BioBridge is here to help you implement relevant lab activities in your classroom that reflect current research efforts at UC San Diego and the San Diego science community at large. Not only do you benefit by participating in our unique training and implementation program, but your students will have opportunities to get involved as well!

Bacterial Transformation with Fluorescent Proteins
The world renowned Tsien Lab at UCSD has developed numerous different colors of fluorescent protein genes which are being used by scientists to follow cell reactions and observe cell parts. These genes have been cloned into plasmids which transform bacteria into all the colors of the rainbow. BioBridge has optimized the transformation protocol for use in high school biology classes to achieve excellent results with your students. Learn to use this motivating protocol with for your students and introduce them to the labs of the 21st century!
Upcoming Training Sessions 
     March 3 (Phase I) and 8 (Phase II)
     March 28 (Phase I) and April 5 (Phase II)
     May 9 (Phase I) and May 17 (Phase II)

Protein Purification with Fluorescent Proteins
Protein research is one of the hottest topics in biology today. BioBridge has refined a protein extraction protocol which is easy to set up, implement and students love all the fluorescent colors at the end! Excellent as an educational and motivating lab!
Upcoming Training Sessions 
     April 12 (Phase I) and 19 (Phase II)

Enzyme Substrate Reactions
Tyrosinase is the enzyme which causes cut fruits to turn brown, mushrooms to be brown, and skin exposed to sunlight to turn brown. In the presence of the enzyme tyrosinase, the substrate L-DOPA turns a reddish brown color. A lab was designed to test the rate of reaction of tyrosinase and L-DOPA using a colorimetric chart. The effects of pH, temperature, and inhibitors in the reaction may also be tested and a simple yet accurate rate of reaction graph can be produced.
     DATES: Fri, FEBRUARY 29 (Pilot 1*) and Sat, MARCH 8 (Pilot 2**) 

Plant Genetics
UCSD maintains an active maize genetics lab which looks at mutations in nutritive value and flower formation. In order to study cell structure, researchers use a simple yet elegant process of spreading superglue onto the leaf of interest, letting it dry, then peeling off the glue which has created an imprint of the shape and structure of the cell walls. By observing the 'peel' under a microscope, mutations in the cell wall structure can be identified. This lab allows students to perform leaf peels on normal and mutated leaves, and develop a genetic ratio.
     DATES: TBD
     For more information, contact Shelley Glenn Lee at sglenn@ucsd.edu.

Human Respiration using Computer Probes
Researchers at UCSD are studying hypoxia and its effects on speech and brain function. In this activity, students will use computer probes to determine various breathing parameters before and after exercise and will explore the effects of hypoxia on the brain.
     DATES: Fri, MAY 23 (Pilot 1) and Sat, MAY 31 (Pilot 2)