Integration of Bioinformatics into

Inquiry Based Learning

by Kathleen Gabric

The Biology WorkBench is a revolutionary web-based tool for biologists. The WorkBench allows biologists to search protein and DNA databases around the world. Database searching is integrated with access to a wide variety of analysis and modeling tools, all within a point and click interface.

bi·o·in·for·mat·icsThe use of mathematical and informational techniques to solve biological problems by using computer programs. One of the main applications of bioinformatics is the data mining in and analysis of the data gathered in genome projects. Other applications are amino acid and nucleic acid sequence alignment, protein structure prediction, and virtual evolution.

Science InquiryThe science and education communities agree that investigative science is a highly effective way to teach science. In this way, students build their scientific understanding and investigative skills through active inquiry, connecting their previous knowledge with new ideas and evidence.

•Design •Investigate•Construct meaning•Connect

Students learn about the Human Genome project by using real data from Argonne Laboratories.

Dr. Kay, a father of a District 86 student, is the contributing scientist.

DNA Sequence

Sequencing DNA

High School Freshmen use Biology Workbench to help molecular biologist decide which amino

acids to mutate next. News at 11! Students identified amino acids in a protein found in the membrane of our nerve cells. Students are recruited to help Steve in this part of his research. Students performed research on receptors using the Biology Workbench. Student research identified important amino acids to facilitate Steve's decisionas to which amino acids in the receptor to mutate in the future.

OUT

IN

NH2

HOOC

D

I II III IV V VI VII

I1 I2 I3

E1 E2 E3

D

K

KN

KRY

I K

L

K Q

Angiotensin Type-2 Receptor amino acid sequence analysis

1 mkgnstlatt sknitsglhf glvnisgnne stlncsqkps dkhldaipil yyiifvigfl61 vnivvvtlfc cqkgpkkvss iyifnlavad llllatlplw atyysyrydw lfgpvmckvf121 gsfltlnmfa siffitcmsv dryqsviypf lsqrrnpwqa syivplvwcm aclsslptfy181 frdvrtieyl gvnacimafp pekyaqwsag ialmknilgf iiplifiatc yfgirkhllk241 tnsygknrit rdqvlkmaaa vvlafiicwl pfhvltflda lawmgvinsc eviavidlal301 pfaillgftn scvnpflycf vgnrfqqklr svfrvpitwl qgkresmscr kssslremet361 fvs

72 qkgpkkvss 80

235 rkhllk tnsygknrit rdqvlk 256

141 dryqsviypf lsqrrnpwqa 160

12 3 3

6271

5321 3

3033

327

9 24

3 6 9 6 6 3

%

%

%

Compiled Student Data and ResultsAngiotensin Type-2 Receptor

amino acid sequence analysis

1 mkgnstlatt sknitsglhf glvnisgnne stlncsqkps dkhldaipil yyiifvigfl61 vnivvvtlfc cqkgpkkvss iyifnlavad llllatlplw atyysyrydw lfgpvmckvf121 gsfltlnmfa siffitcmsv dryqsviypf lsqrrnpwqa syivplvwcm aclsslptfy181 frdvrtieyl gvnacimafp pekyaqwsag ialmknilgf iiplifiatc yfgirkhllk241 tnsygknrit rdqvlkmaaa vvlafiicwl pfhvltflda lawmgvinsc eviavidlal301 pfaillgftn scvnpflycf vgnrfqqklr svfrvpitwl qgkresmscr kssslremet361 fvs

72 qkgpkkvss 80

235 rkhllk tnsygknrit rdqvlk 256

141 dryqsviypf lsqrrnpwqa 160

12 3 3

6271

5321 3

3033

327

9 24

3 6 9 6 6 3

%

%

%

Basis of Human Genetic Diseases Students identified genes that were linked to human disease states.

Students used bioinformatictools to identify the disease process from gene to proteinto disease state.

Students created a website to display their research.

Student Projects on Genetic Diseases

Outcomes & Observations

Understood the basis of human genetic diseases.

Connected symptoms to biochemical imbalance Predicted means of treatment Understood the difference between treatment of

symptoms and curing the disease Realized the power of bioinformatics and how

they could use it in future research……Evolution

College FeedbackHi Kathleen:Thank you for your e-mail and your comments on the ABT paper. The web site looks great! The level and quality of the student work is really impressive! In fact you've taught me a few things about what I might try with my students here. All the best,MikeMichael A. Palladino

mpalladi@monmouth.edu

Student Projects on Evolution

Outcomes & Observations Understood the basis of evolution on a genetic

level. Correlated genetic evolution to organismal

evolution. Realized that “our” similarities are greater than our differences.

Overall Outcomes and Observations•Integration of bioinformatics into the high school classroom using inquiry methods was successful.

•Students were able to use the tools to generate real data, but more importantly were able to apply these applications and independently problem solve.

•Students showed a greatly increased ability to make connections between units of study: protein structure, protein function, nucleic acids, genetics, genetic disease, and evolution.

•Students performed research that will be used to guide future research in UIUC’s cell & molecular biology laboratory.

Student Comments on Biology Workbench

Even though it was quite confusing at times, Bio-Workbench was highly beneficial to our learning experience. It was interesting to use the same computers that real scientists used to do their research. The using of bioinformatics was key in the expansion of our minds.

It helped us get more involved with the concepts we were learning since it made everything more realistic

It helped save time and make information clearer to me. it also gave me visuals for things that I wouldn’t have been able to picture from just reading about, it helped me understand amino acid sequences a lot.

It has allowed us to connect DNA to real life. We are able to see how little a change in DNA how great a change they could have upon the final product.

Thanks to the Hardworking Biology Classes of 2002 & 2003

Sequencing DNA and product identification Translation and Disease Analysis of Angiotensin amongst vertebrates Analysis of various G-proteins for future research possibilities. Genetic Disease Research Project Determination of Evolutionary Relationships between selected organisms.

To see the projects they have done with bioinformatics visit our website

http://cstaff.hinsdale86.org/~kgabric/HBprojects.html