Peer Review

Quorum Sensing Site

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This site is a detailed introduction to quorum sensing in both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. It contains discussions of the molecular mechanisms controlling cell communication with an emphasis on Vibrio species and Staphylococcus aureus.
Type of Material:: Text and diagrams
Recommended Uses:: Reference
Technical Requirements:: html
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Students should be able to explain how quorum sensing systems work in different bacteria and how they contribute to bacterial survival.
Target Student Population:: Undergraduate and graduate
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Gene structure and transcription. Basic microbiology.

Rating:
Strengths:: Well organized and clear discussion of quorum sensing that includes illustrations providing effective visuals of the process. Links to researchers worldwide who are conducting quorum sensing studies. Detailed comparison of various systems reinforces similarities and differences among the procaryotes.
Concerns:: Keeping current in information, references and links. Size of diagrams of molecular interactions could be larger. No learning activities.

Rating:
Strengths:: Can serve as resource in biology courses where quorum sensing is not covered sufficiently in text but is relevant to course material. Links to references serve as a resource for additional information. The website is hosted at a university with a large research group devoted to studies on quorum sensing and the site emphasizes the organisms that they are studying. This will increase the likelihood that the posted information will be current and accurate.
Concerns:: No learning activities or examples of how to use the materials in the classroom.

Other Issues and Comments:: This area is exploding with information but I hope that this site will not become too cumbersome or complex for the introductory student.
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