Introduction

Planaria is the widely used term to describe non-parasitic freshwater flatworms

(Planarian, 2008). Planaria are able to reproduce asexually and sexually which can

contribute to their regenerative capabilities (Leeches, worms, & planaria, 2010). In

addition, most planaria live in shallow ponds and they are abundant in number (Planaria,

2010). Also, planaria are housed in the Kingdom Animalia and specifically the Dugesia

tigrina is most common species worked with (Planaria, 2010).

To begin with, planaria are bilaterally symmetrical due to both sides of their body

being identical images (Planaria, 2010). On the surface, the anatomy of planaria is not a

very complex matter (Planaria, 2010). For example, planaria do not contain a circulatory

system, they do not have any lungs or gills to breathe, and they do not have an interior

space to house organs (Planaria, 2010). Due to lungs or gills not being in planarians, they

acquire oxygen through diffusion over their bodies (Planaria, 2010). Planaria have cilia,

which are hair like structures that allow them to move wherever they please (Mithra,

2010). One of the most unique traits for a planarian is its eye spots which act as

photoreceptors to light (Maurice, 2010). Also, planaria contain auricles on both sides of

their head that act as sensory organs (Planaria: a window on regeneration, 2010).

Most planaria have phototaxis that makes them move away from light (Maurice,

2010). A planarian’s digestive system is also not very complex because it is only made up

of a central mouth, a pharynx, and a large gastro vascular cavity (Mithra, 2010). In

addition, small flame cells are present to help aid in the removal of wastes from planaria

(Planaria, 2010). A planarian’s anatomy includes a straightforward nervous system in

which the ganglion acts as a type of brain (Planaria, 2010).

Furthermore, planaria have an amazing ability of regeneration which makes them

a popular specimen to test to this day (Bogdanova, 2010). Planaria are able to regenerate

due to their spread out cells called neoblasts that act like stem cells in humans

(Thompson 2007). Neoblasts and stem cells are seen as alike because they are both not

focused on a certain function (Thompson, 2007). In addition, researchers at the

University of Nottingham have discovered that the gene that triggers regeneration is

called ‘Smed-prep’ (The secret to tissue regeneration… in the body of a worm, 2010).

On another note, in society today, sports drinks have become immensely popular

in the market today (Reents, 2007). Usually during or after a strenuous exercise, many

people have to get a sip of these rejuvenating beverages. However, are they really all they

are cracked up to be?

Sports drinks originated at the University of Florida in 1965 when an assistant

Gator coach realized that his players were not being replenished after games (Mayo &

Kravitz, 2010). At the school, physicians concocted a beverage (now Gatorade) filled

with carbohydrates and electrolytes which helped the Gators go on to win the Orange

Bowl (Mayo & Kravitz, 2010). Ever since then, the sports drink business was officially

born (Mayo & Kravitz, 2010).

In definition, a sports drink is a beverage that replenishes lost fluids or

electrolytes after a certain period of time (Cohen, 2008). When dealing with sports drinks

in general, there are three major types: hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic (Sports

Drinks, 2010). Depending on the type of activity or sport that is performed, a certain type

is more preferred (Sports Drinks, 2010). For example, isotonic sports drinks are better

suited for the average athlete because they replenish fluids very quickly (Cohen, 2008).

Although hypotonic sports drinks also hydrate rapidly, they are best suited after less

strenuous exercises (Sports Drinks, 2010).On the other end of the spectrum, hypertonic

drinks are mostly used to replenish athletes who work out for long enduring exercises like

a marathon runner (Sports Drinks, 2010).

The main components that make up many sports drinks are different types of

sugars, carbohydrates, and sometimes protein (Carbohydrates & sports performance,

2010). All of these elements are necessary for our body to function normally every single

day (Carbohydrates: good carbs guide the way, 2010). Carbohydrates provide us with

basically the will to live by providing our bodies with vivacious energy (Carbohydrates,

2010), while proteins give structure and form to our body’s makeup (Proteins, 2009).

The controversy however, results with the question as to which one improves the

endurance or activity level of humans the best. Countless experiments have been done as

to whether the amount of protein or the amount of carbohydrates affects a person’s

performance during exercise. For example, John Ivy from the University of Texas

concocted an experiment in which he tested whether a carbohydrate drink vs. a protein

and carbohydrate drink would be better for athletes’ performances (Burfoot, 2004). In the

end, he concluded that athletes repeatedly sprinting with a carbohydrate plus protein

drink, lasted about thirty six percent better than those with the carbohydrate only drink

(Burfoot, 2004). Many scientists have not fully accepted his findings and the race still

goes on (Burfoot, 2004). In contrast, in a study done at McMaster University by Martin

Gibala, researchers found that adding protein to a regular sports drink did not improve

cycling performance against a regular sports drink (McMaster University, 2006). Overall,

the researchers claim that consuming protein in the sports drink did not give rise to any

benefit (McMaster University, 2006).

