After investigating the effect ultraviolet light has on different strains of yeast cells, students design an experiment to test the effectiveness of different ultraviolet preventatives.
- Directly demonstrate the importance of DNA repair systems
- Meaningful real-world connection for students
- Learn how to best prevent/minimise exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
Using a UV-sensitive mutant strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, students investigate the impact of UV light on living organisms. The S. cerevisiae mutant strain is extremely sensitive to UV light because it lacks an effective method for repairing damaged DNA.
- Firstly, students determine the impact of UV light on 2 strains of yeast, wild-type and UV-sensitive. After understanding the true impact of UV light, students then have the opportunity to design their own inquiry investigation to determine how to best prevent UV damage to the UV-sensitive yeast strain.
- As an extension to these investigations have students testing various sunscreens, cloth samples, or myriad other options of their own choosing.
This classroom practical gives you a great starting point for discussing DNA repair systems and the impact of UV light on the human body.
The 8-Station Kit includes enough materials for 32 students working in groups of 4.
The yeasts can be kept on the shelf, or in the fridge if you prefer. The melt and pour gel can be kept on the shelf.
Materials Include:
1 x UV Yeast Culture
1 x Wild Type Yeast culture
2 x YED 400mL Melt and Pour
20 x Transformation tubes
20 x Sterile Petri Dishes
20 x Sterile Pipettes
20 x Sterile Loops
20 x Sterile Swabs
1 x Sterile Water
