MRSA: Gene Hunt

MRSA Gene Hunt
Type:
Classroom activity
Age level:
16 years +
Topic area:
Pathogens, bacteria, MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, superbugs, antibiotic resistance
Description:

This is a classroom-based activity that allows students to explore the features of two bacterial pathogen genomes. The aim of the activity is to highlight the role of different genetic components in two strains of Staphylococcus aureus and to identify how these have led to one strain becoming antibiotic resistant and the other antibiotic susceptible.


The activity is suitable for A-level students and able GCSE students. Its supporting PowerPoint presentation can be used to discuss the role of bacteria in disease, the structure of a prokaryotic cell and how bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes.


The activity can be carried out using either a paper-based resources or a Flash animation tool.

To run this activity, you will need:
  1. Introductory presentation to pathogens, MRSA and the activity
  2. Student worksheets
  3. Computers with MRSA genome browser animation OR Gene ID cards
  4. Flipchart paper
  5. Reusable adhesive, e.g. Blue tack®
  6. Whiteboard
  7. MRSA animation (optional)
Full instructions are provided in the Teachers’ notes.

Credits

Content: Francesca Gale, Matthew Holden & Sharon Peacock
Graphics: Alex Bennett and Preeti Deshpande

Support Links:

Related items:

Curriculum links:

This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum. Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.

Web links:

Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on pathogens.