Home > Contents of Proceedings > Volume 11

[Out of print]
Editor: Corey A. Goldman (University of Toronto)
Hosts: Lucy J. Dyer and Angélique G. L. Gloss

1. Investigating Fungi Which Cause Rot and Decay

John A. Johnson, University of New Brunswick  [abstract] [full text]

2. Color Control in Shrimp

Mary-Jane O'Halloran, Dalhousie University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

3. Six Gamelike/Experimental Microcomputer Simulations

Robert J. Kosinski, Clemson University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

4. Principles of Allometry

Corey A. Goldman, Richard R. Snell, David Bartholomew Brown, University of Toronto, and Jeffrey J. Thomason, Ohio University  [abstract] [full text]

5. Strategies for Managing the Mastery-Based, Individualized Laboratory

William J. Mullin and John Tidswell, University of New Brunswick  [abstract] [full text]

6. Molecular Genetic Analysis in Yeast

Daniel D. Burke, Seton Hall University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

7. Computer-Aided Laboratory Instruction

Catherine J. Schaap, University of Prince Edward Island  [abstract] [full text]

8. Using Dermatoglyphics from Down Syndrome and Class Populations to Study the Genetics of a Complex Trait

Thomas Fogle, Saint Mary's College  [abstract] [full text]

9. Plant Tissue Culture Techniques

Lorraine Mineo, Lafayette College  [abstract] [full text]

10. Culturing Experimental Organisms for Use in Teaching Biology

Robyn O'Keefe, University of New Brunswick  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

Appendix: ABLE Membership List - June 1989

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Abstracts (Vol. 11)

1 -- Investigating Fungi Which Cause Rot and Decay
John A. Johnson  [full text]
Key Words: fungi, recycling, isolation, visualization.
The fungi which cause rot and decay in our forests are vital members of the ecosystem. By decomposing the hard woody stems of trees they help recycle important nutrients, minerals, and carbohydrates. Unlike many organisms which are easy to see, the fungi are often hidden under bark or within living stems and their presence is not obvious. This laboratory exercise provides instructors with information about where to find and how to visualize and manipulate fungi which cause rot and decay, while discovering how ubiquitous and important they are.

2 -- Color Control in Shrimp
Mary-Jane O'Halloran  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: color control, chromatophores, crustaceans, shrimp.
Sand shrimp, Crangon septemspinosus, are capable of varying their color or shading in response to several environmental changes (background color, light intensity, light wavelength, and temperature). The degree of color change can be determined quantitatively by examining the chromatophores under a dissecting microscope and staging the amount of pigment dispersion in the chromatophores. Several experiments are described that investigate (a) how these environmental factors effect pigment dispersion, (b) the location or type of receptors involved, and (c) the type of communication between receptors and effectors.

3 -- Six Gamelike/Experimental Microcomputer Simulations
Robert J. Kosinski  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: simulation, computer, physiology, plant competition, phytoplankton, menstrual cycle, shark, marine ecology, population genetics.
Six computer simulations are summarized, each of which can be used as both a game between teams of students and as an experimental data generator. A common feature of the simulations is their flexibility and their requirement for student decision-making. The simulations are SEEDLING (plant physiology and plant competition), ALIEN (cardiopulmonary physiology), CYCLE (physiology of the menstrual cycle and human reproduction), PLANKTON (lake phytoplankton ecology), SHARK (foraging strategy of a small shark), and DUELING ALLELES (population genetics). Part of the student exercise for ALIEN is described here in full. All programs operate on both Apple and IBM computers, and are available from Worth Publishers.

4 -- Principles of Allometry
Corey A. Goldman, Richard R. Snell, Jeffrey J. Thomason, and David Bartholomew Brown  [full text]
Key Words: allometry, size, shape, surface area, volume, linear regression.
In this computer-assisted exercise first-year students explore the fundamental concept of allometry: the study of size and its consequences. Students examine the relationship between size and shape and learn how to quantify changes in proportions. They investigate how North American mammals of various sizes change proportions to compensate for changes of surface area and volume. Interactive computer programs aid each student in calculating standard dimensions from an Audubon illustration, process class data, identify lines of best-fit (using linear regression), and statistically test whether relationships between selected morphological variables exhibit isometric or allometric change.

