Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to study yeast cell communication. We will study the differences between three different party dishes which will contain "a" type, alpha type, and mixed. The purpose is to study the differences between the cells and the number of cells and how they act.
Introduction: Yeast cells have the ability to reproduce sexually as well as asexually. There are two types of yeast cells, alpha and "a" type. If these two are isolated then they will reproduce asexually. When reproducing asexually they make a growth that is called a schmoo. In order for sexually reproduction to happen these two types must be mixed together. When these two are mixed a haploid cell, asexual, quickly turns into a gamete cell, sexual. Once they change they grow toward eachother finding a mate a reproduce.
Methods: Take three agar plates and label them alpha, "a", and mixed. Then label your cultured tubes the same as it is appropriate. Add 2 ml of sterile water to each cultured tube then add some of each yeast type to the appropriate tubes. Take that solution and put 5 drops of each on their designated plates. Then observe these under the microscope over fourt time periods. Record how many cells are in each field as well as how many schmoos.
Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to study yeast cell communication. We will study the differences between three different party dishes which will contain "a" type, alpha type, and mixed. The purpose is to study the differences between the cells and the number of cells and how they act.
Discussion: In our experiment we were trying to understand cell communication through yeast cells communicating. In our experiment we used a cells and alpha cells separately and a mix. When cells reproduce asexually they become budding haploids. This can only happen with cells of the same type. When there are a mix of a and alpha cells schmoos can be formed. In our experiment we found that only schmoos were formed only in the mixed group because schmoos can only be formed when one cell sends out a specific chemical messenger to the opposite cell. We also found in our experimental group that the cells can travel great distances in order to mate. In our experimental group we place the different types of yeast on opposite sides of the petriadish and by the next day the yeast cells had formed schmoos.
Conclusion: Cells of the same type form budding haploids. If you mix the different strains the cels will attempt to mate by forming schmoos. This is due to a signal sent out by each cell. If it senses an opposite strain nearby it signals to that strain. The strain receiving the signal will respond by forming a schmoo. Our experiment found that they can do this across large distances also.
