Option I: The Effect of low pH on Enzyme Activity
Design an experiment in which you will test the effect of an acidic fluid on enzymatic activity. Recall: enzymes are proteins! To complete this project, it may be useful for you to first review the Scientific Method Tutorial, the OLI module about pH and enzymes, Lab 1 (Introduction to Science) and Lab 4 (Enzymes). As you review Lab 4, you will be reminded that there are several factors that impact enzymatic activity: pH, temperature, and amount of reagent. It is OK to use the same enzyme/substrate/method as you did in lab 4 (but modify the treatment), or you can search on-line to find a different enzyme/substrate/method for measuring enzyme activity for your project (include all references).
As you design your experiment for this project, please remember that you are trying to examine how an acidic fluid will modify the outcome of an enzymatic reaction. To successfully complete this project, you will need to identify the question(s) being asked in your experiment and the hypothesis that you are testing. In your experimental design, you must clearly explain what you are doing. That means that you will need to identify the enzyme, the substrate, the acidic fluid used as treatment, the control treatment and the method of measuring enzyme activity, as well as explain your experimental protocol. You must also thoroughly explain how the acidic fluid impacted enzyme activity based on the results from your own experiment as well as knowledge of enzymes and pH from the OLI modules, lab manual and potentially additional information sources.
Option II: Environmental Assessment Project
To complete this assessment, you will have to do the following:
Preliminary Observations:
Please find the following two habitats in your area:
A 'Wild' Habitat, such as a lake, pond, swamp, marshland, forest that has been left alone by people in a 'reasonable' sense. in other words, it is an area that people may visit, but not modify.
A 'Human Modified Habitat' such as a park, a landscaped garden, a golf course, etc.
Briefly describe each area
Find three kinds of plants, three kinds of animals, and three kinds of fungi in the wild habitat. Write down their names; common names are fine, such as squirrels, robins, oak trees, salamanders etc
Try to find the same kinds of animals, plants and fungi in the human modified area. Write down what you found.
Applied Assessment:
From your findings, select one plant, animal, or fungus that you found on the "wild side" habitat that was not present on the human-modified side. For this species:
Propose a hypothesis that explains the lack of success of the species in the modified environment.
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Provide a detailed account of the materials and methods used to conduct the experiment. Also include the methods for data collection and analysis.
Conduct a literature search to find studies that identify factors that contribute to the success of your species in the selected habitat. List those factors, and explain how they help the species survive.
Conduct a literature search to find studies that identify factors that contribute to the lack of success of your species in the selected habitat. List those factors, and explain how they help the species survive. Discuss whether these factors support your hypothesis.