Virus!
Much of what is known about genetics comes from our understanding of viruses. Brookhaven Lab has contributed greatly to this knowledge through its work with the T7 virus, which today, is used in the biotechnology industry as a genetic "switch" from expressing proteins. In this lab, your students will infect a bacteria sample with T7 and then identify the infections in petri dishes. Using T7 as a model, students will also learn about different viruses such as HIV, influenza, and SARS.
Program Cost
$225
Contact Information
For more information about this program, contact:
Menzel
Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National
Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box
5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
slc@bnl.gov
Objectives: The students will be able to define the term virus; be able to explain why viruses are not considered living organisms; be able to explain the relationship between a virus and its host cell; learn how to culture E. coli; infect bacteria with the virus bacteriophage T7; and be able to compare and contrast T7 with other viruses such as HIV, Influenza and SARS.
Audience for This Program
Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th