An active learning approach to teach aspects of human dietary health using fruit flies as a model

 

Brittany L. Slabach and Robin L. Cooper

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2022, Volume 42

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v42.art39

Abstract

We present a module to investigate the relationship between diet, development and behavior using the common laboratory model, Drosophila melanogaster. Module activities can be implemented as standalone units or as a sequence allowing for investigation of complex concepts and flexibility in implementation. Building on the extensive knowledge of D. melanogaster life cycle, physiology, genetics and behavior allows for various types of questions to be investigated including questions of human-related diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndromes. Activities can be individualized through alteration of diet type or acquisition of different D. melanogaster stock lines. The interdisciplinary nature of the investigations provides opportunities for diverse content or to implement activities as a course-based undergraduate research experience. In addition, authentic research questions related to diet and health in a model invertebrate organism can be developed for presentations at scientific meetings. We provide pedagogical support in the form of laboratory protocols, video tutorials and supplemental information to adapt activities to different classroom budgets.

Keywords:  physiology, Drosophila melanogaster, CURE, human health

Virtual ABLE (ViABLE) (2021)