About

This module introduces students to model organisms and biological databases and the roles they play in scientific research. At a more fundamental level, it illuminates the concepts of genes and homology. By using databases to explore genes and their homologs, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the commonalities that exist across organisms and the ways in which this can help us conduct scientific research.

Two images are shown side-by-side. On the left is a collage of pictures of several different model organisms. On the right are Logos from different biological databases, including Human Protein Atlas, Protein Data Bank, Genbank, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man.Two images are shown side-by-side. On the left is a collage of pictures of several different model organisms. On the right are Logos from different biological databases, including Human Protein Atlas, Protein Data Bank, Genbank, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man.

Figure 0.1: Left: Max Westby. Some of the most important genetic model organisms in use today. Clockwise from top left: yeast, fruit fly, arabidopsis, mouse, roundworm, zebrafish. http://cubocube.com/dashboard.php?a=1179&b=1228&c=103 License: CC ANS 2.5. Right: Logos from several biological databases

Audience and Prerequisites

This module is designed for introductory biology courses. Key ideas center around genes and homologs, and the proteins they encode. We typically include this module as part of a Molecular Biology unit.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of genes and homology

The project portion of the module involves looking up genes in different databases (human and model organism). Students should have a basic understanding of what a gene is (and why we care about them), and why it makes sense to study similar genes (i.e. homologs) across different organisms. This module will help solidify these concepts by having students investigate concrete examples of genes and their homologs.

Format

  • Class Type: Lab (computer based)
  • Lesson Length: One class period (2-3 hr lab)
    • 30 min pre-lab introducing model organisms
    • 15 min lab-lecture
    • 1.5 hr core lab exercises
      • 45 min exercises touring databases
      • 45 min project investigating genes
    • (flexible) write-up and/or present findings

Learning Goals

  1. Describe the purpose of model organisms and identify some of their desirable characteristics.
  2. Use online databases to look up information about a gene.
  3. Explain how studying homologous genes across species can help further our understanding of those genes.

Core Competencies

This activity addresses the following core concepts and competencies:

Vision and Change
  • 3: INFORMATION FLOW, EXCHANGE, AND STORAGE: The growth and behavior of organisms are activated through the expression of genetic information in context
Genetics
  • How do the results of molecular genetic studies in model organisms help us understand aspects of human genetics and genetic diseases?
Bioinformatics
  • C5: Find, retrieve, and organize various types of biological data

Core concepts and competencies are taken from the following sources:

C-MOOR Content Collection

This content is part of a collection of teaching resources developed by C-MOOR. C-MOOR works to break down barriers to scientific participation and build pathways for the next generation of data scientists through authentic research experiences. Learn more about C-MOOR by viewing our projects, or read about how C-MOOR is integrating research experience into undergraduate biology courses at Clovis Community College.

All materials CC-BY unless noted otherwise.