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Zebrafish as a Model to Assess the Teratogenic Potential of Nitrite
Published on: February 16, 2016
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Using Zebrafish to Implement a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience to Study Teratogenesis in Two Biology
Swapnalee Sarmah1, Grady W Chism1, Martin A Vaughan1
1Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis , Indianapolis, Indiana.
Zebrafish
|February 2, 2016
Summary
This course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) demonstrated that early exposure to nicotine and caffeine impacts zebrafish development. The CURE enhanced student skills in scientific research and collaboration, promoting persistence in science.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
- Undergraduate Education
Background:
- Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) aim to integrate authentic research into coursework.
- Student persistence in science is a key goal for undergraduate biology programs.
- Early developmental stages are sensitive to environmental toxicants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nicotine and caffeine on zebrafish development within a CURE framework.
- To assess the impact of CURE participation on student skills in research, communication, and collaboration.
- To evaluate the CURE's scalability and contribution to national undergraduate research goals.
Main Methods:
- A three-semester CURE involving freshmen and sophomores in biology courses.
- Student-led research on the effects of embryonic nicotine and caffeine exposure on zebrafish gastrulation and heart development.
- Protocol design, data generation, measurement, and presentation of results.
Main Results:
- Generated original data on distinct effects of nicotine and caffeine on zebrafish heart development and function.
- Identified novel teratogenic effects of nicotine and caffeine during zebrafish gastrulation.
- Students demonstrated significant gains in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific presentation skills.
Conclusions:
- CURE participation enhances student scientific skills and satisfaction, potentially increasing persistence in science.
- The CURE model effectively extends faculty research and provides authentic research opportunities for undergraduates.
- Nicotine and caffeine exposure during early development exhibit teratogenic effects on zebrafish.
