www . Science-Projects . com

← either respiration deprived or surface membrane impaired

Does Albumin Serve an Anti-Infection Role?

clogged → transmembrane feeding pores

| Previous and a few Future Projects in the South Hill Enterprise |

This project pertains to the first of two steps.

1. Does albumin in the medium slow down the growth of bacteria? If so, by
   1. killing the bacteria, or by
   2. making them become dormant?
   
   
2. How does it work?

PEP TALK! This is a project that is a gateway experiment to what might open into a realm of real research that will change textbooks. But - caution! - note the word 'might.' You will never know unless you try and try cleverly! The first step of this adventure is merely seeing whether the key fits the lock in the door. If it does, the opening door will reveal great opportunities for further investigation (Step #2). Do not be surprised at the simplicity of seeing whether a key fits the lock in the door: many of the great experiments were similarly rather easy to do in an afternoon. They were 'great' experiments because of the wondrous stuff that was behind those doors.

While this experiment would be rather easy for a skilled microbiologist to do, most of the readers of this page would probably find it time comsuming as they have never done any microbiological work before in their lives. We shall have to proceed step by step. (Do not feel "put down" because of lack of skill. Instead look upon it as a great opportunity to learn some sophisticated bacteriological techniques that may eventually lead to a career!)

Here are things you will have to know and become proficient in to test the hypothesis that albumin will inhibit the growth of [some] bacteria.

Proficiencies and things to know

1. The basics of immunity - specifically what various legions does the body use to fight invading microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans). This will let you know where you are "on the playing field."
2. How to grow bacteria
   1. in liquid medium
   2. on solid medium
3. How to work with albumin (and what it is biochemically)
4. How to make a growth curve of a bacterial culture in liquid medium
5. How to determine if bacteria are dead or dormant

Click here to correspond with this website.

| Site's Table of Contents | Site's Index |