The Instrumentation Center

Confocal Modules

Research-based Modules

The following modules are based on the presenting professor's ongoing research.

RGM CELLS

 

Epithelial Cells and Cell Migration, Dr. Rafael Garcia-Mata

  • Cancer cells are able to move around the body to metastasize
  • Most cancers begin in epithelial cells
  • Epithelial cells stick together through tight junctions 

 

sperm

 

Atypical Centrioles and Reproduction, Dr. Tomer Avidor-Reiss

  • Two centrioles are necessary for cells to divide
  • Sperm cells contain one typical centriole and one atypical centriole, ova contain none
  • Atypical centrioles from sperm cells are likely necessary for reproduction

 

     

epithelial intestine

 

Specialized Epithelia of the Gut and their Disorders, Dr. Scott W. Crawley

  • Specialized gut epithelial cells mediate nutrient uptake
  • These cells build sophisticated protrusions on their surface for this purpose
  • Malformation of these protrusions cause severe gastrointestinal disease

 

     

mitosis

 

 Cancer Cells and the Mitotic Checkpoint, Dr. Song-Tao Liu

  • Microscopy can be used to make a movie of cell division
  • Diseases such as birth defects and cancer can originate from abnormal cell division
  • Specific proteins contribute to faithful chromosome segregation

 

 

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Fission Yeast and the Molecular Mechanism of Cytokinesis, Dr. Qian Chen

  • Something in the cell signals the beginning of cytokinesis
  • Force is needed to split cells
  • Myosin and actin are important proteins in cytokinesis

 

 

wormsMapping Information Flow in the C. elegans Nervous System, Dr. Bruce Bamber

  • The nervous system is responsible for sensory motor processing
  • C. elegans nervous system (302 neurons) is much simpler than human brain (86 billion neurons)
  • Mapping the nervous system of c. elegans can add to our understanding of sensory motor processing

 


 Ohio Science Standards

Each of the following modules start off with a basic concept. As some subjects are re-examined in further detail in high school science classes, the same modules can be used for various grade levels by adding or subtracting information.

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Cells have particular structures related to their function

  • Instrument: Confocal Light Microscope
  • Grade level/class: Grade 6, High School Biology 

 

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Reproduction is necessary for the continuation of every species

  • Instrument: Confocal Light Microscope
  • Grade level/class: Grade 8, High School Biology

 

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Cells go through a process called mitosis

  • Instrument: Confocal Light Microscope
  • Grade level/class: Grade 6, High School Biology

 


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Pictured: An in-person Confocal SCOPE session set-up

 

Last Updated: 6/21/22