Defence against radicals: How yeast defends itself against our immune system

Our immune system attacks pathogens with a powerful weapon: reactive oxygen species. These aggressive molecules damage the cells of the invaders, thereby rendering them harmless. However, yeasts such as Candida albicans have developed clever defence mechanisms.

During a visit to our laboratory, you’ll learn how Candida albicans uses the enzyme catalase to neutralise the oxygen radicals produced by our immune cells, thereby defending itself against the attack.

You can replicate one of these defence mechanisms yourself: using a simple catalase test, you’ll be able to see how yeast breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In the ‘Yeast Volcano’, this reaction causes a spectacular burst of foam – and clearly demonstrates just how effective this defence mechanism is. An experiment for anyone who wants not just to see science, but to experience it for themselves!

Want to find out more about immune cells and their battle against yeast? Then be sure to check out our board games too!