Students expose bacteria to 4 different concentrations of tobacco extract and observe the dose-response mutagenic effect on the bacteria. The bacteria change from red to white when they mutate. Photos of this change can be seen online here.
Since mutations are an important precursor to cancer, this lab would work well in a unit on cancer or genetics. It would also complement the discussion about toxicology or lab techniques commonly used in biological sciences.
Teacher Guides / Student Worksheets
(In pdf format. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Download Tobacco Induced Mutations - Teacher and Student Guide
Download Lab Notebooks Guide
Download Guide to Bacteria Plating
Download Grid for percent of Bacteria