Bacteriophage Investigation

Task 1 - In lab groups complete the review packet using the online textbook http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/
After completing the packet review the T4 youtube videos below to ensure an understanding of the process of infection and the lytic cycle.

Task 2 - Lab Activities
During the next few days, you will be performing two lab experiments.  A body of water will be chosen by the class to test.  This could be a local pond, lake, or stream.  Three different areas of the water will be sampled and brought to the class.  The first will be an 'Enrichment for Phage' lab that will allow bacteriophage present in water samples to lyse Escherichia coli cells in culture media overnight.  The next experiment is known as 'Spot Testing' when lysates are diluted and tested on bacterial lawns to look for phage plaques.  These plaques will indicate the concentration of phage present, known as calculating the phage titer. 
Labs are linked below.

Task 3 - Think-Pair-Share
This activity involves three smaller tasks.  The first part "Think" will introduce you to Google Scholar and the scientific articles related to Mono Lake bacteriophages.  You will need to complete the homework assignment for the next section.  The next task "Pair" will actually be done in lab groups where discussion of the homework assignment will allow you to collaborate with your classmates and produce a list of similarities and differences between the research article and the labs performed in Task 2.  Then lab groups will be called upon to contribute to the class discussion. 

Task 4 - Individual research
Complete the individual research assignment linked below.  You will be asked to find an article on current research where bacteriophages are being used.  Then write a summary of your findings while following the rubric criteria.