BIOMG 4400 - Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

(PBS-AS)

Fall, spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIOMG 3300, or BIOMG 3330, or BIOMG 3350, or BIOMG 3310/BIOMG 3320 (at least one of BIOMG 3310/BIOMG 3320 completed but one may be taken concurrently). Priority given to undergraduate biology majors in Biochemistry or Molecular and Cell Biology programs of study and to graduate students with a minor in field of biochemistry. Limited enrollment.

S. Jesch

Students perform experiments in protein biochemistry and in molecular biology in an engaging laboratory environment. The protein biochemistry projects include protein purifications (salt fractionation, ion exchange chromatography, and affinity chromatography), protein analysis (SDS PAGE, BN PAGE, immunoblotting, mass and activity assays, and mass spectrometry), as well as a determination of enzyme kinetic parameters (V_max, K_m, and k_cat). The molecular biology projects include nucleic acid purifications (RNA, genomic DNA, and plasmid DNA), agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease digestion, PCR and qPCR, DNA cloning, and DNA sequence analysis.

Outcome 1: After completing BIOMG 4400, students should be able to: Plan, carry out, and interpret the results of laboratory experiments.

Outcome 2: Use modern laboratory techniques to purify and study proteins and to purify and work with nucleic acids.

Outcome 3: Understand the theoretical basis of the laboratory techniques.

Outcome 4: Use on-line databases to assist in data analysis.

Outcome 5: Create and use a laboratory notebook.

Outcome 6: Effectively communicate results of laboratory work, in both oral and written form.