Optogenetics uses light sensitive proteins to modify expression and behavior of cells by exposing the cells to light within a specific wavelength. Using this technique, students will create photographs with light sensitive bacteria that will produce pigments in response to light! Learning Objectives Students will be able to use photosensitive cells to produce a photograph.
Students will use genetically engineered bacteria producing fluorescent pigments to create art on agar plates. Painting with bacteria requires the strict use of aseptic techniques, understanding of bacterial growth rates and conditions that influence bacterial growth. Learning Objectives Students will learn to use aseptic techniques. Students will learn about bacterial growth requirements.
Fluorescent pigments have revolutionized how biologists visualize structures and processes within cells. Understanding how these pigments are used is a critical skill for biologists hoping to work at the cellular level. In this module, students will generate transgenic cells that express fluorescent proteins. Learning Objectives Students will learn to create fluorescent protein expressing cells.
CRISPR has quickly become one the most important and widely used tools in genetic engineering, thanks in large part to its ease of use and low cost. In this module, students will use CRISPR to modify the expression of LacZ to create an easily recognizable phenotype in bacteria colonies. Learning Objectives Students will use CRISPR [...]
Blotting techniques are among the most commonly used tests in molecular biology. In this module, students will learn about Western blotting using Quick Blot Kits. Learning Objectives Students will learn to perform restriction enzyme digest antibodies Students will use Western Quick Blot Kits to detect the presence of a target protein.
Students will be introduced to genetic engineering using the isolation, purification, and amplification of specific DNA fragments. Molecular cloning will be performed with the Gibson Assembly Method. Green-fluorescent protein (gfp) will be cloned into plasmid and transformed into Escherichia coli. Learning Objectives Students will learn to set up Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Students will learn to [...]
Digital microscopy may seem like something that only happens in university labs, but students can build their own shadowscope using common items and a webcam. In this module, students will explore the principles that underly microscopy while virtually eliminating the economic barrier to entry. Learning Objectives Students will build a shadowscope, a type of microscope [...]
Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium that is necessary for the function of certain insects’ reproductive systems. In this module, students will collect samples and determine if Wolbachia is found in the insects that they collect using a portable PCR machine. Learning Objectives Students will learn to collect insects from the wild Students will learn to [...]
