Assignment 1 – Pre-University Biology
Part 1 (Value 8 points)
To prepare for this question, please read the following pages in our course manual: Pages XXXXXXXXXX
A biologist studied the environmental impact of an he
icide on squi
el reproduction. First, the biologist selected two small islands with similar vegetation and similar-sized squi
el populations (about 200 squi
els) with equal reproductive rates. Then, at random, one island was sprayed with he
icide, and the other was used as a control. Squi
el reproduction rates were measured on both islands before and after the treatment. Based on your knowledge of the scientific process, what is the most significant flaw in this investigation, and how would you suggest the scientist proceeds?
For full value:
Discuss the scientific process in detail (5 points)
Indicate which of the process mentioned above are flawed and why (2 points)
Offer suggestions on how to improve this scientist's process (1 point)
Suggested length: 3 paragraphs
Part 2 (Value 4 points)
2a) Why is mitosis an essential topic for health professionals? (2 points)
2b) Provide an example to support your answer. (2 points)
For full value:
Explain your understanding of mitosis
iefly, why health care professionals are interested and provide an example of why it is essential.
Suggested length: 2 paragraphs
Part 3 (value 8 points)
Inheritance of Coat Colour in Ra
its
Background: Coat colour in ra
its is governed by four different alleles. Each allele produces a different coat colour: dark grey, Chinchilla, Himalayan, and white. However, each ra
it has only two alleles. Study the relationship among the alleles in the table and then answer the questions below. Consider creating a Punnett square to help you with your calculations.
Phenotype (coat colour)
Allele
Pattern of inheritance
Dary Grey
C
dominant to all other alleles
Chinchilla
cch
dominant to Himalayan and to white
Himalayan
ch
dominant to white
White
c
recessive
Questions:
3a) List all of the possible genotypes for the Dark Grey Ra
it, Chinchilla Ra
it, Himalayan Ra
it and the White Ra
it (4 points)
3b) Predict the phenotype of the following:
i) cchch (1 point)
ii) Cch (1 point)
3c) Would it be possible to obtain white ra
its if one parent is white and the other is a chinchilla? Explain your reasoning (1 point)
3d) Would it be possible to obtain Chinchilla ra
its if one parent is Himalayan and the other is white? Explain your reasoning (1 point)
3e) A Chinchilla ra
it is mated with a Himalayan. Some of the offspring are white. What are the parent's genotypes? (1 point)
Gramma
punctuation/spelling e
ors counted at -0.1 per e
o
Outside sources must be cited. Please use either in-text citations, a bibliography or references.