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Purpose:
This activity will allow each student to make and observe proteinoid microspheres and coacervates. The characteristics of these cell-like spheres will allow students to develop an understanding of living cell properties. Students will determine if any of these entities possess the characteristics of life.
Objectives Links:
Structure & Function of Prokaryotic, Eukaryotic & Subcellular Organizations
Process Skills Checklist
Materials:
- Bunsen burner
- distilled water
- eye droppers
- 0.1 M HCl (add 3.65 mL 1N HCL to 1 liter distilled water)
- 3 test tubes
- 1% gelatin sol'n (add 1 g gelatin to 100 mL dist. water)
- test tube stopper
- 1% gum arabic sol'n (add 1 g to 100 mL distilled water)
- microscope
- 1 g glutamic acid
- microscope slides
- 1 g aspartic acid
- cover slips
- 2 g of mixed amino acids
- compound microscope
- saline solution
- dilute dye (i.e. congo red, methylene blue, neutral red)
Safety Concerns:
Basic chemical handling safety; wear safety glasses or goggles at all times; wear aprons.
Revision Date:
Summer 2001
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