3.3 Lab Activity: Biological Databases
3.3.1 Purpose
In this activity, students will learn to search the same online databases used by scientists to collect information about a set of genes and present them to your group. This will give you an opportunity to engage in inquiry-based learning and apply the concepts in molecular biology and genetics from this course.
3.3.3 Activity 1 - Databases
Estimated time: 15 min
3.3.3.1 Instructions
- Follow these directions to launch your first LearnR tutorial: Biological Databases Tutorial.
- To move through the activities click “Continue” at the bottom of the screen. When you are done with a topic, click “Next Topic” to move on.
- As you complete the tutorial, fill in the table below. This will help you know which database to go back to later on.
3.3.4 Activity 2 - FlyBase
Estimated time: 15 min
3.3.5 Activity 3 - Human Protein Atlas
Estimated time: 15 min
3.3.6 Activity 4 - Research a Gene!
Estimated time: 45 min
3.3.6.1 Instructions
- Before getting started on this activity, your instructor will assign your group a letter that corresponds to a group of 4 genes.
| Group Assigned Letter |
|---|
- Look up your letter here and write the names of the four genes your group is assigned at the top of each column in the table below.
- In your group, assign each student one of the four genes to research.
| Individual Assigned Gene |
|---|
- Use FlyBase to look up the information in Table 2 below.
- Use HPA to look up the information in Table 3 below.
Table 2. FlyBase Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Full Gene Name | |
| FlyBase ID | |
| Sequence Location | |
| Function | |
| Biological Process | |
| Cellular Component | |
| Expression Data | |
| Anatomical Expression | |
| Developmental Stage | |
| Orthologs | |
| Orthologs in other species | |
| Human Orthologs |
Table 3. Human Protein Atlas
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Function | |
| Is the gene tissue specific? Which tissue? | |
| Where is it localized in cells? |
3.3.8 Activity 6 - Class Presentation
Estimated time: 30 min
3.3.8.1 Instructions
- With your group, create a short presentation to present your chosen gene to the class.
- Your presentation should have about four slides and be thorough:
- Slide 1: The GENE you picked to share with your group, your name and date
- Slide 2 - 4: Present the information you collected about the gene. For full credit, include relevant images/ diagrams on your slides.
- One student in the group should post your slides on Canvas to the discussion board. Make sure you mention everyone in your group by name so they also get credit for the presentation.