explain how column chromatography, paper chromatography, and gel electrophoresis are used to separate

compounds from mixtures.

2. Use column chromatography, paper chromatog raphy, and gel electrophoresis to separate organic compounds

from mixtures.

Please visit connect.mheducation.com to review online resources tailored to this lab.

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 71 10/11/18 7:38 PM

ells are a mixture of the types of organic compounds

that you studied in Exercise 6 (“Biologically Impor-

ant Molecules”), including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids,

and nucleic acids. Biologists characterize and study these

compounds to understand how organisms function. This

requires that biologists separate the compounds, such as

amino acids and nucleotides, from mixtures.

Biologists often use chromatography to separate

mixtures. In this procedure, the mixture is dissolved in a fluid

that moves through a matrix made of materials such as beads,

paper, or a gel. During the process, the different parts of the

mixture move at different speeds, causing them to separate. In

today’s exercise you will use column chromatography, paper

chromatography, and gel electrophoresis to separate com-

pounds from mixtures. The procedures are simple and model

how these techniques are used by biologists in their research.

COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY

Column chromatography often separates molecules according

to their size and shape. The procedure is simple and involves

placing a sample onto a matrix that is a column of beads having

tiny pores. Molecules can move through the column of beads

in two ways: a fast route between the beads or a slower route

through the tiny pores of the beads. Molecules too big to fit into

the beads’ pores move through the column quickly, whereas

smaller molecules enter the beads’ pores and move through the

column more slowly (fig. 7.1). Movement of the molecules is

analogous to going through or walking around a maze: It takes

more time to walk through a maze than to walk around it.

The apparatus used for column chromatography is

shown in figure 7.2 and consists of a chromatography col-

umn, a matrix, and a buffer.

∙ The chromatography column is a tube having a frit

and a spout at its bottom. The frit is a membrane or

porous disk that supports and keeps the matrix in the

column but allows water and solutes to pass.

∙ The matrix is the material in the column that fraction-

ates, or separates, the chemicals mixed in the sample.

The matrix consists of beads having tiny pores and

internal channels. The size of the beads’ pores deter-

mines the matrix’s fractionation range, which is the

range of molecular weights the matrix can separate.

These molecular weights are measured in units called

daltons; 1 dalton ≈ 1 g mole

−1

. Different kinds of

matrices have different fractionation ranges. In today’s

exercise you’ll use a matrix having a fractionation

range of 1000 to 5000 daltons. As they move through

the matrix, small molecules spend much time in the

maze ofchannels and pores in the matrix. Large mol-

ecules donot.

∙ The buffer helps control the pH of the sample (see

Exercise 5). A buffer is a solution with a known pH

that resists changes in pH if other chemicals are added.

The pH of a buffer remains relatively constant. This

is important because the shapes of molecules such as

proteins often vary according to their pH. The buffer

carries the sample through the matrix, which separates

the chemicals mixed in the sample.

Column chromatography can also separate com-

pounds having the same molecular weight but different

shapes. Compact, spherical molecules penetrate the pores

and channels of the matrix more readily than do rod-shaped

molecules. Thus, spherical molecules move through a col-

umn more slowly than do rod-shaped molecules.

72 E

XERCISE

7 7–2

Chemical

mixture is

added to

column.

2 3 4 5 6

Beads exclude

large molecules.

Porous

beads

Organic molecules

separate by size;

larger molecules move

fastest and therefore

appear in the earlier

fractions.

Figure 7.1

Separation of organic molecules by column chromatography. As the solution flows through the column, the smaller molecules are slowed

down asthey pass through the pores of the beads. Medium-sized molecules will pass through a bead with pores less frequently, and the largest mol-

ecules will quickly flow around all the beads. The exiting fluid is collected in fractions. The first fractions collected will contain the largest molecules.

During column chromatography, the buffer containing the

sample mixture of chemicals moves through the column and is

collected sequentially in test tubes from the bottom of the col-

umn. Biologists then assay the content of the tubes to determine

which tubes contain the compounds in which they are interested.

