Zebrafish
The later weeks of quarter 2 and early weeks of quater 3 in the 2020-2021 school year were designated as time for research and more in-depth studies in smaller groups. Of many possible topics to focus on, several groups chose to conduct studies/experiments on some of the Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) population available at St. Anne's-Belfield. Specifically, these studies concerned embryonic development in Zebrafish and the effect that external forces could play on the species in an altered environment. These external forces ranged from changes in pH, to nitrate levels, to changing levels of ammonia in the water. Over the course of the two-week period, groups designed projects in which they cared for and studied Zebrafish embryos as they developed and hatched into fish over the course of approximately seven days.
Embryo Care
Each day, the following occurred:
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The zebrafish embryos (stored in Petri dishes filled with approximately 50mL of fluid) were taken out of the incubator.
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The fluid in each Petri dish contained different concentrations of the chemical being tested (pH, ammonia, nitrate)
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Data was recorded on how many of the embryos in each solution were “dead,” “deformed,” and “fine.” “Fine” was classified as having no observable significant deformities. The embryos were also photographed at this stage.
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A sterilized and rinsed 1 mL pipette was used to remove nearly all of the fluid from the petri dishes. All surviving embryos remained in the dish.
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When switching between dishes, the 1 mL pipette was thoroughly rinsed with system water so as not to cross-contaminate solutions of differing concentrations.
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Fresh water was gently poured into the petri dish. The lids of the petri dish were replaced.
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The petri dishes were placed back in the incubator until the following day.
Our Papers
Cole/Sam paper:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tDzcwk6_arUX3BtwCTpuXQ6dLeiaaWycgQtAd66TLiE/edit?usp=sharing
Rosalie/Pierre/Bair paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rGpnxL1mKE5Wkuk_Vfp1ZvL3EL4vtAQ_Zg2PX6z76gg/edit?usp=sharing
Johnny/Amani/Carter paper:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Kvenkt0NGRLqc-zgHxsM338Pd7jdkgopJrMFzso9eM/edit?usp=sharing