Biology Labs
The TOPS experiments are designed to integrate into a teacher’s current high school curriculum, conform to the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, and employ a biochemical focus to enhance and bridge the biology and chemistry curricula. The experiments employ modern technology including computer driven instruments of the type used in local industrial and biotechnology laboratories as well as commercially available data analysis software.are.
Testing of the ability of amylase to release maltose from starch under different conditions of temperature and pH, followed by spectrophotometry to study reaction rate.
Chromatographic separation of plant pigments, pH assessment for evaluation of alternative photosynthesis strategies.
Gas Chromatographic evaluation of ethanol production under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Examination of flies with different eye pigmentations, followed by assessment of pteridine pigments present via thin layer chromatography.
Comparison of proteins in various fish products by electrophoresis with vertical SDS-PAGE apparatus.
Study of oxygen content of water samples, and changes caused by biological demands. Study of coliform content of water samples.