Cambridge IAL Biology case studies

Cambridge IAL Biology · Put your knowledge to work in context.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) is a Cambridge Advanced qualification built on the skills learners acquire at Cambridge IGCSE or an equivalent level. The syllabus combines the main theoretical concepts fundamental to biology, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills, with practical skills assessed in a timetabled practical examination. The Cambridge IAL Biology case studies are 5 cases and about 3,186 words.

Catalase inhibition in potato extract: testing a claimed non-competitive inhibitor

A student investigates catalase in potato tissue. 20 g of peeled potato is blended with 30 cm3 of 0.10 mol dm−3 phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 and filtered to make 50 cm3 of extract.

652 words, about 3 min 2

Estimating potato tuber water potential from mass changes in sucrose solutions

Potato tuber cylinders are cut with a 1.0 cm diameter cork borer and trimmed to 4.0 cm. Groups of six cylinders are blotted, weighed together, and placed in 20 cm3 of sucrose solution for 30 min at 22 °C.

653 words, about 3 min 3

A tomato testcross: chi-squared, linkage and map distance

In tomato, fruit shape is controlled by a gene with alleles R (round, dominant) and r (elongated, recessive). Leaf type is controlled by a second gene with alleles C (cut leaf, dominant) and c (potato leaf, recessive).

669 words, about 3 min 4

CO2 enrichment in a tomato glasshouse: interpreting limiting factors

Tomato plants in a glasshouse are grown at 25 °C. Net carbon dioxide uptake is measured at two light intensities, low light (PPFD 200 µmol m−2 s−1) and high light (PPFD 1200 µmol m−2 s−1), and at two CO2 concentrations, 400 ppm and 1000 ppm.

617 words, about 3 min 5

Cephalosporin resistance in ICU Escherichia coli: selection, plasmids and dosing

Escherichia coli isolates are collected from urine samples of patients in an intensive care unit. Disk diffusion testing with ceftriaxone is performed using a standardised inoculum and breakpoints.

595 words, about 3 min