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Spinach Hearts and Apple Ears

From Plant Tissue to Human Tissue

By Margaret A. Murdoch, Neva L. Laurie-Berry

Spinach Hearts and Apple Ears


 

Abstract

In this case study, students assume the role of new recruits to a fictional biomedical research company investigating the use of decellularized plant tissues as scaffolds for regenerating human tissues for medical research or treatment. Students work in small groups to answer questions and complete activities related to plant cell wall composition, plant tissue decellularization methods, and structural similarities between plant and human tissues, with the goal of describing an experimental proposal for creating a tissue scaffold with specific application in medical research or treatment. The case is designed for a “flipped” classroom in which students watch a brief video and read a review article with associated assessment questions before engaging with the case in class. The case was designed for an upper-division biology course in cell biology, biotechnology, or economic and cultural botany. It could also be adapted for use in a histology course or other courses with a focus on plant structure and function.

   

Date Posted

09/16/2024

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe concepts related to decellularized plant tissue scaffolds, such as decellularization, extracellular matrix, and plant tissue. 
  • Explain how the components and structure of plant cell walls impact plant tissue function. 
  • Compare mechanical information about plant and human tissues to identify commonalities that support tissue scaffold applications. 
  • Analyze the suitability of decellularized plant tissue scaffolds for specific medical and scientific uses. 
  • Create an experimental design for constructing a decellularized plant tissue scaffold that would be suitable for a specific research or medical application.

Keywords

Tissue scaffolds; plants; plant cell walls; decellularization; decellularized tissue; extracellular matrix; biomaterials; biotechnology; biomedicine; bioengineering;

  

Subject Headings

Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
Botany / Plant Science
Cell Biology
Medicine (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis/Issues, Directed, Discussion, Journal Article, Role-Play, Flipped

 

 

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