Kristin L. Borowicz
Project Topic / Abstract:
"Using Computer-based, Three-dimensional Reconstruction to Enhance Student Comprehension of Plant Anatomy"
Many students enrolled in structurally oriented biology
courses have difficulty three-dimensionally conceptualizing
the internal ultrastructure/anatomy of cells/organs. To
enhance student ability to comprehend such structures, we
have introduced into a split-level undergraduate/graduate
Plant Anatomy course the utilization of a DOS-based computer
program that three-dimensionally reconstructs biological
structures (HVEM-3D, version 1.2 Ð Laboratory for High
Voltage Electron Microscopy; Department of Molecular,
Cellular and Developmental Biology; Boulder, Colorado
80309). Serial sections of an organ are digitally input into
the program using a digitizing tablet connected to a
microcomputer. These sections are then automatically
aligned, thus, creating a graphic three-dimensional
reconstruction of the organ in question. To further student
comprehension of internal anatomy, the reconstruction can be
examined at different rotational angles, and specific
components can be emphasized or de-emphasized in order to
highlight various characteristics. Moreover, the program
affords the opportunity to modify color selection, contour
line width, outline filling, and section thickness. The
computer-generated reconstruction can also be output to a
printer for use in laboratory reports, video-taped as a
'movie' by rotating the reconstruction around X, Y, and Z
axes, or photographed for presentation and/or publication.
Several reconstructions that depict the gross anatomy of a
Coleus plant will be demonstrated.
Presentations:
1996 Missouri Academy of Science
(Springfield, MO)
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