MODULE 2
Objective 2.3 Lesson A
Model Organisms
Fundamental Properties of Cells
Course
Advanced
Biotechnology
Unit
DNA Analysis
Essential
Question
What animals
are commonly
used for
research and
development
and why?
Rationale
Basic research using model organisms has taught us much of what we know
about what it means to be alive. This research has identified the fundamental
properties of how cells grow and divide, how inheritance works, and how
organisms store and use energy.
With model organisms, scientists continue to learn more about how the
brain works and about what drives behaviors like eating, sleeping, sex and
even aggression. This foundation of knowledge has led to new methods for
maintaining health and for diagnosing and treating disease.
(http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/modelorg_factsheet.htm)
TEKS
130.364 2J, 8B,
13D
TAKS
Science 2D
Prior Student
None
Estimated
Time
1 hour
Objectives
Students will:
 Explain the importance of using model organisms to assist in human
genetics research.
 List the characteristics and advantages of the most common model
organism.
 Observe genetic relationships between humans and model organisms.
 Use the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website
to compare DNA sequences of a model organism and a human.
 Research Huntington disease, a debilitating genetic disorder.
 Understand the pros and cons of using model organisms.
Key Points
I. See Power Point Lesson 2 Objective 3
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Engage
 Video: “Portrait Of A Scientist - Scientists and Their Model
Organisms” (Rockefeller Center)
• http://vimeo.com/2188103
Activity
1. Order your free “Living Organisms” poster from NIH:
a. http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/order/#living_laboratories
2. Have students complete “Super Models of Science” Activity.
3. Extension: “Animal Care and Use Webquest”
4. Extension: Students complete DNAi Activity: “Model Organisms the
Genes We Share”
Materials
 Webquest: “Super Models of Science”
 Webquest: “Animal Care and Use”
 DNAi Activity: “Model Organisms the Genes We Share: Teacher
Guide, Student Worksheets, and Answer Key”
Accommodations for Learning Difference

Visit the Special Populations section of the CTE Career and Technical
Education Website: http://cte.unt.edu/special-pops.
National and State Education Standards
Texas College and Career Readiness Standards
I. Nature of Science: Scientific Ways of Learning and Thinking
D1, D2, E1, E2
III. Foundation Skills: Scientific Applications of Communication
C1, D1, D2
IV. B1
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Super Models of Science
Name:_________________
Part I:
 Go to http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/classroom/supermodels/menu.html
 Identify the model organism being described below. Record your answers on a ½
sheet of paper and turn in when complete.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I am the most commonly used animal in research.
I help figure out how daily, or circadian, rhythms work.
Scientist used GFP to make a map of my brain cells.
In the lab, I am used to study how my genes affect development and lifespans.
I reproduce quickly so scientists can compare grandparents, parents and
children at the same time.
6. Some scientists use me to study bone and other organ development
because I am translucent.
7. I am used to study gene changes in Huntington's disease.
Part II:
 Obtain a model organism from your teacher.
 Using this website evaluation rubric (http://www.nhema.net/rubric.pdf), conduct an
Internet search for information about your organism.
 You must turn in an at least 2 website evaluation forms with your project.
 Decide how you will present this information to your classmates (verbal, poster,
flyer, video, Power Point)
 Generate a rubric with your team members that reflect your presentation.
 Have your teacher approve your rubric.
 Your peers and instructor will use this rubric to grade your work
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Animal Care and Use Webquest
Introduction
Virtually every major medical
advance of the last century has
depended upon research with
animals. Data from experiments on
humans are obviously the most
scientifically reliable; however, in
many cases human research is
ethically unacceptable. Researchers
must first use animals, the living
systems most closely related to
humans, before humans are asked
to participate in experimentation. Animals serve as surrogates in the
investigation of human diseases and new ways to treat, cure or prevent them.
The scientific community recognizes its professional obligation to safeguard and
improve the welfare of laboratory animals. This module outlines the regulation
and implementation of guidelines that must be followed when laboratory animals
are used.
