ACADEMICS - Ursuline Academy

CIENCE NEWS
National DNA Day
Students in Honors Biology celebrated National DNA
Day by creating models of the DNA double helix.
Examples included DNA bracelets, 3D models, earrings,
pillows, and edible DNA cake and candy models.
Understanding the structure of DNA is critical to the
understanding of genetics, protein synthesis, and cell
division. Scientists are learning more everyday about
the human genome and which genes control traits and
certain diseases.
Kelly Maloney’s model of DNA
Measuring Yeast Fermentation with the
Logger Pro Software Program
Students in Susan Keller Barhorst’s ‘91 Honors Biology studied yeast
fermentation by using Logger Pro software, a software and probe
system that measures the carbon dioxide production by yeast cells.
Students fed the yeast different types of sugars to see which ones were
effectively utilized by the yeast. A carbon dioxide sensor transmitted
information to the computer, which then collected data over a period
of 4 minutes, calculated the fermentation rate, and graphed the results.
This process has real-life applications in making bread, cheese,
and alcohol. At the end of their fermentation study, the students made
pretzels using a recipe with yeast.
Molly Frost, Kelly Martin
Berry Intricate Work
Students in Honors Biology extracted DNA from
strawberry cells. DNA is found in the nucleus of cells
and the students had to expose the strawberries to
different chemicals to break open the cell wall, cell
membrane, and nuclear membrane. The DNA appears
as white threads and the students spooled the DNA onto
wooden sticks. It was exciting to be able to see DNA!
Lindsay Krammes, Amanda Rolfes
36 VOICES SUMMER 2009