Scanning Electron Micrograph of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. (Image courtesy of Janice Haney Carr, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Dianne Newman
Dr. Janis Melvold
Dr. Laura Croal
Prof. Michael Laub
MIT Course Number
7.13
As Taught In
Fall 2008
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
In this class, students engage in independent research projects to probe various aspects of the physiology of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, an opportunistic pathogen isolated from the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Students use molecular genetics to examine survival in stationary phase, antibiotic resistance, phase variation, toxin production, and secondary metabolite production.
Projects aim to discover the molecular basis for these processes using both classical and cutting-edge techniques. These include plasmid manipulation, genetic complementation, mutagenesis, PCR, DNA sequencing, enzyme assays, and gene expression studies. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication are also emphasized.
WARNING NOTICE
The experiments described in these materials are potentially hazardous and require a high level of safety training, special facilities and equipment, and supervision by appropriate individuals. You bear the sole responsibility, liability, and risk for the implementation of such safety procedures and measures. MIT shall have no responsibility, liability, or risk for the content or implementation of any of the material presented.
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