New instruments will be used in two courses in a Recombinant Gene Technology Program. In a course in Recombinant Gene Technology, an integrated series of laboratory exercises will involve: 1. usage of an oligonucleotide synthesizer to prepare mutagenic oligonucleotides for subsequent use in site-directed mutagenesis of functionally important nucleotide sequences in cloned genes, 2. DNA sequencing analysis involving the sequencing gel electrophoresis apparatus to ascertain incorporation of mutagenic nucleotides in the cloned DNA, 3. Northern electroblot and slot blot analysis of RNAs transcribed from the mutagenized DNA templates for the ability to undergo splicing. In the Cell and Subcellular Biology course, laboratory exercises will expose students to separation of megabase-sized DNAs utilizing pulse-field electrophoresis apparatus. Further application of this technique to the localization of genes on chromosomes will be employed by subsequent Southern blotting and gene probing of pulsed-field gels. The college will provide 50% matching funds.
