Course title
SCPre-requisite
Biotechnology 1-2, Minimum B grade in Honors BiologyCourse description
This course applies the concepts of molecular and cellular biology (of bacteria; animals; and plants) to real-world problems; and builds upon the concepts learned in Biotechnology 1-2. Students will learn theory and methods of culturing microorganisms; recombinant DNA technology; and genetic analysis. Students will learn how to use and maintain the basic equipment found in a typical molecular and cellular biology laboratory; as well as bacteriological technique. Independent lab work and research will be an important component of this course.
BIO247 -- Honors Biotechnology 3-4
Course Objectives
A. Biotechnology and the Nature of Science
1. Compare and contrast modern and historic uses of biotechnology.
2. Use the scientific method to conduct a valid experiment; including hypothesis formation; data collection; and data analysis.
4. Develop scientific questions; hypotheses; and experimental plans.
5. Create data tables and graphs using ExcelÆ for the purpose of collecting and analyzing data.
6. Interpret and critically analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
7. Compose a thorough concluding statement outlining the results of an experiment with evidence; explanations; error analysis; and practical applications.
8. Organize and communicate scientific findings both orally and in written form and produce clear; concise written and oral reports.
9. Evaluate the validity of results obtained during experimentation and product development. Evaluate scientific reports with well-supported; clearly presented opinions.
10. Use the Internet and World Wide Web to collect and share scientific information.
11. Use a variety of methods including literature searches; in libraries; in computer databases; and on-line; for gathering background information; making observations; and collecting and organizing data.
12. Work effectively individually and within a team.
B. Standard Laboratory Operating Procedures
1. Set-up and maintain a legal scientific notebook that includes an account of all laboratory procedures; data; and reflections.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to lab safety: follow all lab rules; locate and use MSDS safety sheets; recognize and minimize laboratory safety hazards; describe the location and proper use of emergency equipment.
3. Properly and safely use and monitor a variety of scientific equipment; including pH meters; microscopes; spectrophotometers; pipets; micropipets; balances; etc.
4. Measure mass using electronic and analytical balances.
5. Measure volume using graduated cylinders; pipets; and micropipets.
6. Calculate how to prepare solutions based on mass/volume; % mass/volume; and molar concentrations.
7. Prepare solutions of any volume and concentration.
8. Prepare dilutions of concentrated solutions.
9. Outline the steps in cell and tissue culture; sterile technique; and media preparation.
10. Prepare and maintain plate and broth cultures of bacteria; fungi; and plant samples.
11. Determine which equipment is appropriate to use for a given task and what units of measurement are used. Use laboratory apparatus; materials; and technology in an appropriate and safe manner.
12. Follow written protocols and oral directions to perform a variety of laboratory and technical tasks.
13. Perform a variety of biological tests and chemical assays; collect data and perform statistical analysis.
14. Prepare and aliquot samples; reagents and buffers. Perform chemical reactions and purification procedures similar to those used in product development; testing; and manufacture.
15. Perform specimen collection; label samples; and prepare samples for testing. Handle; transport; and store samples.
C. Cell Biology & Genetics Overview
1. Identify the basic components of living cells; and explain how they interact to sustain homeostasis.
2. Diagram the cycle of cell growth and reproduction; including mitosis and meiosis
3. Sketch the structure of a DNA molecule; and explain the functional significance of the components to DNA replication; transcription and translation
4. Describe the process of protein synthesis; including gene regulation; transcription and translation.
5. Analyze the impact of the developing field of epigenetics on our understanding of gene function.
6. Explain the significance of functional RNA and evaluate the traditional definition of a ?gene?
7. Discuss the causes and effects of point and chromosomal mutation.
D. Common Organisms Used in Biotechnology
1. Outline the life cycle and/or characteristics of model organisms used in the biotechnology industry; including various plant and animals.
2. Use various methods to monitor the growth of cell cultures.
3. Describe conditions that promote cell growth under aseptic conditions in the laboratory and workplace.
4. Explain how environmental factors affect the growth of model organisms in the laboratory.
5. Conduct indicator tests for the common macromolecules of the cell.
E. Manipulating and Engineering DNA
1. Describe how DNA can be modified and introduced into cells to change traits.
2. Discuss the methods and objectives in site-specific mutagenesis.
3. Extract; purify and quantify DNA from a variety of cell sources (plant; animal; bacterial).
4. Use restriction enzymes to cut and splice DNA into plasmid vectors for cloning.
5. Use engineered plasmids and bacteria to create DNA libraries and clone genes.
6. Use bioinformatics and DNA sequencing technology to identify and analyze genes.
7. Evaluate the use of genetic engineering in terms of environmental safety; what are the possible benefits and risks?
F. PCR; DNA Sequencing and Genomics
1. Discuss the discovery and development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and outline the steps in a PCR reaction including the use of a thermal cycler.
