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UV, Mutations, and DNA Repair

Before and after UV on double helixStudents learn about the effects of UV light, mutations and DNA repair on the survival of prokaryotes and the risk of skin cancer. In the first experiment, students evaluate the effects of different durations of UV exposure on survival and population growth of Haloferax volcanii. This experiment also tests for photorepair of DNA damage. Students design the second experiment, which evaluates the effectiveness of sunscreen. In addition, students answer analysis and discussion questions that promote their understanding of molecular biology, cancer, and the interpretation of experimental results. 

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Download Teacher Preparation Notes: PDF format or Word format

The Teacher Preparation Notes provide instructional suggestions and background information and explain how this activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. As mentioned in the Teacher Preparation Notes, the primary version of the Student Handout is designed for use with high school students. Another version, designed for use with university students, is provided in the attachments below.

We invite comments on this Hands-On Activity and the accompanying Teacher Preparation Notes, including suggestions for other teachers who are planning to use the activity or any questions or comments you have related to the activity. If you would prefer to send your comments or questions in a private message, please write Ingrid Waldron at iwaldron@sas.upenn.edu.

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HaloferaxUVUnivProtocol.docx5.4 MB
HaloferaxUVUnivProtocol.pdf828.79 KB
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Serendip Visitor's picture

Haloferax volcanii

Submitted by Serendip Visitor (guest) on Wed, 02/21/2018 - 4:36pm.

Hi,

Thank you for all of your wonderful activities!

I'm having a difficult time finding Haloferax volcanii to purchase. (It is discontinued from the supplier recommended in the protocol, as well as from other suppliers I have looked at.) Can you suggest a different microorganism for this?

Thank you!

iwaldron's picture

Haloferax supply

Submitted by iwaldron on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 7:32am.

Thank you for alerting us that this problem has still not been resolved. Dr. Pohlschroder has been working with the supplier to resolve the problem, so it is helpful to know that you are still having trouble getting Haloferax. For now, please contact Dr. Pohlschroder (pohlschr@sas.upenn.edu) and she will provide you with Haloferax volcanii.

Ingrid

Serendip Visitor's picture

Thank you so much!

Submitted by Serendip Visitor (guest) on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 3:32pm.

Thank you so much!

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. To preserve the value of these learning activities for other teachers, please do not post keys for any questions from any of these activities!

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Authors

Dr. Ingrid Waldron is Professor Emerita in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Co-authors include Dr. Jennifer Doherty, who is an Assistant Professor in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University, and Dr. Lori Spindler, who is a Lecturer in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. They have developed these activities in collaboration with colleagues at Penn and middle school and high school teachers in the Philadelphia area. We are grateful to Craig Douglas for his generous help with graphics.

 

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