Curriculum

Description 

The MPG CURE curriculum is integrated with core biological concepts and scientific practices. Through participation in this CURE, students have the opportunity to learn or reinforce foundational knowledge in cell and molecular biology and then apply this knowledge within the context of the PLIP3 suppressor mutant research project (Liu & Benning, 2024). Students engage in the scientific process by identifying PLIP3 suppressor mutants using laboratory techniques, such as quantifying the mutant, extracting DNA, performing PCR and running agarose gel.

Research Goals

• Select PLIP3 suppressor mutants by quantifying and qualifying their phenotypic traits
• Confirm the genotype of the selected mutants using laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis
• Identify the causal gene(s) from the next-generation whole-genome DNA sequencing data using biological tools and databases

Laboratory Techniques

• Plant cultivation
• Quantify and qualify plant traits
• DNA extraction
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Obtain data and publications from databases
• Analyze DNA sequencing data using biological tools

Key Concepts

• Genetic information flow in the context of PLIP3
• Genotype-phenotype
• Mutation and mutant
• Structure-function
• Biological processes and systematic responses in the context of PLIP3 and the jasmonic acid signaling pathway

Fundamental Knowledge

• Arabidopsis morphology and as a model plant
• Eukaryotic gene structure and function
• Macromolecules: DNA and lipid
• Underlying knowledge of PCR and primer
• Underlying knowledge of agarose gel electrophoresis
• Biological databases and bioinformatics tools
• Forward and reverse genetics

Science Practices

• Ask research questions and form hypotheses
• Use models to illustrate and interpret biological processes
• Design experiments and make predictions
• Conduct experiments and interpret data
• Synthesize information to address research questions
• Obtain information and analyze data with biological databases and tools
• Evaluate information and findings
• Communicate science through presentations and essays

Example Schedules

• MPG CURE V1 Schedule
• MPG CURE V2 Schedule