SAFETY FIRST Before coming to lab, you were asked

to read this exercise so you would know what to do

and be aware of safety issues. In the space below,

briefly list the safety issues associated with today’s

procedures. If you have questions about these issues,

contact your laboratory assistant before starting work.

Question 1

In today’s exercise you will isolate colored compounds from

mixtures. However, it is important to note that most biological

samples are colorless. How would you determine the contents

of the test tubes if all of the samples were transparent?

Procedure 7.1

Separate compounds by column

chromatography

1. Label nine microtubes 1–9.

2. Obtain an apparatus for column chromatography and

carefully remove all of the buffer from above the beads

with a transfer pipet. Do not remove any of the matrix.

3. Obtain a sample to be separated. The sample is a mix-

ture of Orange G (molecular weight = 452 g mole

−1

)

and a rodlike polymer of glucose stained blue and

having a molecular weight of about 2,000,000 g mole

−1

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 72 10/11/18 7:38 PM

7–3 Separating Organic Compounds 73

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.2 Apparatus for column chromatography. A fraction is

being collected, drop by drop, in the beaker. Smaller fractions would

be collected in test tubes.

4. Use a transfer pipet to slowly load 0.2 mL of the sam-

ple onto the top of the beads. Drip the sample down

the inside walls of the column.

5. Place a beaker under the column.

6. Slowly open the valve. This will cause the sample to

enter the beads. Close the valve after the sample has

completely entered the beads (i.e., when the top of

the beads is exposed to air).

7. Use a transfer pipet to slowly cover the beads with

buffer. Add buffer until the reservoir is almost full.

8. Hold microtube 1 under the column and open the

valve until you have collected about 1.0 mL of

liquid.

9. Repeat step 8 for tubes 2–9. The sample will separate

in the column.

10. Identify the tubes containing (1) the most orange dye

and (2) the most blue dye that eluted from the column.

11. Refill the reservoir with buffer and cover the

reservoir with Parafilm.

Question 2

a. Was the color separation distinctive? Would you expect

a longer column to more clearly separate the com-

pounds? Why or why not?

b. Suppose your sample had consisted of a mixture of

compounds having molecular weights of 50,000,

100,000, and 1,000,000 g mole

−1

. What type of results

would you predict? Explain your answer.

PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Biologists often analyze the amino acid content of samples

to determine protein sequences and enzyme structures.

Amino acids can be separated by partitioning them between

the stationary and mobile phases of paper chromatography.

The stationary phase is the paper fibers, and the mobile

phase is an organic solvent that moves along the paper.

Separation by paper chromatography begins by apply-

ing a liquid sample to a small spot on an origin line at one

end of a piece of chromatography paper. The edge of the

paper is then placed in a solvent. As the solvent moves up

the paper, any sample molecules that are soluble in the sol-

vent will move with the solvent. However, some molecules

move faster than others based on their solubility in the mobile

phase and their attraction to the stationary phase. These com-

peting factors are different for different molecular structures,

so each type of molecule moves at a different speed and

occurs at a different position on the finished chromatogram.

Amino acids in solution have no color but react read-

ily with molecules of ninhydrin to form a colored product.

A completed chromatogram is sprayed with a ninhydrin

solution and heated to detect the amino acids. The distance of

these spots from the origin is measured and used to quantify

the movement of a sample. The resulting R

value (retardation

factor) characterizes a known molecule in a known solvent

under known conditions and is calculated as follows:

Distance moved by sample

Distance from origin to solvent front

Procedure 7.2

Separate amino acids and

identify unknowns by paper chromatography

1. Obtain a piece of chromatography paper 15 cm

square. Avoid touching the paper with your fingers.

Use gloves, tissue, or some other means to handle

the paper because oils from your skin will alter the

migration of the molecules on the paper.

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 73 10/11/18 7:38 PM

74 E

XERCISE

7 7–4

Table 7.1

Chromatography Data for Determining Amino Acid Unknowns

Tick Mark

Number

Amino Acid or

Sample Number

Distance to

Solvent Front

Distance Traveled

by Sample R

Identity of

Unknown

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 74 10/11/18 7:38 PM

2. Lay the paper on a clean paper towel. Then use a pen-

cil to draw a light line 2 cm from the bottom edge of

the paper.

