Green Fuel Cell

The transfer of electrons is part of the metabolic process in living organisms. However, what if it were possible to capture, remove, and use some of these electrons? Could living organisms generate an electrical current? Students will set up a simple cell and using the simple-to-grow and environmentally tolerant organism yeast, as well as a special dye capable of entering yeast cells and collecting electrons, determine if the harvested electrons are capable of producing current in the cell and if so, how much current. This fun activity also serves as a great tool to stimulate discussion with regard to alternate energy sources.