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What Is the Effect of Exposure to an Electrical Current on the Growth of Escherichia coli? CALIFORNIA STATE SCIENCE FAIR
2003 PROJECT SUMMARY
Ap2/03
Name(s)
Project Number
Project Title
Abstract
Summary Statement
Help Received
Kirsti A. Burr
What Is the Effect of Exposure to an Electrical Current on the Growth
of Escherichia coli?
S1305
Objectives/Goals
This experiment is designed to test a theory of Dr. Hulda Regehr Clark, Ph.D., N. D., who believes that a
battery may be used to destroy parasites within the human body. She states that by eliminating these
parasites, a person can be rid of such ailments as the common cold, chicken pox, HIV, and even cancer.
Her seemingly elementary invention, "The Zapper," is constructed mainly from a shoebox, wires, some
capacitors, and a 9-volt battery. The procedure in this experiment challenges Dr. Clark's zapper in a more
controlled environment.
Methods/Materials
Colonies of Escherichia coli will be incubated in sterilized agar plates. Groups of four plates will be
"zapped" for one, four, seven, and ten minutes. ("Zapping" constitutes connecting alligator clips from the
zapper's bolts to the steel grids in each plate and turning the apparatus "on" for the allotted time. This
frees the flow of electricity through the circuit, including the bacteria.) A control group will not be
zapped. The experiment employs steel grids as conductors to ensure that the current flows through as
many bacteria as possible.
Results
Partial success of the zapper is supported by retardation in colonial growth in size and number after the
zapping period.
Conclusions/Discussion
The voltage "kills" the bacteria, it is hypothesized, by breaking the hydrogen bonds in the bacterial
chromosome. Gel electrophoresis will be used to support or refute this idea. A second conjecture is that
the electrical current breaks up the proteins of the plasma membrane, causing the bacteria to lyse and
expire. Observations will be made under a microscope to determine if this is or is not the case.
The effects of the voltage of a 9-volt battery are observed on growth of Escherichia coli.
Mother very supportive in editing abstract drafts, helping build zapper. Mrs. Houseman KEY in giving
advice, providing classroom, materials, knowledge. Mr. Beach expert in physics, gave counsel, made
plates. Hoping to obtain enzymes from La Sierra University. Mrs. Bera also helpful in board design. Dr.