RP5 - dissection of an animal or plant gas exchange system or mass transport system or of organ within such a system

Question 1

Describe precautions that should be followed when performing a dissection

Answer 1

• Cover any cuts with a waterproof dressing
• When using a scalpel , cut away from body onto a hard surface
• when using a scalpel , use a sharp blade
• when using a scalpel , carry blade pointed down
• wear disposable gloves and disinfect hands / wash with soap
• Disinfect surfaces / equipment
• safe disposal - put gloves / paper towel / organ in a separate bag / bin to dispose
• if poisonous chemicals / toxins involved , work in a well ventilated environment

Question 2

Suggest an ethical consideration when dissecting animals

Answer 2

• morally wrong to kill animals just for dissection
• so use animals for dissection that have already been killed for meat

Question 3

Describe how you could prepare a temporary mount of a piece of plant tissue for observation with an optical microscope
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Answer 3

• Asd a drop of water to a glass slide
• obtain a thin section of specimen and place on slide
• stain
• lower coverslip at an angle using a mounted needle without trapping air bubbles

Question 4

what are the rules of scientific drawing

Answer 4

• look similar to species
• draw parts to same scale
• no sketching - only clear continuous lines
• no shading
• include a magnification scale
• label with straight , uncrossed lines