Biology Lab Experiments

The much-studied gene called SUMO1 when prompted may possibly trigger cleft lip and palate known to be as one of the most usual genetic abnormalities. This is based from the study conducted by the researchers that are supported by the National Institutes for Health. Currently, there are a number of genes that were previously associated in the instigation of cleft lip and palate. Addition to the list is the newly discovered SUMO1, which turns up with a distinct biological twist. The gene predetermined a tiny protein that is connected to the protein products of not less than three earlier determined clefting genes at the time of facial progression, in quintessence associating them into or close to a communal controlled conduit and currently the hotspot for clefting. Read the rest of this entry »

Researchers give an account that they may possibly envisage whether particular parents are additionally inclined as compared with others to bear a second offspring having an isolated kind of cleft lip and palate, which is one of the commonest genetic abnormalities all over the world based from the New England Journal of Medicine. The research study was sponsored partially by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which is a sector of the National Institutes for Health. Read the rest of this entry »

Scientists at National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research have generated genetically maneuvered mice that imitate most of the signs of human osteoporosis. The mice are lacking the gene that codes for a bone protein known as biglycan. The animals develop lower number of bones than their normal complements and finally form the bone pathology, which is comparable to that perceived in osteoporosis patients. Read the rest of this entry »

A plant pathologist noted that the livestock feeding industry is in the lookout for high aflatoxin concentrations in imported grain. Mycotoxin was described as a group of very toxic substances.  It is known to be caused by common fungi or molds that grow on the grain, feed or food in the field.  These mycotoxins can be categorized into two groups.  The first one is known as aflatoxin.  Aflatoxins are commonly associated with corn, peanuts and cotton.  The second one is referred to as fumonisins.  Fumonisins are usually associated with corn and wheat. There are factors to be considered in the occurrence of the aflatoxin and fumonisin toxins.  Environmental conditions like drought, insect damage and crop injury affects the occurrence of these toxins. Read the rest of this entry »

The article discussed the importance of North American black cottonwood; Populus trichocarpa, being a prevalent topic of mercantile and environmental studies, was chosen as the first woody perennial plant to have its DNA sequence decoded by the DOE Joint Genome Institute because of its relatively compact genome, making it an ideal model system for trees. The article highlighted the examination of the first fulfilled DNA sequence of a black cottonwood tree that may set the foundation in using trees as a source of modern genre of biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol. The study is the outcome of four years of scientific and technical hard work under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute or DOE JGI and Oak Ridge National Laboratory or ORNL and connecting the labors of thirty four institutions all over the world. Read the rest of this entry »

A mold is the term used for all microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. Hyphae are the main mode of vegetative growth in fungus. However, fungi that grow as single cells are called yeasts. This experiment enables the children see and learn in what conditions the molds grow in best. In this experiment, we need 4 slices of bread, water, any airtight covering, magnifying glass, a notebook and 1 to 2 weeks experiment time. Read the rest of this entry »

Most people associate bacteria with diseases and illnesses. But there are other kinds of bacteria that are helpful to humans and one of these is yogurt. Yes, yogurt is made from bacteria, specifically the Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This bacterium is actually only one of the several bacteria used in making yogurt.

How is it helpful to people, you ask. The bacterium feeds on milk and produces lactic acid. Lactic acid also helps preserve the milk. It then breaks down lactose. This is most helpful to people who are lactose intolerant because their digestive systems lack the enzyme to break down lactose to simple sugars. While fermenting milk, Lactobacillus bulgaricus produces a chemical known as acetaldehyde, which gives yogurt is yummy. Now, let us try making a batch of these helpful and yummy bacteria at home. Read the rest of this entry »

We always hear our mothers telling us to wash our hands with soap and warm water to kill the germs. Let us find out how true this statement is.

For this experiment, we need one 4 inch sized Petri dish, water, 5 grams of agar nutrient, container to boil water, plastic wrap, cotton swab and hand sanitizer.

Step 1

In a container, mix half a teaspoon of agar and a quarter cup of hot water and stir. Bring this mixture to a boil for one minute to completely dissolve the agar. In using the microwave to boil the mixture, be careful not to let it boil over. Be sure that the mixture is clear with no floating particles. Allow the mixture to cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Read the rest of this entry »

Dissecting a flower is a good way to learn about the reproductive parts of a plant. For this project, any flower with large parts is the best specimen. You may use flowers found in your garden or you can ask a local florist for free discarded flowers. A scalpel or any sharp knife is needed to cut open the flower, a microscope or a magnifying glass to view the smaller parts of the flower and a handy notebook where you can jot down your observations. Always remember to have an adult supervise the experiment when dealing with sharp objects.
First, identify the main outside parts of the flower. The smooth, leaf like projections under the petals are called sepals. There are male and female flowers. The male flowers consist of the stamen, filament and anther. The stamen is the male organ of the flower, and there are usually multiple stamens on a flower. Next is the filament or the long stalk of the stamen. The anther is the one that holds the pollen and is found at the top of the filament.

Let us examine the female flower. It consists of the pistil, stigma, style and ovary. The pistil is the female part of the flower. The stigma, which is found at the top of the pistil, is the one that collects the pollen and carries it down to the style or the hollow body of the flower. The pollen is then brought to the ovary where it fertilizes the eggs of the flower.

It is possible to have a flower that has all male parts and all female parts. They are called imperfect flowers. But those that have both male and female parts are called perfect flowers.
Step 1

First thing you have to do in this dissection is to remove the sepals and the petals. Pull them down toward the stem. Using the microscope, examine the tip of the petal. You may use the magnifying glass if a microscope is unavailable. Focus on the texture of the petal. Write it down on your notebook.

Step 2

Remove the stamens of the flower. You may cut or break them off the stem. Again, examine it under your microscope or magnifying glass. Draw the shape of the pollen. Sometimes, a part of a flower may be accidentally broken off and you cannot examine all the parts. Should this happen, use another flower.

Step 3

After studying the pollen, remove all parts using your scalpel, knife or your fingers if possible until only the pistil remains alone in the stem. Again, using the scalpel or knife, carefully cut the pistil in half lengthwise. Make sure your fingers are out of the way. Under the microscope, you should see a long hollow tube, or the style. In the ovary, you even be able to see tiny eggs or ovules. Read the rest of this entry »

In this experiment, the children will realize how vital the roles of the roots and the stems are to the plants.

The materials needed are 6 white carnations, 6 plastic cups, food coloring, knife and water.

Step 1

Fill the cups half full with water and add 20 to 30 drops of food coloring in each cup. Use different color for each cup. You can choose any color you like. This time the more food color used the better. Read the rest of this entry »