Spore Coat Functions
Focus:
I selected these papers (only 2) for a lower division, undergraduate biology majors preparation course. In this course, some content that we cover in lecture and in lab are nicely presented here. Both papers are similar: structure and processes in prokaryotes (peptidoglycan, endospore) and eukaryotes (phagocytosis, phagosome), mutations, proteins, use of model organisms.
Overview:
I would have the students read and discuss the papers in the order listed. The first paper has very straight-forward techniques and would likely build student confidence in reading primary literature. It also aligns with a small laboratory research project that the class does on phagocytosis in Tetrahymena. The second paper illustrates another, yet related, function of the spore coat proteins and allows further exploration of mutations and the resulting effects of structure/function of proteins
Applicable for Courses:
Introductory Biology (Majors)Educational Level:
IntroductoryRoadmap Objectives:
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- Article: 1. Klobutcher, L.A., Ragkousi, K., Setlow, P. The Bacillus Subtilis spore coat provides "eat resistance" during phagocytic predation by the protozoan Tetrahymena Thermophila. (2006) PNAS. 103:165-170. 2. Laaberki, M.H., and Dworkin, J. Role of spore coat proteins in the resistance of Bacillus subtilis spores to Caenorhabditis elegans predation. (2008) J. Bact. 190:6197-6203
- Content area/major concepts: Both papers are similar: structure and processes in prokaryotes (peptidoglycan, endospore) and eukaryotes (phagocytosis, phagosome), mutations, proteins, use of model organisms.
- Methods or technology used to obtain data: Both papers are similar: spectrophotometry, microscopy, mutagenesis, cell culturing and counting, dilutions
- How the CREATE strategy was used: To be determined.
- Biggest teaching challenge: Both papers are similar: Paper does reference supplemental material not directly found within the paper.