This project enhances our ability to teach molecular and cellular aspects of biology in the following five courses currently offered in our program: genetics, cell biology, plant morphology and evolution, microbiology, and developmental biology. Students are able to analyze cellular organelles, identify unknown microorganisms with greater accuracy, study antigen-antibody interactions in greater depth, and learn more about the molecular aspects of development. Project instrumentation also allows for new investigations into nuclear composition, analysis of cellular membranes, genetic fingerprinting of plants and animals, and exploration of the use of microorganisms in biotechnology. In addition, there is a significant, qualitative shift in the laboratory component of our major program by introducing molecular methodologies.
