Student-Designed High-Throughput Assays to Assess Effects of Growth Insults in Budding Yeast

Abstract

Modern high-throughput screening is a versatile method used widely in academic and industrial labs for genetic and pharmacological testing, but is underutilized in undergraduate laboratories. We designed an open inquiry-based laboratory activity exploiting a small-scale high-throughput screening assay of the budding yeast S. cerevisiae to promote active learning and introduce students to modern data collection and analysis techniques. In this activity, students at both the high school and university levels generate growth curves of S. cerevisiae using a microplate reader after treatment with their insult of choice. This lab presents an ideal opportunity for both high school and university students to actively learn about the process of science as well as high-throughput data collection and analysis in a cost-effective manner.