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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 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: Antibiotics
in Action. 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. Feedback and input from educators at any level would be greatly
appreciated. Please contact 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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