Unit 5: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

By Melanie Prasol

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Suggested time frame:Four to ten class periods

Course level: AP/IB Biology, biotechnology classes, college level Biology, Anatomy/Physiology

Inquiry teaching: Read how to modify the curriculum for inquiry teaching

• Download Unit Five Outline of Lesson [pdf]
• Download Unit Five Teacher Background Information [pdf]
• Download Unit Five Teacher Glossary [pdf] (refers to terms in Teacher Background Information document)
• Download Unit Five Student Glossary [pdf]
• Download Unit Five Bibliography [pdf]
• Download Unit Five PowerPoint presentation [ppt]
• Go to Introductory Lesson download page
   

Brief Outline of Unit 5 with download links

I. Invitation-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

A. Making pluripotent cells from adult stem cells; Nova Science Now documentary on iPS

1. View documentary and respond with question sheet

i. Download Unit Five student response sheet [pdf]
ii. Download teacher version [pdf]

B. Discussion of documentary

C. Review basic stem cell biology

1. View animation and review Stem Cell Basics worksheet. [pdf]

II. Exploration

A. Lecture-Introduction to iPS technology

1. Refer to teacher background for Unit Five
2. Refer to history of stem cell research paper

i. Download Unit Five: A Brief History of iPS Research [pdf]

B. Discussion of iPS research paper

1.Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Fibroblast Cultures by Defined Factors,Yamanaka

i. Download Unit Five: Research Paper Summary Yamanaka 2006 [pdf]

C. Jigsaw study of current iPS research literature

1. The Promises and Risks of iPS cells

i. Download Unit Five: jigsaw general instructions [pdf]
ii. Download Unit Five: research paper summaries [pdfs]

Yamanaka 2008 - Generation of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Adult Mouse Liver and Stomach Cells
Eggan 2008 -iPS Generated From Patients with ALS can be Differentiated into Motor Neurons
Jaenisch 2007 - Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia Mouse Model with iPS Cells Generated from Autologous Skin
Plath 2008 - The Many Ways to Make an iPS cell
Yamanaka 2008 - Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells without Myc from Mouse and Human Fibroblasts
Chiang - Scientists Make Stem Cells that are Accepted by the Ethical Community
 

D. Review of iPS

1. View Unit Five PowerPoint
2. Read and discuss Unit Five: iPS Questions and Answers [pdf]

III. Application

A. In-class groups list advantages and disadvantages of human embryonic stem cells compared to iPS cells in several categories
B. Simulation activity - Ethical Review Board; background and history; role in decision-making

IV. Assessment

A. Summarize understanding of iPS through written response to questions.

1. Describe iPS treatment of patient with Thalassemia

i. Download Unit Five: Thalassemia question [pdf]