3. Draw five tick marks at 2.5 cm intervals from the left end

of the line. Lightly label the marks 1–5 below the line.

4. Locate the five solutions available for the chromatog-

raphy procedure. Three of the solutions are known

amino acids. One solution is an unknown. The last

solution is a plant extract or another unknown.

5. Use a wooden or glass applicator stick to “spot” one of

the solutions on mark #1. To do this, dip the stick in the

solution and touch it to the paper to apply a small drop

(2–3 mm in diameter). Let the spot dry; then make

three to five more applications on the same spot. Dry

between each application. Record in table 7.1 the name

of the solution next to the appropriate mark number.

6. Repeat step 5 for each of the other solutions.

7. Staple or paper clip the edges of the paper to form a

cylinder with the spots on the outside and at the bottom.

8. Obtain a quart jar containing the chromatography sol-

vent. The solvent should be 1 cm or less deep. The sol-

vent consists of butanol, acetic acid, and water (2:1:1).

9. Place the cylinder upright in the jar (fig. 7.3). The

solvent must be below the pencil line and marks.

Close the lid to seal the jar.

10. Keep the jar out of direct light and heat. Allow the

solvent to move up the paper for 2 hours (h) but not

all the way to the top.

11. Open the jar and remove the chromatogram. Unclip

and flatten the paper. Dry it with a fan or hair dryer.

Work under a fume hood if possible to avoid breath-

ing the solvent vapors.

12. Spray the chromatogram with ninhydrin. Carefully

dry the chromatogram with warm air.

13. Circle with a pencil each of the spots. Measure the

distance each of the spots has traveled and calculate

the R

for each spot. Record the values intable 7.1.

14. Determine the contents of the unknown solutions by

comparing R

values. Record the results in table 7.1.

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

Gel electrophoresis separates molecules according to their

charge, shape, and size (fig. 7.4). Buffered samples (mix-

tures of organic chemicals) are loaded into a Jello-like gel,

after which an electrical current is placed across the gel.

This current moves the charged molecules toward either

the cathode or anode of the electrophoresis apparatus. The

speed, direction, and distance that each molecule moves are

related to its charge, shape, and size.

The apparatus for gel electrophoresis is shown in

figure 7.5 and consists of an electrophoresis chamber, gel,

buffer, samples, and a power supply.

∙ The gel is made by dissolving agarose powder (a deriv-

ative of agar) in hot buffer. When the solution cools,

it solidifies into a gel having many pores that function

as a molecular sieve. The gel is submerged in a buffer-

filled chamber containing electrodes.

∙ The buffer conducts electricity and helps control the pH.

The pH affects the stability and charge of the samples.

∙ The samples are mixtures of chemicals loaded into

wells in the gel. These samples move in the gel during

electrophoresis. Samples are often mixed with glycerol

7–5 Separating Organic Compounds 75

Jar with lid

Origin line

Cylindrical

chromatogram

Solvent

Figure 7.3

Apparatus for paper chromatography. Numbers on

the chromatogram indicate the positions of multiple samples applied

to the chromatog ram. The samples will move up the chromatogram

along with the solvent.

or sucrose to make them denser than the buffer so that

they will not mix with the buffer.

∙ The power supply provides a direct current across the

gel. Charged molecules respond to the current by moving

from the sample wells into the gel. Negatively charged

molecules move through the gel toward the positive elec-

trode (anode), whereas positively charged molecules move

through the gel toward the negative electrode (cathode).

The greater the voltage, the faster the molecules move.

The sieve properties of the gel affect the rate of move-

ment of a sample through the gel. Small molecules move

more easily through the pores than do larger molecules.

Consequently, small, compact (e.g., spherical) molecules

move faster than do large, rodlike molecules. If molecules

have similar shapes and molecular weights, the particles

having the greatest charge move fastest and, therefore, the

farthest.

