7. Sea Urchin - Effects of UV

Sea urchins can be used to study damage induced by ultraviolet radiation. They are exposed in nature to UV radiation during all life stages, and analysis of their sensitivity can be used as a measure of the extent of the threat posed by increased levels of UV-radiation..

In this chapter, students are given detailed background information on the types of UV-radiation, the present threat of increased UV-radiation, and the damage it causes.

Specific background information about UV-radiation effects on sea urchins is included.

Experimental procedures are given for:

Setting up experiments
Special lightbulbs that can be used
Filters that block UV-A
Filters that block UV-B
Filters that block both UV-A and UV-B
Filters that do not block either UV-A or UV-B

Emphasis is placed on using low-cost materials as UV-filters, commonly available in classrooms or homes, and on testing commercial products such as sunscreens and sunglasses, that are designed to protect us from UV-radiation.