1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

The student is expected to:

2F collect and organizequalitative and quantitative data andmake measurements with accuracyand precision using tools... and3E evaluate models according totheir limitations in representingbiological objects or events

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

KEY CONCEPTTechnology continually changes the way biologists work.

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

Observations include making measurements

• Scientists use a variety of tools to gather and analyze data.– Field journals are used to record data.– Laboratory glassware and hot plates allow scientists to

set up experiments.– Microscopes and hand lenses enhance the senses.– Rulers, balances, timing devices, and electronic

probeware are used to gather quantitative data.– Computers are used to calculate, analyze, and report

data.

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

Observations include making measurements

• Quantitative data are gathered through measurement, using the modern metric system.– Accuracy is a description of how close a measurement is

to the true value of the quantity measured.– Precision is the exactness of a measurement.

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

Technology contributes to the progress of science.

• A microscope provides an enlarged image of an object.

stoma

– light microscopes (LM) 2 Dimensional– scanning electron microscopes (SEM) 3D– transmission electron microscopes (TEM)2D

stomastoma

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

– functional MRI (fMRI)

– magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Medical Imaging

– x-ray images

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

Complex systems are modeled on computers.

• Computer models are used to study systems that cannot be studied directly.– heart attacks– effect of medicines on the

human body– movement of water molecules

into and out of a cell– spread of a disease through a

population• Computer models are used when

experiments are not safe, ethical, or practical.

Normal heartbeat

Heart attack

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

The tools of molecular genetics give rise to new biological studies.

• A gene is a segment of DNA that stores genetic information.

1.4 Biologists’ Tools and Technology TEKS 2F, 3E

• Through our understanding of DNA, we can study genetics on a molecular level.

– molecular genetics

– genomics