Description
Advanced – For experienced high school and college classes; requires some technical skill.
- Introduce bio-engineering concepts
- Teach synthetic biology and microbiology techniques
- Allow students to experience real-world connections
This biology lab focuses on a strain of baker’s yeast, modified to produce ß-carotene (VitaYeast), a nutrient we naturally obtain from eating specific vegetables. In the body, ß-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, the immune system, and other biological functions. Investigate how one can possibly substitute standard baker’s yeast, making it possible for users to bake vitamin A-enriched loaves of bread (Golden Bread). Manipulate Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its metabolic pathway, and understand the importance of genetic redundancy when engineering a synthetic system. Includes enough materials for 24 students working in 6 groups. Note: Kit includes a voucher to request perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact us or return the voucher to request delivery of perishables.