CHED 513 |
| Expression microarrays have rapidly become one of the most useful biochemical tools for measuring the release of mRNA molecules in a living cell. A single array chip can simultaneously monitor messages from thousands of genes and quantify their expression levels which can be used to identify functioning cellular pathways. This presentation describes an entirely new type of biochemistry lesson employing small, inexpensive ($2/student) expression arrays in either a laboratory experiment or classroom exercise. By solving the gene expression pattern students learn to construct a cellular metabolic pathway rather than simply memorize it. The 25 spot DNA microarrays are printed on 6mm diameter nylon disks, hybridized with biotin-tagged cDNA cocktails, and colorimetrically developed. After identification of expressed genes by low power microscopy or photoscanning, the student constructs the metabolic pathway utilizing information provided by the array's gene directory. The lesson presented demonstrates this technique with the commonly taught ten-step glycolysis pathway. |
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General Papers
1:00 PM-4:10 PM, Thursday, August 23, 2007 Seaport -- Flagship Room, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |