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2005
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In the Laboratory
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Testing for Ultraviolet Toxicity Using Fungi
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Marcelo Vital and Patricia Esperón
Cátedra de Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Quimica, General Flores 2124, Montevideo CP 11800, Uruguay
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June 2005
Vol. 82 No. 6
p. 926
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| Abstract |
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A relevant subject in biochemistry is the study of diverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on organisms. While short exposure of culture cells to UV radiation may produce point mutations, deletions, or rearrangements, long exposure may lead to cellular death. In this article, we describe a laboratory project quantifying the effects of UV radiation on a suspension of living cells. This laboratory experiment was designed for undergraduate students in biochemistry. The experiment was carried out employing different fungi strains, changing the dosage of radiation, the distance to the UV source, and the exposure period to the UV radiation. The quantity of viable spores was calculated and the dose–response curves were drawn. Students were able to prove that 100% of mortality was achieved with the longest time of exposure. The percent of cell survival decreased when the distance to the UV source was shorter. After the experimental manipulation, groups of students shared results with one another, and a final report with comparison of the results was to be handed in by each one. Thus, this experiment engaged the students in a mini-research experience. The pedagogic aim of this laboratory design is to familiarize students with chemical UV radiation reactions responsible for cellular and molecular damage.
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| Supplement |
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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 Contents |
JCE2005p0926W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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| Download |
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| More Information |
Citation |
Vital, Marcelo; Esperón, Patricia. J. Chem. Educ. 2005 82 926.
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Keywords |
Biochemistry; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Medicinal Chemistry; Molecular Biology; Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA; Photochemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
April 27, 2005
May 6, 2005
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
2005
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June
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926
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