What will your class learn in a curious tale of a fungus, a virus, and a chestnut tree? Biology scholars discover the world of viral biocontrols through a DNA restriction lab. Groups research the decline of the American chestnut tree at the hands of a fungal infection, then use gel electrophoresis to determine the effectiveness of a viral agent in preventing the spread of the virus to other chestnut trees.

Concepts

fungi, viruses, trees, dna, gel electrophoresis, dna sequence, ecology

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Bring chestnuts to class so pupils are familiar with the fruit of their labors!
• Assign post-lab research into other ecological changes caused by biological agents, such as the emerald ash borer
  

Classroom Considerations

• Ensure you set aside enough time to view the completed gel plates when they have developed, as the stain used to visualize the results breaks down quickly

Pros

• The lesson's pre-lab activities are very engaging and easy to execute
• Teacher's guide is full of tips, ideas, and additional resources, as well as printable materials

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.8 RST.9-10.10 RST.11-12.2 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7 RST.11-12.8