Biodiversity lab activity is designed for determination of protein contents and biomass in diverse biological samples to study how biomass is related to biodiversity in nature. Students collect and catalog plant leaf samples from a diverse group of locally available plants. This lab activity involves determination of natural weight of each plant sample, grinding a predetermined amount of each sample, and the subsequent extraction of proteins from the samples. Students then learn to determine protein contents of each plant sample and attempt to relate the protein content with biomass. Students in this lab activity are challenged to think, analyze, and seek answers as to why protein biomasses vary for a given natural weight for different plants. Finally, they will relate that finding to the biodiversity of nature.
Supplied with components needed for hands-on experimentation for six workstations of 4-5 students or 24-30 students. Supplied with Teacher’s Guide and separate Student’s Guides.
Applications
This kit teaches the following protein analysis techniques:
Extraction of proteins from biological samples and determination of protein contents.
Method of protein assay and quantification.
Determination of protein mass and biomass.
Relationship of biomass to biodiversity in nature.