Home > Contents of Proceedings > Volume 12

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Editor: Corey A. Goldman (University of Toronto)
Host: Barbara Newman

1. Non-Radioactive DNA Hybridization Experiments for the Undergraduate Laboratory: The Southern Blot Analysis

Susan J. Karcher, Purdue University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

2. Inheritance of Aldehyde Oxidase in Drosophila melanogaster

Judith G. Morgan and Victoria Finnerty, Emory University  [abstract] [full text]

3. Allometry in Biological Systems

Stephen C. Trombulak, Middlebury College  [abstract] [full text]

4. Techniques in Karyology: The Bone Marrow Extraction Method

Deanna K. Tolliver and Lynn W. Robbins, Southwest Missouri State University  [abstract] [full text]

5. Biological Assessment of Stream Quality

Mary V. Ball, Carson-Newman College  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

6. A Quantitative Enzyme Study Using Simple Equipment

Beth A. D. Nichols and Linda B. Cholewiak, Princeton University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

7. How to Construct and Use a Dichotomous Key

Stephen L. Timme, Pittsburg State University  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

8. Using Human Blood, Saliva, and Dental Caries in the Biology Teaching Laboratory

Christine L. Case, Skyline College  [abstract] [full text]

9. Scientific Inquiry

George C. Boone, Susquehanna University  [abstract] [full text]

10. A Practical Plan for Implementing Investigative Laboratories

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

11. Science as Investigation: A First Majors Course Teaching the Process

Alan R. P. Journet, Southeast Missouri State University  [abstract] [full text]

12. Strengthening Biology Teaching by Working with the Local School System

Anne L. Karpala, University of Toronto, and Daniel D. Burke, Seton Hall University, and Roberta Williams, University of Nevada  [abstract] [full text: pdf | html]

13. Photographic Techniques for the Field and Laboratory

James D. Slaughter, City of Springfield Dept. of Public Works  [abstract] [full text]

Appendix A: Abstracts of Mini Workshops

Appendix B: ABLE Membership List - March 1991

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Abstracts (Vol. 12)

1 -- Non-Radioactive DNA Hybridization Experiments for the Undergraduate Laboratory: The Southern Blot Analysis
Susan J. Karcher  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: Southern blot, hybridization, plasmid, nick translation, biotin, streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase, nitrocellulose.
The Southern blot, a method of detection of homologous nucleic acid sequences, is an essential method in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology. This chapter presents the protocols for a Southern blot experiment using a non-radioactive biotinylated DNA detection system. Methods are given in detail: including isolation of plasmid DNA, restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA, transfer of DNA to nitrocellulose (a Southern blot), biotin-labeling of DNA, and detection of the biotin-labeled DNA through a chromogenic assay. Equipment sources and costs are provided.

2 -- Inheritance of Aldehyde Oxidase in Drosophila melanogaster
Judith G. Morgan and Victoria Finnerty  [full text]
Key Words: Drosophila, aldehyde oxidase, inheritance, enzyme spot test.
This exercise illustrates to introductory level students that Mendelian patterns of inheritance can be studied using biochemical assays as an indication of biochemical phenotypes. Students investigate the pattern of inheritance of aldehyde oxidase in different strains of Drosophila. Using this information, they study progeny from a mating between unknown parents, develop hypotheses about the parental genotypes, and investigate the results using chi-square test. In addition, students determine the location of the gene by determining the map distance between it and an eye color gene whose location on the same chromosome is already known.

3 -- Allometry in Biological Systems
Stephen C. Trombulak  [full text]
Key Words: allometry, body size, surface to volume ratio, heating rate, cooling rate, allometric equation.
This exercise (1) provides an introduction to the quantitative methods used to describe allometric change in biological traits, (2) examines experimentally the allometric relationship between volume and surface area, and (3) investigates how this relationship affects heating and cooling rates. The derivation of the general allometric equation and the use of regression models are introduced in a Prelab exercise. Students use two genera of organisms (beakers and graduated cylinders) and immersion heaters to examine the allometric relationship between surface area and volume, and the influence of volume on heating and cooling rates.

4 -- Techniques in Karyology: The Bone Marrow Extraction Method
Deanna K. Tolliver and Lynn W. Robbins  [full text]
Key Words: chromosomes, karyotypes.
This 2-hour laboratory exercise isolates chromosomes from bone marrow. After the chromosomes are isolated, they are stained and chromosomal spreads are examined microscopically to establish diploid number and chromosome morphology. This technique is applicable to all small mammals.

5 -- Biological Assessment of Stream Quality
Mary V. Ball  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: biological assessment, aquatic invertebrates, stream monitoring, water pollution.
By surveying the kinds, density, and abundance of aquatic invertebrates in a stream it may be possible to assess the quality of the environmental circumstances. Observations on the stream site and the watershed may allow identification of environmentally damaging practices or conditions. Using a variety of simple equipment, which can be made inexpensively or purchased, students can easily learn the technique of biological assessment of stream quality. The approach lends itself to being used with non-majors and majors classes and for independent student research.

