9354721 Karcher We propose a series of investigative laboratories using transgenic plants for the introductory biology curriculum. Plant biology is frequently an area that is neglected in the teaching of biological sciences, yet plants display unique characteristics in their developmental and physiological processes that set them apart from their animal and microbial counterparts. The transgenic plants that we shall develop for these laboratories contain an uidA (gusA) reporter gene under the control of various promoters that respond to different environmental or developmental signals. Following induction by these environmental or developmental signals, the gusA gene will respond by producing the enzyme B-glucuronidase (GUS). When plant tissue is stained with the chromogenic compound X-gluc, those tissues that produce GUS will turn blue. Using investigative experiments, students will monitor both the physiological response of plants to these signals, as well as the induction of gene activity as reflected by GUS activity. Thus, students will be able to see that physiological and developmental responses correlate with specific gene activity. The assay is highly visual, safe for the undergraduate laboratory, easy to conduct, and relatively inexpensive. In addition, we shall develop a laboratory manual and a CD-ROM program to be used by students and teachers when conducting these experiments. We shall test these laboratories first in selected courses in the Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences core curriculum. We shall subsequently have these laboratories tested by colleagues in undergraduate laboratory courses at other universities. The laboratories will be evaluated both for efficacy as a teaching tool, and for ease in preparation and presentation by the laboratory instructors. Finally, we shall aid in the distribution of the laboratory material to other colleges and universities. ***y
