COVENANT UNIVERSITY

ALPHA SEMESTER TUTORIAL KIT (VOL. 2)

P R O G R A M M E : A P P L I E D B I O LO GY

200 LEVEL

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DISCLAIMER

The contents of this document are intended for practice and learning purposes at the undergraduate

level. The materials are from different sources including the internet and the contributors do not

in any way claim authorship or ownership of them. The materials are also not to be used for any

commercial purpose.

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LIST OF COURSES

BLY211: Introductory Genetics and Evolution

BLY212: Animal Physiology

BLY213: Basic Biological Techniques

BLY214: Fundamental of Ecology

*BLY217: Introduction

*Not included

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COVENANT UNIVERSITY

Department of Biological Sciences

Alpha Semester Examination

Programme: Applied Biology and Biotechnology.

Course Code: BLY211 Course Title: Introductory genetics and evolution. Unit: 2

Tutorial Questions.

1. What are chromosomes? Chromosomes are the rod-shaped, filamentous bodies present in the nucleus,

which become visible during cell division. Genetic materials are embedded inside chromosomes. When

eukarytic cell is not undergoing cell division, the DNA and associated proteins appears as thin chromatin

threads called Chromatin fibers.

2. Describe the structure of a chromosome: A duplicated chromosome is composed of two identical halves

called sister chromatids held together at a constricted region called a centromere. Each sister chromatid

contains an identical DNA double helix.

3. State the protein molecule associated with chromosome and its functions Histone protein molecule;

packages and orders DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

4. List the possible classification of chromosomes with examples.

The followings are the possible classification of chromosomes:

i. Euploidy (haploids, diploids, triploids)

ii. Aneuploidy are: Monosomics (2n-1), Trisomics (2n+1), Nullisomics (2n-2), Tetrasomics (2n+2)

iii. Based on the number of centromere (Acentric chromosomes – without centromere, Monocentric

– with one centromere, Dicentric – with two centromeres,Polycentric – many centromeres).

iv. Based on position of centromere:

v. Based on Heterochromatin and Euchromatic (dark-staining are heterochromatic region or heterochromatin, Light staining are euchromatic region or euchromatin).

5. State the chromosome-theory of inheritance? The theory states that inherited traits are controlled by genes

residing on chromosome carefully transmitted via gametes maintaining continuity from generation to

generation.

6. Discuss why chromosome is regarded as a genetic unit? i. DNA and associated proteins are packaged into a set of chromosomes, which allow it to be

distributed to the daughter cells.

ii. During cell division, chromosomes divides and distributes genetic materials to the daughter cells

iii. Existences of chromosomes in pairs just as you have ‘genes’ in pairs.

iv. Genes are ordered / arranged inside chromosomes acting as vehicle that transfers the genetic

materials.

v. Alternative forms of genes (alleles) are also made up of chromosomes.

7. With appropriate diagram, show a duplicated chromosome? (4 marks)

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8. Describe the shape of a DNA Molecule? The DNA is a nucleic acid composed of two interwined nucleotide

building block chains. DNA dictates the inherent properties or characteristics of a species. The information

encoded in DNA is in the form of a sequence called nucleotides. The DNA is composed of two

complementary nucleotide building block chains. The nucleotides are made up of a phosphate group, a five

carbon sugar and a nitrogen base. DNA sugar is Deoxyribonucleic acid. The bases are; purines that are two

ringed bases – Adenine (A) and Guanine (G); Pyrimidines are one ringed bases – Cytosine (C) and Thymine

(T). The four bases are linked in a repeated pattern and are said to be complementary. The linking of the

two complementary is called hybridization. A purine usually links with a pyrimidine base to maintain the

structure of DNA. Adenine (A) binds to Thymine (T) while Guanine (G) binds to Cytosine (C).For example;

CCGAATGGGATGC & GGCTTACCCTACG

9. What base does adenine and guanine pair with? Thyamine and Cytosine

10. Suppose you know that the sequence of bases on one DNA strand is AGCTGAG. What is the sequence of

bases on the opposite strand? TCGACTC.

