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Tougher Plants

Beating Stress by Protecting Photosynthesis in Genetically Modified Plants

By Robin Pals-Rylaarsdam, Monica L. Tischler

Tougher Plants


 

Abstract

This "clicker case" follows two recent college graduates as they look for scientific answers to explain why the plants on their new tomato farm are not doing well. Working with their agricultural extension agent, they explore the scientific literature and learn how cold, heat, and salt can stress plants. They also learn that plants genetically engineered to produce glycine betaine, a modified amino acid, can withstand the environmental conditions that stress many agricultural plants. In their explorations, the fledgling farmers read graphs from the primary literature and review photosynthetic processes from their introductory biology course. The case consists of a PowerPoint presentation with embedded multiple-choice questions that students answer using clickers.  Developed for a first-year class in biology, it could be used in any lower-level college biology class or potentially an advanced biology class in high school. The case is also accompanied by an optional PowerPoint presentation (see "Supplemental Materials" tab above).

   

Date Posted

10/23/2012

Overview

Objectives

  • Introduce primary sources of biological information.
  • Begin to read and interpret basic graphs.
  • Connect the primary literature to basic biology processes.
  • Reinforce the steps of photosynthesis, particularly the light-dependent reactions.

Keywords

Genetic engineering; genetically modified organism: GMO; chemiosmosis; photosynthesis; photosytem II; proton motive force; transmembrane protein; thylakoid; glycine betaine ; graph reading; data analysis

  

Subject Headings

Agriculture
Biology (General)
Biotechnology
Botany / Plant Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Interrupted, Journal Article

 

 

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