The Power of Genetics: Using Classical and Molecular Genetics to Study “Real” Developmental Phenomena

 

Leonard Pysh

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2002, Volume 23

Abstract

The goal of this laboratory exercise is to provide a laboratory experience for undergraduates, in which they apply fundamental genetic principles to the study of a complex developmental process, specifically, root cell shape determination in the simple plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In this exercise, students identify putative root cell shape mutants, analyze an F2 segregating population, and finally use molecular techniques to determine where a specific mutation in located within the genome. This exercise can be adapted to study any fundamental developmental process than can be perturbed in Arabidopsis.

Keywords:  genetics, PCR, DNA, Arabidopsis, molecular mapping

University of Chicago (2001)