Discusses advantages of radial diffusion assay in determining presence of enzyme and/or rough approximation of amount of enzyme activities. Procedures are included for the preparation of starch-agar plates, and the application and determination of enzyme. Techniques using plant materials (homogenates, tissues, ungerminated embryos, and seedlings)…

Provides five secondary level investigations designed to examine allelopathy, the inhibition of plant growth by chemicals produced by another plant. (MA)

A laboratory demonstration is suggested for the formation of a-amylase enzyme in halved grains of barley. Data presented in the article provide some information of the pattern of a- and b-amylase activity during germination. (PS)

The rhizosphere is the area directly surrounding the roots of a plant and an area of tremendous microbial growth. This article described techniques for studying this soil biome. Illustrations are included. (MA)

Describes an experiment used to demonstrate the relationship among hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions and provides and open-ended research opportunity for additional individual investigation by students. (Author/MA)

Describes the inexpensive construction of an uptake volume potometer uptake and loss potometer, and experiments on plants that can be conducted with the equipment. (BR)

Describes the method used at Macquarie University, Australia, for implementing the home experiment approach in first-year biology. The sequences of activities for experiments in plant growth are included; and assignment sheets are appended. (CS)

Activities and experiments with leaves are given for use with elementary students. Classifying and measuring are ideas which are suggested for involving children in some in-depth projects with leaves. (SA)

Describes the method to use in collecting freshwater algae for study in the classroom. Equipment lists are given as well as several illustrations. (SA)

Presents an investigative sequence of experiments addressed to the topic of photosynthesis. (BR)

Callus induction from species of Haworthia can be done quickly in the laboratory with minimal equipment to study tissue dedifferentiation and cellular redifferentiation. It is shown that the cultured cell can also be used to study and evaluate the effects of various mutagens, carcinogens, and pesticides in controlled environments. (Author/MA)

Describes a junior high school level exercise using plant pigments as acid-base indicators. (SL)

Presents methods for demonstrating and applying scientific principles by growing plants through water culture (hydroponics), including a review of the history of hydroponics, re-creating some early experiments, and setting up a modern hydroponic system. (CS)