======Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Yeast Respiration====== **Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\ **Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\ **Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\ \\ **Categories:** {{$demo.categories}} \\ **Alternative titles:** Balloon Inflation Yeast Experiment ====Summary==== {{$demo.summary}} ====Procedure==== -Prepare two clean bottles and label them “aerobic” and “anaerobic.” -Add warm water (not hot) and sugar to each bottle, stirring until dissolved. -Add an equal amount of yeast to each bottle and swirl gently. -Stretch a balloon over the mouth of each bottle to seal it. -For aerobic conditions, leave the setup as is so oxygen can dissolve into the solution. -For anaerobic conditions, limit oxygen by wrapping the bottle in plastic or using a balloon that fits tightly and prevents outside air from entering. -Leave the bottles in a warm place and observe over time. -Record the rate and size of balloon inflation for each condition. ====Links==== Yeast Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration - Animated Science: {{youtube>gRF1E33Lppk?}}\\ The Yeast Respiration Experiment with S4's Biologist Ali - S4 Project: {{youtube>1IPKuzuU81E?}}\\ ====Variations==== *Test different sugars (glucose, sucrose, honey) to compare respiration rates. *Vary the temperature of the water to see the effect on yeast activity. *Try one setup with no sugar as a control. ====Safety Precautions==== *Do not drink or taste the yeast mixtures. *Use bottles that can withstand slight pressure but avoid sealing too tightly to prevent bursting. *Handle warm water carefully to avoid burns. *Dispose of yeast mixtures in the sink with plenty of water; do not store sealed bottles for long periods. ====Questions to Consider==== *Why does the balloon inflate during yeast respiration? (CO2 gas is produced and collects in the balloon.) *Why does the aerobic bottle inflate more quickly? (Oxygen allows yeast to fully respire sugar, releasing more energy and carbon dioxide.) *What additional product is made in anaerobic respiration? (Ethanol, along with CO2.) *Why is warm water used instead of hot water? (Hot water can kill yeast, while warm water activates it.) *What does this experiment reveal about yeast’s role in bread-making or brewing? (CO2 makes bread rise, while ethanol is central to brewing alcohol.)