3-Dimensional Microbial Model Assignment

 The 3 Dimensional Microbial Model Project creates an actual model of a microbe.  Models will be produced to scale, featuring the size, shape, structural components, and amount of DNA (or RNA for viruses) for the microbe the students select from a suggested list.  An oral presentation of the model with significant facts about the microbe and its pathological role will be delivered on the date assigned. The model project will be worth 50 points and graded by the criteria found in the online grading sheet.

The Purpose of the 3-Dimensional Microbial Model Project is to create a model of a microbe in lieu of producing a pamphlet on a specific disease. Students should work cooperatively with a partner.  Models will be produced to scale, featuring the size, shape, structural components and amount of DNA for the microbe the students select from a suggested list. The model project will be worth 50 points and graded by the criteria below. An oral presentation of the model with significant scientific facts about the microbe, as indicated below, will be delivered on the date assigned.

 SCALE and MOLECULAR CONSTITUENTS

• Models and model components for bacteria are to be scaled upward by 100,000 X (10⁵). This would result in 1 micrometer becoming 10 cm, or a .25 micrometer organism resulting in a 2.5 cm model.

• Models should correctly represent the amount of nucleic acid to the same scale. You will need to find out what length of DNA your organism contains. DNA is often listed in terms of base pairs (bp) or in units of 1000 bp or a kilobase pair (kbp). One kbp is 250 nanometers long (0.25 micrometers) multiply this by 4 to get micrometers and then multiply by the scale factor above to get centimeters. You will need to find something very thin to represent the DNA in order to fit it inside the organism. Construct the organism so that during the presentation the entire length of DNA can be displayed.

 Bacterial Genomes can be found at  http://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/vl_organisms.html

Scroll down the page to the scientific name. Clicking on the name provides greater detail.

• Models and model components for viruses are to be scaled such that 1 nanometer becomes 1 millimeter [1,000,000X  or (10⁶)}. Thus a 20 nanometer organism would be 20 millimeters or 2 centimeters. For DNA  or RNA one kbp  (1000 base pairs)  is equal to 250 nanometers which would be scaled to 250 millimeters.

pictures and info on viruses http://www.virology.net/Big_Virology/BVHomePage.html

bacteriophage genomes http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Projects/Phage/

viral genomes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/GenomesHome.cgi?taxid=10239

• Models and model components for eukaryotic cells will be scaled such that 1 micrometer = 1 centimeter[10,000X  or (10⁴)}. For DNA one kbp (1000 base pairs) is equal to 250 nanometers or .25 micrometers scaled up to .25 centimeters.

eukaryotic cell genomes are available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9846/

http://lib.bioinfo.pl/meid:1007

DESIGN

    Models must correctly represent the shape and, for bacteria, the Gram reaction. Where possible make the model transparent or use a cross section to reveal internal structures. Component parts of significance should be included such as; cell membrane, cell wall, capsule, glycocalyx, envelope, pili, flagella etc.

CREATIVITY

    Do not buy expensive materials recycle garbage components where possible.

    Prepare a  name plate or display board with the organism name, size and the magnification factor.

ORGANISM BIOGRAPHY

   Gram stain and arrangement for bacteria, the host cell for viruses, and any vectors for eukaryotic organisms.

  The major organelles and their functions.

   Diseases caused by the organism.

   Each pair must explain the method of respiration used by the organism.

   A brief statement on control of this organism.     

REFERENCES

Reference all sources including texts, Internet URL’s and journals. If you use a diagram or table, reference

The best site for DNA information is the http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/static/micr.html

Possible Organisms

    Rubric for Grading Microbiology 3-Dimensional Project

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Bakersfield College | Kern Community College District | Dr. Janet Fulks
1801 Panorama Dr. - Bakersfield, CA 93305 - (661)395-4381
Date last updated 09/23/2011
©Janet Fulks