2NADH + O_2 + 2H^+ ---> 2NAD^+ + 2H_2O
This portrays only the NADH/NAD^+ part of a complicated, many step process.(glycolysis) The reaction is oscillatory with specific ranges of concentrations of reactants. Usually, the "space", or boundary conditions for biological, or chemical feedback, and thus oscillations is often quite strict. That is, the system has to be in a precise range of chemical concentration for oscillation to occur.
The purpose of this experiment is to discover the behavior of an oscillating reaction observed as yeast cells consume sugar. After dissolved oxygen has been used up by the cells the fundamental chemistry of the system goes into an oscillation. This may be observed by adding the enzyme NAHD to the system and observing its fluorescence under black light. Again we have the same questions as with any chemical reaction:
If there are several groups of observers then we may determine a group average of the period as well as an overall grand aveage. The spread of these measurements lets us know something about their validity. This also teaches us something about measurement and statistics.
Prepare the yeast solutions.
First set (and measure) the temperature of the yeast culture to temperature, 37C or 98.6F.
Using a black (UV) light time the NAHD fluorescence with its estimated maximum. As the reaction proceeds readings are taken as a function of elapsed time. Record these times and enter them in a lab notebook, or a computer spread sheet.
Each group should have collected three sets of data for a number of time periods during the extent of the oscillating reaction. Each observer should average their total set of times and each group should make an average of each time period. An average and an standard deviation should be recorded. The easiest way to do this is to use a spread sheet on a computer.
For a more sophisticated discussion of data analysis go to statistics