About

Designed to help examine photosynthesis and cellular respiration using a freshwater alga encapsulated in alginate as the model organism. The kits can be used to design and run experiments to test how light affects photosynthetic rates including understanding the role of environmental factors. While the kits contain protocols ranging from simple to more advanced, the use of algae beads are not limited to only these experiments.

What are algae beads and why use them?

Algae beads are made from a freshwater green alga that is immobilized into beads using alginate and calcium chloride. They allow for the control of the amount of algae used in experiments and because alginate is porous, gas exchange can occur between the encapsulated algae and their surrounding environment. They can be reused multiple times if kept under the proper storage conditions.

What else could I test?

• If/how different light sources affect photosynthetic rates.
• If/how color filters or light bulbs of different colors affect photosynthetic rates.
• If/how light intensity affects the photosynthetic rates.
• If/how distance from light source affects photosynthesis

Available Kits

Simple Experiment Kit

This kit includes an easy-to-follow experiment and most necessary materials.

• UTEX Algae Beads Model Organism (<200 beads)
• Transfer pipettes
• Tubes with gradation markings

Advance Experiment Kit

This kit includes everything in the simple experiment kit, plus an advanced experiment protocol that utilizes a pH indicator solution to visually show the two biochemical processes that sustain most life on earth.

• UTEX Algae Beads Model Organism (<200 beads)
• Transfer pipettes
• Tubes with gradation markings
• PCR tubes
• Bicarbonate indicator solution
• pH color guide

What is not included?

• Distilled/deionized water (water must not be chlorinated)
• Aluminum foil
• Clean beakers or clear plastic cups
• Permanent marker pen
• Light source
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, lab coat, goggles, etc.