Open AccessGenome Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Case Study: An Undergraduate Online Learning Activity to Introduce Bioinformatics, BLAST, and the Power of Genome Databases †
Author(s) -
J. Jordan Steel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of microbiology and biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.301
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1935-7885
pISSN - 1935-7877
DOI - 10.1128/jmbe.v22i1.2245
Subject(s) - genome , pandemic , covid-19 , genomics , curiosity , confusion , computer science , data science , biology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , medicine , genetics , psychology , gene , pathology , neuroscience , psychoanalysis
The COVID19 pandemic has significantly impacted scientific research and higher education. With the chaos, confusion, and concern caused by the SARSCoV2/COVID19 pandemic, there are lots of questions and general curiosity about coronaviruses and infectious disease. This global health crisis provides an optimal platform for teaching and discussing scientific research. COVID19-specific learning activities can help guide students and the public to accurately find scientific answers to their questions and help educate and teach true scientific principles to those eagerly wanting answers about COVID19. A SARSCoV2/COVID19 case study has been developed that allows students to align the genomes of 4 different coronaviruses to identify potential origins of the virus. Additional questions direct students to think critically about how an RNA viral genome may have different implications than a DNA viral genome, or why mutations in the surface glycoprotein may have big impacts on viral transmission and immunity. This case study was developed and implemented in Spring 2020 and was well received by students. It provides an introduction to genomics and bioinformatics through a highly relevant and applicable topic that everyone is interested in: COVID19.