Bioprospecting for Cellulose-Degrading Microbes

This high school-college level activity screens for cellulase-producing microbes from environmental samples of the students' choice. Students prepare samples, isolate them on selective media, and screen for cellulase activity. Two methods are provided, one focusing on isolation of pure microbial strains, the other focusing on finding symbiotic communities of microbes. Click on the Bioprospecting link to download a package of materials including pdf versions of 1) Teacher Instructions and Answer Key 2) Student Activities and Worksheets 3) Supplementary Materials