This laboratory examines olfactory communication in humans, ants, and termites. The study of the relationship between molecular structure and odor perception in insects and human response to different odorants is followed by an experimental analysis of chemical signaling in ants and termites. These latter exercises demonstrate the role of the physical properties of chemicals in pheromone communication and the measurement of factors important to the analysis of the biological properties of pheromones. Using the study of Vitamin C as an example, this workshop addresses a method by which first year biology and chemistry laboratory sections can be integrated. The modular laboratory program is presented from the perspective of biologists and chemists.
Emphasis is placed on the design of human studies and attention to titration accuracy.
Human metabolism of Vitamin C and analysis of Vitamin C content of fruit juices will be quantitated. Flow is essential not only for breathing and excretion but also for sending and receiving chemical signals for communication. The dispersal pattern of odors depends on the water currents in the environment and odor release patterns under the animal's control. We demonstrate how odors affect the sampling strategies of marine invertebrates and how they control their fluid environment. In addition, we demonstrate how marine invertebrates orient toward an odor source in a straight flume or in a Y-maze.