Discovering rRNA and Homeobox Genes by DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics in an Undergraduate Molecular Biology Course

生物科学（61）该项目正在采用Adele Wolfson博士在PKAL研讨会上提出的实验室模型。在试图看看如何获得序列数据的问题，以及它如何产生新的知识和了解基因和蛋白质的结构，功能，组织和进化，同时为学生提供真正的研究经验，该项目将：（1）通过开发一个以探究为基础，项目驱动的系列重组DNA技术和生物信息学的五个实验室模块;和（2）创建一个分子遗传学和生物信息学（MGB）实验室设施，生物和化学的学生从事合作研究项目。每个实验室模块由相关实验组成，这些模块构成了一个长达一个学期的项目，用于从3个来源分离和分析rRNA基因和同源盒基因：线虫线虫，密切相关的显微镜下无脊椎动物褶皱臂尾轮虫（轮虫），以及一种未知的生物体，用于通过rRNA基因序列同源性进行鉴定。这些模块包括DNA分离，引物设计和优化，聚合酶链反应（PCR），从rRNA和同源框基因家族克隆和测序PCR产物，以及分子遗传学（rRNA基因）和功能（同源框基因）测序DNA的比较生物信息学分析的具体实验。最后一个模块包括正式报告和多媒体格式的演示（演讲和海报）。模型和非模型实验生物的同时使用，让学生体验如何通过受控实验系统地产生新知识。其目的是为学生提供机会，不仅探索记录的概念在一个模式生物，而且还应用这些概念和实验实践，通过测试特定的假设，发现有关其他生物的新知识。拟议中的MGB设施不仅将有助于生物系的课程，而且还将有助于化学系新开发的课程和生物化学的预期专业。该计划还启动了两个部门之间跨学科互动的课程和方案转变。

Biological Sciences (61) This project is adapting a laboratory model presented by Dr. Adele Wolfson at a PKAL workshop. In an attempt to look at questions on how sequence data is obtained, and how can it yield new knowledge and understanding about the structure, function, organization, and evolution of genes and proteins while providing a genuine research experience for students, this project will: (1) enhance a mid-level Molecular Biology course for undergraduate biology and chemistry majors by developing an inquiry-based, project-driven series of five laboratory modules in Recombinant DNA technology and Bioinformatics; and (2) create a Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics (MGB) laboratory facility for Biology and Chemistry students engaged in collaborative research projects. Each laboratory module consists of linked experiments, and the modules constitute a semester-long project in the isolation and analysis of rRNA genes and homeobox genes from 3 sources: the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the closely related microscopic invertebrate Brachionus plicatilis (a rotifer), and an unknown organism for identification by rRNA gene sequence homology. The modules include specific experiments in DNA isolation, primer design and optimization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and sequencing PCR products from rRNA and homeobox gene families, and comparative bioinformatic analysis of sequenced DNA for both molecular phylogeny (rRNA genes) and function (homeobox genes). A final module includes formal reports and presentations in multimedia formats (talks and posters). The simultaneous use of model and non-model experimental organisms gives students an experience in how new knowledge is systematically generated through controlled experimentation. The objective is to offer students the opportunity not only to explore documented concepts in a model organism, but also to apply these concepts and experimental practices to discover new knowledge about other organisms through testing of specific hypotheses. The proposed MGB facility will contribute not only to the biology departmen's curriculum, but also to a newly developed curriculum in the chemistry department and an anticipated major in Biochemistry. This plan also initiates a curricular and programmatic shift toward interdisciplinary interactions between the two departments.