Tag: enzymes
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Who Ate the Cheese? A Gel Electrophoresis Simulation
If you’re teaching genetics, biotechnology, or forensic science this year, try 🧀 “Who Ate the Cheese?” This is a student-friendly way to model gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting without expensive lab equipment. This is great for freshman classes who are just learning about biotechnology (and maybe not ready to use expensive equipment.) This activity puts…
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How Did the Cardinal Get His Red Feathers (CER)
Based on a study from Nature that examines the role of enzymes in red coloration. Enzyme pathway converts yellow carotenoids into red ketocarotenoids.
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Catalase Activity in Yeast Using Sodium Alginate
Create yeast spheres using sodium alginate to test the rate of enzyme reactions at different concentrations and temperatures.
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Demonstration: Can Yeast Digest Lactose?
This activity can be performed as student lead inquiry lab or as a class demonstration activity. Students should have a basic understanding of how enzymes work and the relationship between lactose and lactase. If you use Openstax, this is a great lesson to bridge the chapter on enzymes to the next one on respiration and…
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Investigation: Enzymes Activity with Catalase
Have you ever noticed that when you pour hydrogen peroxide on a wound, it bubbles? The reason is that bacteria and your own tissue contains an enzyme that breaks down the peroxide. Peroxide splits into a molecule of water and a molecule of oxygen, which causes the bubbles. In a series of tests, students observe…
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Can Bacteria Be Designed to Create Gasoline?
I’ve heard the term “biofuel” before, and that usually conjures up images of corn fields and ethanol. I recently attended a lecture at Washington University presented by Fuzhong Zhang. The title of the workshop was quite intimidating: “Synthetic Regulatory Systems for Dynamic Metabolic Pathways.” Teachers don’t just spend our summers lazing about at the pool!…