Science Inquiry Skills
What type of variable is deliberately changed by the scientist?
Independent Variable
What does the “T” stand for in PLUST?
Title
Where is DNA found in the cell?
What is fertilisation?
Fusion of the ova and the sperm
What is one function of the placenta?
Provides nutrients and removes waste
What type of variable is measured in the experiment?
Dependent variable
Where is the independent variable plotted on a graph?
X-axis
What is a gene?
A unit of inheritance that carries genetic information.
What is the name of the cell formed after fertilisation?
Zygote
Name one technique used to monitor an unborn baby
Ultrasound, blood test, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling
Why are controlled variables important in an experiment?
To ensure a fair test by keeping other factors constant.
Why must units be included on graph axes?
To show what is being measured and allow interpretation.
What structures are made of DNA?
Chromosomes
Where does implantation occur?
In the endometrium
What is a karyotype used for?
Detect chromosomal abnormalities
Identify one hazard when working with biological samples and how to reduce the risk.
Contamination → wear gloves / proper disposal
What is one common mistake students make when plotting graphs?
Uneven scale, missing labels, incorrect axis placement, spacing between columns
What does “n” and “2n” represent in terms of chromosome sets?
“n” represents haploid and “2n” represents diploid
Where does fertilisation occur?
How can maternal smoking affect a developing baby?
Reduced oxygen → developmental issues
Explain what “scale” means in PLUST graphing and why it is important.
The intervals used on axes; ensures data is displayed accurately and clearly
Explain why a line graph is more appropriate than a bar graph for continuous data.
Shows trends and relationships over a range.
Explain the relationship between DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
Genes are sections of DNA; DNA is packaged into chromosomes.
What does a blastocyst become after implantation?
Explain how genetic testing can identify disorders before birth.
By analysing DNA or chromosomes for abnormalities