Directions: Use the questions in this assignment to take notes on the following
websites.
Assignment
1. The Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act was enacted in 1966 and has been amended by
Congress four times. The Act regulates humane treatment of animals at all
research facilities-public or private, academic or industry-based, whether or not
they receive federal funds. All covered research facilities must register with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and comply with USDA animal welfare
regulations and standards. The Animal Welfare Act is designated for guinea
pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, marine
mammals, farm animal species, excluding rats, mice and birds.
a. Go to http://www.nabranimallaw.org/ and identify the act passed by
Congress which created a federal mandate governing the use of animals
including rats and mice.
b. Go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/phspol.htm and
determine the NIH office responsible for the administration and
coordination outlined in the Public Health Service Policy.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights
reserved.
2. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Animal Welfare Regulations require that all federally funded research facilities
using animals establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(IACUC) to oversee animal use and assure compliance with all applicable laws
and regulations. A primary responsibility of the IACUC is to review and approve
all proposed activities involving the care and use of animals used in research,
testing or teaching procedures, as well as review and approve all significant
changes to ongoing activities. The IACUC monitors the animal care and use
program by conducting thorough reviews and inspections of the animal facilities
every six months. The IACUC submits documentation of its program evaluation
and facility inspections to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
a. Go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/tutorial/iacuc.htm and
identify the required members of every IACUC committee.
b. Go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/tutorial/animal.htm and
determine who appoints the members of an IACUC committee at each
institution.
3. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
The scientific community founded a number of organizations to improve
laboratory animal care. The American Association for Laboratory Animal
Science (AALAS) is one of the most prominent organizations and offers a variety
of resources for the education and advancement of responsible laboratory animal
care and use.
• Go to https://www.aalaslearninglibrary.org and browse the resources
available for professionals involved in animal research. You are going to
complete an AALAS tutorial and answer questions based on the
information in the tutorial. To log in to the tutorial:
 Click on “Animal Care and Use Courses”
 Click on “Free Courses”
 Click on “Working with the IACUC”
 Click on “Working with the IACUC: non-VA Version”
 Click on “Course”
 Click on “Continue Without Logging In”
 Browse the 25 slides and answer the following questions:
a. Describe the basic function of an IACUC.
b. What is the central theme in selecting an animal model for
research?
c. What are the important points in justifying the number of
animals needed for a research project?
d. Animal Welfare Regulations require that investigators proposing
research or testing on animals that may cause more than slight
or momentary pain or distress to consider alternatives to such
procedures. Identify the “three R’s” of animal research.
e. Investigators must also provide a written narrative describing
the methods and sources used to determine that alternatives are
not available. List the databases available for searching for
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights
reserved.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
alternatives.
Describe the four pain/distress categories mandated by the
USDA.
Investigators wishing to perform surgery on research animals
must satisfy a number of requirements prior to IACUC approval.
List three topics that must be addressed in a surgery protocol.
Define major surgery.
List the justifications for multiple survival surgeries.
In accordance with the Occupation Health and Safety
guidelines, the principal investigator of a research project is
responsible for providing training for staff that work with the
animals. List the four areas of training required.
Describe the difference between physical and non-physical
methods of euthanasia.
If you observe misuse or mistreatment of animals, or you see
procedures that you don’t think comply with federal regulations
or guidelines, you should immediately report the violations to the
IACUC at your facility. If you are not satisfied with the actions
taken by your local IACUC, list two federal agencies you should
contact.
Why is animal research necessary?
4. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
In 1955 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the first federal
laboratory animal guidelines, now entitled the Guide for the Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals. The Guide describes institutional responsibilities and
professional standards to ensure animals are cared for in ways that are
scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate.
• Go to http://www.aaalac.org/resources/theguide.cfm. Browse through the
full text copy of the Guide. Chapter 2 describes animal environment,
housing and management. List the general recommendations for a 10 g
mouse for each of the following factors:
1. space
2. temperature
3. humidity
4. ventilation
5. illumination
6. noise
7. activity
8. food
9. water
10. bedding
11. sanitation
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.