Mid Term Review (HEROES)

Week 1 Review

  • Expectations for Pre-lab, Lab, Post-lab: Confirm understanding of weekly responsibilities.

  • Team Collaboration:

    • Know team members' names and contact information.

    • Participate in the Collegiality Check each week, contributing to all members' success.

  • LockDown Browser: Ensure it’s installed or make arrangements for a computer for the mid-term.

  • BIO-HEROES Definition:

    • Stands for Biological Hands-on Explorations with Research Organisms for Experiential Science.

  • Course Model Organisms: Introduced to four "heroes" in the course:

    1. Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Yeast

    2. Caenorhabditis elegans: Nematode worm

    3. Rattus norvegicus: Norway rat

    4. Tetrahymena thermophila: Ciliate protozoa

  • Knowledge Transfer:

    • Definition: Applying learned knowledge in different contexts.

    • Emphasizes hands-on research and the development/application of biological knowledge.

  • Important Characteristics for Model Organisms:

    1. Genetic Similarity: E.g. Mus musculus (mice) for human disease research.

    2. Short Life Cycle & Rapid Reproduction: E.g. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), C. elegans.

    3. Ease of Maintenance & Cost-Effectiveness: E.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is simple and inexpensive to grow.

    4. Well-Mapped Genome & Genetic Tools: Essential for studying gene function; e.g. E. coli and Zebrafish.

    5. Ethical Considerations: Avoid higher organisms due to ethical guidelines.

    6. Relevance to Research Question: Select organisms appropriate for specific studies.

Week 2/3 Review

  • Lab Safety Guidelines: Confirm knowledge and adherence to BIO 1106 guidelines.

  • Teamwork in Lab Cleanup: Know proper disposal of biological waste and cleaning protocols.

  • JoVE Videos:

    • Description: High-quality peer-reviewed videos demonstrating lab techniques.

    • Importance: Enhances reproducibility of experiments with visual guidance.

  • Sterilization Methods:

    1. Autoclaving: High-pressure steam, best for heat-stable solutions.

    2. Filtration: Removes microbes through small pores; best for heat-sensitive liquids.

    3. Chemical Sterilization: Uses agents like ethylene oxide; best for sensitive solutions.

    4. Radiation Sterilization: Damages DNA; used in large-scale sterilization but not practical daily.

    5. Boiling: Simple heat method; effective but less reliable than autoclaving.

  • Aseptic Zone Setup:

    1. Prepare Work Area: Clear, disinfect, and minimize airflow.

    2. Establish Aseptic Zone: Use Bunsen burners or laminar flow hoods.

    3. Practice Aseptic Techniques: Flame sterilize tools and minimize sterile material exposure.

    4. Exit Zone: Proper disposal and clean surfaces after use; wash hands.

  • Volume Calculations: Use C1V1=C2V2 for stock solution calculations.

Week 4 Review

  • Scientific Name of Baker’s Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

  • Reasons Yeast is a Good Model:

    1. Eukaryotic structure for studying cellular processes.

    2. Rapid growth and reproduction.

    3. Well-characterized genome aids in research.

    4. Genetic manipulation is straightforward.

  • Cell Structure:

    • Yeast cells are eukaryotic, unicellular but can form multicellular structures.

    • Have a tough outer cell wall made of polysaccharides.

  • Yeast vs. Human Genome:

    • Human genome is larger, complex with specialized functions; yeast has a simpler and efficient genome.

  • Nobel Prize Winners:

    • Hartwell: Gene control in the cell cycle.

    • Nurse: Cyclin-dependent kinase identification.

    • Horvitz: Genes controlling apoptosis.

Week 5 Review

  • Reasons to Use C. elegans:

    1. Transparent body for observing cellular processes.

    2. Well-characterized genetics with various genetic tools.

    3. Short life cycle for rapid experimentation.

    4. Ease of maintenance and high reproductive rates.

    5. Conserved biological pathways relevant to humans.

  • Life Cycle of C. elegans:

    • Egg stage, larval stages (L1-L4), and adulthood.

    • Dauer stage can occur under harsh conditions.

  • Hermaphrodites vs. Males:

    • Hermaphrodites (XX) possess both reproductive structures; generally larger than males (XO).

  • Microscope Use:

    • Setup and adjust based on specimen type; focus on proper lighting and magnification.

  • Gene Similarity: C. elegans has a significant number of human disease-related genes, aiding genetic research and modeling human diseases.

Spot Assays and BLAST Analysis

  • Spot Assays: Utilize NGM plates, introduce worms, observe behavioral changes in response to test substances.

  • BLAST Analysis: Identifies sequence similarity, helps in finding homologous genes, and predicting functions.

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