In this exercise a bacterial host, E. coli , is transformed with various plasmids. The plasmids are then isolated from the transformed cells and examined by restriction analysis. The plasmids are used to transform a yeast host, S. cerevisiae , and the stability of the plasmid transformation is determined. The wild type ADE1 gene of the yeast is replaced by a disrupted copy of the ADE1 gene. Gene replacement is determined by restriction digest, Southern transfer, and hybridization with an ADE1 gene probe.
Computers can add a whole new dimension to biology laboratory instruction.
An overview of how microcomputers are used in laboratory exercises at the Atlantic Veterinary College is presented. Since finding appropriate software can be difficult, a description of the software used at the College and a discussion on how to find other software appropriate for such instruction is included. Such software can be innovative and comes in a variety of teaching formats, including tutorials and simulations of experiments. Color graphics, sound, and animation may be incorporated into the software to enhance its effectiveness. Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridges on the hands and feet.