A Streamlined Molecular Biology Module for Undergraduate Biochemistry Labs

Site-directed mutagenesis and other molecular biology techniques, including plasmid manipulation and restriction analysis, are commonly used tools in the biochemistry research laboratory. In redesigning our biochemistry lab curricula, we sought to integrate these techniques into a term-long, project-based course. In the module presented here, students use structural data to design a site-directed mutant and make the mutation using the Kunkel method. A second, silent mutant, that creates or removes a restriction site, is simultaneously introduced. Restriction digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis are used to assess the success of mutagenesis. Placing these procedures in the context of continuous, student-driven project serves to create a "research style" laboratory environment. (Contains 5 figures.)