2. Discuss the effects of varying the time and temperature of PCR reactions as well as the volumes and concentrations of reactants. Using this information; plan and conduct a PCR reaction to amplify targeted sections of DNA in food to determine whether it has been genetically modified.
3. Use bioinformatics databases to analyze the frequency of alleles and genotypes found through PCR analysis.
4. Discuss the applications of PCR technology in industry; research; and society.
5. Cite examples of how and where DNA sequencing is used during biotechnology; and explain the steps in dideoxynucleotide sequencing reactions.
6. Read a DNA sequence on a sequencing autoradiogram or computer-generated sequence.
7. Evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with the Human Genome Project.
G. Proteomics
1. Sketch and describe the basic amino acid structure; and analyze the differences found among the twenty different amino acids.
2. Describe the four levels of protein structure; and identify possible post-translational modifications.
3. Describe the functional significance of proteins in the cell (including enzymes; structural support; identification; transport; etc.).
4. Use technology to detect (immunotechnology); purify (chromatography) and characterize proteins found in living cells.
5. Set up and run a PAGE gel apparatus to separate synthesis products.
6. Produce high levels of proteins from cloned complementary deoxyribonucleic acids (cDNAs)
7. Conduct a Western blot of protein synthesis products and visualize results using colorimetric enzyme visualization.
8. Describe methods used to identify protein-protein interactions; including yeast two-hybrid analysis; protein microarrays; immunoaffinity chromatography and mass spectrometry.
H. Agricultural Biotechnology
1. Diagram the events in flowering plant sexual reproduction including meiosis; pollination and fertilization.
2. Outline the steps in germination and plant growth; and conduct a seed germination experiment.
3. Describe how meiosis; crossing-over; recombination; and segregation produce variety in gametes and offspring. Contrast this process with the goals of selective breeding programs.
4. Compare and contrast the processes of asexual and sexual reproduction in plants.
5. Conduct a successful plant tissue culture using sterile technique and appropriate hormones.
6. Design and execute a protocol for DNA extraction from plant cells.
7. Use the UV spectrophotometer to measure and calculate the concentration and purity of DNA extracts.
8. Discuss the role of Agrobacterium and the Ti plasmid in plant genetic engineering.
9. Perform PCR and electrophoresis to identify gene variants present in a food crop and determine whether it has been genetically modified.
10. Identify the sequence for a highly conserved housekeeping gene that has not yet been characterized for a particular plant species; using the following techniques: genomic DNA extraction; gene amplification via PCR; ligation and cloning using a plasmid vector and E. coli cells; screening and culturing recombinant cells to clone the gene; isolation and sequencing of the gene; verification and publication of data to NCBI GenBank.
I. Pharmaceutical and Diagnostic Biotechnology
1. Describe the methods by which pharmaceuticals were produced prior to and after the development of recombinant DNA technology.
2. Conduct a simple organic synthesis using combinatorial chemistry; and compare combinatorial chemistry techniques to genetic engineering techniques.
3. Isolate simple organic compounds from plant tissues using extraction and separation technologies.
4. Discuss the techniques used in analysis of samples for purity including melting point determinations; mass spectrophotometry; and HPLC. Perform melting point determinations to test purity of extracted and synthesized products.
5. Isolate and purify a protein produced by genetic engineering; using column chromatography.
6. Analyze bioethical dilemmas inherent in the discovery; testing and marketing of novel biopharmaceuticals.
7. Evaluate the potential of pharmacogenomics to improve the practice of medicine.
8. Describe and compare the current methods of acquiring genetic information pertinent to healthcare; including DNA fingerprinting; PCR; DNA microarrays; ELISA and karyotyping.
9. Illustrate how gene therapy may be used in the treatment of human genetic disorders.
J. Bioethics; Communication and Decision Making in the Biotechnology Industry
1. Cite specific examples of how and where biotechnology is used in medical; agricultural; environmental; and industrial applications as well as social or political situations; including criminal investigations; lawsuits; evolutionary studies; etc.
