Students will learn that plants make energy through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that can break down stored carbohydrates, fat, and even protein into carbon dioxide and water with the release of energy. The process of making energy consumes oxygen and liberates hydrogen from molecules used as fuel. In this experiment, students will use eight already-calibrated respirometers for measuring O2 consumption and H₂ generation in barley germinating at different temperatures. Included in the id are chemicals needed to perform a visual dye reduction survey. Students will learn basic biological processes and gain an intuitive understanding of seed structure and germination.

Teachers may also be interested in our unit on Proteases and Factors that Influence Enzyme Activity, linked from the same page.

Producing a Strain of E. coli that glows in the dark.

Students are fascinated by living things that glow in the dark. This module allows students to insert the gene for producing luciferase, the light-releasing enzyme naturally found in Vibrio, with a plasmid introduced into a culture of a harmless strain of E. coli. With our kit for producing a strain of E. coli that glows in the dark, introducing the lux operon into the E. coli culture can be accomplished in a single 60- to 90-minute lab. By the end of the period, E. coli colonies that take up the operon will delight students with their eerie green glow.

This kit provides materials for 16 students working in pairs. An instructor guide is included. Teachers may also be interested in our modules for tissue printing and identifying viral DNA linked from the same page.