Authentic Curriculum Undergraduate Research Experimentation to Learn About the Effects of Septicemia on Cardiac Function: Frog and Larval Drosophila Models
Jate Bernard, Melody Danley, Rebecca M. Krall, Katherine A. Sharp, and Robin L. Cooper
Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2022, Volume 42
Our educational module offers a new approach to study cardiovascular function by utilizing a high interest topic, effects of endotoxin-related septicemia (Lipopolysaccharides, LPS) from gram negative bacteria. Research on LPS is abundant in the area of neuroscience and neuromuscular junction activity. However, little is known on its effects in cardiac tissue. We have developed and piloted several laboratory exercises including simple heartbeat counts (HR) to more advanced electrical recording of diastolic and systolic periods with in-situ hearts. We have adapted this module to both the frog and larval Drosophila melanogaster. Furthermore, the exercises are highly flexible for virtual or in-person completion. The flexibility of this module makes it adaptive to different classroom and laboratory settings, including CURE courses. Utilization of comparative laboratory exercises combined with primary literature reviews can be used to foster a deeper understanding of the diversity of cardiovascular mechanisms possible among animals. Finally, this module contains pedagogical support for instructors interested in open inquiry and active learning approaches.
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