Relationships and Biodiversity Lab Review

In an effort to determine how closely related several plant species are, a student performed the laboratory test in the diagram. The method used by the student to compare plant extracts from the different species is

• Gel electrophoresis

• DNA banding

• A staining technique

• Paper chromatography

Answer explanation

Paper chromatography is a lab technique that allows us to compare pigments (color) of different species.

Identify the factor that caused the fragments to move through the gel rather than remaining in the wells.

Answer explanation

An electric current (electricity) allows the DNA fragments to move down the gel.

During the Relationships and Biodiversity lab, pigments from three plant species were compared to those in Botana curus. The results were similar to those represented in the diagram. Based on the results of this comparison alone, is there enough information to conclude which of the other three species is most closely related to Botana curus?

• Yes. Only species X has the same bands as Botana curus.

• Yes. Species X has only two of the bands that Botana curus has.

• No. Additional tests should be done to test for other chemical similarities.

• No. Other rainforest plant species should be tested.

Answer explanation

To make a conclusion on whether species are related, it is best practice to perform multiple tests to get the most reliable/accurate results.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

State where on the gel the largest fragments of DNA would be located.

Answer explanation

The largest fragments would stay towards the top of the gel (closest to the wells).

When provided with a sequence of bases in one segment of mRNA, the Universal Genetic Code Chart is used to

• Directly identify the DNA from an animal cell

• Determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein

• Change the RNA sequence of a protein into DNA

• Identify the specific mutations in the genetic material in a cell

Answer explanation

We use the genetic code chart to find amino acids.

In many parts of the world, plants are used as a source of medicine. Many of these plants are in danger of becoming extinct. It is therefore important for researchers to

• Collect and dry all the medicinal plants to preserve them for future use

• Search for other plant species that could be used as a new source of that medicine

• Use the plants now while we still have them

• Apply fertilizer to reduce the numbers of the plant that grow in the wild

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

The chart below shows the molecular comparison between several species. Identify which species is likely to be more closely related to Botana curus. Support your answer.

Answer explanation

Species Z has the same amino acids as Botana curus.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

The fragments of DNA separated into these bands because of their

• pH and color

• charge and radioacitivity

• electrical charge and size

• color and size

Tests were performed to help identify the person who committed a crime. Lane D contained DNA from evidence found at the crime scene. Lanes A, B, and C contained DNA from each of the three suspects. Identify the lane that contained the band with the shortest fragments of DNA. Support your answer.

Answer explanation

Lane A, because the shortest fragments move the farthest through the gel.