Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi!
I have been researching flavonoids for my science project. However, while researching, I came upon the term bioflavonoids. I began searching for the difference between the two, but I can't seem to find an answer. For testing its effect on daphnia, I have been told to use bioflavonoids as they will be common in vitamins/supplement stores. Therefore, what is the exact difference between flavonoids and bioflavonoids and which one would be better to use for my experiment of its effect on daphnia reproduction?

Here is a video I found "detailing" the differences between the two. To sum up the video, they are pretty much the same thing, the man in the video refers to them as "cousins." They both have the same properties, and are found in the same fruits and vegetables, but they have different chemical bonds. I didn't find anything that indicated any major differences, so I think using bioflavonoids for your project be perfectly fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsiQO3jn0Mw

Thank you so much!
For my project, I wish to test Daphnia reproduction. My original idea was to use bioflavonoids, but currently I am having doubts. I do not see any reason or importance to whether or not bioflavonoids affect Daphnia reproduction. My questions are: Even though I do not see any importance to the experiment, should I still continue? and If not, do you have any recommendations on other project ideas that would test Daphnia reproduction?

Hi,

If you don't see any reason why bioflavonoids would affect Daphnia reproduction, I would recommend switching to another experiment. However, since flavonoids have been found to have impacts on health, it could be interesting to investigate their effects on Daphnia—you might get an unexpected or interesting result!

However, if you'd like to switch your project, you could investigate the effects of levels of food, hormones, or abiotic factors like salinity or level of light on Daphnia reproduction. Depending on your science fair or school's rules, you could also investigate the effects of certain drugs or everyday substances like copper particles on Daphnia reproduction.

Hope this helped,
Allison