With all of this in mind, this is a real world problem. For instance, many active

people and athletes are affected by the use of sports drinks constantly because they

interact with them daily (Quinn, 2009). Sports drinks are undoubtedly a huge part of our

society today and to truly maximize exercise performance, the debate of carbohydrates

vs. carbohydrates + proteins needs to be solved today (Reents, 2007).

Purpose

In today’s world, the consumption of sports drinks is on the rise (Reents, 2007).

Some people use sports drinks such as Gatorade or Vitamin Water as a way to quench

their thirst after a strenuous workout while others drink these beverages solely as a way a

life. The real question however, is which sports drink on the market would is the most

beneficial?

Sports drinks are liquid refreshments that renew lost electrolytes and fluids

(Cohen, 2008). The three common types of sports drinks are isotonic, hypertonic, and

hypotonic (Sports Drinks, 2010). Depending on a person’s activity level, a certain sports

drink is better for him/her. The most common sports drinks would be those with an

isotonic solution because they are very good at replenishing fluids at a quicker pace

(Cohen, 2008).

In addition, sports drinks are composed of mainly carbohydrates and sugars

(Carbohydrates, 2010). Protein has been added in certain sports drinks and it is very

controversial as to if it helps to improve a person’s performance during exercise (Burfoot,

2004). Numerous experiments have been done testing the fact and the issue is still

unsolved today (Burfoot, 2004).

For my experiment, I will test the activity level in planaria by using different

concentrations of two different sports drinks, Gatorade vs. Vitamin Water. Both drinks

will have different levels of carbohydrates and protein and the decision to whether the

amount of protein affects the planaria will be shown by clearly represented data and one

step closer to being figured out.

Hypotheses

Null Hypothesis: If a sports drink has a high carbohydrate and protein

solution, then there will be no significant change in the level of activeness

in the planaria.

Alternative Hypothesis: If a sports drink contains a high carbohydrate and

protein solution, then there will be a significant change in the level of

activeness in the planaria.

Materials

60 planaria from Carolina Biological Supply(54 are used)

Petri Dishes

2 Dropping Pipets

Plastic Spoons

Stopwatches

40mL Beaker

16 fl oz. Gatorade :Recover (Strawberry Kiwi)

20 fl oz. Vitamin Water : Energy (Tropical Citrus)

Tube of Distilled Water

Paper Towels

Dish or Container to place used planaria in

Gatorade: Recover (Strawberry Kiwi) Nutrition Facts

Vitamin Water: Energy (Tropical Citrus) Nutrition Facts

Methods

In the first step of the experiment, petri dishes were washed with water and

cleaned off with a napkin. After the petri dishes were cleaned, a 100% 40mL solution of

Gatorade: Recover, Vitamin Water: Energy, and Distilled Water were added in three

separate petri dishes. Next, three planaria were put into each container with a dropping

pipet which allowed the planaria to settle into the new temporary environment. After a

minute, four stopwatches were used for each set of planaria with a master timer that went

five minutes. While the master timer went for five minutes, three other timers were used

and each planarian’s activity level was closely monitored. For example, every time the

planarian stopped, the stopwatch was stopped and every time the planarian moved again,

the timer was started again. After five minutes were over, the time for each planarian was

recorded and written down. In addition, after the planaria were used, the planaria were

placed into a container where they stayed during the rest of the experiment. The same

process was repeated for the other trials except when the different concentrations were

concerned. For instance, for the 75%/25% solutions of Gatorade: Recover or Vitamin

Water: Energy, 75% of the 40mL solution contained a sports drink and the other 25%

was distilled water. This meant that 30mL of the solution was a sports drink and 10mL of

distilled water made up a solution. In the 50%/50% 40mL solution, 20mL were the

choice of sports drink and the other 20mL were distilled water. In the last trial (25%,

75%), 10mL of the 40mL solution were the sports drink of choice and 30mL of distilled

water were used.

