This lab course supplements Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology. Although we cannot virtually replicate a true lab experience, this “lab” will allow you to become familiar with scientific thinking and techniques and will enable you to explore of some key principles of molecular and cellular biology.
The material in this lab supplement directly relates to the material covered in the lecture and reading portion of the course. While the lecture and reading portion focuses on big-picture concepts, here we will focus more on visual understanding, manipulation, and practical use of your knowledge. In each unit, you will work through tutorials related to important scientific concepts, and then will be asked to think creatively about how your knowledge can be put to practical or experimental use.
There are also activities devoted to learning important techniques in scientific study, including microscope use, DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and DNA microarrays. As these are frequently used, and you will be expected to understand their use in your future studies, take this opportunity to become familiar with the proper equipment, procedure, and use of each technique.
Upon successful completion of this lab supplement, student will be able to:
- Identify the important components of scientific experiments and create their own experiments.
- Identify the molecular differences between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and explain the molecular behavior of water.
- Describe the process of photosynthesis.
- Describe the process of cellular respiration.
- Identify the differences between DNA and RNA.
- Describe the entire transcription/translation process, from gene to protein.
- Explain how recombinant genomes are formed.
- Use critical thinking to find ways that any of the above natural processes might be altered or manipulated.
- Explain how to use a compound light microscope for data collection.
- Explain how to conduct and use various experimental techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and DNA microarrays.
More info: http://www.saylor.org/courses/bio101-lab/