Electric

current

turned on

Gel

(–)

(+)

Fragments of organic

molecules are loaded

into wells of a gel

Large fragment

Small fragments

Fragments that have

migrated through

the gel

Figure 7.4 Gel electrophoresis. This process separates DNA fragments, protein fragments, and other organic compounds by causing them to move

through an electrically charged gel. Because DNA molecules are negatively charged, the electrical field will push the molecules toward the positive

electrode. The fragments also move according to their size and shape, and some fragments move slowly and some move quickly. When their migration

is complete, the fragments can be stained and visualized easily. In the example shown here, the DNA fragments were separated by size.

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 75 10/11/18 7:38 PM

Procedure 7.3

Separate organic molecules by

gel electrophoresis

1. Obtain an electrophoresis chamber. Cover the ends of

the bed as shown in figure 7.6 and demonstrated by

your instructor.

2. Place a six-tooth comb in or near the middle set of

notches of the gel-cast bed. There should be a small

space between the bottom of the teeth and the bed.

76 E

XERCISE

7 7–6

Figure 7.5 Apparatus for gel

electrophoresis. The power supply pro-

duces an electrical gradient between

the + and − poles and across the gel.

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.6 Cover the ends of the removable gel bed with rubber

end-caps ortape.

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.7 Place comb near the center set of notches of the gel

bed. Prepare the agarose solution and pour the gel.

3. Mix a 0.8% (weight by volume) mixture of agarose

powder in a sufficient volume of buffer to fill the gel

chamber. Heat the mixture until the agarose dissolves.

4. When the hot agarose solution has cooled to 50°C, pour

the agarose solution into the gel-cast bed (fig. 7.7).

5. After the gel has solidified, gently remove the comb

by pulling it straight up (fig. 7.8). Use of a plastic

spatula may help prevent tearing the gel. Use the

sketch in figure 7.9 to label the wells formed in the

gel by the comb.

6. Submerge the gel under the buffer in the electropho-

resis chamber.

7. You will study six samples:

Sample 1: Bromophenol blue (molecular weight =

670 g mole

−1

)

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 76 10/11/18 7:38 PM

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.8 After the gel solidifies, gently remove the rubber

end-caps (or tape) and pull the combs straight up from the gel.

Reaction

Mixture of DNA

fragments of

dierent sizes in

solution placed at

the top of “lanes” in

the gel

Gel

Buer

Lane

Anode

Cathode

Power

source

–

7–7 Separating Organic Compounds 77

(–)

(+)

123456

Figure 7.9

Sketch of the wells formed in the gel by the comb as

viewed fromabove.

Sample 2: Methylene blue (molecular weight =

320 g mole

−1

)

Sample 3: Orange G (molecular weight =

452 g mole

−1

)

Sample 4: Xylene cyanol (molecular weight =

555 g mole

−1

)

Samples 5 and 6: Unknowns

Use a micropipettor or a simple pipet and bulb to

load the samples into the wells of the gel. If you use

a micropipettor, your instructor will demonstrate its

use. If you use a simple pipet and bulb, gently squeeze

the pipet bulb to draw Sample 1 into the pipet. Be sure

that the sample is in the lower part of the pipet. If the

sample becomes lodged in the bulb, tap the pipet until

the sample moves into the lower part.

8. To eliminate excess air, hold the pipet above the sam-

ple tube and slowly squeeze the bulb until the sample

is near the pipet’s opening.

9. Place the pipet tip into the electrophoresis buffer so it

is barely inside sample well 1 (fig. 7.10). Do not touch

the bottom of the sample well. Maintain pressure on

the pipet bulb to avoid pulling buffer into the pipet.

10. Slowly inject the sample into the sample well. Stop

squeezing the pipet when the well is full. Do not

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.10 Submerge the gel in the buffer-filled electrophoresis

chamber and load the samples into the wells of the gel.

release the pressure on the bulb. Remove the pipet

from the well.

11. Thoroughly rinse the pipet with distilled water.

12. Load the remaining five samples into the gel by

repeating steps 6–10 (fig. 7.10). Load Sample 2 into

the second well, Sample 3 into the third well, etc.

