Directly measure the activity of yeast during anaerobic respiration.
- A complete solution for learning about fermentation and anaerobic respiration
- Measure oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol rates directly
- Study biofuel as an alternative energy
The Teaching Challenge
Traditional fermentation experiments use indirect measurements such as carbon dioxide production as a measure of anaerobic respiration in yeast. PASCO’s solution for the study of yeast fermentation provides a way to directly measure the activity of yeast during anaerobic respiration. Using the PASPORT oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol gas sensors, students can gather evidence of fermentation by yeast.
Finding alternative energy sources is an issue of increasing importance in the global community. Scientists all over the world are searching for ways to create clean, renewable energy that will reduce our dependence on non-renewable, petroleum based sources of energy. One of the most attractive choices is the production of biofuels, including ethanol. The study of ethanol and other biofuels are an amazing opportunity to study relevant scientific topics across many content areas.
The PASCO Solution
In this experiment, PASCO’s new EcoChamber is filled with approximately 500 ml of 0.5 M sucrose solution and 1000 mL of yeast solution. The PASPORT oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol gas sensors are inserted into the lid of the EcoChamber and all other holes are filled with stoppers to create an airtight environment. To ensure the homogeneity of the solution, the EcoChamber is placed above a magnetic stirrer and the solution is stirred with a stir bar during data collection.
Students will observe the fermentation of sucrose as ethanol concentration increases in the chamber. The data are supported by the simultaneous production of CO2 and consumption of O2. By monitoring the rate of O2 consumption compared to the rate of ethanol production, students can observe the yeast exercise it’s characteristic as a facultative anaerobe and drastically shift from aerobic to anaerobic respiration when O2 becomes scarce.
Solution at a Glance
| Qty. | ||
| PASPORT Ethanol Sensor (PS-2194) | $159 | 1 |
| PASPORT Oxygen Gas Sensor (PS-2126A) | $195 | 1 |
| PASPORT Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor (PS-2110) | $259 | 1 |
| EcoChamber (ME-6667) | $39 | 1 |
| Magnetic Stirrer (SE-7700) | $98 | 1 |
| SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2008A) | $349 | 1 |
For more product information and to order products separately, see below.
How It Works
PASCO’s EcoChamber is an acrylic chamber specially designed to accommodate up to three PASCO sensors. The EcoChamber can be used as a fermentation chamber in yeast fermentation experiments, a model ecosystem in photosynthesis and respiration experiments and a temperature regulation chamber when exploring the differences between endothermic and ectothermic animals. Its sturdy design and custom molding makes PASCO’s EcoChamber a versatile science learning tool that is easy to use and easy to clean.
Traditional fermentation experiments use indirect measurements such as carbon dioxide production as a measure of anaerobic respiration in yeast. PASCO’s solution for the study of yeast fermentation provides a way to directly measure the activity of yeast during anaerobic respiration. Using the PASPORT oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol gas sensors, students can gather evidence of fermentation by yeast.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
The basic components
PASPORT Ethanol Sensor (PS-2194) - $159
Measures the concentration of ethanol in a gas or indirectly in a liquid. It is well-suited for both continuous recording and discrete measurements. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Includes:
- Probe
- Sensor electronics amplifier
- PTFE tape for membranes
PASPORT Oxygen Gas Sensor (PS-2126A) - $195
The Oxygen Gas Sensor accurately measures oxygen concentration in the atmosphere or in enclosed spaces.
Includes:
- Sensing Element (with Rubber Stopper)
- 3.5 mm connecting cable
- Clear 250-mL sampling bottle
PASPORT Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor (PS-2110) - $259
Measures carbon dioxide concentration (parts per million) in gases such as air. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Includes:
- 250-ml sample bottle
- Extension Cable
- Stopper
- Probe
EcoChamber (ME-6667) - $39
A single acrylic chamber designed to integrate sensors for controlled-environment experiments such as fermentation and plant or cricket respiration.
Includes:
- Tank
- Lid
- Stoppers of various sizes
- Probe Stoppers
Magnetic Stirrer (SE-7700) - $98
A "must-have" piece of lab equipment when doing titration experiments.
Includes:
- Stir bar
- Removable rod
- Power adapter
Add a standalone datalogger
SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2008A) - $349
An all-in-one mobile device that seamlessly integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content.
Includes:
- SPARK handheld
- Fast response temperature sensor
- Voltage sensor
- Power adapter
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Includes:
- Two fast response, low thermal mass temperature probes.
- Voltage probe.
- Built-in sound sensor.
- Built-in speaker.
- Power adapter and battery charger.
- USB "A" to USB "B" cable.
- DataStudio Lite for use as a PASPORT interface to computer.
- Users guide and tutorial CD.
Or select a computer-based solution
SPARKvue Site License (PS-2400) - $249
SPARKvue software combines multimedia curriculum, real-time data collection, and powerful scientific analysis tools in an easy-to-use, icon-based user interface.
SPARKlink (PS-2009) - $129
SPARKlink is a sensor interface with two ports to accept PASPORT sensors and USB connection to a computer running SPARKvue software. Built in temperature and voltage sensors allow for measurements right out of the box.
Includes:
- USB Connection Cable for the Xplorer GLX and SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2528)
- Fast response temperature probe
- Voltage probe
Get the teacher guide for this lab activity and 25 more!
Advanced Biology Teacher Guide (PS-2876B) - $129
This manual features over 25 challenging, standards-based lab activities including all 12 required AP Biology labs.
Includes:
- Advanced labs including the required labs for AP® Biology.
- Editable Word files for each student version
- CD containing all information in electronic format
