Document Detail


Purification and characterization of Taq polymerase: A 9-week biochemistry laboratory project for undergraduate students.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21567784     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We have developed a 9-week undergraduate laboratory series focused on the purification and characterization of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (Taq). Our aim was to provide undergraduate biochemistry students with a full-semester continuing project simulating a research-like experience, while having each week's procedure focus on a single learning goal. The laboratory series has been taught for the past 7 years, and survey-based assessment of the effectiveness of the laboratory series was completed during the 2006 and 2007 fall semesters. Statistical analysis of the survey results demonstrate that the laboratory series is very effective in teaching students the theory and practice of protein purification and analysis while also demonstrating positive results in more broad areas of scientific skill and knowledge. Amongst the findings, the largest reported increases in knowledge were related to students' understanding of how patent law relates to laboratory science, a topic of great importance to modern researchers that is readily discussed in relation to Taq polymerase. Overall, this laboratory series proves to be a very effective component in the curricula of undergraduate biology and chemistry majors and may be an appropriate laboratory experience for undergraduates.
Authors:
Robert M Bellin; Mary K Bruno; Melissa A Farrow
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology     Volume:  38     ISSN:  1539-3429     ISO Abbreviation:  Biochem Mol Biol Educ     Publication Date:  2010 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-05-13     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100970605     Medline TA:  Biochem Mol Biol Educ     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  11-6     Citation Subset:  -    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts 01610. rbellin@holycross.edu.
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