ZOO: DSC-253 | Practical - II

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