1.2 Analyze critically and apply the major principles of cell and molecular biology.
The biology core curriculum at Longwood University requires several classes for all biology students, after the freshman introduction classes are completed, there are three required pillars that cover three major fields of biology. Each student is required to complete one course in each pillar. One of the pillars is cell and molecular biology.
MicroboCop: A Genetic System to Detect Gunshot Residue in E. coli
In one of the molecular biology pillar classes I took, Genetics, we got to work as a class to be part of a larger project that our professor has been conducting over a series of semesters. In this project we got some experience with synthetic biology where we designed a genetic system to detect gunshot residue using plasmid DNA transformed into E. coli, using red fluorescent protein as the indicator. We individually wrote lab reports to share the methods and results. This project and the entire class gave me knowledge about synthetic systems which I was later able to apply to my research on cancer mutations in the p300 protein.
SafeSip: A Proposal for Sanitary Water Checks While Camping
Another interesting project that I did in this class was a synthetic biology proposal of my own design. I designed a synthetic system that would indicate the existence of fecal coliform in water, for the purpose of checking water in camping areas before swimming or use for cooking. I designed it to use E.coli as a model organism with red fluorescent protein as a biosensor. I presented this proposal to the class which gave me good proposal presentation experience. I also got good practice answering questions on this subject.
Comparison of Canine and Feline Saliva
I enrolled in another pillar course for molecular biology, Microbiology, in which I worked with a group to compare bacteria of the saliva of cats and dogs. We swabbed the mouths of several cats and dogs around campus and then plated them, then analyzed after growth. We experienced using microscopes, inoculating and plating bacteria, and then staining and analyzing unknown bacteria.