3P.1—Practical problem solving

Practical problem solving starts with the biological question, not the apparatus. Translate the situation into a mechanism, identify what can be measured and decide what observation would support or weaken the explanation.

Define the variables and controls, choose a safe measurable proxy, collect repeat data and check units before calculating. Use the relevant biology—such as diffusion, enzyme activity, cell division or transport—to explain the pattern.

In an antimicrobial investigation, a clear zone is evidence of reduced bacterial growth only after comparing it with the solvent control and considering diffusion and contamination.

A plausible story is not a conclusion. State what the data directly show, what mechanism is inferred and what remains uncertain.