The Scientific Method Assignment | Online Assignment
Download the assignment linked below. Lab 1 Exploring Genetically Modified Corn.docPreview the document Please read Chapter 1 in your textbook. Download this document for directions to use the online lab site: Scientific Method Lab How To.docxPreview the document Go to this website to complete the lab. https://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/labs/BL_01/index.html (Links to an external site.) Upload completed assignment by the due date
Lab 1 Exploring Genetically Modified Corn Using the Scientific Method
Complete your answers in the spaces provided.
The scientific method is how humans have figured out their world. Each and every one of us uses this method even if we don’t realize it!! Anytime you observe something and think why or how does that happen you are using the scientific method.
Be sure to watch the lab How To video on the canvas assignment page. Then use the link on the that same assignment page to access the online lab.
Pre Lab Questions
- Define the term Independent Variable.
- Define the term Dependent Variable.
- How many independent variables should be included in an experiment? Why?
Read through the background information FIRST!! This information is in the small notebook that will be on the opening screen as seen in the screenshot below.
- What does ‘transgenic’ mean with respect to Bt corn?
- Which cells in the corn plant will produce the Bt cry protein?
- According to the lab book information, is Bt corn allowed in human consumption food products? Why or why not?
- Aside from the European corn borer, which other insects may be harmed by transgenic Bt corn?
If you have not done so yet, watch the pre-lab video lecture which can be found on the assignment page in canvas.
You are going to gather data on four different strains of corn. For each strain you will collect data under three conditions (no ECB, minimal ECB, and high ECB infestations). As you gather your data fill in the chart on the following page. Each run will provide you with 3 dishes of corn per corn strain. You are to record each of those weights.
Table 1 Corn Yield
| Infestation Level | Golden Crop (Non Bt) | Super Harvest (Non-Bt) | Bt 123 | Bt 456 |
| none | ||||
| none | ||||
| none | ||||
| Average* | ||||
| minimal | ||||
| minimal | ||||
| minimal | ||||
| Average* | ||||
| high | ||||
| high | ||||
| high | ||||
| Average* |
* To calculate the average, add up the three plates of corn and divide by 3. For example if you weighed out 185.2, 184.6, 189.3 you add those three numbers = 559.1 then divide this by 3 which = 186.37
- For the experiment using the Golden Crop strain, explain what is the independent variable.
- For the three rows marked ‘high’ for infestation, what is the independent variable?
- What is the dependent variable for all the experiments in this lab?
- Discuss which strain provides the best yield under all conditions. Include in your answer the data you used to make your determination.
- Discuss which strain provides the least yield under all conditions. Include in your answer the data you used to make your determination.
- Compare the results for Golden crop with Bt123. Under what condition is it beneficial to plant the transgenic strain? Explain your answer using the relevant data from the lab.
- Bt corn in addition to having the Bacillus thuringiensis cry protein gene, it also has had other modifications to render it sterile. This means that farmers cannot save any of the corn to use as seed for the next year to plant. If Bt corn costs 20% more to plant, under what conditions (if any) is it cost effective to plant transgenic corn? Explain your answer using the relevant data from the lab.
