Journey to the Microcosmos: Why Do Microbes Explode Under UV Light?
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This episode explores phototoxicity: death by light. When UV light hits an organism, it can potentially excite chemical structures inside the cell, which send electrons up and down to produce fluorescent colors. These excited fluorescent molecule create what are known as reactive oxygen species, and these can become dangerous. Part of the "Journey to the Microcosmos" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 10 minutes 57 seconds
- Topic: Science
- Subtopic: Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Release Year: 2022
- Producer/Distributor: Complexly
- Series: Journey to the Microcosmos
- Writer: Lori Wilson
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