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

Naomi Holyoak

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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. 

    • 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.

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

A data logger connected to a temperature probe displaying result graphically

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 

Sensors connected to a data logger which is connected to a computer

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


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Naomi Holyoak

Author: Naomi Holyoak

Expertise: Biology Content Creator

Naomi graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has 8 years of classroom experience teaching Key Stage 3 up to A-Level biology, and is currently a tutor and A-Level examiner. Naomi especially enjoys creating resources that enable students to build a solid understanding of subject content, while also connecting their knowledge with biology’s exciting, real-world applications.

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