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Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab
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An undergraduate laboratory activity demonstrating bacteriophage specificity.

Mary E Allen1, Ruth A Gyure

  • 1Department of Biology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|July 17, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a lab activity for students to explore bacteriophage (phage) diversity and host specificity using plaque assays. The curriculum effectively improved students' scientific understanding and language regarding phage biology and applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Educational Science

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous and diverse microbes, yet educational activities often lack depth in exploring their characteristics.
  • Engaging students in hands-on research on phage diversity and host specificity is crucial for scientific literacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a curriculum activity enabling students to investigate bacteriophage diversity and host specificity.
  • To assess the impact of the activity on students' scientific understanding, hypothesis formulation, and use of scientific language.

Main Methods:

  • Students utilized a standard plaque assay to enumerate bacteriophage particles from enriched sewage samples.
  • The scientific method was employed to test hypotheses regarding phage host specificity using quantitative data from serial dilutions and plaque assays.
  • Class-aggregated data were used to explore phage diversity.

Main Results:

  • Posttest scores significantly exceeded pretest scores across all learning outcomes (p ≤ 0.01).
  • Students demonstrated significant improvement in using scientific language related to phage-host interactions (p = 0.002, G = 0.50).
  • The activity enhanced students' ability to formulate hypotheses on phage specificity (G = 0.31, p = 0.01) and explain methods (G = 0.33, p = 0.002), and improved understanding of phage specificity in human phage therapy (p < 0.001, G = 51).

Conclusions:

  • The curriculum activity effectively enhances student learning outcomes in bacteriophage biology and the scientific method.
  • Hands-on investigation using plaque assays significantly improves students' comprehension of phage diversity, host specificity, and their scientific communication skills.
  • This educational approach fosters a deeper understanding of phage biology with potential implications for phage therapy education.