BIOMG 4400 - Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

(BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Fall, Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIOMG 3300 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. This course receives more credit than typical for the meeting pattern due to substantial academic activity outside of instructional hours. Co-meets with BIOMG 6400.

S. Jesch.

Students in this course will carry out experiments in protein biochemistry and molecular biology in an engaging laboratory environment. The protein biochemistry projects include protein purification (salt fractionation, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and immunoprecipitation), protein analysis (SDS PAGE, BN PAGE, immunoblotting, and activity assays), and determination of enzyme kinetic parameters (V_max, K_M, and k_cat). The molecular biology projects include CRISPR-mediated genome editing, nucleic acid purifications (plasmid DNA and RNA), gene expression analysis (RT-PCR and splicing), agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease digestion, PCR, DNA cloning, transformation, and DNA sequence analysis. The course is organized around interesting projects that illustrate how different techniques are uniquely suited to answer a scientific question.

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.