Applying Technology to Collect Data in Biology (DP IB Biology): Revision Note

Applying Technology to Collect Data in Biology

• Improvements in technology and data sharing have made it easier to collect data during biological investigations

  • Electronic sensors can be used to collect experimental data, e.g. 

    • Taking measurements of the abiotic environment

    • Using monitoring equipment to assess physiological factors such as lung volume and heart rate

  • Data relating to DNA sequences and chromosomes can be extracted from online databases

    • A database is a structured collection of data so it can be searched, sorted, filtered and analysed quickly

  • Models and simulations can be used to generate data to inform predictions about real life scenarios, e.g.

    • Predictions about population growth can be made using population growth curve models

    • Model ecosystems such as mesocosms can be used to investigate the effects of changing environmental variables

E.g. collecting data using electric data loggers and sensors

Data loggers

• Data loggers are electronic devices that allow for the quick and efficient gathering of data

  • The information contained within a data logger can be inputted into a computer and formatted into a table

  • After this is done the computer is able to calculate the average and plot graphs using the data and calculate gradients quicker and more accurately than humans

• Data loggers are attached to sensors that monitor and record environmental parameters over time, e.g. temperature, pressure, or pH sensors

Data loggers with sensors can measure factors such as temperature

Sensors

• Sensors are input devices that detect and respond to specific changes in their surroundings, converting the detected information into electrical signals stored within a data logger

• Examples of sensors include

  • pH meters

    • pH meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution expressed as a pH value

      • A pH value is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution

    • It might be necessary to measure the pH of a solution while, e.g. investigating the effect of pH on enzyme activity

  • Temperature probes

    • Temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of a system or a reaction

    • They are crucial for carrying out experiments that require specific temperature conditions

    • Temperature sensors can be used instead of thermometers in practical investigations 

Electronic data loggers and sensors can be used to easily gather information and relay it to a computer for processing