Bioinformatics
Field Trips |
In April 2003 the draft sequence of the human genome was completed.
This monumental achievement fuels tremendous research efforts to understand the information our DNA
sequence encodes. Now, scientists are identifying genes, define the proteins these genes may produce,
and understand how they function. To achieve these goals, biologists are integrating computer-based
tools into their research routines. A new field, called bioinformatics, allows scientists to make
sense of the huge amount of sequence data and to "mine" genomes for meaning.
Students visiting the DNALC West have the unprecedented opportunity to work with the same
computer tools and data that genome scientists use. The six modules listed below
integrate enticing content with hands-on exercises. Students use computers to
- analyze human, plant, bacterial, and viral genomes;
- study the evolution of modern humans;
- understand how variation in DNA sequences contribute to disease;
- examine exciting views of three-dimensional structures of proteins; and
- learn about new strategies for developing therapeutic drugs.
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| Gene
Sleuthing |
Students use computers to "mine" the
genomes of humans and other organisms. They will work as scientists,
using WWW tools and publicly available genome databases to find
genes in genomic DNA sequences. Students will gain a better understanding
of the structure of genes - the sequences of DNA that make humans
look like humans, mice look like mice, and plants look like plants.
Let your students become gene sleuths!
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Maize and Men - Jumping Genes Across Kingdoms |
Students
discover mobile DNA elements
that can shape an organism's genetic make-up. These "jumping
genes," or transposons, move across chromosomes
and relocate constantly. Students use bioinformatics tools to discover
transposons in corn and humans, learn how they move, and how they
can contribute to disease. Of Maize and Men can be booked as a stand-alone
course, or as preparation or follow-up for the popular DNALC lab
Human DNA Fingerprinting.
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Gleevec™:
A Smart Bomb in the War on Cancer |
This
interactive multimedia module uses the drug Gleevec™
to demonstrate the successful development of a rationally designed,
molecularly targeted therapy for the treatment of a specific cancer.
Through animations and the use of bioinformatics tools, students
learn how the development of anti-cancer drugs critically depends
on the thorough understanding of cell signaling pathways.
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HIV:
The Co-Evolution of Virus and Man |
Students explore the life cycle,
genome, and evolution of HIV. Using bioinformatics tools, students
will compare the genetic sequences of different HIV strains from
humans and other primates. Multimedia animations will illustrate
the mechanism of action of anti-HIV drugs. Students will compare
viral gene sequences to discover mutations that lead to drug resistance.
Students will also investigate the human genetics of natural resistance
to HIV infection and disease progression.
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Sickle
Cell Anemia - A Disease of Diverse Populations |
Students explore the molecular biology of sickle
cell anemia from DNA sequence, to protein structure, and ultimately
to disorder. Students compare sickle cell gene sequences from
patients around the world to elucidate the multiple origins of the
disease. Computer simulations address questions about why the
sickle cell mutation continues to persist in several areas of the
world. Students also learn about current and emerging therapies
to improve the lives of individuals with this disorder.
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Human
Origins and the Story of Mitochondrial Eve |
Written
in the human genome is a record of our evolutionary past, our shared
ancestry, and how we migrated to populate the globe. Participants
track down our most recent common maternal ancestor, also known
as "Mitochondrial Eve." When did she walk the earth? Where
did she live? Was she alone? By comparing DNA sequences from populations
all over the world, students can begin to address these questions.
Students learn how to use bioinformatics tools to align DNA
sequences, search genome databases and create phylogenetic trees.
Human Origins and the Story of Mitochondrial Eve can be booked as
a stand-alone course, or as preparation or follow-up for the popular
DNALC lab Human Mitochondrial Sequencing.
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| Reservation
Information |
Call
516-719-1296 or email dnalcwest@cshl.edu
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| Reservation Details |
Bioinformatics
labs are restricted to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, with a
maximum attendance of 24 students per lab.
Unless other arrangements have been made in advance, all Bioinformatics
labs begin promptly at 9:30 AM.
All classes are 2.5 hours in length
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