Thread: Proper materials for the testing of theory

So, I have a medical theory that I am wanting to test, particularly with the use of bacterial and human cells. Problem is, aside from a microscope, I know not what materials I need to acquire for my experiment. I conjecture that to receive proper instruction on such, I will need to speak of my intentions for the experiment. So here goes: I plan on damaging the genetic material of bacterial cells (likely E. Coli) using ultraviolet radiation. Then, the bacterial cells with damaged nucleic acids will be exposed to the human (animal) cells. My questions concerning the experiment are as follows:

- Will ultraviolet radiation be enough to damage the bacteria's genetic material after an exposure time of six hours?
- What would be the optimal way to expose the bacteria to the animal cells so that I could view any change in the animal cells?
- Should I acquire an incubator for this experiment to optimize reproduction of the bacterial cells?

Thanks!

Bacterial cells do not normally cause changes in the genetics of animal cells, so we can predict a zero result, even after mutation. Retroviruses may cause such change, but that is a much more complex experiment, and is best left to those who have the training and facilities.

axis, What do you expect to have happen ? I mean irradiating a culture of E coli is no big deal. You could then apply a dilution of the culture to a test animals skin via an adhesive bandage. After a predetermined time you remove the bandage and examin the skin. What theory are we testing here?

I reviewed your initial questions. I don't know what you need to consistently grow e coli cultures. Maybe you need an incubator for that. You need what ever equipment is needed to grow your test culture consistently. The most likely result will be induced skin irritation and perhaps baterial infection. I don't see why that would be interesting. What type of change are you hoping to see?

By irradiating the e coli and then growing cultures from the e coli that survive radiation I would expect you to produce UV radiation resistent e coli.