Knowlet

ZOO: DSC-253 | Practical - II

Table of Contents

The ZOO: DSC-253 Practical paper focuses on the application of principles in Genetics, Ecology, Histology, and Biochemistry. This course provides hands-on training to understand the mechanism of living organisms and their environmental interactions.

1. Genetics Practicals

Key Learning Areas

  • Mendelian Laws: Study of laws and gene interactions via visual presentations.
  • Human Karyotype: Identification of normal and abnormal human chromosomal sets.
  • Pedigree Analysis: Tracking inherited traits through generations in human families.

2. Ecology Practicals

Population and Community Dynamics

  • Life Tables: Plotting survivorship curves using hypothetical or real data sets.
  • Quadrate Method: Determination of population density and calculating the Shannon-Weiner diversity index.

Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis

  • Water Quality: Measuring area, temperature, turbidity, and pH.
  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Determination using the Winkler's method.
  • BOD: Measuring Biological Oxygen Demand to assess water pollution levels.

3. Histology Practicals

Physiological Recording

  • Muscle Twitch: Recording simple muscle responses to electrical stimulation.
  • Reflex Action: Demonstration of unconditioned reflexes like the knee-jerk reflex.

Microscopic Study and Microtomy

  • Slide Identification: Identification of skin, cartilage, bone, spinal cord, and brain tissue.
  • Endocrine System: Microscopic study of Pituitary, Testis, Ovary, Adrenal, Thyroid, and Parathyroid glands.
  • Microtomy: Preparation of permanent slides using Goat or Fish tissues.

4. Biochemistry Practicals

Qualitative and Analytical Tests

  • Functional Groups: Qualitative tests for detecting groups in carbohydrates and proteins.
  • Paper Chromatography: Separation and identification of amino acids.

Enzymology

  • Salivary Amylase: Studying enzyme action under optimum conditions.
  • Effect of Variables: Analyzing how pH and temperature alter the rate of amylase activity.

5. Exam Focus & Viva Questions

Exam Tips

  • Shannon-Weiner Index: Ensure you understand the formula H' = -∑ pi ln pi for calculating community diversity.
  • Winkler's Method: Remember the color change sequences (usually from brown to colorless with starch indicator).
  • Slide Identification: Focus on identifying features like Haversian canals in bone or chondrocytes in cartilage.

Frequently Asked Viva Questions

  1. What is the difference between an ideogram and a karyotype?
  2. Define BOD and explain its significance in assessing water quality.
  3. What are the reagents used in the qualitative test for proteins (Biuret test)?
  4. What happens to salivary amylase at extremely high temperatures?

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