Atrazine Inhibition of Murine Electron Transport Chain: A CURE Biochemistry Laboratory

Abstract

For the majority of students entering Biochemistry laboratory, basic biochemical skills are a new concept for them. Previous courses, such as lower division Introductory Biology and Genetics may have introduced them to some of the techniques; but overall, the concept of combining the techniques to actually apply it to research is lacking. Additionally, we want students to learn research skills, like interpreting evidence, reasoning, thinking critically, and conveying ideas and to be able to write like a scientist. Using a research based inquiry laboratory, students explore how a common herbicide might inhibit the electron transport chain (ETC). Additionally, they investigate how the herbicide could affect ETC when animals are exposed. By the end of the semester long course, the students submit a final paper in the format for submission to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Since the implementation of this laboratory research project, pre/post Biochemistry knowledge assessment exam scores have increased 30%.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.