BLAST Tool Analysis and Applications

Mrs. Sloan guides AP Biology students through Lab 3, focusing on comparing DNA sequences to understand evolutionary relationships using BLAST. The video covers lab setup, constructing cladograms, analyzing DNA sequences, and interpreting data. Students are instructed to use digital tools for cladogram creation and follow specific steps for DNA analysis using the BLAST tool. The lab emphasizes understanding gene similarities and evolutionary relationships.

What is the primary goal of the BLAST lab as introduced by Mrs. Sloan?

• To compare DNA sequences to understand evolutionary relationships

• To learn about plant physiology

• To study animal behavior

• To explore chemical reactions in biology

Which tool can be used to digitally draw a cladogram for the lab?

• Notability

• PowerPoint

• Photoshop

• Excel

What is the purpose of analyzing the specimen from China?

• To identify its habitat

• To measure its size

• To place it in a cladogram based on morphology

• To determine its diet

How many genes are analyzed from the specimen using the BLAST tool?

• Four

• Five

• Three

• Two

What is the first step after downloading the genes for analysis?

• Print them out

• Open them in a text editor

• Upload them to the BLAST site

• Email them to the instructor

What should you sort by when analyzing data in the BLAST tool?

• E value

• Max score

• Date

• Alphabetical order

What is the common name for Gallus gallus as found in the BLAST analysis?

• Sparrow

• Pigeon

• Chicken

• Duck

What is the dependent variable in the DNA analysis part of the lab?

• The number of genes

• The percent similarities between the new specimen and other organisms

• The size of the specimen

• The color of the specimen

What should you do if you encounter a new species in your BLAST results?

• Ignore it

• Note its scientific and common names

• Restart the analysis

• Delete the entry

What resources are necessary to complete the BLAST lab?

• A textbook and a notebook

• The lab map, lab book, College Board website, and BLAST site

• A calculator and a ruler

• A microscope and slides