Carcinogen Lab Idea Help

[Tetra]

Hi, I'm a high school student who has to run a self-designed lab.

 

I'm supposed to see the affects of a carcinogen on a living organism. In this lab, there has to be 5 increments/ manipulated variables (cannot be time) and three responding variables. It's also preferable that it doesn't take too long to do, maybe MAX 1 + 1/2 weeks.

However, I'm having trouble thinking of ideas.

 

1) The carcinogen : What can I use that is (relatively) safe and accessible?

 

I do not have access to many chemicals (unless i make it myself), and even then I'm afraid that too much exposure can lead to some health problems.

I considered radiation, but I'll need strong ones, like gamma or UV to make much of a difference, so I'm not sure about that either.

 

2) The organism : Well, I can't take really expose a human being or animals to something that can cause cancer (unless I find some small things, like ants). I was considering plants or fungus, but that might take too long, and it'll have to depend on the lab.

 

If anyone could help, I'd be really grateful, thanks.

[CharonY]

1) It is going to depend on what organism you are using, and of course, none of them are truly safe. They are carcinogens. Generally I would go for UV (which is easier to handle, if one does not have a training with hazardous chemicals. This can easily be used on e.g. E. coli.