BioBits: Antibiotic Resistance

Explore the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance with the BioBits cell-free system. The spread of antibiotic resistance is one of the great public health challenges of our times. Engage with this challenge by exploring how antibiotic resistance works at the molecular level! This hands-on activity reveals molecular targets of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes. Using a cell-free system with fluorescent readouts, students will study the effect of two antibiotics on bacterial protein synthesis. Students will also examine how resistance genes act in an antibiotic-specific manner. This laboratory exercise promotes a detailed understanding of antibiotic mechanisms and bacterial resistance. Techniques: Micropipetting, fluorescence visualization, cell-free protein synthesis Topics: Antibiotic function, antibiotic resistance Time required: 30-45 minutes during one class period, followed by observation of the results 8-72 hours later Level: General high school through college