Confocal Modules

Research-based Modules

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

$RGM CELLS$

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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听

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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

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听听听听

epithelial intestine

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Specialized Epithelia of the Gut and their Disorders,听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

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听听听

mitosis

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听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

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Mapping Information Flow in the C. elegans Nervous System,听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

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听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.