Stratford University Handling Bacterial Infections in Remote Areas Discussion

A. You have studied some microbes that cause disease. Understanding how microbes grow and multiply is important when identifying and dealing with transmission of infection. This week will focus on bacteria. Think about what you already know about bacteria, how they are structured, function, and replicate. Discuss what you need to know in order to deal in the field with bacterial outbreaks.

B.

Task 4 Prokaryotes

Read the ebook Chapter 4 on Prokaryotes

Work through the tutorial section on prokaryotes

Work through the Khan Academy video on Bacteria

Video 1

Video 2

Design and submit a concept map on what you have learned. It should include concepts and connections between concepts including:

1. Bacteria Structure
2. Bacteria Function
3. Transmission and replication
4. Types

C. Activity 1: 3D Models of Bacterium

Construct a 3D model of two bacteria, cocci and bacilli . You can use clay, food, or other materials. You will need to use the information you learned during the task.

How is the size of the bacterium different than that of viruses?

Take a picture of your bacteria to upload it along with your answer to the question.

Activity 2: Cultivate the bacteria that grow on your hand

Ingredients: small airtight container, gelatin dessert

If you buy gelatin from a package, follow the instructions to make it. If you cannot make the gelatin yourself, you can buy gelatin already made. (try to find a clear gelatin if possible)

Directions:

1. Heat water on the stove and add the package contents to it, stirring the mixture vigorously until the gelatin grains dissolve. While the solution is still hot, pour into container where you want to cultivate your bacteria, and put the lid on in order to avoid contamination.
2. Store the container in the fridge overnight so the gelatin can solidify.
3. Remove from fridge once solid, touch the surface of the gelatin with your fingers
4. Put the lid on again and leave the container at room temp or near the radiator for 2 days.
5. After a few days you will see some white spots on the gelatin. These are your hands’ skin bacteria. Even if you try to wash your hands and repeat the experiment again, we will always have bacteria on our hands.
6. Leave the gelatin for longer to see how much the bacteria grow.

Write up what happened during the lab. Provide an explanation for your results.

Activity 3: Classifying Bacteria Lab

Complete the virtual lab Classifying Using Biotechnology

Activity 4:Bacterial ID Lab

Complete the Bacterial ID Lab.

Activity 5: Case Study

Complete the case study, Microbial Pie, or What Did You Feed the Neighbors?

First, Download the case study.

Second, Work through the case, answering all questions.

Submit all lab reports, case study answers, and pictures of models.

D. You have reviewed bacteria and how they cause disease. In some cases the spread of bacterial infections is actually caused by human error. In the Microbial Pie case, you saw how improperly prepared food, poor hand washing, or improperly stored food can cause outbreaks of bacterial infections. In remote areas this could occur as well. Discuss what measures you would take in a remote area of the world where you may be sent by WHO. Remember, you have limited resources, water may be contaminated, and there is no refrigeration.

E.

Task 5 EukaryotesRead the ebook Chapter 8 on eukaryotic microorganisms particularly yeasts, parasites, and fungus. (skip through beginning sections on bacteria.

Research malaria. What type of microorganism causes it?

Then work through the Khan Academy tutorial on Malaria

Review structure and function of human cells.

Design and submit a concept map on what you have learned. It should include concepts and connections between concepts including:

1. Types of eukaryotic microorganisms that cause disease
2. Structure of eukaryotic microorganisms
3. Host-Parasite relationship
4. Examples
5. Disinfection/destruction of different types of eukaryotic microorganisms.

F. Activity 1: Cell Models

Make a model of a typical human cell with the major organelles. Label all the organelles and provide a short description of their function.

Take pictures of your cell.

Activity 2: Virtual Lab Cellular Pursuit

Complete the virtual lab Cellular Pursuit

Activity 3: Virtual Lab Virtual Pathology

Complete the virtual lab Virtual Pathology

Activity 4: Pandemic

Play Pandemic II

Find friends or classmates to play with you. Discuss what occurs as the disease spreads and what challenges occur in trying to control the pandemic.

Activity 5: Case Study

Complete the case Study: African Illness: A Case of Parasites?

First, Download the case study.

Second, Work through the case, answering all questions.

Submit all work including lab reports, analysis of pandemic game, and case study