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An Introduction to Networks in Biology

This resource introduces students to the concept of networks in biology, exemplified by an ocean food web and the dynamics of a classroom cell phone network. Students will learn about nodes (members) and edges (relationships) within networks, creating their own diagrams to visualize connections. Key activities involve mapping who can call whom in the classroom, understanding information flow, and exploring the implications of directionality in communication. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking and engagement in biological interconnections.

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An Introduction to Networks in Biology

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  1. An Introduction to Networks in Biology

  2. Networks in Biology Network = an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system.

  3. An ocean food web http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~gharper/bay/weboflifepage/foodweb.jpg

  4. Cytoscape networkmodel of food web An Ocean Food Web

  5. Network terminology Nodes- members of the network Edges- the relationships between the nodes

  6. What do the nodes represent?What do the edges represent?

  7. Creating our own Cell PhoneNetwork

  8. Cell Phone Network • Today we will create a diagram of a cell phone network, showing who can call who in our classroom • The nodes in this network are students, and the edges are arrows showing who can call whom • We will be able to use this diagram to track the flow of information throughout the classroom 1A Jasmine can call 1D Josh edge node node

  9. Cell Phone Network • The direction of the arrow is important in many networks. • In the example below, the single arrow pointing from 2A to 3A tells us that 2A can call 3A • Notice that 3A cannot call 2A back, since there is no arrow pointing in that direction edge node node edge edge edge edge node node edge

  10. Cell Phone Network • How many people can 1A call? • How many people can call 1A? • How many people can call 4A • If 2A hears a juicy rumor, who else will find out about it?

  11. Rules for this Network • Your phone book is full, you cannot add or delete names from it • You have no caller ID, so you can’t necessarily call back someone who has called you • If your friends want to know who you can call, they need to ask you and you can tell them verbally

  12. Mapping the Network • Fill in the names of everyone in your phone book. You’ll probably need to move around the room! • Meet in groups with everyone who shares the same number as you and draw as much of the network as possible on the provided butcher paper (for example, if your phone is 3E you will meet with all the 3’s) • Split up and meet in small groups with everyone who shares the same letter as you, and collect information from those other groups (on provided paper) • Meet back with all those who share the same numberas you, and complete your network drawing on the butcher paper • Complete the “Introduction to Networks” questions.

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