The goal of this project is to assist the Biology Department at Saint Mary's College to strengthen undergraduate laboratory instruction in cellular and molecular biology. The ultracentrifuge and liquid scintillation counter purchased through the project will have a major impact upon the improvement of laboratory work involving the preparation, use, and analysis of subcellular organelles, viral particles, and such macromolecules as DNA, RNA, and proteins. The ultracentrifuge has become an essential tool in laboratories doing preparative work with DNA and RNA, or with subcellular fractions such as ribosomes, mitochondria, and viruses. The scintillation counter is used in conjunction with the ultracentrifuge to quantify the incorporation of radioisotopes into these fractions. Experimental work with these two instruments is now basic to advances in a broad range of scientific fields. It is important that students become familiar with the use of such modern instrumentation and thereby gain an appreciation of current research strategies in cellular and molecular biology. As St. Mary's moves to modernize and strengthen the biology curriculum, more emphasis is being placed on laboratory experience in cellular and molecular biology--one of the core areas in the department. Older courses in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology all will benefit greatly from the acquisition of an ultracentrifuge and liquid scintillation counter--instruments essential for the new course in Molecular Biology and for more sophisticated student research projects. They will allow significantly improved "hands-on" laboratory experience for undergraduate biology majors.