5 -- Strategies for Managing the Mastery-Based, Individualized Laboratory
William J. Mullin and John Tidswell  [full text]
Key Words: mastery-based, individualized, laboratory instruction.
Mastery-based, individualized instruction leads to equal or better learning in an atmosphere that students judge to be more enjoyable. This type of instruction, particularly in the laboratory setting, tends to put extra demands on staff time and facilities. The advanced sign-up, supplies request, and shoebox provisions systems of laboratory management, and mastery-based grading and instructor-set pacing concepts of course design are presented. The net effect of these management strategies is the benefit of individualization and mastery with manageable instructor and technician time. Everyone has precisely-defined responsibilities and students receive ample individual attention.

6 -- Molecular Genetic Analysis in Yeast
Daniel D. Burke  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: E. coli, gene replacement, hybridization, plasmid, restriction, S. cerevisiae, Southern blot, transformation.
In this exercise a bacterial host, E. coli, is transformed with various plasmids. The plasmids are then isolated from the transformed cells and examined by restriction analysis. The plasmids are used to transform a yeast host, S. cerevisiae, and the stability of the plasmid transformation is determined. The wild type ADE1 gene of the yeast is replaced by a disrupted copy of the ADE1 gene. Gene replacement is determined by restriction digest, Southern transfer, and hybridization with an ADE1 gene probe.

7 -- Computer-Aided Laboratory Instruction
Catherine J. Schaap  [full text]
Key Words: computer-aided instruction, CAI, software, physiology.
Computers can add a whole new dimension to biology laboratory instruction. An overview of how microcomputers are used in laboratory exercises at the Atlantic Veterinary College is presented. Since finding appropriate software can be difficult, a description of the software used at the College and a discussion on how to find other software appropriate for such instruction is included. Such software can be innovative and comes in a variety of teaching formats, including tutorials and simulations of experiments. Color graphics, sound, and animation may be incorporated into the software to enhance its effectiveness.

8 -- Using Dermatoglyphics from Down Syndrome and Class Populations to Study the Genetics of a complex trait
Thomas Fogle  [full text]
Key Words: dermatoglyphics, Down Syndrome, human genetics, quantitative variation. Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridges on the hands and feet. Ridge patterns and counts develop prenatally, are inherited, and show quantitative variation. This exercise introduces the preparation and interpretation of finger and palm prints for quantitative analysis. The techniques are simple, inexpensive, and can be adapted as an exercise on genetics for beginning or advanced students. Palm prints from individuals with Down Syndrome serve as a population sample to statistically test for differences with the class population and also create an opportunity to discuss the cause and effects of Down Syndrome.

9 -- Plant Tissue Culture Techniques
Lorraine Mineo  [full text]
Key Words: totipotency, hormones, callus, suspension cultures, anther cultures.
Several tissue culture procedures, ranging from simple to more complex, are examined. These procedures can be performed by beginning and advanced biology students and include seed sterilization and aseptic seed germination, as well as techniques for callus proliferation, cell suspension culture, and anther culture. Choice of tissues, aseptic methods, media preparation, and experimental design are addressed.

10 -- Culturing Experimental Organisms for Use in Teaching Biology
Robyn O'Keefe  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: collection, culturing, care, handling, diet, environmental conditions.
Methods for the collection and the culturing of a variety of experimental organisms used in teaching biology are discussed. The organisms include protozoans, hydra, planaria, vinegar eels, aquatic snails, Daphnia, brine shrimp, frogs, turtles, flesh flies, and Tenebrio. Culturing parameters, overall care, handling, diet, feeding procedures, and specific environmental conditions are examined.