13. Carefully snap on the cover of the electrophoresis

chamber (fig. 7.11). The red plug in the cover should

be placed on the terminal indicated by the red dot.

The black plug in the cover should be placed on the

terminal indicated by the black dot.

14. Insert the plug of the black wire into the black (nega-

tive) input of the power supply. Insert the plug of the

red wire into the red (positive) input of the power

supply.

15. Turn on the power and set the voltage at 90 V. You’ll

soon see bubbles forming on the electrodes. Examine

the gel every 10 min.

16. After 30 min, turn off the power and disconnect the

leads from the power source. Gently remove the cover

from the chamber and sketch your results in figure 7.9.

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 77 10/11/18 7:38 PM

©EDVOTEK, Inc.

Figure 7.11 Attach the safety cover, connect the power source, and

run the electrophoresis.

78 E

XERCISE

7 7–8

Question 3

a. Bromophenol blue, Orange G, and xylene cyanol each

has a negative charge at neutral pH, whereas methylene

blue has a positive charge at neutral pH. How does this

information relate to your results?

b. Did Orange G, bromophenol blue, and xylene cyanol

move the same distance in the gel? Why or why not?

c. What compounds do you suspect are in Samples 5 and 6?

Explain your answer.

INTERPRETING A DNA-SEQUENCING GEL

Examine figure 7.12, which includes a photograph of a

gel used to determine the order, or sequence, of nucleo-

tides in a strand of DNA. To prepare the sample for

T G C T A T

Single-stranded DNA fragment to be sequenced

Reaction mixtures

contain DNA polymerase

+ddATP

G C T CC

A T GC T A T GC T CC

ddACGATACGAGG

Add TACGAGG

ddACGAGG

ddAGG

+ddCTP +ddGTP

ddA

+ddTTP

Smaller

fragments

Larger

fragments

Reaction products from

mixture containing

dideoxyATP (ddATP)

ddC ddG ddT

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

ATGC

(e)

Courtesy George Kantor

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 78 10/11/18 7:38 PM

Figure 7.12 Determining the sequence of nucleotides in DNA. (a) Treating DNA with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) denatures double-stranded

DNA into single-stranded DNA. One of the single strands of DNA to be sequenced is placed in each of four tubes. (b) The enzyme DNA poly-

merase is added to each tube along with a specific nucleotide-terminator. As polymerase replicates the DNA, the terminators are incorporated and

will terminate various lengths of fragments of DNA. For example, the terminator ddATP will halt the reaction wherever adenosine occurs. The

terminator ddATP (dideoxy adenosine triphosphate) will terminate a growing strand because it lacks a 3′ hydroxyl group and therefore cannot bond

with the next deoxynucleotide. (c) Each tube will contain a sample of all possible replicated fragment lengths corresponding to the positions of that

specific nucleotide. The sequences in red are the complement strands. (d) During electrophoresis, the fragments migrate at different rates according

to their length. (e) The lanes of the resulting gel are labeled according to their base: A, adenine; T, thymine; G, guanine; and C, cytosine. This tech-

nique is usually referred to as “Sanger” sequencing in honor of Fred Sanger, a Nobel laureate who, in 1977, first sequenced a piece of DNA.

7–9 Separating Organic Compounds 79

electrophoresis, samples of the DNA being investigated

were put into each of four tubes and induced to replicate.

Also, into the first tube, an adenine-terminator was added

in addition to all the other nucleotides. As the complemen-

tary strand was being constructed, the terminators were

occasionally incorporated wherever an adenine nucleotide

was used. This random incorporation resulted in all possi-

ble lengths of DNA pieces that had an adenine on the end.

The same process was conducted in the other tubes with

thymine-, guanine-, and cytosine-terminators; one treat-

ment for each of the four lanes in the gel. Electrophoresis

separated the replicated pieces of DNA by size. Stain-

ing the gel revealed which lengths of the complementary

DNA were terminated by which nucleotide-terminators.

Examine figure 7.12d.

