Genetics. Published Articles Ahead of Print: July 29, 2007, Copyright © 2007
doi:10.1534/genetics.107.076455


A more recent version of this article appeared on October 1, 2007.

GENETICS EDUCATION

Isolation and Characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mutants Defective in Chromosome Transmission in an Undergraduate Genetics Research Course

Heidi Major Sleister 1*

1 Drake University

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: heidi.sleister{at}drake.edu.

Submitted on May 24, 2007
Revised on June 18, 2007
Accepted on 13 July 2007


Abstract

An upper-level genetics research course was developed to expose undergraduates to investigative science. Students are immersed in a research project with the ultimate goal of identifying proteins important for chromosome transmission in mitosis. After mutagenizing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, students implement a genetic screen that allows for visual detection of mutants with an increased loss of an ADE2-marked yeast artificial chromosome (YAC). Students then genetically characterize the mutants and begin efforts to identify the defective genes in these mutants. While engaged in this research project, students practice a variety of technical skills in both classical and molecular genetics. Furthermore, students learn to collaborate and gain experience in sharing scientific findings with others in the form of written papers, poster presentations, and oral presentations. Previous students indicated that relative to a traditional laboratory course, this research course improved their understanding of scientific concepts and technical skills and helped them make connections between concepts. Moreover, this course allowed students to experience scientific inquiry and was influential for students as they considered future endeavors.

Key Words: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chromosome transmission, undergraduate research course, yeast artificial chromosome