How to Make Yeast Cells Thrive
Yeast cells seen through a microscope.Copyright genetics.med.harvard.edu/~winston/
Students set up and run the experiments they designed in the Population Growth in Yeasts associated lesson, using simple yeast-molasses cultures in test tubes. Population growth is indicated by the amount of respiration occurring in the cultures, which in turn is indicated by the growth of carbon dioxide bubbles trapped within the culture tubes. Using this method, students test for a variety of environmental influences, such as temperature, food supply and pH.
This activity contains biomedical, chemical and environmental engineering and covers elements of biotechnology, applications of experimental and analytical techniques in living systems, food processing and processes of nature. Also included is a section on the interpretation of experimental data versus the interpretation of observations and the importance of using controls in any experiment.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding that several environmental factors can contribute to the population growth of simple organisms such as yeasts; these can include food supply, temperature and pH.