Laboratory Activity to Promote Student Understanding of UV Mutagenesis and DNA Repair

Changes in DNA molecules are common, due to the effects of UV light and other external and internal mutagens. Cells have a variety of repair mechanisms which serve to maintain the accuracy of the genetic code. This activity includes a low-cost, safe and technically feasible experiment, which allows students to observe the effects of UV mutagenesis and DNA photorepair in the halophilc archaeon, Haloferax volcanii. An optional extension links this activity to topics of immediate concern to students – how exposure to UVC light contributes to skin cancer risk and the protective effects of sunscreen. Students design and carry out an experiment to test whether SPF 15 sunscreen increases the lethal exposure time for H. volcanii by a factor of 15. Throughout the activity, discussion questions engage students in actively thinking about the biological phenomena and experimental procedures and analysis. This activity is designed for students in college or university genetics, microbiology, or introductory biology courses as well as in high school honors biology courses. Teachers report that this activity was valuable in helping students understand mutagenesis and photorepair and in developing student skills in designing and analyzing experiments.