|
|
Introduction |
|
This scientific experiment involved placing germinating seeds in a hostile, artificial environment that contained free radicals (damaging compounds). Different vitamins were used on groups of seeds exposed to free radials to study the protective effects of these vitamins. In order to understand the relevance of this project to the science of today, it is important to understand a few concepts. All atoms contain a nucleus, and have electrons that circulate around the central body. Atoms connect to each other to form molecules by exchanging or sharing electrons. These shared electrons are normally locked into a stable compound that is difficult to break. However, in some compounds, an electron is not held firmly and is free to break away and attach to another compound or body tissue. This type of compound is called a free radical. Free radicals are aggressive, chemically active and unstable molecular complexes that compete with other molecules within cells: extracting from them the missing electron, in order to achieve a more stable configuration. This results in permanent damage to the attacked atomic complex that looses its electron and becomes a free radical itself. A chain reaction is spurred. Free radicals produced within cells can react with membranes, enzymes, and genetic materials, damaging or even killing the cell. Thus, the augmentation of free radical formation can cause, over a period of time, widespread cellular destruction, which may translate into cancer, cardiovascular disease, accelerated aging, immune-deficiency diseases, and other degenerative diseases. All of these conditions are induced by cellular damage, something which antioxidants help prevent. Free radicals are typically formed as a result of normal cellular metabolism, however, studies have shown that their numbers in the organism greatly increase when its cells are exposed to damaging environmental influences, such as pollutants, sunlight, radiation, emotional stress, smoking, excessive alcohol, infection, and some drugs. New research has established that certain vitamins can capture these free radicals and neutralize them before they cause damage to vital tissue. These vitamins are classified as antioxidants. There are several enzyme systems inside of the body that scavenge free radicals; however the best ones include Vitamin E, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). The body cannot make these micronutrients (Vitamins) so they must be supplied or supplemented in the diet. Good sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and stop the chain reaction before essential molecules are damaged. They prevent widespread cellular destruction. By pairing up with free radicals, antioxidants can create non-damaging compounds that can be eliminated by the body as waste. There are several enzyme systems inside of the body that scavenge free radicals; however the best ones include vitamin E, vitamin A (beta-carotene), and vitamin C. The body can’t make these micronutrients (vitamins), so they must be supplied in the diet. Good sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this science fair project was to establish which antioxidant vitamin best promotes seed germination while protecting plant cells against the harmful effects of free radicals.
Back to the
Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair
|
|
|
|
|