Mudrack, KristenAnderson, Cassidy2019-04-302019-04-302019-04-30http://hdl.handle.net/11558/4294Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, both of which lead to an interconnecting vicious cycle of cell death. Research has indicated that heavy metals found in the modern environment such as aluminum sparks some of the oxidative stress found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Other research as well as mainstream health medias postulate coconut oil as not only a preventive measure but a potential means to reduce symptoms for Alzheimer’s due to its antioxidant activity. Using yeast as the eukaryotic cell model, mitochondrial dysfunction was measured as a result of aluminum and other metals to induce oxidative stress. After mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via metals were demonstrated, the yeast was treated with coconut oil before and/or after oxidative stress to determine the ameliorating effects of this particular medium chain triglyceride. Oxidative stress was assessed via fluorochromes in order to determine the oxidative stress. Spectroscopy was utilized to determine mitochondrial activity. Coconut oil is expected to prevent and protect yeast from reactive oxygen species.en-USOxidative stressParkinson's DiseaseAlzheimer's DiseaseCoconut oilAntioxidantYeastMitochondriaMitochondrial dysfunctionApoptosisMedium chain triglycerides (MCTs)Metal toxicityRISE Above Research ConferenceWorking Paper