Effect of Ultraviolet Light Exposure With Sun Protection Factors on Saccharomyces cerevisiae

by Jake Abdi (VI), McKenna Dwyer (V), Mary Claire Morgan (VI)

The impacts of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the human body have received increased attention in previous years. The impacts consist of a series of illnesses, burns, and modifications in the genetic structures. The current study aimed to identify the effect of sunscreens on yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to prevent ultraviolet damage. Using 4 different SPFs (15, 30, 50, 75) on yeast grown on agar plates, we were able to compare the effects of UV light after five minutes. Furthermore, we used two controls, one under the UV with no sunscreen and one not put under the UV light. Our results showed that the higher the SPF, the more yeast survived when compared to those with a lower SPF, or no sunscreen. This is greatly important given that it further enforces the significance of using sunscreen to protect your skin from the UV rays.