There is a standing debate among biologists involved in looking for life on other planets as to how any alien organisms should be handled. Some feel that alien organisms should not be introduced on Earth; others feel that investigating these alien organisms will provide important information. What are some of the arguments on both sides?

What will be an ideal response?


The best responses will include discussion of the following ideas: How to grow alien organisms; how to control their growth; problems that could arise from our lack of understanding of the alien organisms; studying alien organisms may allow us to better understand life on Earth; study may provide new answers to basic questions about Earth; study may provide new materials to aid mankind. Thoughtful answers will discuss the ramifications this information will have on society.

Biology & Microbiology

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Information concerning a chemical product's health hazards, toxicity, and disposal procedures is:

a. found in the manufacturer's material safety data sheets (MSDS). b. found on the product label. c. proprietary information and only released at the manufacturer's discretion. d. obtained through the manufacturer's tech-nical support division; acquiring access to that information is the responsibility of the laboratory worker.

Biology & Microbiology

Radiation exposure can destroy lymphocytes and lead to what?

a. meningitis b. cancer c.an immunodeficiency d. a hypersensitivity

Biology & Microbiology

Which blood vessel structure is only found in veins?

a. elastic layer b. basement membrane c. smooth muscle d. valve e. endothelium

Biology & Microbiology

On a lab bench, there are four balloons filled with identical volumes of different salt solutions: 0% (balloon

A), 5% (balloon B), 10% (balloon C), and 15% (balloon D). There are also four beakers each filled with identical volumes of a 10% salt solution. The balloons are semi-permeable; that is, only water can enter and exit the balloon. All four balloons are placed in separate beakers at the same time and are allowed to come to equilibrium. Which is the correct order of balloon volumes at equilibrium, from largest to smallest? A) A < B < C < D B) D < C < B < A C) D < B < A < C D) All balloons will be of equal volume at equilibrium.

Biology & Microbiology