Biology 9700 Practical Notes [updated]

Practical investigations often focus on topics like enzyme activity, cell membranes, and plant transport. :

) by transferring a set volume from one tube to the next in a sequence. Microscopy Calibration

Draw your table with a ruler and ensure it is fully enclosed. 3. Biological Drawings Your drawings are maps, not art projects. No Shading: Use clear, continuous lines. No "feathering" or sketching. Proportion:

: Use a ruler for label lines; lines must touch the feature being labeled and should not have arrowheads. 4. Data Presentation and Analysis biology 9700 practical notes

. Success in this component relies on a combination of precise manual dexterity, accurate data presentation, and the ability to interpret biological phenomena under timed conditions. 1. Essential Quantitative Techniques

Use a sharp HB pencil. Draw clear, continuous lines. No sketching, feathering, or shading.

1 epu=Number of smd×Distance of 1 smdNumber of epu1 epu equals the fraction with numerator Number of smd cross Distance of 1 smd and denominator Number of epu end-fraction Practical investigations often focus on topics like enzyme

, the volume of air inside the tube drops, creating negative pressure. This pulls a colored liquid drop along a graduated capillary tube.

1. Core Practical Skills (Paper 3 - Advanced Practical Skills)

If you are taking Cambridge International A-Level Biology (9700), you already know the truth: No "feathering" or sketching

: Qualitative and semi-quantitative tests (e.g., Benedict’s for reducing sugars, Iodine for starch, Biuret for protein).

"Why did you remove the excess stain with a paper towel?" A: "To prevent the stain from crystallizing on the slide, which would obscure the view."

Heat with Benedict's solution. Color change: Blue → Green → Yellow → Orange → Brick red precipitate. Non-Reducing Sugars: Heat with HCl first, neutralize with NaHCO3cap N a cap H cap C cap O sub 3 , then perform the Benedict's test.

: Your recorded data should reflect the precision of the equipment used (e.g., a ruler in mm or a thermometer in 0.5°C increments). 4. Planning and Evaluation (Paper 5)

Timing: 1 hour 15 min | Weight: 12%