CHE 326A Biochemistry Laboratory: Nucleic Acids and Molecular Biology

Laboratory Manual: Experiments in Biochemistry: A Hands-on Approach (2000) Farrell and Ranallo

Course Description: As emphasized by the title of the laboratory manual, this course is designed to give the student hands-on experience with common molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques. These methods are on the cutting-edge of modern biology and biochemistry and are now commonly used in most areas of scientific research involving living systems. A mastery of these basic techniques is essential to provide the student with broad experience in chemical research methodology.


TENTATIVE LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Week

Week 1

 

Week 2

Week 3

 



Week 4

 

Week 5

 

Week 6

 

Week 7

 

 Week 8

 

Week 9


Week 10


Week 11


Week 12

Week 13


Week 14

Week 15

Experiment

Introduction to the course
Transformation of the lux operon: Producing a strain
of E. coli that glows in the dark

Experiment 11: Restriction mapping

Experiment 12: Cloning of Barrauda LDH-A
- Digestion of plasmids
- Preparation of competent cells
- Laboratory notebooks due

Experiment 12: Continued
- Electrophoresis of digestions
- Purification of excised DNA

Experiment 12: Continued
- Ligation of DNA
- Transformation of competent cells

Experiment 12: Continued
- Analysis of plates
- Introduction of Sequence Analysis computer lab

Experiment 12: Continued
- Inoculation of overnight cultures
- Plasmid purification
- Digestion of plasmid DNA

Experiment 12: Completed
- Electrophoresis of digestions
- Lab Exam I

DNA Hybridization: Evolution of the vertebrate genome
Laboratory Notebooks due

DNA Hybridization: Completed

Experiment 13: PCR of Barracuda LDH-A
- Set up polymerase chain reactions

Experiment 13: Completed
- Analysis of PCR products

Catch-up lab period
- Repeat portions of experiments that didn't work

Completion of Sequence Analysis Lab

Check-out
Lab Exam II
Laboratory Notebooks due

Reading

Handout

 

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handout

 

 

 

 

 

Handout

 


Chapter 13