Cloning and Expressing the Cat Insulin Gene as a Course-Based Research Project in an Introductory Biology Course
Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2019, Volume 40
Jennifer O'Connor & J. Peter Coppinger
Abstract
In this course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for an introductory biology course, students learn concepts of gene expression and practice techniques in molecular biology as they examine the research problem of cloning and expressing the cat insulin gene in E. coli. Over the course of several weeks, students design a DNA sequence for synthesis that is optimized for expression in E. coli, amplify the synthesized DNA, clone PCR products into a vector, screen colonies for inserts, and analyze DNA sequences of clones. Assessment of this experience indicated a positive impact on students.
