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Zoology Science Fair Project

Hydrogen Peroxide and Fruit Fly Aging

Hard
Hydrogen Peroxide and Fruit Fly Aging | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Can adding hydrogen peroxide to a fruit fly's food speed up aging? Oxygen produces harmful molecules called free radicals (unstable particles that damage cells). This project tests whether extra free radicals shorten a fruit fly's lifespan. Four groups of five male fruit flies each received different food mixes. The control group got plain water. The other three groups got water mixed with hydrogen peroxide at different strengths. The flies exposed to hydrogen peroxide died before the control group. The strongest solution killed flies fastest. The results support the idea that free radicals speed up aging.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that oxygen's radical role does have an effect on aging.

Science Concepts Learned

Free Radicals and Aging

Oxygen produces unstable particles called free radicals that damage cells, and one way to test their role in aging is to feed fruit flies food mixed with hydrogen peroxide. Four groups of five male fruit flies each received different food mixes — plain water for the control, and hydrogen peroxide at 0.5%, 1%, and 3% for the others. The flies exposed to hydrogen peroxide died before the control group. The strongest solution killed flies fastest. As a result, the data support the idea that extra free radicals speed up aging, with stronger doses accelerating the effect.

Method & Materials

You will put five male fruit flies into four vials, each with a different food mix. The control group's food mix will contain only water, while the other three groups will have a three percent, one percent, and 0.5 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. You will then observe the order in which the fruit flies die.
You will need four vials, five male fruit flies, triethylamine, water, and hydrogen peroxide.

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Results

The experiment showed that the fruit flies with the hydrogen peroxide mixed into their food died before the control group, proving that oxygen's radical role does have an effect on the aging process. The process occurred more rapidly when the experiment was repeated, possibly due to the decrease in the size of the vials.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how oxygen's radical role can have an effect on the aging process of fruit flies.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include using different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, or using different types of insects.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

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