Methods

In the first step of the experiment, petri dishes were washed with water and

cleaned off with a napkin. After the petri dishes were cleaned, a 100% 40mL solution of

Gatorade: Recover, Vitamin Water: Energy, and Distilled Water were added in three

separate petri dishes. Next, three planaria were put into each container with a dropping

pipet which allowed the planaria to settle into the new temporary environment. After a

minute, 4 stopwatches were used for each set of planaria with a master timer that went

five minutes. While the master timer went for five minutes, three other timers were used

and each planarian’s activity level was closely monitored. For example, every time the

planarian stopped, the stopwatch was stopped and every time the planarian moved again,

the timer was started again. After five minutes were over, the time for each planarian was

recorded and written down. In addition, after the planaria were used, the planaria were

placed into a container where they stayed during the rest of the experiment. The same

process was repeated for the other trials except when the different concentrations were

concerned. For instance, for the 75%/25% solutions of Gatorade: Recover or Vitamin

Water: Energy, 75% of the 40mL solution contained a sports drink and the other 25%

was distilled water. This meant that 30mL of the solution was a sports drink and 10mL of

distilled water made up a solution. In the 50%/50% 40mL solution, 20mL were the

choice of sports drink and the other 20mL were distilled water. In the last trial (25%,

75%), 10mL of the 40mL solution were the sports drink of choice and 30mL of distilled

water were used.

Trial 1: The Effect of Distilled Water on Planaria Activity Levels (Control)

(Motion vs. Sustained Movement) Distilled Water (40 mL)

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving

(min: sec)Avg. Time Spent Moving(min:sec)

1 5:00

2 0:003 4:37

4 5:00

5 4:51

6 0:00 3:15

Trial 2: The Effect of Gatorade: Recover on Planaria Activity Levels(Motion vs. Sustained Movement)

Gatorade: Recover (40mL)

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

Avg. Time Spent Moving(min:sec)

1 4:32

2 4:35

3 4:36

4 5:00

5 4:49

6 4:40 4:49

Trial 3: The Effect of Vitamin Water: Energy on Planaria Activity Levels(Motion vs. Sustained Movement)

Vitamin Water: Energy

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

Avg. Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

1 0:00

2 0:18

3 4:10

4 4:32

5 0:00

6 1:14 1:62

Trial 4: The Effect of Different Concentrations of Gatorade: Recover, Distilled Water and Vitamin Water: Energy on Planaria Activity Levels

(Motion vs. Sustained Movement)Vitamin Water:

Energy(40mL)

(75% VW, 25% DW)DW=Distilled

Water

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

Avg. Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

1 3:40

2 2:46

3 4:02

4 4:34

5 3:31

6 3:05 3:43

Gatorade:Recover(40mL)

(75% G,25%DW)

7 1:35

8 5:00

9 5:00

10 5:00

11 5:00

12 5:00 4:39

Trial 5: The Effect of Different Concentrations of Gatorade: Recover Distilled Water and Vitamin Water: Energy on Planaria Activity Levels

(Motion vs. Sustained Movement)

Vitamin Water: Energy(40mL)(50% VW, 50%

DW)DW=Distilled Water

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

Avg. Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

1 2:53

2 4:58

3 5:00

4 4:54

5 4:43

6 5:00 4:35

Gatorade:Recover(40mL)

(50% G,50%DW)

7 5:00

8 5:00

9 5:00

10 5:00

11 5:00

12 5:00 5:00

Trial 6: The Effect of Different Concentrations of Gatorade: Recover, Distilled Water and Vitamin Water: Energy on Planaria Activity Levels

(Motion vs. Sustained Movement)Vitamin Water: Energy(40mL)

(25% VW, 75% DW)DW=Distilled

Water

Planaria Number Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

Avg. Time Spent Moving (min:sec)

1 5:00

2 5:00

3 5:00

4 5:00

5 4:50

6 5:00 4:92

Gatorade:Recover(40mL)

(25% G,75%DW)

7 5:00

8 5:00

9 5:00

10 5:00

11 5:00

12 5:00 5:00

Observations

Trial 1, 2, 3 Observations:

A) 100% Distilled Water: One planarian was completely not moving and showed no

signs of enjoying the water. On the other hand, the other two planaria were

moving all over and at times one of them even curled into a ball and stayed that

way for a couple of seconds.

B) 100% Gatorade: Recover: In this group, all of the planaria were moving

continuously and looked like they were enjoying the solution. Maybe it has to do

with the amount of protein in the solution because planaria feed on foods with

protein.

C) 100% Vitamin Water: Energy: In this group, when the planaria were first placed

in, they all were moving around spasmodically and frantically. One completely

stayed in a ball the whole time and was not moving while the other two moved

but not as frequent as normal. In addition, one planarian’s proboscis was ejected

which might have been affected by the high sugar intake.