2. Illustrate examples of how biotechnology has lead to benefits and risks to society and how biotechnical advances affect human lives on a personal level.
3. Identify the rights; interests; and responsibilities of people involved in bioethical issues.
4. Describe the need for and function of regulatory agencies such as those in government; industry; and society.
5. Analyze policy-making procedures for products and techniques of biotechnology.
6. Formulate opinions about engineered organisms and products based on current scientific evidence.
K. Careers in Biotechnology
1. Elaborate the opportunities for careers in biotechnology in health; medicine; genetics; agriculture; etc.
2. Present arguments for pursuing careers in biotechnology at differing entry-levels.
3. Develop a lab notebook demonstrating proficiency in specific tasks including scientific writing and performance-based lab skills.
4. Create an appropriate resume for use in applying for laboratory positions at a biotechnology company.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the variety of departments and positions; scientific and nonscientific; at a typical biotechnology company.
BEANS LAB (This is a Power Point Presentation format so pictures are not copied into this document)
? Fun facts
? When seeds germinate; the plant hormone gibberellin initiates the release of amylase and ?-galactosidase to hydrolyze oligosaccharides for energy
? Humans don?t make ?-galactosidase
? Microbes in intestines finally break down oligos to obtain glucose; gas is a byproduct
? 2 liters in intestine; 1 liter released per day
? 99% of this intestinal gas is CO2; N2; O2
? But that other 1% can be extremely noxious
? Humans can detect at 1 part per 100 million?
? Genetic differences cause differences in ?gas problems? due to varied intestinal environment
? Beano was developed by manufacturer of Lact-Aid
? Thousands of fungus samples screened to find a good source of ?-galactosidase
? Enzyme hydrolyzes ? 1-6 bonds of raffinose; stachyose; melibiose
? Dose 1-2 g daily with water before meals
? CurTail for dogs or Catsip for cats also produced
? Lab Tips
? Beano dilution for enzyme solution:
10 drops in 24 ml dH2O
3 ml per team
? Bean solution:
100 g in 200 ml water
blend 5 min and filter through 2 layers of cheesecloth
10 ml per team
? 2:1 ratio of bean solution to enzyme solution in test tubes
? Follow glucose test strip directions carefully
? Investigate
? What is your research question?
? What is your hypothesis; and why?
? How will you control variables?
? What quantitative data will you measure?
? Will your data help evaluate your hypothesis?
LACTASE LAB (This is a Powerpoint Presentation Format so pictures are not copied into this document)
? What is lactase?
? Lactase is produced by the brush border cells in the lining of the small intestine
? ?or by Trichoderma fungi!
? Lactose Intolerance
? More common among Asians (nearly 100% by age 5); American Indians (nearly 80% by age 10); Africans (nearly 70% by age 10)
? Uncommon among Northern Europeans (20% by age 20); as well as some populations in India and Africa (Tutsis)
? Why?
? Global Lactose Intolerance
? Research Questions:
? How specific is the enzyme lactase?
? Is it possible to denature lactase?
? Supplies
? Lactase tablet
? Sucrose
? Skim milk
? Glucose test strips
? Test tubes
? Hot Plates
? Pipets
? Predictions:
? Experimental Design
? Positive and negative controls
? Variables
? Waste not
? Starting points
? Lactase solution: crush one tablet in 200 ml dH2O
? Sucrose solution: 5 g in 100 ml dH2O
? Glucose test strips: bottle has color scale
? One ml enzyme per 2 ml test solution
? Leave all stock solutions in the designated area; replace all lids immediately
? Goggles required
? Today
? Learn about serological pipets
? Experimental Design Proposal
? Lab Plan in Notebook
? Lab Manager Approval
? Serological Pipettes
? TC = ?to contain;? designed to deliver all of the volume in the tip and must be ?blown out? to get every last drop
? TD = ?to deliver;? designed to deliver all but a tiny volume at tip and should not be ?blown out.?
? Packaged singly or in packs of 25-50 for volumes of 1; 5; 10 or 25 mL; sterile if packaged
School Country
United StatesSchool state
ArizonaSchool city
TempeSchool Address
500 W Guadalupe RoadSchool zip code
85283Date submitted
Approved
YesApproved competency code
- CTE
- Career and technical education
- LADV
- Advanced science
- LBIO
- Biology