11. State at least two features of Molecular Structure of the DNA double helix?

I. Two stands of DNA form a right-hand double helix

II. The bases in opposite stands hydrogen bond according to the AT/GC rule (chargaff’s rule)

III. The 2 stands are antiparallel with regards to their 5` to 3` direction

IV. There are ~10 nucleotides in each strand per complete 360° turn of the helix

12. Briefly explain the ‘gene concept’ and how you will define a gene?

According to the classical concept, a gene is a unit of:

i. Physiological functions

ii. Transmission or segregation of characters

iii. Mutations.

iv. Genes are considered as a unit of function (cistron), a unit of recombination (recon) and a unit of

mutation (mutan).

v. In molecular genetics, a gene is a sequence of DNA bases that code for a product or rather protein.

A sequence of triplets in the DNA molecule may code for a complete protein. Characters are

controlled by gene. The defined sequence of the four bases also constitutes a gene. Genes are

segments of DNA that code for all the proteins in a cell.

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13. What is a codon? Give at least five examples of a codon. Explain succinctly how proteins are made?

The sequence of bases in a DNA forms genetic code (a group of three bases or triplet) and controls the

production of a particular amino acid in the cytoplasm of the cell. Each three-letter (nucleotide) unit of an

mRNA molecule is called a codon, which codes for a single amino acid.

Example of codons:

14. What are chromosomal aberrations? State major causes of numerical and structural chromosomal

aberrations?

15. Discuss briefly on structural chromosomal aberrations with examples?

16. what are the causes and features associated with the following resultant effects of Chromosomal

aberrations:

i. cri-du-chat syndrome

ii. Down’s syndrome

iii. Turner’s syndrome

iv. Multiple X syndrome.

17. Discuss on the following forms of mutation:

i. Point Mutation

ii. Spontaneous mutation

iii. Silent mutation

iv. Frameshift mutation

18. Write short note on causes, effects and applications of mutation in recent times

19. What are DNA repair mechanisms? Give at least two examples

20. Comment freely on genetics and society?

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COVENANT UNIVERSITY

TUTORIAL QUESTIONS

COLLEGE: Science and Technology DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences Programme: Applied Biology and Biotechnology Course Code: BLY 212 Course Title: Animal Physiology Units: 2 Semester: Alpha

1. Describe the first and second laws of thermodynamics and discuss the implications of

these laws as it relates to organisms.

2. Distinguish between exergonic and endergonic reactions.

3. Describe five functions of the vertebrate circulatory system.

4. Contrast an open circulatory system to a closed circulatory system.

5. Describe the structure and function of human heart with a labeled diagram.

6. Tension is exerted on a spring and the released, describe how these actions relate to

work, potential energy and kinetic energy.

7. Discuss the central role of ATP in the overall energy metabolism of the cell.

8. List and give a brief overview of the stages involved in aerobic respiration, indicate where

each stage takes place in the eukaryotic cell and add up the energy captured in each

stage.

9. Mitochondria are often referred to as the ‘power house of the cell. Justify this with a

specific explanation.

10. Compare how nutrients and oxygen are transported to the body cells in a hydra, planaria,

earthworm, insect and frog.

11. Trace the path of a red blood cell from (a) from the inferior vena cava to the aorta, and

(b) from the renal vein to the renal artery.

12. Compare the structure and function of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

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Answers

1. Thermodynamics- Study of energy and its transformations

The 1st Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed

2nd Law states that when energy is converted from one form to another, some usable energy is

converted to less usable form (heat) that disperses into the environment

The Implications of these two laws is that;

All the activities of the universe is goverened by the laws of thermodynamics

a. Total energy of the universe does not change

b. Disorder (entropy) in the universe is continuously increasing, thus the amount of usable

energy available to do work in the universe decreases over time.

2. Exergonic reactions are spontaneous reactions that release free energy.

In exergonic reactions, the products have less free energy than was present in the reactants,

and the reaction proceeds simultaneously.

In an endergonic reaction, there is a net gain in the free energy. The products have more free

energy than was present in the reactants.

Exergonic Reaction-Free energy decreases during excergonic reactions while endergonic

Reaction-free energy increases during endergonic reaction.

3. Functions of them vertebrate circulatory system

Transports nutrients from the digestive system and storage depots to the cells

Transports oxygen from respiratory structures

Transports metabolic wastes

Transport hormones from endocrine glands to target tissue

Helps maintain fluid balance

Defends the body against invading microorganisms

Helps distribute metabolic heat

Help maintain appropriate pH.

