Nanobacteria
Are They or Aren't They Alive?
Author(s)
Department of Biological Science
California State University Fullerton
mcasem@fullerton.edu
Abstract
This case study was developed for a first-semester foundations course for biology majors. It is based on two conflicting reports in the scientific literature on the status of nanobacteria as living organisms in order to explore basic concepts related to the biological definition of life and the process of scientific investigation. In addition to engaging students with these topics, the case highlights the ambiguities inherent in science, and creates a forum for debate and discussion regarding the ability to arrive at “right answers.”
Objectives
- Develop an accurate biological definition of life.
- Propose an experiment to test one property of life.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data.
- Evaluate a hypothesis.
- Support conclusions based on evidence.
Keywords
Nanobacteria; biomineralization; definition of life; bacteria; experimental designEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType Methods
Interrupted, Journal ArticleLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Microbiology |
Date Posted
12/05/01Teaching Notes
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