NYS Relationships and Biodiversity Lab Rainforests Approximately 6

NYS Relationships and Biodiversity Lab

Rainforests Approximately 6% of the earth is covered in rainforests

Rainforest Destruction • At one time 14% of the earth was covered in rainforests • Decline is due to logging for wood, agriculture, mining, industrial development, and increased demand for hydroelectric power • Experts estimate rainforests will be gone in approximately 40 years

Importance in Medicine • 25% of pharmaceutical products (medicines) are derived from rainforest plants • 65% of all plants with cancer fighting properties come from rainforest plants • Less than 1% of rainforest plants have been tested for medical properties • Estimated that lose approximately 140 plant, animal, and insect species everyday due to deforestation of rainforests

Cancer Treatment • Madagascar Periwinkle • Substances derived from Periwinkle are used to treat leukemia and Hodgkin's disease • Improved the chances of surviving childhood leukemia from 10% to 95% • 97% of forests in Madagascar have been destroyed • Plant is extinct in the wild

NYS Lab Background • Botana curus is a FAKE plant that produces Curol • Curol is a cancer treatment • Unfortunately, Botana curus is ENDANGERED and therefore Curol can only be produced in a limited quantity

NYS Lab Purpose Your Task: • Determine which species (X, Y, or Z) is most closely related to Botana curus Idea: • A similar species will most likely produce Curol • Therefore Curol will not be limited in supply

NYS Lab Procedure You will Use: • Structural Evidence (appearance of plants and seeds) • Molecular Evidence (DNA, pigments, enzymes, tissue arrangement, and proteins) You will Conduct SEVEN tests

Test #1 - Structural Characteristics of Plants • Use the hand lens to observe the leaves of the four species • Record similarities and differences relative to Botanus curus

Test #2 - Structural Characteristics of Seeds • Use the hand lens to observe the seeds of the four species • Record similarities and differences relative to Botanus curus

Test #3 - Microscope Internal Structure of Stems • Use a microscope on LOW power to study a cross-section of a stem from each of the four species • Record whether it is a: Scattered Arrangement Circular Arrangement Cross-Section

Hypothesis • Hypothesize which species (X, Y, or Z) is most closely related to Botana curus…write your prediction in your lab on page 2 • Provide an explanation for your hypothesis…write your explanation in your lab on page 2

Test #4 - Paper Chromatography to Separate Plant Pigments • Plants contain pigments which provide them with color • Paper Chromatography separates compounds, in this case pigments, in a mixture • Used to determine: – which pigments are in the plant – the relative amount of each pigment

Test #4 - Paper Chromatography to Separate Plant Pigments Cont… • Obtain chromatography paper and a cup • Use a PENCIL to draw a line approximately 2 cm from the bottom of the paper • Label the top edge with Bc, X, Y, and Z • Place one drops of plant extract from each of the species JUST ABOVE THE PENCIL LINE

Test #4 - Paper Chromatography to Separate Plant Pigments Cont… • Add enough water to cover the bottom of the cup • Fold the paper and stand it in the cup as shown in the diagram • Leave the paper alone to allow the pigments to travel • Record observations about the colors and amounts of pigments

Test #5 - Indicator Tests for Enzyme M • Different plants have different enzymes • Test each species for enzyme M • Put one SMALL scoop of indicator power in a well and add 2 -5 drops of Botana curus • Repeat the test for species X, Y, and Z • If enzyme M is present a fizzing reaction will happen • Record whether enzyme M is present or not present

Test #6 - Using Simulated Gel Electrophoresis • Gel Electrophoresis is a procedure in which DNA fragments (pieces) are separated based on their size • Smaller molecules travel further through the gel (fit through the pores easier) • Uses enzymes to “cut” the DNA into pieces and electric currents to separate the pieces

Test #6 - Using Simulated Gel Electrophoresis • Compare the DNA banding pattern of the four species • Obtain DNA molecules for each species • Use a highlighter to mark all of the CCGG sequences (the enzyme binds to these sequences) • Use scissors to cut between the C and G in each sequence (the enzyme cuts these at this location to create fragments of DNA)

Test #6 - Using Simulated Gel Electrophoresis • Ask for help to fill out your lab packet • Count the number of bases on each fragment • Shade the appropriate space to indicate the position of each band in the gel • Record the number of bases for each fragment in table 1 – Example: If you shaded in 3, 7, and 8 then write “ 3, 7, 8” in your data table

Test #7 - Translating the DNA Code to Make a Protein • Compare a protein made by each species • Use the DNA sequences in the lab page 4 • Translate the DNA sequence into an RNA sequence • Use the Genetic Code Chart to transcribe the RNA sequence into an amino acid sequence

Analysis Use the data to help you answer each question in the analysis section of the lab Make sure your answers are DETAILED… Remember NYS makes the grading key for this lab!!!! There is no room for interpretation!!!