Why Do Bananas Smell So A-peeling?

In plants, small molecules called metabolites play many roles, including creating the flavor and scent of fruits. Plants produce thousands of metabolites, and this plethora of natural molecules can be used to create many different flavors in the food industry. At this interactive presentation, we invite you to become a scientist and investigate the role of plant metabolites! We will conduct an experiment to recreate the smell of your favorite fruits, get up close and personal with the molecules’ 3-D structure, and learn about the scientists who first discovered them. This event is presented by the Plant Metabolic Network.

This all-ages presentation will allow attendees to learn about metabolites – what they are, why they’re important, and how scientists are using them to enrich our lives. Our booth will consist of multiple interactive activities that have been specially developed to increase awareness and understanding of this fascinating aspect of plant science. These activities include hands-on mini-experiments, where attendees will be able to mix metabolic extracts on a cotton ball in a petri dish to recreate specific smells,  a 3-D modeling game that helps attendees visualize the physical structure of metabolites, and a puzzle game to match specific metabolites with their function.. Attendees will be able to leave the booth with their experiment, as well as metabolite stickers and a brochure on scientists who work with them.  

The overall goal is to show attendees how science is part of our everyday lives and inspire them to look at familiar objects in a whole new way.

Are you interested in using this activity? Contact Us Here to see how!