Trial 4 Observations:

A) 75% Gatorade: Recover, 25% Distilled Water: In this section, only one out of the

six curled into a ball and barely moved but the other ones also moved for the

whole five minutes and were moving in a normal undulated motion.

B) 75% Vitamin Water: Energy, 25% Distilled Water: In this group, many of the

planaria immediately curled and stayed still for a while but they were not as

frantic as the first group.

Trial 5 Observations:

A) 50% Gatorade: Recover, 50% Distilled Water: This was the best trial this far. All

of the planaria were moving and gliding through the petri dish and there was no

frantic movement. All of the planaria were also stretched out and moving in an

undulated motion.

B) 50% Vitamin Water: Energy, 50% Distilled Water: The planaria seem to get

better in this one as the solution lessens. Some started to stretch out but there was

still a lot of curling going on and none were swimming around. Most just moved

but still stayed in the same spot.

Trial 6 Observations:

A) 25% Gatorade: Recover, 75% Distilled Water: Once again the Gatorade group

was continuously moving around and some were swimming towards a certain

side. I was wondering if light a factor in that decision was.

B) 25% Vitamin Water: Energy, 75% Distilled Water: In this group, the planaria

were way less spasmodic and they were gliding around for the most part. Some

were stretching out and curling and some where acting in a typhoon shape

manner.

Discussion

To begin with, the results were very interesting. At first, I did not know the

planaria would react to the Vitamin Water: Energy in such a strong manner. Most of them

were spasmodically moving and a few did not even move around at all. In contrast, the

Gatorade: Recover provided the best results with basically all of the planaria responding

extremely well to being put in that solution. I feel that there is a strong correlation

between the amount of proteins and the activity level of the planaria because planaria

usually feed on protein enriched foods such as egg yolk or raw meat.

On another note, my alternative hypothesis was fully supported and the null was

refuted because the Gatorade: Recover yielded the best results with the activity levels of

the planaria. Specifically, the group of planaria in the 50% Gatorade: Recover, 50%

Distilled Water provided the best data because as stated in my observations, the planaria

were actively moving around and it has the reaction and times out of all the trials. In

addition, there is also proof with the way the planaria reacted to the Vitamin Water:

Energy. At first, when they were all put in, they were all crazily moving in one spot and

throughout the five minutes, they barely moved. This in turn, must have some correlation

with the amount of protein affecting the performance in certain organisms’ activity

levels.

Thus, this project began with the idea of protein affecting planaria activity levels

and this experiment has clearly proved that it does have some influence. I hope to

continue with this project in the future and uncover even more groundbreaking results

such as this. It might just bring this issue of protein vs. carbohydrates to rest.

Abstract

Title: Planaria Power

This study’s main focus was on whether or not the amount of protein in a solution

had any effect on the activity level of planaria activity. The experiment basically included

the timing of planaria activity level over a course of five minutes and each with different

concentrations of sports drinks. Every five minutes, the time given to each group was

placed in a different concentration of a sports drink solution or distilled water. The

planaria activeness was recorded along with the observations made about each planaria.

Overall, the alternative hypothesis was supported because the planaria showed a very

increased level of activeness when placed in the Gatorade: Recover. When the planaria

were placed in Vitamin Water: Energy, they did not respond well to the solution by

spasmodically moving around. This proves that there is a strong correlation between the

protein and the activity level in protein. This is most likely due to the planaria diet which

consists of bits of raw meat or egg yolk. These foods are all enriched with protein.

In conclusion, protein is clearly a factor in planaria activity level. These results

confirmed the original hypothesis and there are still other questions to further this study

such as how proteins would affect another organism such as humans. That answer would

ultimately lead to a breakthrough in the sports drink world but it would be extremely

beneficial to the consumers as well.

Conclusion

This experiment has opened up many ideas for me to contemplate. For example,

major realizations are that the amount of protein in a solution is in correlation with

planaria activity levels. In addition, the protein enhanced solution might be better for the

planaria because planaria are used to eating a protein enriched diet with foods such as egg

yolk or bits of raw meat. On the other hand, it seems like a sugar enriched solution

proved to be a terrible environment for planaria to survive in which shows what nutrient

truly makes an impact on planaria activity levels. Also, further questions to consider

would be the fact that if proteins have such an immense effect on planaria, the effect in

humans might be just as great.

In conclusion, ,the main focus of my topic which is whether or nor not protein

enhanced sports drinks would be beneficial to humans and I believe that this proves one

step closer to that theory because proteins essentially do everything in the human body so

why would they stop working overtime now?

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