Experiments follow from a single question posed at the beginning of the course: How is gene expression regulated? In order to answer this question students learn the standard techniques of biotechnology: bacterial culture, DNA purification, restriction and ligation of DNA, transformation of competent cells, Southern transfer, polymerase chain reaction, preparation and labeling of probes, chemiluminescent detection, in vitro mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, protein electrophoresis and Western blotting. The continuity of the experiments illustrate and emphasize the sequential nature of scientific inquiry. Many important biochemical and genetic concepts are highlighted while students simultaneously practice their investigative skills and develop their technical skills.
