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Halo-Ed: Extreme Microbiology and
Astrobiology |
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics
in Action on the model halophilic Archaeon, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 is
another inquiry-based activity module for students. This halophile is
different from most common microbes encountered in medicine, because it is
not known to cause any diseases. Concepts like pathogenesis,
antibiotic-resistance, and super-strains (e.g. MRSA) recently reported in the
media may be explored and discussed. Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 cannot
grow in the same medium as most pathogenic microbes, and conversely, most
pathogens would not be able to grow on the high salt media. Several well-known
antibiotics are used for the activities, and their mechanisms of action and
effects are explored. For more information, see our Antibiotics
in Action module. An interesting question for students to consider: 'How would you
design a way to make needed drugs and vaccines for astronauts on a long
mission?' As a companion to this website, we have developed a comprehensive
set of laboratory exercises using Halobacterium NRC-1 as the model
organism for teaching a wide range of subjects, including exponential growth,
colony formation, mutation, antibiotic resistance, motility, flotation, DNA
function, transformation, complementation, biotechnology, genomics, and
bioinformatics. We enjoy collaborating – let us know if you have ideas or
questions you would like to explore together by contacting the Halo-Ed
Team. For
Questions and Suggestions, contact the Halo-Ed Team |
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Copyright © Shiladitya DasSarma & Priya DasSarma |
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