| Abstract Detail
Education & Outreach DeBruhl, Mary Carolyn [1], Erturk, H. Neval [2]. A Laboratory Exercise for Introductory Cell Biology Classes: Examining the Antioxidant Enzymatic System and its Responses to Stress. The aim of this study is to develop a laboratory exercise that is designed to expose students to a full scale scientific investigation while acquiring science processing skills. The project continues over 6 weeks and exposes students to fundamental techniques in cell biology and bioinformatics. For the experimental part of their exercise students measure the responses of antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione reductase to abiotic stress. For our initial testing of this project we used high light treatment. Bioinformatics exercises include comparing DNA and amino acid sequences of each antioxidant enzyme from different species. They also use Deep View Swiss PDV Viewer to study the three dimensional structures of the antioxidant enzymes. By using this program students are able to analyze several proteins at a time, including superimposing structural alignments, comparing active sites, observing amino acid mutations, etc. Students present their findings during a classroom mini symposium. This learning process is also supported by lecture content. The process aims to create and strengthen a student learning community. The project can be expanded by running native gels for enzyme activity, by having students write their findings as a peer reviewed journal article and by publishing a classroom journal. A CD with the lesson plans, experimental procedures, enzyme assays, sample results, accession numbers for the enzymes, etc. is available to interested educators.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links:
http://www.converse.edu
1 - Converse College, Biology Department, 580 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC, 209302, USA
2 - Converse College, Biology Department
Keywords:
plant cell biology
bioinformatics
undergraduate lab.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P46013
Abstract ID:1471 |
