CourseSource: Resources

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2989

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351

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Serotonin in the Pocket: Non-covalent interactions and neurotransmitter binding

This lesson introduces beginning biochemistry students to the concept of a biomolecule binding site, such as a neurotransmitter receptor site or an enzyme active site. A simple organic molecule, the neurotransmitter serotonin, is the focus of the...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

active sitebindingbinding sitehydrogen bondinghydrophobic effectionic interactionsnon-covalent forces

Lesson

2328

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228

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0

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Sequences and Properties of Gluten Proteins From Different Grains: A Virtual-Friendly Protein Laboratory

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced much university instruction into virtual modes. As a result, many laboratory courses have either dropped content altogether or replaced hands-on activities with simulations and “dry” labs. Our goal was...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bioinformatics

protein structure and functionProtein sequenceintermolecular forcesBiomacromolecules

Lesson

3781

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415

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0

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Using Open-Source Bioinformatics and Visualization Tools to Explore the Structure and Function of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

The relationship between protein structure and function is a foundational concept in undergraduate biochemistry. We find this theme is best presented with assignments that encourage exploration and analysis. Here, we share a series of four...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bioinformatics Science Process Skills

bioinformaticsmolecular modelingCOVID19protein structure and functionUCSF ChimeraSARS-CoV-2 spike proteinACE2 receptor

Teaching Tools and Strategies

2562

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213

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An Interactive Protocol for In-Classroom DNA Extraction

Using commonly available materials, this tool allows students to extract DNA, exploring DNA chemistry and the principles of experimental design and execution. We take a “Choose Your Own Adventure” approach encouraging students to...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Genetics Introductory Biology

geneticsDNAbiochemical structure and function

Lesson

4203

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627

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Using Bioinformatics and Molecular Visualization to Develop Student Hypotheses in a Malate Dehydrogenase Oriented CURE

Developing student creativity and ability to develop a testable hypothesis represents a significant challenge in most laboratory courses. This lesson demonstrates how students use facets of molecular evolution and bioinformatics approaches...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bioinformatics Science Process Skills

bioinformaticsNoncovalent InteractionsEnzyme CatalysisProtein Structure/function

Lesson

4299

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871

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0

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Exploring the Complexities of Photosynthesis Through a Comic Strip

Photosynthesis is a conceptually challenging topic. The small scale at which photosynthesis takes place makes it difficult for students to visualize what is occurring, and students are often overwhelmed by all of the details of the process. This...

Courses: Introductory Biology Plant Biology

photosynthesislight-dependent reactionsCalvin cyclechloroplast

Lesson

5660

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1170

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3

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Meiosis: A Play in Three Acts, Starring DNA Sequence

Meiosis is well known for being a sticky topic that appears repeatedly in biology curricula. We observe that a typical undergraduate biology major cannot correctly identify haploid and diploid cells or explain how and why chromosomes pair before...

Courses: Cell Biology Genetics Introductory Biology

recombinationmeiosisDNA sequenceCrossingoverchromosome structureHolliday junctionhomology

Lesson

2055

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517

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A Simple Method for Predicting a Molecule's Biological Properties From Its Polarity

The distinction between very polar and less polar substances is a foundation of biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology; it surfaces in multiple concept inventories and elaborations of biological core concepts. However, in our experience, most...

Courses: Anatomy-Physiology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cell Biology Introductory Biology

Diffusionsolubilitycovalent bondshydrophilichydrophobicpartition coefficientplasma membranepolarity

Lesson

3891

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209

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Isolation and Functional Analysis of a Pancreatic Enzyme in an Introductory Student Lab

Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biology. This topic is typically addressed early in an undergraduate class in general or molecular biology before students have gained much skill or knowledge in molecular biology. However, an...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Introductory Biology

Protein StructureproteaseEnzymechemical bondscatalysissolubility

Lesson

983

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122

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My Fish Tank: An Active Learning Activity for Bacterial Nitrogen Metabolism

This active learning activity introduces students to the second part of the nitrogen cycle, nitrification. In terrestrial and aquatic environments, bacteria from the Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter genera oxidize ammonia first to nitrite (via a...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ecology Ecology Microbiology

nitrogen cyclenitrificationnitrifying bacteria

Lesson

3040

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207

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The Three Sisters of Agriculture: An Active Learning Activity on Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

This active learning exercise introduces students to the plant microbiome and the contributions that bacteria make to plant growth and food production. The Three Sisters are an ancient indigenous practice in which three plant crops and the...

Courses: Microbiology

SymbiosisPlant microbiomeNitrogen fixationNutritional content of foodElectron flowSociety impact of microorganisms

Lesson

1222

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84

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0

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Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research: Instruction on Plagiarism

Helping students understand where they should provide citations in research manuscripts is an essential aspect of training them in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. This Lesson comprises about 35 minutes of in-class work to help...

Courses: Science Process Skills

citationwritingethicsplagiarismparaphrasequote

Lesson

1223

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556

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Understanding Gastric Acid Secretion: An Active Learning Approach

The human digestive system is a diverse network of cells, tissues, and organs that is regulated by systemic (e.g., nervous and endocrine systems) and local factors (e.g., secretions, pH, and the microbiome). Given the volume of content and the...

Courses: Anatomy-Physiology

diseasesignal transductionAcid SecretionAutonomic Nervous SystemEndocrineGastric PhysiologyGPCRHistology of Gastric Pit

Lesson

2822

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685

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The Case of the Missing Strawberries: RFLP analysis

While solving the fictional mystery of the missing strawberries, students are engaged in a guided-inquiry lesson featuring small-group and class discussions, hands-on activities, and laboratory exercises related to molecular genotyping by...

Courses: Genetics Science Process Skills

process of scienceDNAforensicsgel electrophoresisMolecular genotypingRestriction endonucleaseRestriction enzymeRestriction fragment length polymorphismRFLP

Lesson

1397

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136

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Glycolysis Can Be Fun: Rediscovering Glycolysis as a Problem-Solving Introduction to Metabolism

A thorough understanding of glycolysis forms a foundation for students to analyze subsequent topics in metabolism, a core competency recognized by multiple national societies for biology and biochemistry. However, when confronted with the names of...

Courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cell Biology