4. A. Closed Circulatory System

o Blood flows through a continuous circuit of blood vessels

o The walls of the capillaries are thin enough to permit diffusion of gases

o Common in annelids and Echinodermerta

o In Nemertea, The system consists of complete network of vessels but no heart

o In earthworm, Two main blood vessels extend length wise forming a continuous circuit

of blood vessels.

o Vertebrates have a closed circulatory system

B Open Circulatory System

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This is common in some invertebrates especially arthropods and molluscs.

In open circulatory system the heart pumps blood into vessels that have open ends

A heart pumps the blood into arteries that end in sinuses of the heamocoel.

Blood flows into the heamocoel, bathing the tissues directly

Blood and Interstitial fluid are not distinguishable and they are collectively referred

to as hemolymph.

Blood spills out of the open ends of the blood vessels filling large spaces of the

hemocoel (blood cavity).

5. Structure and Function of Human Heart.

The heart is well adapted for pumping blood.

Humans have a four chambered heart surrounded by a fluid filled membrane known as

the pericardium.

The right and left side of the heart are separated by a wall of muscle called the septum

The heart contains two thin walled upper chambers known as atria.

The atria collect blood from the veins.

The heart contains two thick walled lower chambers called ventricles.

The ventricles receive blood from the atria and pump it out of the heart.

The heart contains atrioventricularvalves that control the flow of blood.

Valves are also located between the ventricles and the arteries known as semi-lunar

valves

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COVENANT UNIVERSITY

Department of Biological Sciences

Alpha Semester Examination

Programme: Applied Biology and Biotechnology.

Course Code: BLY213 Course Title: Basic Biological Techniques Unit: 2

Tutorial Questions.

1. Mention any three of the discoveries of Van Leuwenhoek in his method of grinding very

small glass lenses.

2. Why is there greater magnification in the electron microscope than in the light

microscope?

a.

3. What is the highest magnification you can get in a compound microscope?

4. List five (5) parts of the compound microscope and their functions.

5. Highlight one after the other, the steps you will take when using the compound

microscope

6. Explain the following types of chromatography pointing out their unique characteristics

a. Paper chromatography

b. Column chromatography

c. Thin layer chromatography

d. Ion-exchanged chromatography

7. What is the primary difference between Gas and Liquid chromatography?

8. What is paper chromatography? Describe the principle behind its use

9. Differentiate between a chromatograph and a chromatogram

10. Calculate the retention factor in a paper chromatographic separation using the

information below.

a. Retention time - 5 minutes

b. Distance of sample from paper base before separation – 0.014m

c. Distance of sample from paper base after separation – 7cm

d. Distance moved by solvent – 0.084m

11. Discuss in detail the importance and application of chromatography.

12. Discuss experimental design on the basis of main term and types

13. Compare and contrast between true and quasi experimental designs

a. b) Discuss the attribute of a true experimental design with

b. c) What are the strong points of the validity of an experimental design?

14. Provide the principle and application of the Laminar airflow

15. Discuss the principle of the vortex mixer

16. Explain the principle and process behind the amplification of DNA fragment using PCR

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17. Enumerate at least 15 equipment and the principles behind their operations.

18. Discuss briefly the following:

a. three equipment that works on the principle:

(i) dry heat,

(ii) ii) wet heat (under pressure) and

(iii) electrical charge and molecule weight

19. Describe the principles of centrifugation.

20. Differentiate between zonal and isopycniz centrifugation.

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COVENANT UNIVERSITY CANAANLAND, KM 10 IDIROKO ROAD

PMB 1023 OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

TITLE OF EXAMINATION: B.Sc PROGRAMME EXAMINATIONS

SEMESTER: ALPHA

COLLEGE: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PROGRAMME: APPLIED BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

COURSE CODE: BLY214 COURSE TITLE: FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGY

COURSE UNIT: 2

Tutorial Questions Bly 214

Define- 1. Biodiversity and 2. Hot Spot of biodiversity. 3. List 3 level of biodiversity 4. List the (a) current and (b) future threats to biodiversity 5. List 6 uses of biodiversity 7. Draw the levels of biological organization 8. Define 4 characteristics of a population 9. List Four Natural Disasters 10. LIST five man-made disasters 11. Name the three major types of pollution 12. What is conservation of natural resources? 13. What are the two important food chain in the ecosystem? 14. What is residence time in energy flow of ecosystem? 15. What is biomass accumulation ratio? 16. What is sustainable development in ecology? 17. What is ammonification? 18. Why are there now more hurricanes, floods and droughts?

