Biology - Lab -PRELABS 1-6

What is the overall goal of the Bio Lab course?

To determine whether bacteria in a soil sample produce antibiotics and whether they are resistant to antibiotics.

Which organization is this course associated with?

The Tiny Earth Network

How will students present the results of their research at the end of the semester?

Through a poster presentation.

What safety level is required for the lab in BIO 206L?

Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)

Why must BSL-2 protocols be followed during lab?

Due to potentially pathogenic organisms in the soil.

If a student arrives more than how many minutes late to the lab, they will not be allowed to enter?

10 minutes

How many labs can a student miss without affecting their grade?

2 labs

Within how many hours must a student email Dr. Maas if they have a concern about a posted grade?

24 hours

What should students do if they are immunocompromised?

Consult a physician before participating.

When is the first in-person lab session scheduled?

September 3rd or 4th (depending on the section)

What protocol will students complete during the Lab Practical Exam?

Use a microscope to observe bacteria.

What is the primary purpose of antibiotics?

To prevent or eliminate bacterial infections.

What antibiotic was discovered by Alexander Fleming?

Penicillin

What was the significance of the Mega-Plate experiment?

It demonstrated the speed at which bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics.

Why is the overuse of antibiotics problematic?

It leads to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to the video, what should antibiotics be used to treat?

Bacterial diseases.

What did Alexander Fleming believe about bacteria?

They can be beautiful and sometimes helpful.

What is a major reason for the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance?

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

Why is Gonorrhea particularly worrisome in terms of antibiotic resistance?

It can share its resistance genes with other bacteria.

What are some strategies mentioned to combat antimicrobial resistance?

Completing prescribed antibiotic courses as directed.

What is one of the methods being researched by NIAID to fight antimicrobial resistance?

Researching alternative treatments and strategies.

What is one application of antibiotics in agriculture?

To promote animal growth.

What is a key strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance?

Prevent infections in the first place.

What was the estimated number of global deaths directly caused by bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019?

1.27 million deaths.

How many antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the United States each year?

Almost 3 million.

What are the consequences of antimicrobial-resistant infections?

Prolonged recovery times, serious side effects like organ failure, and extended hospital stays.

What is the primary focus of the preclinical pipeline for antibacterial agents?

Gram-negative pathogens.

Why are Gram-negative bacteria particularly concerning?

They can pass along genetic material that allows other bacteria to become drug resistant.

What does WHO emphasize as necessary for mitigating the impact of antibiotic-resistant infections?

Better access to tools for preventing, diagnosing, and treating infections.

What is predicted to be the number one cause of deaths in the coming decades?

Antibiotic resistance.

How does the Tiny Earth Network address antibiotic resistance?

By focusing on antibiotic discovery through student research.

What is a key feature of the Tiny Earth course structure?

Hands-on research and hypothesis testing.

What is the source of most of our antibiotics?

Soil bacteria.

What percentage of antibiotics in current use come from antibiotic-producing bacteria in soil?

Approximately 75%.

What will Tiny Earth Network student researchers do?

Culture soil bacteria and test for antibiotic activity.

Which pathogens are referred to as ESKAPE pathogens?

Emergent pathogens with significant antibiotic resistance.

Why have most large pharmaceutical companies halted antibiotic discovery units?

They claim the soil is 'tapped out' and likely doesn't contain any more antibiotics to be found.

What discovery did undergraduate students make regarding potato dextrose agar medium?

It increases the frequency of antibiotic producers.

What does the article suggest about the future of antibiotic discovery?

It can be revitalized by student contributions.

What characterizes the article 'Tiny Earth: A Big Idea for STEM Education and Antibiotic Discovery'?

It is a scholarly article written by experts in their field, published in a scientific journal.

What is the purpose of implementing Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) practices in the BIO 206L teaching labs?

To minimize the risk of contamination and infection from potentially harmful organisms in soil samples.

What is the correct procedure for hand hygiene and glove use in the lab?

Sanitize hands before putting on gloves, after removing them, and wash hands after leaving the lab.

What attire is required in the lab?

Long pants, a lab coat, gloves, eye protection, and closed-toe shoes must be worn.

Where should personal items be stored during lab sessions?

In a locked cabinet in the lab space.

Which items are allowed to be brought into the lab?

A smart phone (in a protective sleeve) and a snack in a closed container.

What is the first item of personal protective equipment (PPE) to put on when entering the lab?

Lab coat.

What should be done with safety goggles before leaving the lab?

They should be placed in the appropriate disposal container.

What is the primary goal of aseptic technique in the laboratory?

To prevent the introduction and spread of microorganisms.