6 -- A Quantitative Enzyme Study Using Simple Equipment
Beth A. D. Nichols and Linda B. Cholewiak  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: catalase, enzyme, substrate, inhibitor.
Crude potato extract is used as a source of catalase to catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. The length of time it takes to accumulate enough oxygen to float a small filter disc is used to approximate the speed of this reaction. The effect of varying temperature, pH, and concentration of substrate and enzyme preparation are investigated.

7 -- How to Construct and Use a Dichotomous Key
Stephen L. Timme  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: dichotomous key, prairie plants.
A dichotomous key is a biological tool for identifying unknown organisms to some taxonomic level (e.g., species, genus, family, etc.). It is constructed of a series of couplets, each consisting of two statements describing characteristics of a particular organism or group of organisms. A choice between the two statements is made that best fits the organism in question. The statements typically begin with broad characteristics and become narrower as more choices are required. This exercise introduces non-major biology and general biology students to the construction and use of a dichotomous key.

8 -- Using Human Blood, Saliva, and Dental Caries in the Biology Teaching Laboratory
Christine L. Case  [full text]
Key Words: safety procedures, ABO, Rh, MN, enzyme, salivary amylase, dental caries, Streptococcus.
Laboratory exercises using saliva, urine, and blood were developed because they met specific, desirable learning objectives. Moreover, because they use the student's own body, they had the advantage of high student interest. Since the method of transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was uncovered, questions have arisen about the safety of using blood and other body fluids in teaching. Disinfection and safety procedures that minimize the risk of transmitting diseases in the laboratory are discussed. Three experiments are presented which use these procedures: blood typing, analysis of salivary amylase activity, and determining susceptibility to dental caries.

9 -- Scientific Inquiry
George C. Boone  [full text]
Key Words: scientific method, deduction, induction, computer simulation.
In this exercise, students examine several components of reasoning with the purpose of helping the student see how these are used in developing a personal problem solving technique. The students work through three exercises: determining an object in a sealed box, identifying a series of unknown household chemicals, and identifying the rules that determine responses in a computer simulation.

10 -- A Practical Plan for Implementing Investigative Laboratories
Jean L. Dickey and Robert J. Kosinski  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: laboratory, investigative, simulation, writing.
This investigative format solves many of the problems which hamper adoption of investigative laboratories. General Biology students design wetlab experiments using methods modules, which include videotapes demonstrating techniques, written procedures, instructor's guide, and prep guide. To learn how scientists solve a complex problem through a series of experiments, students use FISHFARM, a computer simulation of a commercial aquaculture enterprise.

11 -- Science as Investigation: A First Majors Course Teaching the Process
Alan R. P. Journet  [full text]
Key Words: experimental design, investigative laboratory, introductory biology.
The first laboratory course biology majors take should challenge their expectation that biology is the mere memorization of knowledge. Rather, it should introduce them through experience to the scope and limitations of scientific investigation. Following a brief introduction to epistemology and the nature and goals of science, this course provides students with a developing understanding of scientific thinking, methodology, and experimental design. During the final unit of the course students devise and conduct a test of a hypothesis they have independently generated, conduct appropriate statistical analysis, and write a report of the project.

12 -- Strengthening Biology Teaching by Working with the Local School System
Anne L. Karpala, Daniel D. Burke, and Roberta Williams  [full text: pdf | html]
Key Words: high school biology, liaison, collaboration, workshops, credit courses for teachers, funding educational development.
Strengthening the interface between universities, colleges, and high schools is an important means of promoting and advancing science education. We can enhance the quality of biology education by sharing our expertise and discussing current advances with teachers. This chapter describes some practical suggestions on how to organize workshops and courses; the ABLE workshop encouraged an exchange of information by participants on projects, problems, and strategies for improving collaboration.

13 -- Photographic Techniques for the Field and Laboratory
James D. Slaughter  [full text]
Key Words: aperture, shutter speed, film speed, light meter.
This chapter discusses controlling exposures, aperture, shutter speed, film speed, calibrating a light meter, how to meter subjects, and what film speed should be used for field work and close-ups.

Mini Workshops

[full text]

• Termites and the Scientific Method (Sheryl F. Shanholtzer and Marsha E. Fanning)
• Discussion-Oriented Exercises on Two Hot Topics: Global Warming and Tropical Deforestation (Jane M. Beiswenger and Neil Snow)
• Why Do Mendel's Peas Wrinkle? (Thomas Fogle)
• Use of a DNA Cookbook to Demonstrate Transcription and Protein Synthesis (Marsha E. Fanning)
• Electrophysiology of Frog Sensory Receptors (Linda A. Scott)
• Course of Infection of Trypanosoma lewisi in the Rat (Karen J. Ott)
• Microsurgery on Protozoa Using Cactus Spines (Leland G. Johnson and Franklin G. Johnson)
• A Chemistry Primer for General Biology: Using the Macintosh to Present Text, Graphics, and Animations in a Lecture Setting (Steve Fifield and Richard W. Peifer)
• Laboratory Equipment List Spreadsheet (Carol A. Budd)