Booth Id:
MCRO049T
Category:
Microbiology
Year:
2018
Finalist Names:
Diehn, Nathaniel (School: Paul M. Dorman High School)
Nelson, Ty (School: Paul M. Dorman High School)
Pellegrino, Vivian (School: Paul M. Dorman High School)
Abstract:
The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effect of pH on the growth rate of Candida albicans, a common fungus found in the human body. Candida albicans is a possible cancer-causing infection that is normally found in the digestive tract of humans. It is an opportunistic pathogen so, Candida albicans may become infectious when the body’s immune system is weakened, resulting in the spread of this fungus. It is possible that this fungus could be killed or stalled by consumable substances with varying pH. This experiment was conducted by growing twelve fungi samples and placing three different solutions with various pH on the cultures. For five consecutive days the samples were measured and observed to see if the solutions affected the growth rate of Candida albicans. In conclusion, it was found that the growth rate of the fungi was consistent for all solutions, with no significant changes.