This workshop presents a series of physiological experiments which constitute the CURE project used in our
introductory biology course at CSU Fresno. All experiments utilize common lab equipment (microscopes and
micropipettes) along with the low-maintenance protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila as the model organism.
After an overview of the CURE project, workshop participants brainstorm research questions related to two broad
areas of interest: human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, or the effects of a substance on eukaryotic
organisms. They then create hypotheses to explore their research question and choose from a variety of
independent variables (test substances) to use in their experiments. Next, participants monitor the effects of their
variable on Tetrahymena cultures as they conduct four assays involving chemotaxis, bioconvection, osmosis, or
phagocytosis. Afterwards, participants are presented with a framework for writing a CURE report. If time allows,
extensions of this project involving gene regulation are discussed.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
