Students invited to delve into insect physiology, molecular biology
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EmailThe goal of Insect Physiology and Molecular Biology, ENT 851, is for students to be familiar with structure and function of various physiological systems in insects, and a current understanding of how these systems work at the molecular level.
The goal of Insect Physiology and Molecular Biology, ENT 851, is for students to be familiar with structure and function of various physiological systems in insects, and a current understanding of how these systems work at the molecular level. The course will be team-taught by Ke Dong, Zachary Huang and Suzanne Thiem during fall 2015 and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a 90-minute lecture/class discussion.
Topics/Lectures
- The basics of molecular biology (2 lectures by Thiem)
- Molecular techniques (2 lectures by Thiem) Note: The applications of these molecular techniques will be introduced in subsequent lectures.
- Hormonal regulation of development and reproduction (Endocrine, integumental and reproductive systems) (6 lectures by Huang and Thiem)
- Insect immunity (Circulatory system) (4 lectures by Thiem)
- Insect "lungs" (Respiratory system) (2 lectures by Huang)
- Mode of action of Bt toxins (Digestive/metabolic system) (2 lectures by Dong)
- Insect olfaction (Sensory nervous system) (3 lectures by Dong)
- Mechanism of insecticide resistance (Nervous and metabolic systems) (2 lectures by Dong)
- Insect flight (Muscle physiology) (1 lecture by Huang)
- From genes to behaviors (Behavioral system including diapause, circadian rhythms, sleep, mating, and responses to environmental stresses such as heat/cold shocks, etc.) (4 lectures by Dong and Huang)
Model insects: Drosophila melanogaster, Apis mellifera, Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, Tribolium castaneum
Students: To take this course, please register for ENT 851 in Fall 2015.
