RUI: Acquisition of a Capillary Electrophoresis System for DNA Analysis in Investigations of Adaptation, Speciation, Species Interactions and DNA Repair

摘要雅各布森用于DNA分析的自动毛细管电泳仪需要相对较少的培训即可使用，并且接触放射性或有毒物质的风险最小。所要求的仪器的自动DNA测序和片段大小(用于DNA多态分析)功能将使调查更有效、更便宜，并为学生提供更有效的学习工具。这是整合本科生研究和教育的机构目标的核心。生物系的八名教员中有四人将定期使用该仪器来探索跨越该学科广度的研究问题。使用仪器的近期目标是：-探索与物种形成的性质有关的问题；特别是开发适合于黄花球蝇寄主小种和亚种的系统地理和种群分析的线粒体DNA标记；以及生成基于DNA序列的夏威夷粉蝇所有现存分类群的系统发育。-检查植物育种系统、生活史和形态中相关进化的原因；特别是利用DNA多态来解决克氏杆菌种群之间的关系，并寻找与数量性状表达相关的标记。-进一步阐明DNA修复的分子基础，以应对DNA损伤；特别是对这一过程中涉及的关键基因进行测序。-探索与地下真菌群落结构有关的问题；特别是利用DNA多态性来量化全球大型沙漠真菌种群内和种群之间的遗传变异；继续进行羊肚菌种群变异的时空分布研究；以及探索与橡树有关的外生菌根真菌群落的空间分布。遗传分析将用于回答反映研究人员各自学科的问题，即微生物学、有机生物学、生态学和进化论。预期研究的一个重要目标是为学生提供真实的体验，使他们能够理解DNA技术的原理和应用。所要求的仪器的自动测序和大小调整能力还将有助于将涉及DNA测序和多位点指纹识别的练习纳入目前正在开发的高级课程中，这是格林内尔学院由NSF CCLI资助的新生物学课程的一部分。

Abstract JacobsonAutomated capillary electrophoresis system for the analysis of DNA demands relatively little training to use and involves minimum risk of exposure to radioactive or toxic substances. The automated DNA sequencing and fragment sizing (for analysis of DNA polymorphisms) capabilities of the requested instrument will make investigations more efficient, less expensive and more effective learning tools for students. This is central to the institutional goal of integrating research and education of undergraduatesFour of the eight faculty in the Biology Department will use the instrument on a regular basis to explore research questions that span the breadth of the discipline. The immediate goals for instrument use are:- to explore questions relating to the nature of speciation; specifically to develop mitochondrial DNA markers suitable for phylogeographic and population analyses of host races and subspecies of the goldenrod ball-gallmaker; and to generate a DNA sequence-based phylogeny of all extant taxa of Hawaiian tephritid flies.- to examine the causes of correlated evolution in plant breeding systems, life history and morphology; specifically to use DNA polymorphisms to resolve relationships among populations of Clarkia xantiana, and search for markers that correlate with quantitative trait expression.- to further elucidate the molecular basis of DNA repair in response to DNA damage in Acinetobacter; specifically to sequence critical genes involved in this process.- to explore questions relating to community structure of subterranean fungi; specifically to use DNA polymorphisms to quantify genetic variation within and between global populations of desert macrofungi; to continue an ongoing study of the spatial and temporal distribution of variation amongst morel populations; and to explore the spatial distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with bur oak.Genetic analyses will be used to answer questions that reflect the respective disciplines of the investigators, namely microbiology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution. An important goal of the anticipated research will be to provide students with authentic experiences that allow them to understand both principles and applications of DNA techniques. The automated sequencing and sizing capabilities of the requested instrument will also facilitate inclusion of exercises involving DNA sequencing and multilocus fingerprinting in upper-level courses currently being developed as part of a new NSF CCLI-funded biology curriculum at Grinnell College.