The Effect of Vitamins D3 and E on the Germination of Radish Seeds Olivia Smith-Warren Mott High School Katherine Sobodos-Sterling Heights High School

Smith-Sobodos Terms To Know Germination - when a seed takes water and oxygen through its coat, while being exposed to the proper conditions Petri Dishes – sterile dishes used in a controlled environment

Antioxidants Substances that protect cells from free radicals Found in many vitamins Found in fruits such as – ntioxidants.htmlhttp:// ntioxidants.html Smith-Sobodos

Free Radicals Are harmful groups of atoms with odd numbers of electrons Are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Cause a chain reaction when interacting with DNA and cellular components Smith-Sobodos

Free Radicals Are produced because of environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and the body breaking down food Smith-Sobodos

Free Radicals Causes poor function or death of cells Antioxidants are the defense system against free radicals Smith-Sobodos

Radish Seeds Technically named Raphanus sativus Have the fastest germination rate Can be grown year-round Grow very well in containers

Smith-Sobodos Question How will vitamins D3 and E effect the germination of Raphanus sativus (radish) seeds?

Smith-Sobodos The Experiment Radish seeds are a common type of plant –They can be grown inside or outside Vitamins are antioxidants which prevent free radicals

Smith-Sobodos The Experiment Vitamins D3 and E… –Are antioxidants –Come in liquid and solid forms –Can be found in many organisms and natural sources

Smith-Sobodos Why Vitamins? Vitamins are antioxidants Scientific research shows evidence of… –Antioxidants helping seeds to germinate –Antioxidants preventing free radicals

Smith-Sobodos Why Vitamins? Vitamins are beneficial to humans –Theoretically they would be beneficial to plants

Smith-Sobodos Liquid Vitamins Regular vitamins in liquid form Easier to use for this experiment Same vitamin content as solid pills

Smith-Sobodos Vitamin D3 Promotes Calcium absorption and is synthesized when ultraviolet rays strike the skin. Modulates cell growth, immune function, and reduction of information.

Smith-Sobodos Vitamin E Is involved in immune function

Smith-Sobodos The Hypothesis If vitamins D3 and E are added to Raphanus sativus seeds, then the seeds with the high levels of both vitamins D3 and E will result in the most seeds germinated

Smith-Sobodos How Was The Experiment Performed? Procedure

Smith-Sobodos How Was This Experiment Performed? Draw Two Equilateral Circles Cut Off Excess Paper Around the Two Circles. Keep Circles Connected Add Ten Seeds to Bottom Half of Paper Towel

Smith-Sobodos Observations Three Petri dishes from DOE 2, Day 2 ( -, + )( S, S )( +, - )

Smith-Sobodos Results The averages for the experiment Runs Average Vitamin D3 Vitamin E

Smith-Sobodos Results Standard dot plot for the experiment Two seed variability

Smith-Sobodos Interaction effect of the experiment Possibility of an interaction Results

Smith-Sobodos Results The hypothesis was rejected The seeds treated with a… –High level of vitamin D3 –Low level of vitamin E germinated the most seeds

Why Did These Results Occur? The vitamins blocked free radicals That promoted growth because of the reduction of harmful chemicals Smith-Sobodos

How Does This Help The World? Farmers –Radishes are commonly grown in Michigan

Smith-Sobodos Further Research Opportunities Testing to see if fully grown radishes still contain vitamins –Vitamin deficiency caused by pesticides Testing to see how vitamins effect radishes once they are grown –Faster growth of radishes –Bigger radishes

Smith-Sobodos In Conclusion… The hypothesis was rejected The vitamins helped the radish seeds to germinate The low amount of vitamin D3 and the high amount of vitamin E germinated the most seeds

Smith-Sobodos Sources