Bacteria & Archaea Exploration for AP Biology

You will work individually. Where appropriate, transcribe all work into a well-labeled Word document and/or print out worksheets for assessment upon completion of the WebQuest.

They're everywhere. They number in the millions of trillions of trillions. They live on every surface, in every environment, and even in your gut. That's right...I'm talking about prokaryotes!   Learn more about bacteria and archaea.

• 1.    Watch two separate Bozemanscience Videos:  Bacteria & Archaea. 

            While watching the video, be sure to take detailed notes regarding the similarities and differences between the two Domains.

            Answer the following questions:

                    a.    What is a Domain?

                    b.    Why are bacteria and archaea separate Domains?

                    c.    Create a Venn diagram depicting the differences and similarities of the Bacteria and Archaea Domains

• 2.    Complete the following Khan Academy Lesson designed for AP Biology courses: Bacteria and Archaea.

            Read all of the articles in both the Prokaryotic Structure and Prokaryote Metabolism and Ecology Lessons and complete all Test Your Understanding sections.

• 3.    Watch the HHMI Biointeractive video: How Giant Tube Worms Survive at Hydrothermal Vents

            Following the video, complete the associated worksheet.  It is available as an attachment at the bottom of this page.

• 4.    Watch the HHMI Biointeractive video:  Bobtail Squid
  

            Following the video, complete the associated worksheet.  It is available as an attachment at the bottom of this page.

• 5.    Watch the HHMI Biointeractive video: Fecal Microbiota Transplants: The Ins and Outs of FMT

            Following the video, read the I Contain Multitudes article: The Power of Poo

            Answer the following questions:

                       a.    What differentiates so called good from bad bacteria?

                       b.    How does hand-sanitizer use affect microbe populations?

                       c.    Describe two necessary and three unnecessary common uses/venues for hand-sanitizer

• 6.    Case Study: How do bacteria become resistant?

            In the following activity, you will analyze data regarding methicillin and penicillin resistant bacteria, focusing how hospitals inadvertently drive the evolution of resistant strains.

            Each section of the case explores an aspect of dealing with bacteria, including sanitation, analyzing agar plates uses the Kirby-Bauer disk method.

            You will conclude the activity by suggesting plans for reducing the incidence of MRSA in hospitals.  You may work individually or in pairs.

            The activity worksheet is available as an attachment at the bottom of this page.