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:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Yeast
Caenorhabditis elegans: Nematode worm
Rattus norvegicus: Norway rat
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:
Genetic Similarity: E.g. Mus musculus (mice) for human disease research.
Short Life Cycle & Rapid Reproduction: E.g. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), C. elegans.
Ease of Maintenance & Cost-Effectiveness: E.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is simple and inexpensive to grow.
Well-Mapped Genome & Genetic Tools: Essential for studying gene function; e.g. E. coli and Zebrafish.
Ethical Considerations: Avoid higher organisms due to ethical guidelines.
Relevance to Research Question: Select organisms appropriate for specific studies.
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:
Autoclaving: High-pressure steam, best for heat-stable solutions.
Filtration: Removes microbes through small pores; best for heat-sensitive liquids.
Chemical Sterilization: Uses agents like ethylene oxide; best for sensitive solutions.
Radiation Sterilization: Damages DNA; used in large-scale sterilization but not practical daily.
Boiling: Simple heat method; effective but less reliable than autoclaving.
Aseptic Zone Setup:
Prepare Work Area: Clear, disinfect, and minimize airflow.
Establish Aseptic Zone: Use Bunsen burners or laminar flow hoods.
Practice Aseptic Techniques: Flame sterilize tools and minimize sterile material exposure.
Exit Zone: Proper disposal and clean surfaces after use; wash hands.
Volume Calculations: Use C1V1=C2V2 for stock solution calculations.
Scientific Name of Baker’s Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Reasons Yeast is a Good Model:
Eukaryotic structure for studying cellular processes.
Rapid growth and reproduction.
Well-characterized genome aids in research.
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.
Reasons to Use C. elegans:
Transparent body for observing cellular processes.
Well-characterized genetics with various genetic tools.
Short life cycle for rapid experimentation.
Ease of maintenance and high reproductive rates.
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: 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.