Connecting Fast Plants to Biotechnology

We have developed a series of instructional materials integrating a proven teaching tool, Wisconsin Fast Plants, with hands-on molecular techniques. Many biotechnology techniques, including genomics, have developed to a point where appropriate modifications can result in classroom accessible instructional materials that will engage students and teachers. Three “kits” have been developed or are in the process of development. Kit 1-PCR and Fast Plants. This kit is designed to provide an introduction to PCR and a link to Wisconsin Fast Plants. This kit uses a specific robust primer, which can amplify a specific sequence in Brassica rapa (Fast Plants). This kit serves as a hands-on tool to familiarize students with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and analysis of PCR products. Kit 2-Genetic Diversity—`Veggie interesting'. This kit is based on the development of a specific primer, which is polymorphic between B. rapa (Fast Plants) and B. oleracea (common vegetables). In this kit, we explore the use of molecular markers and PCR to determine the species classification of various Brassica subspecies. This kit can be used to teach students about plant diversity and the use of molecular biology techniques (such as PCR) to determine how plants are related to each other. Kit 3-Genomics. The primary biological component is a simplified DNA chip (microarray) specifically designed for visualization of differential gene expression. This chip contains Arabidopsis thaliana genes that have already been characterized in our laboratory that display differential expression in seedlings grown in light vs. dark. To simplify analysis, the chip contain approximately ten genes rather than the thousands that are typically spotted on research chip.