Wolbachia Project Lab Techniques

The Wolbachia Project at Penn State, led by Sarah Bordenstein, is part of the One Health Microbiome Center. It aims to raise awareness of the microbial world and involves a student-driven lab series to explore arthropod biodiversity and host-microbe interactions. Students perform DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to detect Wolbachia in arthropods. The project encourages data contribution and offers opportunities for students to publish their findings. It is accessible to students from all backgrounds, requiring no prior molecular biology experience.

What is the primary aim of The Wolbachia Project?

• To study marine life

• To develop new antibiotics

• To eradicate Wolbachia from arthropods

• To raise awareness and encourage participation in microbiome research

What is the main focus of the five-part lab series in The Wolbachia Project?

• Studying plant biodiversity

• Exploring arthropod biodiversity and host-microbe interactions

• Analyzing soil samples

• Investigating marine ecosystems

Which technique is used to amplify DNA in The Wolbachia Project?

• CRISPR

• Gel electrophoresis

• Sanger sequencing

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

What is the purpose of using gel electrophoresis in the lab procedures?

• To visualize and determine Wolbachia infection

• To extract DNA

• To amplify DNA

• To sequence DNA

After DNA amplification, what is the next step in the lab process?

• CRISPR editing

• Sanger sequencing

• Protein synthesis

• Microscopy

What opportunities are available for students who participate in The Wolbachia Project?

• Publishing in peer-reviewed journals

• Jobs in the pharmaceutical industry

• Internships at marine biology centers

• Scholarships for medical school

Who can participate in The Wolbachia Project?

• Only students majoring in microbiology

• Students from all backgrounds, regardless of prior experience

• Only graduate students

• Only students with prior molecular biology experience

What is emphasized as a key aspect of learning in The Wolbachia Project?

• The difficulty of molecular biology

• The exclusivity of scientific research

• The fun and accessibility of learning scientific skills

• The complexity of scientific research

What is not required to participate in The Wolbachia Project?

• A willingness to learn

• Curiosity about the microbial world

• An interest in science

• A background in molecular biology