title: Bacterial Diversity Studies Using the 16S rRNA Gene Provide a Powerful Research-Based Curriculum for Molecular Biology Laboratory.
abstract: We have developed a ten-week curriculum for molecular biology that uses 16S ribosomal RNA genes to characterize and compare novel bacteria from hot spring communities in Yellowstone National Park. The 16S rRNA approach bypasses selective culture-based methods. Our molecular biology course offered the opportunity for students to learn broadly applicable methods while contributing to a long-term research project. Specifically, students isolated and characterized clones that contained novel 16S rRNA inserts using restriction enzyme, DNA sequencing, and computer-based phylogenetic methods. In both classes, students retrieved novel bacterial 16S rRNA genes, several of which were most similar to Green Nonsulfur bacterial isolates. During class, we evaluated student performance and mastery of skills and concepts using quizzes, formal lab notebooks, and a broad project assignment. For this report, we also assessed student performance alongside data quality and discussed the significance, our goal being to improve both research and teaching methods.
authors: Western Oregon University, Department of Biology, Monmouth, Oregon 97361.
authors: Sarah M
authors: SM
authors: Boomer
authors: Daniel P
authors: DP
authors: Lodge
authors: Bryan E
authors: BE
authors: Dutton
references: Arch Microbiol. 2000 Sep;174(3):152-61
references: 11041345
references: Science. 1997 May 2;276(5313):734-40
references: 9115194
references: Appl Environ Microbiol. 1994 Jun;60(6):2113-9
references: 7518219
references: Microbiol Rev. 1987 Jun;51(2):221-71
references: 2439888
references: J Bacteriol. 1998 Sep;180(18):4765-74
references: 9733676
references: Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002 Jan;68(1):346-55
references: 11772644
references: Microbiol Rev. 1995 Mar;59(1):143-69
references: 7535888
references: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1977 Dec;74(12):5463-7
references: 271968
references: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2002 Jan;52(Pt 1):187-193
references: 11837302