When should you use the P1000 micropipette?

To accurately measure 900 microliters of liquid.

What is the correct order of steps to dispense a solution using the P1000 micropipette?

Set the micropipette, select the appropriate tip, draw up the solution, and dispense the solution.

What type of writing instrument should be used for lab notes?

Pen.

Which activities are prohibited in the lab?

Adjusting contact lenses, biting nails, and applying cosmetics.

When should you disinfect your lab table?

Both before and after the lab session.

What is the guideline regarding the removal of lab notebooks, media, or equipment from the lab?

It is strictly prohibited.

What should you do if an accident involving biological agents occurs in the lab?

Report it to the instructor immediately.

What is a safety precaution regarding petri dishes?

Keep the lid over the plate as a shield.

What must be done with containers like chemical bottles when not in use?

Cover them.

Why is it prohibited to remove lab notebooks, media, or equipment from the laboratory?

To prevent bacterial contamination outside of the lab space.

What precautions should be taken when handling Petri dishes in the lab?

Dispose of used Petri dishes in the regular trash.

How should used Petri dishes be disposed of?

In the regular trash.

What is the recommended practice when removing the lid from a Petri dish?

Minimize speaking when the lid is removed.

What is the correct way to store Petri dishes?

Label Petri dishes with required information, seal with Parafilm, and store as instructed.

What should be done with containers like boxes or bottles when not in use?

They should always be kept covered.

Which pipette should be used to transfer 9 μl of liquid?

P10.

Why should you never rest a micropipette with fluid in its tip on the table?

It can damage and/or contaminate the micropipette.

What happens if you turn the volume adjustment knob beyond the upper or lower limits?

It could damage the micropipette.

What is the purpose of the first stop on a micropipette?

To draw liquid into the tip.

What is the purpose of the second stop on a micropipette?

To dispense liquid.

Which practice is NOT correct when using a micropipette?

Resting the micropipette on a table with fluid in its tip.

What should be placed in the biohazardous waste container?

Petri dishes.

Where should plastic inoculation needles be disposed of?

In the sharps container.

What is the first action to take if you get a chemical splash in your eye?

Proceed to the Eyewash Station and rinse your eyes for 15 minutes.

What should be done with bacteria slides after staining?

They should be placed in the biohazardous waste container.

Why is a Lab Notebook essential in research?

It provides a permanent, detailed record of experiments.

What should be included at the beginning of a Lab Notebook?

A Table of Contents.

Why is it important to record entries chronologically in a Lab Notebook?

It ensures that all steps are easily followed and reproduced.

What should you do if you make a mistake in your Lab Notebook?

Draw a single line through it and write the correction nearby.

What should be done with any large blank spaces in a Lab Notebook?

Draw a line through them.

How should raw data be handled in a Lab Notebook?

It should be recorded directly to preserve its authenticity.

Why is it important to include sketches and diagrams in your Lab Notebook?

To illustrate setups, experimental designs, or results clearly.

How can a student lose performance points during lab?

By using a phone inappropriately.

Which of the following is an unsafe practice in the lab?

Touching your face.

What should you evaluate using a rubric in a research poster?

Research posters

What is one of the tasks for the week of September 8th?

Identify antibiotic-producing soil bacteria

In which section of a research poster do you discuss relevant experimental procedures?

Methods and Materials (i.e., Methods)

Where do you provide context for your research in a research poster?

Background (i.e., Introduction)

In which section of a research poster do you summarize observations?

Results (i.e., Figures and Results)

Where do you discuss the meaning of your data and larger implications of your research?

Conclusion

How many points is the Overall Appearance of your Final Poster worth?

Four points

What type of file can you download from the UT Austin research poster templates link?

Word Document

Why should you use scholarly sources over popular ones for academic research?

They provide credible, well-researched information

What types of sources are considered trustworthy for information?

Government reports, original research articles, textbooks

What is the primary purpose of a popular source?

To entertain or inform a general audience

Which of the following is a popular source that should NOT be used for research?

Jacobs, A. (2022, July 13). Drug-Resistant Infections in Hospitals Soared During the Pandemic, C.D.C. Says. The New York Times

What are the components of soil according to Dr. Needelman's article?

CO₂, O₂, H₂O, living organisms, organic matter, minerals

Which component of soil is a critical indicator of agricultural soil quality?

Soil Organic Matter

Which soil mineral is the smallest?

Clay

What is generally true about soil horizons?

Surface horizons are high in organic matter

In a teaspoon of rich soil, how many organisms might you find?

A billion

What is the significance of soil microbes in research?

Soil microbiologists are using advanced molecular techniques to explore the diversity and function of soil microbes.