Bacterial Gene Transfer Chapter 3

Abstract:: This laboratory investigates one form of genetic recombination in bacteria. This process, called conjugation, occurs when one bacteria transfers DNA to another bacteria. Two different strains of Escherichia coli are used: an Hfr strain with the F factor integrated into the bacterial chromosome acting as the donor, and an F-strain lacking the fertility factor acting as a recipient. The F-strain is auxotrophic for certain genetic markers and the ordered transfer of markers from the Hfr strain to the F-strain is used to map gene locations on the bacterial chromosome.

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Incorporating Original Genomics Research into Genetics and Molecular Biology Courses

Abstract:: Genomics and bioinformatics have revolutionized biology over the past few years, but their impact on education has lagged. A new revolution is possible in the undergraduate curriculum. We have found novel ways to incorporate genomics research into the laboratory components of several courses. In this chapter, we show how we accomplish the typical skill development goals in a genetics or molecular biology course while accomplishing novel research, and provide the protocols for three such research projects that can be modified to suit the course goals or the instructor's research interests.

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Abstract:: The goal of this laboratory exercise is to provide a laboratory experience for undergraduates, in which they apply fundamental genetic principles to the study of a complex developmental process, specifically, root cell shape determination in the simple plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In this exercise, students identify putative root cell shape mutants, analyze an F2 segregating population, and finally use molecular techniques to determine where a specific mutation in located within the genome. This exercise can be adapted to study any fundamental developmental process than can be perturbed in Arabidopsis.