Because the cellular processes of yeast are relatively easy to manipulate, it has been extensively used as a model organism in biotechnology research. Like human cells, yeast cells have a nucleus containing chromosomes with tightly packaged DNA. Yeast also contains enzymes that react with carbohydrates in a reaction called fermentation. Fermentation of sugars by yeast produces ethyl alcohol. This process has led to a recent biotechnology breakthroughs leading to painkilling medicines. These are just a few of the many reasons yeast has been and will remain a crucial tool for mankind.
In this lower-secondary module, students investigate yeast under a microscope, consider whether its characteristics make it living or nonliving, and then discuss some of the ways that humans use it.
If you implement this module in your classroom, please send us your feedback by filling out this survey at your earliest convenience.
The Teacher Guide is password protected. Please contact the Program Office at ABEInfo@edc.org for the password.
| Class sessions |
4 |
|---|---|
| Files | |
| Resource Type |
Teaching Materials
Classroom-based
Lab-based
|
| Appropriate Ages |
Lower Secondary
|
| Resource Topic |
Biotech & Medicine
Pharmaceuticals
Lab Techniques
Gene Editing
Gene Sequencing
Pipetting
|