FY12CE Biology case studies
FY12CE Biology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
FY12CE Biology is a multiple-choice biology examination organised around five content domains: Molecules and Cells (25%), Genetics and Heredity (20%), Evolution and Diversity (20%), Organismal Biology (20%) and Ecology and Environment (15%). Candidates typically sit it to evidence a solid, broad foundation in biology for progression into further study or for entry to programmes that expect a general biological grounding. The FY12CE Biology case studies are 5 cases and about 3,287 words.
1Catalase Practical: One Peak or Two?
A Year 12 class investigates catalase activity in potato tissue. Each group blends 2.0 g of fresh potato for exactly 30 s in 20 cm³ of pH 7.0 buffer, filters the slurry, and keeps the extract on ice.
702 words, about 4 min2Cystic Fibrosis Risk After a Negative Carrier Panel
Mele and Sera are both unaffected by cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive condition, but each has a brother with CF. Neither has any other family history, and neither has been tested.
669 words, about 3 min3Lizard Body Size on a Snake-Invaded Islet
In 2010, 180 wall lizards were released on a 2.5 ha islet that had no native predators. A snake arrived in 2013, probably in a cargo crate.
627 words, about 3 min4Collapse After a Marathon: Water, Sodium and ADH
A 68 kg runner finishes a charity marathon in 4 h 40 min in 28 °C heat and 70% humidity. During the race he drinks 6.5 L of plain water; over the next two hours he drinks another 2.0 L because he feels bloated and thirsty.
661 words, about 3 min5A Lake, a Bloom and a Fish Kill
A 40 ha lake receives treated effluent from a town of 6,000 people. Summer monitoring shows total phosphorus 0.18 mg L⁻¹ (target 0.02 mg L⁻¹), chlorophyll a 65 µg L⁻¹, Secchi depth 0.6 m, and surface dissolved oxygen 11 mg L⁻¹ at 14:00 but 2 mg L⁻¹ at 05:00.
628 words, about 3 min