title: Programmed Lab Experiments for Biochemical Investigation of Quorum-Sensing Signal Molecules in Rhizospheric Soil Bacteria.
abstract: Biochemistry courses in the Department of Molecular Biology at the National University of Río Cuarto, Argentina, are designed for undergraduate students in biology, microbiology, chemistry, agronomy, and veterinary medicine. Microbiology students typically have previous coursework in general, analytical, and organic chemistry. Programmed sequences of lab experiments allow these students to investigate biochemical problems whose solution is feasible within the context of their knowledge and experience. We previously designed and reported a programmed lab experiment that familiarizes microbiology students with techniques for detection and characterization of quorum-sensing (QS) and quorum-quenching (QQ) signal molecules. Here, we describe a sequence of experiments designed to expand the understanding and capabilities of biochemistry students using techniques for extraction and identification of QS and QQ signal molecules from peanut rhizospheric soil bacteria, including culturing and manipulation of bacteria under sterile conditions. The program provides students with an opportunity to perform useful assays, draw conclusions from their results, and discuss possible extensions of the study. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:256-262, 2016.
authors.affiliation: Departamento De Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional De Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Fiorela L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Nievas
authors.affiliation: Departamento De Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional De Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Pablo C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Bogino
authors.affiliation: Departamento De Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional De Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Giordano
mesh_terms: D010367:Arachis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000378:metabolism*; D053038:Quorum Sensing; D012106:Research; D012230:Rhizobiaceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D058441:Rhizosphere; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012988:Soil Microbiology
chemical_list: D010860:Pigments, Biological; D012987:Soil
keywords: AHL signals; biochemistry; biosensor; quorum sensing; soil bacteria