To determine whether or not seaweed is capable of modifying its structure and protein make-up in order to successfully thrive in its immediate environment, no matter if this environment is one of harsh nature or one of mild nature.
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Introduction
PURPOSE: To determine whether or not seaweed is capable of modifying its structure and protein make-up in order to successfully thrive in its immediate environment, no matter if this environment is one of harsh nature or one of mild nature. HYPOTHESIS: If an organism (in this case, seaweed) is found in more than one type of environment (for example, a harsh surrounding versus a calm surrounding), then the organism will have modified protein components enabling each to survive in their respective environment due to adaptation and natural selection. MATERIALS: Material Location Quantity 1) Seaweed Exposed Region, Lions Crescent (Topsail, NF) Several strands 2) Seaweed Non-exposed Region, Greenslades Road (Topsail, NF) Several strands 3) Deep Freezer Home 1 4) Plastic Bags Home Several 5) Protective Gloves Home 2 pairs 6) Fish Scale Home 1 7) Ruler Home 1 8) Bungee Cords Lab 2 METHODS: 1) Select several stands of seaweed from the exposed region, which will serve as the seaweed that was exposed to harsh conditions. 2) While the tide is out, venture into the seaweed region. It will be necessary to wear water-resistant footwear of some type and keep a careful watch over the tide as the ocean can be a very powerful force. 3) ...read more.
Middle
Force: 1 pound = 4.448 N EXPOSED REGION (Lions Crescent) Test Length of Seaweed Width of Stype Force Required To Break (N) Location nof Breakage Location of Seaweed #1 19 cm 2 mm 80.064 N Scar Tissue Side of rock #2 30 cm 3 mm 57.824 N Root Front of rock #3 42 cm 6 mm 88.960 N Root Seafloor #4 27 cm 4 mm 71.168 N Root Front of rock #5 38 cm 5 mm 53.376 N Root Front of rock #6 25 cm 7 mm 97.856 N Root Back of rock #7 23 cm 8 mm 71.168 N Scar Tissue Front of rock #8 28 cm 7 mm 133.440 N Root Front of rock #9 20 cm 6 mm 106.752 N Root Side of rock #10 16 cm 5 mm 80.064 N Branch Front of rock #11 25 cm 7.5 mm 128.992 N Root Front of rock #12 13 cm 2 mm 66.720 N Scar Tissue Seafloor #13 20 cm 5.5 mm 111.200 N Root Front of rock #14 10 cm 2 mm 53.376 N Scar Tissue Side of rock #15 25 cm 7 mm 124.544 N Root Front of rock #16 22 cm 5 mm 93.408 N Root Back of rock #17 32 ...read more.
Conclusion
/ Weight of sample (mg) Protein Content = % Nitrogen x 6.25 *Note: 6.25 is a factor (constant) derived from an assumption that 100 grams of protein contains 16 grams of nitrogen (100/16 = 6.25)* CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was indeed confirmed by our experiment. It is apparent that seaweed found in the exposed region had an overall greater strength in terms of ability to cling to the respective attachment point than the seaweed found in the non-exposed region. This confirmation of results can be explained by Darwin's theory of evolution, that is, organisms can adapt to their environments in such a manner that only the fittest survive. The seaweed found in the exposed region have obviously adapted to their surroundings, developing a more strength-oriented lifestyle. The seaweed typical of non-exposed regions have adapted as well, becoming a species of co-dependant nature. As well as physically testing the seaweed found in these 2 regions, we were able to biologically survey the seaweed by the process of protein analysis. The results indeed proved to be biological evidence that support our actual data from the tests performed. These results showed there was evidently a significant difference between the protein make-up -- the exposed seaweed were composed of much more total protein content, enabling them to successfully thrive in their respective environment. ...read more.
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