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Using PCR‐RFLP technology to teach single nucleotide polymorphism for undergraduates
Author(s) -
Zhang Bo,
Wang Yan,
Xu Xiaofeng,
Guan Xingying,
Bai Yun
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.20705
Subject(s) - restriction fragment length polymorphism , single nucleotide polymorphism , biology , restriction enzyme , genetics , snp , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , computational biology , genomic dna , genotype
Abstract Recent studies indicated that the aberrant gene expression of peroxiredoxin‐6 (prdx6) was found in various kinds of cancers. Because of its biochemical function and gene expression pattern in cancer cells, the association between genetic polymorphism of Prdx6 and cancer onset is interesting. In this report, we have developed and implemented a serial experiment in molecular biology laboratory course to teach single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to undergraduate students majoring in molecular biology or genetics. The flanking sequence of rs4382766 was located in Prdx6 gene, which contained a restriction site of SspI, and was used as a target in this lab course. The students could mimic real research by integrating different techniques, such as database retrieving, genomic DNA isolation, PCR, and restriction enzyme assay. This serial experiment of PCR‐RFLP helps students set up intact idea of molecular biology and understand the relation among individual experiments. Students were found to be more enthusiastic during the laboratory classes than those in the former curriculum. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(4):262–266, 2013