1. State the cell biological question you would like to ask. 2. Formulate a hypothesis that tentatively answers your question. State your hypothesis in the form of a prediction as follows: "If I do X, then Y will happen." Remember that an hypothesis is not a random guess, nor is it a statement of certainty, but rather it is a logical, testable prediction rooted in previous knowledge. Keep it simple.
3. Write a cell biological justification for your hypothesis. (Why do you think the outcome will be as you have predicted.)
4. List the source(s) (primary, secondary, and/or tertiary) that gives important background information for your justification.
5. Define your variables.
a. What will be varied?
b. What will be kept constant?
c. How will it be varied (generally, specific numbers)?
d. What will be measured (actually, cell biologically)?
6. Define your control(s).
7. Outline the general experimental strategy you plan on using to test your hypothesis.
8. What kind(s) of results would not support your hypothesis? What kind(s) of results would support your hypothesis? (It may help to sketch a graph of your expected results.)