Identifying Promoter Activators and Repressors Using lacZ Transgene Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

 

David A. McDonald, Sarah E. Council, Stephanie C. Schroeder, Sandra Utile, Ruth S. Phillips, Gail P. Hollowell, & S. Catherine Silver Key

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37

Abstract

Gene expression is an essential concept to biology majors. In this two-week guided inquiry laboratory, students are led to discover the role of promoters in gene expression using colorimetric assays measurable by spectrophotometry. Additionally, the two-week lab module aims to introduce students to elements of research including iterative skills, data analysis and data interpretation by comparison of their data to assigned figures in primary research papers. Students use a straight-forward protocol to perform the betagalactosidase assay to analyze four Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains carrying the lacZ reporter transgene driven by a eukaryotic wild-type or mutant promoter.

Keywords:  lac Z reporter gene, beta galactosidase, lac repressor, Saccharomyces, gene expression, activator element, repressor element

Boston University (2015)