An Inquiry Based Bioinformatics Exercise Incorporated into a Newly Developed Molecular Biology Laboratory Course

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2012, Volume 33

Liane Chen & Kathryn Zeiler

Abstract

We have developed a research project that introduces students to bioinformatics tools and databases of the NCBI. Using these tools, students conduct research on genes of unknown function that have been identified through genomics research carried out by faculty members. Students analyze nucleotide and protein sequences, search for genes with similar sequences, and find conserved domains and structures, in order to develop hypotheses about the structure and function of an unknown gene product. Because poorly characterized genes are used, students must focus on the scientific process of analyzing data and synthesizing new ideas instead of searching previously published results.

Keywords:  critical thinking abilities, bioinformatics, gene, virtual lab

New Mexico State University (2011)