The gel consists of four “lanes,” labeled A, T, G,

and C, indicating either adenine-, thymine-, guanine-, or

cytosine-terminated pieces of DNA. By “reading” down

the gel, you can determine the sequence of nucleotides in

the DNA. For example, the uppermost band of the gel is in

theT (thymine) lane. Therefore, the first base of the piece

of DNA is thymine. Similarly, the next bands are in the A,

C, G, and A lanes. Thus, the first five bases of the comple-

mentary strand DNA are T-A-C-G-A. List the next seven

nucleotides of the DNA as indicated by the gel. Also list

the sequence of the first 12 nucleotides in the original DNA

being investigated.

Question 4

a. How did the sequence of nucleotides revealed on the

gel differ from the sequence of the original strand of

DNA?

b. Assume that the gel shown in Figure 7.12d is from

blood collected at a murder scene. This blood does

not match that of the victim. You have collected DNA

from five people suspected of murder. Gels comparable

to the one shown in Figure 7.12d read as follows for

each of the suspects:

Suspect #1: T-A-C-G-A-T-A-C-G-A-C

Suspect #2: T-A-C-G-A-T-A-C-G-A-C

Suspect #3: T-A-C-G-A-C-A-C-G-C-G

Suspect #4: T-A-C-G-A-T-G-C-G-A-C

Suspect #5: T-A-C-G-A-T-C-C-G-T-C

What do you conclude from this evidence?

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING I

Is there always room for improvement in laboratory techniques?

Carefully planned and refined procedures are critical for

laboratory techniques such as paper chromatography. The

sensitivity of these techniques depends on a variety of fac-

tors, including the many parameters associated with timing,

chemicals, measurements, and temperatures. In procedure

7.2 you were given a rather standardized protocol, but it can

always be improved for specific experiments. For example,

how would you modify the paper chromatography proce-

dure to better resolve two amino acids having approximately

the same R

values? What parameter(s) of the experimental

design might be tweaked to increase the technique’s resolv-

ing power? We suggest that you begin your investigation in

the following way:

a. List the parameters involved in paper chromatography.

Think carefully; many factors are involved.

b. Choose one or two parameters that you can test for their

impact on the chromatography results. Why did you

choose these?

c. Choose two amino acids for experimentation. Why did

you choose these two?

d. Choose your treatment levels for each parameter, and

then do your experiment.

e. What did you conclude?

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 79 10/11/18 7:38 PM

80 E

XERCISE

7 7–10

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING II

What’s the best column length for effective column chromatography?

Observation: Column chromatography is a common means

of separating molecules according to their size and shape. The

movement of molecules through a column is affected by several

factors, including the column’s matrix and the column’s length.

Question: How does the length of a column affect the separa-

tion of molecules via column chromatography?

a. Establish a working lab group and obtain Inquiry-Based

Learning Worksheet 7 from your instructor.

b. Discuss with your group well-defined questions relevant

to the preceding observation and question. Choose and

record your group’s best question for investigation.

c. Translate your question into a testable hypothesis and

record it.

d. Outline on Worksheet 7 your experimental design and

supplies needed to test your hypothesis. Ask your instruc-

tor to review your proposed investigation.

e. Conduct your procedures, record your data, answer your

question, and make relevant comments.

f. Discuss with your instructor any revisions to your questions,

hypothesis, or procedures. Repeat your work as needed.

Questions for Further Study and Inquiry

How are column chromatography, paper chromatography, and gel electrophoresis different? How are they similar?

2. How would the results of electrophoresis vary if the voltage was increased? If the agarose was made more dense? Or if

the migration was allowed to run twice as long?

3. How could knowing the nucleotide base sequence of a piece of DNA be important to a biologist?

4. How could knowing the nucleotide base sequence of a piece of DNA be important to someone trying to solve a crime?

5. How could knowing the nucleotide base sequence of a piece of DNA be important for someone studying a hereditary

disease?

6. How could knowing the nucleotide base sequence of a piece of DNA be important for someone wanting to improve the

yield of a crop such as corn?

WRITING TO LEARN BIOLOGY

Which of the methods discussed in this exercise

would best quantify the relative amounts of the mol-

ecules being separated? Why?

vod00720_ch07_071-080.indd 80 10/11/18 7:38 PM