Project Information Page

Grade Grouping: 10-12
Team Size: 2
Subject Area: Biology (Chemistry and Health)
Project Type: Experimental
Project Level: Standard
Project Format: Traditional
A Summary of your project: This experiment was a constantly evolving process as no work like it had yet been conducted. One of the greatest initial barriers involved with this project was the complete lack of prior research and thus information surrounding specific proteases in rice crops, and thus much of the preliminary work was based on research involving wheat crops. This project first explored the effects of humidity and time on levels of enzyme activity in rice, using an azocasein hydrolysis assay. The levels of protein in each of the different types of rice were then measured using a Bradford reagent. This data was used to determine the necessary sample quantities to be used in zymography, to compare the size of the protein molecules with those of known markers. Finally, the effect of different known and unknown protease inhibitors on rice were tested using the same azocasein assay in hopes of finding some food-grade possibility for industrial use in developing countries.
Software Tools used: Microsoft Front Page
Hardware Tools used: Digital Camera for pictures
A mention of the Source of the Idea for the project: Our interest in the United Nations work, the situation of malnourishment in the world, and our background in biology and lab work.
A description of the Special Skills you used to build your project: none
Awards won for the project: 4th place in Aventis Biotech Competition

Return Home