Investigative Laboratories in Cell Biology Using a Host-Parasitoid Model: The Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta, and the Braconid Wasp, Cotesia congregata -- Introduction to the System

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2001, Volume 22

Abstract

A series of exercises were developed in the cell biology laboratory using a host-parasite system: the tobacco hornworm and an inoffensive parasitoid wasp. Exercises are fully investigative and no initial schedule is given to the students who, after becoming acquainted with the system, raise questions and decide as a group what they wish to study next (Cell morphology? Cytoskeleton? Protein synthesis?…). This workshop involved introduction to the system of study, phase contrast microscopy, and digital image capturing as examples of how the system can be used. Some of the numerous biological concepts that may be taught using this system are outlined herein. The development of this system was funded by a CCLI-NSF grant (DUE 99-51371).

Keywords:  investigative learning, cell biology, parasitoid, tobacco hornworm, braconid wasp

Clemson University (2000)