19. Why are volcanoes and earthquakes more dangerous now?

20. Give an Illustration of the Nitrogen Cycle

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Answers 1. Biodiversity – the different life forms / species in an area. 2. Hot Spot of Biodiversity- geographical regions that are particularly rich in endemic, rare and threatened species found in relatively small areas but facing significant threats of habitat loss. 3. Three levels of biodiversity: (i) Genetic diversity. (ii) Species diversity. (iii) Community and ecosystem diversity. 4. Current threats: (i) Habitat fragmentation and loss. (ii) Introduction of Alien Species. (iii) Overexploitation. (iv). Pollution. (v). Intensive agriculture and forestry. (vi). Climate change. Further threats (a) N2 deposition. (b) CO2 loading of the atmosphere. 5. Uses of biodiversity: - Ecological services. - Sources of food and improved varieties. - Drugs and medicines. - Industry. - Tourism and Recreation. - Aesthetic and Cultural benefits. - Scientific roles. 9. 1. Tsunamis 2. Wild fires 3. Floods 4. Hurricanes 10. i. War ii. Riot iii. Terrorism iv. Accidents v. Pollution 11. Three type of pollution are: Air; Water and Solid waste pollution 12. What is conservation of natural resources? Wise use of natural resources. 13. Two independent food chains in the ecosystem are: i. Herbivores chain Most important in plankton communities ii. Detritivores chain Most important in Terrestrial communities 14. Residence time – average time that energy spends on one trophic level = (energy stored in biomass)/(net productivity). 15. Biomass accumulation ratio – residence time based on biomass rather than energy = (biomass)/(rate of biomass production) 16. Sustainable development is Development that seeks to produce sustainable economic growth while ensuring future generations' ability to do the same by not exceeding the regenerative capacity of the nature., i.e a development occur and it's trying to protect the environment. 17. Ammonification – oxidation of carbon in amino acids, freeing ammonia

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– carried out by all organisms when recycling proteins – important in decomposition

18. Why are there now more hurricanes, floods and droughts?

Overpopulation and mismanagement of the world’s resources.

19. Why are volcanoes and earthquakes more dangerous now?

Because around half the world’s population lives in cities, more than 500 million people now live within

the range of volcanic eruption and an even greater number of people live at risk from earthquakes.

20. Illustration of the Nitrogen Cycle.

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COVENANT UNIVERSITY

Department of Biological Sciences

Alpha Semester Examination

Programme: Applied Biology and Biotechnology.

Course Code: BLY218 Course Title: Biosystematics Unit: 3

Tutorial Questions.

Section A

1. List and explain the different types of classification you know.

2. Unravel the common misunderstanding between the terms ‘systematics’ and ‘taxonomy’.

3. Highlight the basic principles of systematic and the uses

4. What are the aims and objectives of classification in taxonomy?

5. What disciplines in science have contributed taxonomic evidences to a better

understanding of taxonomic affinities between plants?

6. Discuss the importance of characters to systematic and taxonomy

7. Expatiate on the following:

a. Rank

b. Clade

c. Taxon

8. Discuss the attributes of the taxonomic rank system

9. Discuss the possible limitations of Chemical taxonomy

10. Discuss phylogenetic relationships

11. Discuss extensively dichotomous keys in plant identification.

12. What are the key techniques and limitations encountered in molecular phylogenetics?

13. Differentiate between phenetics and cladistics

14. Using specific examples, differentiate between homology and analogy

15. Describe the use of phylogenetic systematics in the construction of phylogenetic trees

based on shared characters.

16. What are nomenclature codes, discuss the various types

17. Write an essay on the taxonomic unit “Species”

18. Outline and discuss sample preparation for herbarium

19. Write concisely on the development of biological classification

20. Comparatively discuss morphological, embryological, biochemical and molecular

evidences in biosystematics