24th Annual Student Research Conference
Synthetic Biology at Truman: Developing an Accessible and Engaging Laboratory Protocol to Teach the Principles of Synthetic Biology
Bryce A. Bond* and Marissa L. Decker
Dr. Brent Buckner, Faculty Mentor
Synthetic biology is biological engineering using standardized biological parts which are maintained in bacterial plasmids flanked by specific restriction endonuclease sites. Using particular restriction endonucleases and appropriate antibiotics, one can combine parts while maintaining the standardized structure. Thus, bacteria can be engineered to perform novel functions. In order to teach synthetic biology in an undergraduate classroom setting, we have developed an accessible four-week laboratory module. This laboratory module provides an educator with an excellent platform to teach the principles of synthetic biology techniques while reinforcing molecular genetic and microbiological laboratory skills and prokaryotic gene structure. The lab module was tested with a focus group of students and then with two sections of a genetics course at Truman State University.
Keywords: Synthetic Biology, Lab protocol, E. coli, Genetics, Microbiology, Standardized Parts
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 17-4
Location: MG 1098
Time: 10:15