Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello. I want to know would the study of environmental conditions of mold growth be useful in improving the cultivation of Penicillium and other fungi for research. Also, would the use of fruit media be the dependent variable and the temperature be as the independent variable?

Hi grasshopper,

You have some interesting questions here.

With regard to the implications of your project, it makes sense that an understanding of the optimal growth conditions for fungus would help improve the cultivation of fungal species for medicine and research. I imagine that many scientists have looked into this kind of thing, so make sure to do your background research.

To help you with your variables, Science Buddies has a great guide:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... bles.shtml

A quick way to think about your variables is to remember that the independent variable is the one you change, and the dependent variable is the one that you measure (it changes because of the independent variable). If you are using different fruits as media, then the different types of fruit would be an independent variable (because you are controlling it). Temperature would also be an independent variable. If I understand your project, then something like the amount of fungal growth would be the dependent variable. Does that make sense?

I hope this helps!

Heather

Hi grasshopper,

Heather has given you some really good advice. I just wanted to add that scientists are studying environmental conditions as a way to improve cultivation. A lot of chemical and pharmaceutical companies utilize bacteria and fungi to produce products. Finding ways to produce more product by growing better, faster microbes is one of their strategies. It is often referred to as fermentation. I use to work for Pfizer and my entire project entailed finding the optimal conditions to grow a certain strain of Penecillium. So any project that looks to improve growth of a microbe would be very applicable.

Kierstyn

Hello. Could I submit the project as an idea and/or personal research with data to you?



Thanks.

Hi grasshopper,

I can look at your procedure or data if you post it on this thread. Try adding it as a link and I can take a look if you want. What kinds of things would you like feed back on (grammar experimental design ect.)?

Kierstyn