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Biotechnology
(Dixie High School)
INTRODUCTION
§ Advances in the understanding and manipulation of proteins and DNA have revolutionized the field of biology. Consequently, the study of biotechnology is essential to understanding the changes taking place in the health professions, agricultural industries, law enforcement and environmental sciences. The nearly completed Human Genome Project and related research is leading new, safer drugs and the possible elimination of genetic disease. New crops and livestock are being developed that produce more with less resources and are disease and pest resistant. DNA fingerprinting is leading to better law enforcement and solving criminal cases that were previously unsolvable. Genetic manipulation may save endangered species or bring back extinct species and is increasingly becoming a part of managing the limited resources of the biosphere. All of these exciting advances and possible solutions to problems created by the human population will change our society, making it necessary for all students to be familiar with the associated theory, techniques and issues. It is even more important for those planning on a career in the life sciences.
COURSE PREVIEW
§ This course will prepare students for careers in health occupations and environmental, animal and plant sciences. Students will participate in experiments and explorations that use state of the art techniques and equipment that are used in today’s health, veterinary and agricultural laboratories and businesses. Biotechnology techniques include: aseptic technique, plant and animal tissue culture, bacterial culture, genetic engineering, DNA fingerprinting, enzyme analysis, food production and disease and pest control. The focus will be on protein and DNA theory and on preparing students as lab technicians in industry, college and university settings in one of the fastest growing job market in the applied sciences. This course can be used for vocational and/or science elective credit.
TEXTS
§
Essential Cell Biology
Alberts,
et al.
Garland,
1998
§
DNA Science
Micklos, Freyer
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1990
.
OBJECTIVES
Review inorganic and biochemistry principles.
·
Identify
the major elements and macromolecules found in living things.
·
Compare
the properties and structure of atoms found in living things.
·
Illustrate
and explain how small molecules combine to form large molecules.
·
Discuss
the role and properties of water in biological systems
Investigate
and describe the structure of proteins.
·
Identify
properties of different amino acids.
·
Illustrate
and explain how the shape of a protein is specified by its amino acid sequence.
·
Describe
the 4 levels of protein structure.
·
Classify
the major types of proteins.
Relate
structure and function of proteins
·
Describe
how proteins bind to other molecules.
·
Describe
the roles of different sites on protein structure.
·
Demonstrate
that enzymes act as specific catalysts.
·
Explain
causes and functions of conformational changes in proteins and the role of phosphorylation.
·
Demonstrate
the function of restriction endonucleases.
·
Explain
function of antigens and antibodies.
Investigate
and describe the structure and function of DNA.
·
Define
gene and relate hereditary genes to sections of DNA.
·
Model
the structure of the DNA molecule.
·
Research
and report the historical pathway that led to the present understanding of DNA.
·
Create
models of the DNA molecule and DNA replication.
·
Compare
and Contrast varying types, causes and results of genetic alterations.
·
Explain
role and structure of plasmids.
Investigate
and describe the process of protein synthesis.
·
Compare
and contrast viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes.
·
Identify
and describe types and roles of RNA.
·
Trace
steps of transcription and translation.
·
Discuss
regulation and control of gene expression.
Investigate
the tools of the Human Genome Project and other fields of biology.
·
Demonstrate
methods of bacterial culture and identification.
·
Investigate
approaches to determining a nucleotide sequence.
·
Describe
methods and uses of restriction enzymes, vectors and host organisms.
·
Explain
the uses of nucleic acid probes and hybridization.
·
Perform
investigations in Gel Electrophoresis, PCR, RFLP Analysis, VNTR’s, Sequencing,
and Southern blotting.
·
Explain
the creation and use of genomic libraries.
Investigate how DNA technology is changing the
forensic, medical and pharmaceutical industries.
·
Describe
goals of the Human Genome Project
·
Demonstrate
how DNA technology is used to develop diagnostic tests for detecting genetic
disease.
·
Explain
how more effective and safer vaccines are designed.
·
Model
the large scale production of proteins and other pharmaceutical products.
·
Discuss
methods of gene therapy and possible prevention of genetic disease, cancer
other common diseases.
·
Perform
investigations in DNA fingerprinting and discuss applications
·
Research
and Debate ethical concerns associated with Human Genome Project.
Understand
applications of biotechnologies in animal husbandry.
·
Explain
production and use of genetically engineered products to increase animal
productivity (e.g., BGH).
·
Research
methods of using animals to produce human protein products.
·
Discuss
methods and benefits of producing transgenic organisms.
Understand
applications of biotechnologies in plants.
·
Explain
role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and
other plant vectors in genetically engineering plants.
·
Describe
methods of genetically engineering plants to increase productivity or reduce
spoilage.
·
Demonstrate
plant tissue culture.
·
Discuss
possible dangers and concerns associated with agricultural applications of
biotechnologies.
Understand
the applications of biotechnologies in ecology.
·
Discuss
uses of genetically engineered organisms that degrade waste.
·
Compare
and contrast traditional methods of fertilizing and protecting crops with new
technologies.
Identify and show proper use of basic lab equipment
and chemicals.
·
Identify
common glassware and lab tools and describe uses.
·
Demonstrate
proper use of lab equipment.
·
Demonstrate
proper handling of chemicals and be able to find and interpret MSDS sheets.
·
Demonstrate
proper handling of ethidium bromide and polyacrylamide.
Demonstrate
knowledge of safety devices, symbols, and associated protocols.
·
Identify
safety devices in lab and demonstrate proper use.
·
Describe
and practice precautions associated with safety symbols.
·
Demonstrate
proper disposal of broken lab equipment and liquids.
·
Explain
proper procedures should accidents occur.
·
Demonstrate
responsible and appropriate behavior at all times.
Demonstrate proper preparation of solutions and
media.
·
Prepare
Molar and percent solutions.
·
Prepare
culture media.
·
Perform
serial dilutions
Demonstrate proper handling of bacterial and tissue
cultures.
·
Inoculate
plates, slants and broths using aseptic technique.
·
Prepare,
stain and identify bacteria
·
Transform
bacteria and screen.
·
Grow
plants from a callus.
Demonstrate proper handling and preparation of
proteins and DNA.
·
Isolate
and purify DNA and proteins using a variety of methods.
·
Separate
DNA fragments and different proteins using gel electrophoresis.
·
Amplify
and sequence segments of DNA using probes and PCR.
·
Construct,
insert and express plasmid vectors.
·
Perform
ELISA and IFA assays.
·
Stain,
view and interpret samples run on gels.
·
Design
procedures for novel problems and experiments.
Demonstrate
uses of computers in biotechnology.
·
Use
Internet as research tool.
·
Use
Internet to communicate with other scientists.
·
Analyze
and compare data on Internet.
·
Record
and prepare lab write-ups on computer.
·
Prepare
media presentations on biotechnology.
Demonstrate
proper use of biotechnology equipment.
·
Show
proper use and care or micropipettes.
·
Show
proper use and care of ultra-centrifuge.
·
Show
proper use and care of microbiological hood.
·
Show
proper use and care spectrophotometer and interpret data.
·
Show
proper use and care microcentrifuge.
·
Show
proper programming and use of thermal cycler.
·
Demonstrate
proper preparation and care of gel boxes and power supplies
Updated December, 1999 by Mark Dickson